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Upgrade phenomenon

What do you call the improvement to your system that you get after you’ve made a new purchase, but before you’ve even received the new component, speaker, cable, or doohickey? I shifted my speakers a tiny bit. I looked at the GIK website and took some room measurements to investigate room treatments. I bought my first new tube power amp after months of agonizing and research and saving spare change (and maybe a little embezzlement, but that’s a secret). I bought some new cables. But I haven’t changed anything yet, just placed the orders. Is my system just happy because I’m finally giving it some TLC and buying it presents? 
cat_doorman
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
Looks like you are in for fun! I hope it turns out to your satisfaction. 

I diagnose as Upgrade Anticipation Anxiety.  :) 


ketchup
702 posts
 
I don't think the first two posters understood the question.  It sounds like you did actually change something (speaker placement).  That might be responsible for the improvement you hear.
tablejockey
4,068 posts
 
Speaker placement and room ARE the game changer.
Novelty with new additions wear off, if you keep reading forums. AN(audio nervosa) is highly contagious reading these forums.
Get your new gear/room together and just enjoy it.
cat_doorman OP
237 posts
 
Nothing new has been put in yet. I was doing some critical listening to try to etch the before sound into memory (even though it should already be there). I think what I'm feeling is close to buyer's remorse and anxiety that my tin ears won't hear a difference, much less an improvement. I literally moved that speaker all of one inch, maybe. In reality there hasn't been some dramatic change; I'm just worried that I pissed away a bunch of money. We'll see after I wait for delivery and give it some time to burn in. Logic says a new tube power amp (Primaluna HP) is going to sound quite different than a 20 year old solid state integrated (Musical Fidelity A300). Of course then I'll need to decide if using the integrated as a pre, running straight from the source, or buying an inexpensive interim pre will sound better until I figure out the next step.
wolf_garcia
6,793 posts
 
Tube gear makes you a better person even if you haven't installed it yet...your skin clears up, people pay closer attention to what you say, and you get slightly taller. Once the gear is installed, most of the above levels off.
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