There is always a new piece of equipment to allure and open one’s wallet; however, how often have you had people mourn their purchase and soon sell or trade what they have? There is a diminishing return in this hobby; needless to say, the manufacturers are not in this hobby just out of love (perhaps some more than others), but they are out for a profit. Consequently and logically speaking, if they cannot make you dissatisfied with what you have or woo new buyers into the market and this so-called “brotherhood of audiophiles” . . . they will soon go out of business.
Part of the charm of the hobby is the discovery and the improvements available, plus sharing those discoveries along with good music to others; however, there came a point when I became disenchanted with the hobby, which was when everyone was listening to the equipment -- rather than the music . . . that, and every time I got a new audiophile magazine, what was on the “A List” -- now was a piece of junk. I thought, if it was good last month, how could it have gone down to such a low level in one month. Unless one is a millionaire, you can’t keep up with it. It becomes more like, “keeping up with the Jones” . . . and turning a hobby into a stressful competition on who is right, and fighting over which piece is better as a matter of status and bragging rights.
I have been in the hobby going on some 66 years, and I still enjoy tweaking or finding a helpful hint to improve my sound -- everyone likes to improve; however, I have also learned to be content with what I have and stop looking to what I don’t; otherwise, it is a constant case of “the other man’s grass is always greener”, and I simply can’t be thankful for what I do have. Besides, sooner or later you are not going to be king of the hill and are going to be dethroned. I say, let them have it . . . in the meantime, I’m still enjoying the hobby, very much enjoy seeing reviews on YouTube at all the shows I cannot attend, and laugh at those silly people, who keep spending their money on this month’s marvel but are never satisfied.
So, is it worth it? I'd say a resounding, YES! I wouldn't have stayed with it, if it wasn't. Some say that it is “all about the music” . . . very noble words. Well, the music should be a big part of it . . . but it is the whole intrigue, the progress, and the constantly moving forward without static that inspires new discoveries, recording techniques, and that little extra that makes the recording closer to reality, but it is also not losing the grip of reality in the process. :-)
