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New Component Upgrade Success Rate

I like to try a new component once in a while when the upgrade bug hits.  Cables, tubes, power cords, power conditioners, headphones, maybe even something major like a preamp or a DAC.  I've noticed my successful adoption rate is pretty low and I usually end up returning the new component.  About one out of every four or five attempts is a success.  I'm batting about .200.   What is your successful adoption rate when you try something new?
mward
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o_holter
978 posts
 
I agree with sgordon1. Smith's book didn't offer miracle advice but it did change my thinking about sound. I don't do many component changes (but sometimes, upgrades) and when I do, I first read everything I can find about it (and listen, if possible). Not just the glowing reviews. So the rate, for me, is probably closer to two out of three succesful.
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
Hey I'm TOTAL loser and still hooked up to my Sunfire 300 amp and Aerial 10T speakers for decades! Simply quit even trying to upgrade these two.

mesch
3,527 posts
 
 Great response Dave. I believe the best point taken from Jim Smith's book is his advise to consider room treatment and system placement prior to equipment upgrade. 
dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
Thanks mesch. Absolutely right about room acoustical treatment and placement.  Lately, I have been experimenting with vibration isolation (Symposium shelves & Rollerblocks and various springs) and am shocked at the performance improvement they have unleashed from my equipment. There all along but MIA before.

Best to you mesch,
Dave 
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,949 posts
 

Dave---Vibration isolation? So you too are "delusional"? (read the entire "Do equipment stands have an impact on electronics" thread for context ;-).

MWard---Up above you said you think you just like your existing sound too much to change it. The obvious question then, is what are you hoping for when you try a new piece? Anything specific, or just a general desire for improvement? That’s kind of like shooting in the dark, ain’t it? Without a definite goal in mind, an "improvement" is just a happy coincidence, purely by luck.

Having been much younger than I am now when I did just as you are doing, and by wisdom of experience now realize, I would have been better off just listening to the music, and waiting for a specific shortcoming in my system to become apparent before trying a new piece that I have reason to believe will cure that shortcoming. Just some "fatherly" advice ;-). If you like your system that much, relax and enjoy it and the music. Life is short! I say that as about ten friends of mine have died in the past eight years.

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