Why haven't audiophiles enthusiastically endorsed the SACD?

[Feanor]

Your points are all valid, Ajani, but do reflect a lot of irrationality on the part of audiophile consumers -- see my remarks in context ...

...

As for why Audiophiles haven't embraced SACDs:


1) They don't all agree that it is superior to Vinyl - and that point alone seals SACD's fate...

I agree this the major reason today. See my remarks in this and other threads. Vinyl is preferred by many but it is a conditioned preference, not due to the inherent superiority of the medium. It is part of human beings natural conservative bias and thus a symptom of why the world is going to hell in a handcart.

but there are still other points

2) The catalog of music on SACD is a joke.... Mostly classical music is not going to win over a hoard of fans

Well, except classical music fans. But this explanation put the cart before horse to some extent

3) Most people still associate SACD with multi-channel, which is a MAJOR turnoff due to price and space (as you rightly mentioned)

This is irrational since essentially all SACDs have stereo tracks.

4) Vinyl Lovers already have huge collections of LPs that they have no intention of replacing...

No need to replace the LPs, just buy SACD for new.

5) Vinyl is an experience... the rituals and customization options are unlimited... while a CD or SACD is meant to just be simple...

Vinyl is a pain in the a$$.

And most importantly, even if all Audiophiles or Enthusiasts were to embrace SACD, it would still be a niche market product with a limited catalog of albums....

True, but LP is also and will remain niche.