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Mo' money. Mo' problems.


I'm sure this has been discussed in a few posts over the years, but seeing as how we didn't burn up in the Mayan apocalypse, I thought I'd float something that has been on my mind as we close out 2012.

I think Notorious B.I.G. said it best:

The more money we come across, the more problems we see.

That is, in audio, as I have gradually spent more and more on high-end gear, the more critical and discerning I have become. The more I expect out of this stuff. I've spent more this year on gear (and vinyl) than ever before, so is it just a coincidence that I've had more issues than ever before? Be it tube matching, power issues, faulty amps (had two in a row, then jettisoned the brand), cable matching, fuses, tracking alignment, concern over my home's electrical, wondering about a two rinse wash vs. three rinse process, footers, computer optimization, high res file types, where is that hum coming from?, was that a pop or did my wife turn on the washer?... the endless quest for perfection... you know what I mean? (I hope.) Seems like each new upgrade opens a door for another or some other nit picky thing...

When everything is working perfectly, of course, it's a drug-free high. Total bliss. Lightyears beyond where I was or what I ever would have imagined as a kid.

But there's always going to be 'something,' isn't there? Are these bumps along the way just a part of the hobby - or are the bumps the hobby? How can I make 2013 the year I stop the BS and just enjoy the music?
bonhamcopeland
salectric
747 posts
 
Wow, the 7 Tips by zd542 are right on the money! These should be posted somewhere as a "sticky" and re-read often. I especially agree with the linestage tip. The linestage is the single most important component and often the most difficult to get just right, at least in my experience.
hevac1
812 posts
 
Good thing you were not into tube amps in the late 70's through the 80's. When I turned on my ARC equipment back then I did a Hail Mary first then a thank God when they didn't go pop. I always liked the sound of tubes and still do but back then tube equipment was not very dependable.
bar81
791 posts
 
zd542, that is the best and most useful post I've read on any audio board in as long as I can remember; agreed on all points.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Zd542, I had a relative with an expensive system that really sounded crappy about 15 years ago.
I figured his pre was the problem , as you say, it's always the first place to look.
I brought over a $ 200 buck Bottlehead Foreplay to replace
his 5 K whatever, after a few hours listening he agreed it sounded better(much better really) but he must have a head cold as that could not be possible.

He was a ENT doc, for whats thats worth.
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