So where do you fall in the spectrum.? Gear or Music?

@hilde45  Thanks for bringing that book to mind. Too many perceive quality only as judgment on linear scale. However, replace the word quality with qualities, this then allows one to learn to be mindful of all the parts of the whole, this is actual insight. One can appreciate the complexities of all things with this mindset, not be so anxious to come to conclusions. When things aren't going well, focusing on nuance rather than end games allows one a measure of satisfaction, and the calm mind needed to pursue better end games.

And I love motorcycles as well as the audio, I go about modifications of both with the mindset Pirsig introduced to me all those years ago.

I was one angry person for many years, Pirsig taught me so much! Also led me into Buddhist philosophy, words cannot express how much this philosophy has meant to me, much more sanguine mind.

@sns Thanks for relaying those memories. I based my college entrance essay on the book. It had a big influence on me in high school.

These kinds of debates -- gear OR music -- are indicative of a way of thinking that just perpetuates false choices. The question I’m curious about is what does it say about where we (collectively) are that we repeat the same false choice, over and over again?

So is this an investment question?  I do have more invested in my gear than I do my music media but I also stream which defers the total cost into easy monthly payments... for the rest of my life

“For the love of music”

Music.

Gear is merely the means to that end....and ought to be, always.

What one spends and adapts ones' environs in the pursuit of the goal is the prerogative of the listener(s).  'Low-ball', 'Hi-end', and all that exists in the midst is valid even if only to the owner of same.

'Owner' is happy until not, for whatever reason or rationale....

The 'ladder' doesn't seem to lack rungs to ascend, so one can climb until the efforts tires, the view is sufficient, the means of pursuit wane, or one is deaf and/or deceased....

There Are others....pick one, or make it up.  I have, and you ought to have one just in case. *L* ;)

I tire of being a 'bot....maybe I should be the mayor.....*evil G*