Definitely became better as I spent more dough, but the vast majority was spent on speakers, big ones. And the difference is not apparent in 90% of the music we play. Experience taught me that it’s not terribly difficult to get great sound with a fairly modest budget if you listen carefully to your ears, not to the advice of reviewers and marketers. I’ve spent waaay into the six figures range, but get enormous amounts of pleasure from my bedroom system that could be replaced for $5K. When I got really honest with myself, I had to admit that I had gotten way too wrapped up with exotica and bragging rights. Sure, there are some selections that one of my big systems will handle better, but for the vast majority, the bedroom system is just as good.
Did your system getting better the more money you spent or more experience you gained?
This is something that wanted to ask folks. Initially I said I would never spend x amount of dollars in this audio journey. 20 years later I’m here and did what I said I wouldn’t but I’m happier than ever. Best system to this date. But it wasn’t about money only. I gained knowledge on what was possible and the quality and design of the gear I wanted. I see people just throw money into audio and never be happy or satisfied. I think that happens because they don’t think for themselves as well as have the resources? Thoughts ?
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A combination of the two!!! Actually, system building is a combination of: Your budget, exposure and experience/knowledge. You can’t spend money you don't have, so you have to be very thrifty by maximizing what purchasing power you do have, in order to get the most for your money. For example, about 15 years ago, I spent above my budget for speaker cables. The speaker cables performance have withstood the test of time. I have no plans on replacing my 15 year old speaker cables (money well spent). My speakers have been around for over 15 years as well, and I have no plans of replacing them either, as they are my end- game speakers (money well spent). I just replaced all the other cables in my system, except for my ethernet cables, only because, for what I paid for them, I felt that there was room for improvement and, I was right. This time, I was able to spend enough to purchase cables that I feel are at that level of diminishing returns. I knew going in what cables I wanted, I searched for them online, pre-owned, which allowed me to purchase cables at a significant discount, that I would have never been able to afford new, at retail prices. The cables that I’ve just purchased perform at such a high level of proficiency that they will be in my system for years and years to come. All my purchases over the past 20 years or so were based on: budget, exposure and experience. Happy listening!!! |
@vitussl101 the truth is you really got to spend a little to get up to the exceptional gear. With proper matching it sounds great. |
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