Burned out Audiophile - Trying to Find some Zen

My last purchase was to go in the "other" direction and "settle" on some Marantz Reference line components and in the end, I'v got the best sound that I've had so far. Throw in some basic power conditioning and different ICs and I find myself wondering what all the fuss has been and where my head's been at, or up. :-)

I think I've got this all behind me as I still have my older set up and am in no hurry to sell it, which I find strange. It just sits there, gathering dust, probably as a reminder to myself that they were never the brass ring but sure did look the part as I went 'round and 'round.

Funny how some "mainstream" components that proper audiophiles wouldn't deign to listen to can give one immense musical satisfaction. I think that while everyone's been eyeing the latest and greatest out there, advances have been made that've enabled some makes to more than catch up and depending on the price point, surpass the esoteric brands.

All the best,
Nonoise

I'm a vintage lover so cost is relatively modest for me. However I routinely have my purchases rebuilt/upgraded. But I also resell some components albeit usually at a loss. I love tinkering with the gear to bring out it's full potential. It's a big part of this hobby for me. Some of that old stuff gives sota a serious run for it's money. I'm picking up a pair of Infinity Kappa 9's in great shape tomorrow except the woofers need new surrounds which I will install myself. My Roy Esposito TNT200 monos will have no problem making those Kappas shake the house! I love big dynamics. When my JBL 4345's on steroids are finished I may have to reinforce the foundation! I'm changing them up with 2206 mid-bass and 2441/2309/2310 compression drivers and horns/lenses. It's not as much a quest as it is an adventure. Otherwise there's no fun in it:)

I love vintage. Today I walked into a vintage guitar shop and found a Marantz 2325 receiver with a Marantz 6300 turntable sitting there. Said he would take $500 for them both. They were untested, but I was tempted.

The time i enjoyed the music the most (and therefore listening to an electronic device the most) was when i was challenging myself to try playing the piano better every week. although i never got good enough to play Bach and Mozart, the mere ATTEMPT in trying and seeing what it would take, the energy and commitment involved, made listening to live as well as recorded music a hundred times more enjoyable. and furthermore, the sales manager of a local audio store once told me that as long as it was "fun", buying and improving one's system was a worthwhile endeavor. But, If it became too expensive or it resulted in too little gain to do the upgrade, that was a good time to take a break.
Right now i would like to explore Iranian and Middle-Eastern music as
i have heard and liked some of what i have heard on the radio. there's ALWAYS something new out there to inspire, and its not always a tube or a tweak.