One year anniversary -what have I learned?

"That passion for music does not correlate with pocketbook, but wisely spent money"

I couldn't agree more.

I've owned some (for the average Joe) expensive equipment (ARC, Classe, Mark Levinson, Audio Artistry, etc.).
I enjoyed this stuff, to be sure.

My current system (Modest Sony ES A/V receiver @ $300, Thiel 1.6 speakers and Sony 9000ES DVD & KEF center/surrounds) in terms of sound is EXTREMELY satisfying!

Is it is the THX standard? I don't know.
Whatever the reason, my system has clean, clear, open extended sound with very good bass and adequate dynamics.

I think a lot of us over spend on gear as a way of saying "I've made it and this is the proof".
Nothing wrong with that as long as you're aware of it.

Enjoy your new hobby! There has never been a better time to be an Audiophile!

Nice thread Gammajo. I agree with your every word and you present a fine summary of salient points. It's kind of you to have left out the part about us all being a bit crazy ;-)

I like to think of us as passionate. Maybe we should put out a bumper sticker that says Audiophiles make great lovers!

Not to point fingers at others on this site or elsewhere, but one thing I've concluded is that I may be searching for a different Grail than many others who frequent this and similar sites. I find it telling that there are typically 4x the number of posts on preamps/amps than on music here. My priorities are about 180 degrees from that.

From my standpoint, it's all about the music. I'd rather invest enough to get a system that allows me to enjoy music, and not much more. This means trying to stay off the constant upgrade path. Others seem to revel in what I call "catch and release" shopping -- buy one item, but it's back in the pool before the ink on the credit card receipt is even dry.

Sure, I'd love to play with the "high priced spread," but I'm also OK if my rig is only x% of SOTA, as long as it allows me to close my eyes and let the music wash over me. And while it's not just the economics, the money saved allows me to sample a wider array of artists and recordings in hope that I'll find additional interesting gems here and there that really move me.

Of course, when I win the lottery or my long-lost but fabulously wealthy Aunt Edna kicks the bucket, all bets are off... :-)

Happy Listening.

Good luck Dawg, but I hear Edna is running marathons at age 80!!!