Who else here is frugal?

Hi Erik,

I don't by any means consider myself to be frugal. But when I consider making a purchase involving what to me seems like a significant amount of money I try to make sure that it will provide me with commensurate value and commensurate enjoyment, over the long-term.

And I make changes to my audio system relatively infrequently, mainly when something comes along that I find particularly exciting. The most recent example of that was a Pass XA25 amplifier, and before that a Herron phono stage, and before that a DEQX HDP-5. An Audio Technica AT-ART9 phono cartridge was in there somewhere as well.

I'll add that experiences reported by Audiogon members were certainly helpful in focusing my attention on those products.

Best regards,
-- Al
 

when I consider making a purchase involving what to me seems like a significant amount of money I try to make sure that it will provide me with commensurate value and commensurate enjoyment, over the long-term.

@almarg

I think those are great guides. I think it's easy to hear something better, but we fail to weigh that "better" with value. Is the delta with this purchase equal to the delta in money I won't have in my wallet.

Too often I worry audiophiles see "better" as "worth any amount of money."

Hopefully, the bitchyness done for the thread.

@erik_squires ,
I, too, am one to try to spend as little as I can on the best equipment I can afford. Unfortunately, stereos have to come after things like mortgage payments and taxes.

I feel a bit guilty when I buy something used after hearing it at my dealer, but there is no way I could afford such equipment new. Though I do buy as much as I can through him.
Bob

Spending not enough money usually results in more unhappiness than spending a bit too much. Of course spending way too much makes me unhappy as well.

I definitely consider myself frugal w.r.t. audio equipment, but frugal for 1 person is 1K, someone else 10K, and someone else 100K. I don't think I can say it better than almarg,

I try to make sure that it will provide me with commensurate value and commensurate enjoyment, over the long-term.

Like everyone else I get the upgrade bug, but I feel I have a firm foundation to build on, and don't feel like I am on a quest for nirvana. It is a happy audio place to be. I do find it is good to watch used prices. Buy used and sell used and you can upgrade regularly without extensive outlay.

Long ago, a friend of mine advised for me to wait a day, maybe more before I bought something. As you can already tell, I was willing to spend money faster than I could think. I have gotten better, but quick decisions for spending, well it is more of a crap shoot.
 One thing that I have won with is to buy used equipment, build my own speakers (from a reliable source of engineering), and not try and buy any fix it all products.