I started thinking "audiophile" in the mid '70s with the emphasis on music. this was approaching the end of the LP era and the advent of CD's. Up until that time i was listening to mid fi and only heard the music (in retrospect that wasn't such a bad place to have been). I got some cash so I checked out some high (?) end stuff. PSA pre amp, Hitachi mos fet amp, Rogers ls35a's, etc and the trip began. I won't list all the stuff that has come and gone but the conclusion started in the mid 80's when I got my SP10, and an Oracle TT and finished in the Mid 90's when i settled on the above with Paragon Jubilee/Gems (think Dynaudio 3.3's w/better bass and imaging) Sonic Frontiers SFM 160's monoblocks, a BAT CDP, a glider cartridge, and a new room for my primary system. since thin i have focussed on collecting music. For me that past 10 years have been the best years - all of the music i missed in the 60's & 70's has come out on CD's. LP's of the old stuff are available (with some effort) and i have the time and disposable income to buy the music now that i no longer seek to "improve my system".
Much as i hate to believe it, i think this hobby as it has existed is dying - look no further than the state of the music industry and the contraction of retail audio outlets. they aren't closing their doors because there it a high demand for product. too many MBA's in charge of the businesses, not enuf musicians. and IMHO it ain't just the economy! Enjoy it while you can.
Much as i hate to believe it, i think this hobby as it has existed is dying - look no further than the state of the music industry and the contraction of retail audio outlets. they aren't closing their doors because there it a high demand for product. too many MBA's in charge of the businesses, not enuf musicians. and IMHO it ain't just the economy! Enjoy it while you can.