Ultimate Question

Surgarbrie: I recently had the opportunity to work with a "blank slate" in our spare bedroom with our second mini system. It sounded a lot better than than I could have ever imagined and was set up so that I could lie on the bed with my head elevated. Since then the room has seen some use from guests and has undergone further "decorating" that mucked up my speaker placement. It was great while it lasted. The next step will be to get a pair of taller 30" stands and do a near field setup aimed at the computer station chair. This with the addition of a low wattage tube amp in the chain was plan B anyway.

I think everyone has a different approach to system building. My wife has been extremely tolerant with me over the last 10 years as I have changed out equipment every 2 - 4 years, and have used various rooms in the house for music listening (two years ago I had an addition built dedicated to music and HT). Yes, the equipment was better each time and enhanced my listening pleasure. In retrospect I should have been more patient and taken bigger steps when upgading. About 2 years ago I started to reach a point where it was less assured that spending what money I had budgeted would result in appreciable improvements. I already had attained very good sound, and would have to start spending crazy money to make worthwhile improvements. Last year I bought a second hand pair of speakers that I would never have been able to afford new. These have become the cornerstone around which I will continue to build and improve my system, although at a much slower pace, and with each change more carefully considered as a long term commitment. In the meantime I'll enjoy what I have.

Just think 10-15 years ago, the cd was born. 50 years ago they were litening to tube radios. The 8 track is now dead. Many advances are still comming. Keep optimistic.