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I have a confession to make

I have an addiction, and I have to stop. I don't know if it is upgradeitis, or audiophileism. But I suddenly feel real bad. My wife who is the most wonderfull person in the world is even becoming concerned.
It all started one day looking for some speakers for my very modest home theatre set up in my living room. I wanted to be able to enjoy music also. Low end Sony CD player you know. I was using these God awful Fischer speakers with 15" woofers.
Well, that was about 5 years ago. Now $40,000.00 later, I have a dedicated HT room and A dedicated Tube based listening room. I don't make this kind of money to be doing this. What the hell is my problem ? The Vpi record washing machine was the last straw for my wife. "$500 to wash a record? You have a serious problem". She is right,what the hell am I doing? But I continue to look at what is for sale. What would be better than what I have?
Please I beg all of you, If you receive a email from me wanting to buy your product, please delete my email. If you see any of my products for sale, please don't make an offer. I need friggin help here man.
I have to realize that there can always be better than what I have. Just enjoy what the heck I have and be done with it. Masn this is one sick addiction.
scottht
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
Recognize it for what it is: Status climbing and rank materialism. Even if no other audiophiles see your system, and none of your family and friends understands it, you are succumbing to peer pressure and media manipulation. We all do to some degree and in different ways, but the pursuit of social approval attracts some of us more than others (or is more readily achievable for some of us than others).

It is my innate repulsion for excessively conspicuous consumption, and for coercion-induced conformity, that ultimately keeps my habit within managable limits relative to my overall wealth/income (or lack of same :-) Plus, my interest has always lain primarily with the music, and I see audiophilism as somewhat of a fundamentally trivial and slightly shameful diversion that I like to think I could take or leave in extremis...
sean
6,231 posts
 
Stop reading audio websites and magazines and start listening to some tunes while working on optimizing what you have. Most people spend, spend, spend in search of the things that they are looking for yet most of the results that they desire can be found right under their noses with with they already own.

As a side note, if you want to spend, buy some good basic tools for working with electronics and learn how to DIY. FAR more satisfying with financial and sonic rewards to boot. Sean
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wildoats
339 posts
 
I think you should downgrade. If you have $40K in equipment it's probable you've spent way more than you can afford or justify. The thing is, a lot of audiophile gear is ridiculously expensive. You don't need gear that expensive to enjoy music. Hey it's different if your rich, your not. You'll feel better if you sell all the crazy, expensive stuff and get more moderate priced gear. Heck, you can have an absolutely wonderful system for $10K and take the wife on a trip with some of the money you rescued. I'm serious. Your guilt will vanish if you get equipment you can actually afford. It will still be great. The last $30K you spent probably only gave you 5% improvement. Your lucky to have dedicated listening rooms. That'a big part of getting good sound. Enjoy the music not the machines.
ttrhp
107 posts
 
Scottht,
I know exactly what ya been through because i was in the same shoe,So i got my self to buy used records at flea market,thrift store etc.Just when i thought everything is okie,now my wife yelling at me because our house begin to smell like a thrift shop..good luck..
mghcanuck
116 posts
 
My experience has been different. I discussed/negotiated with my better-half in terms of how much I would spend on getting a new/upgraded stereo system. Although I have ended up spending a little more than originally agreed and despite occasional outbursts from said better-half, overall it has been OK. For the sake of fairness, my wife spent the same amount on things she wanted for our new house. Not exactly equitable since these include new sofas and appliances that aren't strictly for her benefit, but she does enjoy listening to music from time to time.

I think the advice provided by others in terms of downsizing may be the way to go, particularly if there are budget/debt issues involved. If you have amp/pre separates, try going to an integrated of similar quality but lesser cost overall. Cables: there is a very favourable review at www.stereotimes.com of Signal Cable products, which are said to be of very good quality at affordable prices. Does your HT set-up have more than two channels? If so, try making do with just the two main speakers and, if absolutely needed, keep the sub.

Most important, get your wife involved or, if she's not interested, at least keep her in the loop about purchases.
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