Being an audiophile is never going to be a truly cheap pursuit. Equipment is only one element and probably the least expensive. A serious music collection can easily cost multiples of what is spent on equipment. Plus you have to consider the real estate element. At a certain point most people begin to realize the importance of the listening room. The true costs of a dedicated listening room with even a small amount of acoustic treatment will be greater than the price of the equipment. I knew I was getting serious when my real estate living decisions revolved around listening room considerations.
Hi-Fi can be less expensive than anything
My modest by audiophile and outrageous by other standards set-up cost me about $7000, would've cost $15000 had everything been bought new. Not counting records, blank tapes and cds of which I don't have too many. Spread it over 15 years and it is less than $40 per month. That's nothing. Even if you triple this figure it will still be almost nothing.
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Well if you bring real estate in, then it does become very expensive. As for me, I don't need a dedicated listening room - good size living room is just fine. There is a lot that you can do with furniture, curtains, books and carpets. No it won't be perfect. When I want and can afford perfect I'll ask Michael Green to fully tune the room. Besides, if you are not living alone your music should be available to others. With dedicated cave-room it won't be really. |
Inna, I, too started out trying to find traditional American folders and found this site that I think you might find interesting. Canal Street Cutlery caught my eye as they are former Schrade employees who started their own shop using old fashioned American methods. There are many fixed blade knives as well as folders and some of the blacksmiths are at or near the top of their trade. I thought you might find it rewarding, or at least tempting. :-) All the best, Nonoise |
Nonoise, thank you. I get all my knives from one dealer - Nordic Knives in California - and almost always select blades made by mastersmiths. My preferences are Jim Crowell, John Fitch and Harvey Dean. Take a look at the Dean's website - great pieces, top quality and true artistry. Schubert, thank you. Having said that, I also understand the need to sometimes escape into a dreamland and dedicated listening room can help. So maybe the best solution is to have two set-ups in totally different rooms. |
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