What’s a mistake you made by being impulsive?

I love the excitement of he chase and when inspiration strikes, I often make a fast move, especially if there’s a ‘deal’ to be had. I got hyped on boutique SET amps without knowing anything about them too soon in my audio journey and impulsively bought a $6k demo 211 amp, followed by a $4k matching pre to power my ill-advised klipsch forte iiis (bad match for my room).  I had crappy digital sources then (chromecast, then raspberry pi) and sold the 211 and pre for big loss a year ago before really bringing the system up to their level.  Still curious how good they really were/are.

My recent impulse buys have worked out better (wells audio cipher dac, graham audio ls5/5s), thankfully, because I know more now about my tastes and synergy.  But I like to jump on a deal and probably always will.

I’ve impulsively bought 3 pairs of otherwise well regarded/reviewed new speakers in the last few years (not counting a 4th pair I kept) that I sent back or sold off. All without hearing them first (except the ones I kept). Oh well...lesson (maybe) learned.

@stereo5 “You are going to laugh, but I bought the new JBL L100 Classics because of the orange grills. ”

I completely get it. When JBL got mentioned before you somewhere... I looked up JBL speakers and immediately was drawn to the orange grills. I started thinking... could I set up another system downstairs somewhere... they just bring back so many great memories!

I spent several years and several thousands of $'s trying to get a pair of Thiel speakers to sound "right".  Now, I am fortunate to live in a major metro area where I can avail myself of many audio product choices.  Most of the dealers in my area allow for in home trials and will give honest advice on system matching.  I have developed a "go to" number of recordings for each time I audition a new component.  Some lessons you lean the hard way.  

Mr “Willgolf” — would you comment on your Lampizator Pacific?   Was it a big step up from your prior DAC?  I have been intrigued by the thought of adding some tubes into my system and the Pacific caught my eye.  Thank you.