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Retired audiophile?

Maybe it comes with age. Fatigue with upgrades. Wisdom and satisfaction with the material world - acceptance of the audio system and a return to enjoyment of music without audio analysis - acceptance of deteriorating hearing and the resultant judgement that "what's the use" in the pursuit better fidelity - more restricted finances of retirement.. a feeling of "done for now" or forever. (Unless something brakes down) After improving and "investing" in my rig for over 30 years, I've come to the realization that I have little interest in the latest/greatest. "Tweaking" has little or no monetarily corresponding reward.
I'll still peruse the web, but the magazine subscriptions have elapsed and I don't miss the self-congratulatory reviews and commentary.
I suspect I'm not alone on this although the Audiogon community by it's very nature, is active in the hobby. Other retired audiophiles out there?
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psag
518 posts
 
The nature of hearing is such that whenever a veil is lifted, the ear/brain quickly recalibrates itself to the new normal. Hence, the sound may have improved, but one's appreciation for that improvement tends to fade. Some of my most gratifying listening sessions were with primitive equipment from the 70's, before I knew anything about high fidelity.
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
Raptor88, sorry I missed your post until now.  I'm partial to the Clear Day balanced silver interconnects.  Clear Day (Paul Laudati) used to sell only speaker wires, also silver, and more recently introduced a line of interconnects.  They're not expensive, for what they are, and I couldn't be happier with them. 
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dalecrommie
91 posts
 
For me, I too am extemely happy with my system, at leas the electronics, and my new passion has become learning as much as possible about loudspeakers, and DIY, while applying that to learning about 'sound' that way.  I am very much done with the crazy prices for more equipment, unless I build it myself.  I am just finishing up a 125 liter 12" SB Acoustics woofer cabinet, taking my time and doing it as perfectly as possible.  Gonna use it with my Volti Audio horns and upgraded crossovers.  This is extremely rewarding for me, especially since I am near retirement also. I guess I am not downsizing at all, 'cuz two 125 liter (4.5 cubic feet cabinets) is a large affair.  This is fun, and if you have the inclination, I would heartily suggest that you give it a go.  Too fun. 
ptss
1,964 posts
 
I am retired and content that my humble system provides satisfactory enjoyment (transporting). However,I enjoy reading and the pace of technical advancement is so interesting I can't help having curiosity about the effect of new materials and new technology. My experience with the extraordinary benefits,to my Spectral based system,of Martin Glasband's balanced power was a revelation,likewise some of MIT's simple technologies;compels me to follow present tech advances due to materials,both magnetic and fabric (perhaps both in one in the event of graphene / nanotubes). I find it natural to be intrigued with the potential for improvements for all aspects of music recording and reproduction. I'm glad tech is moving at such a speed and hope to hear the benefits.
vegasears
1,173 posts
 
Yes, I am retired.  Your original post rings true for me. I retired last May, yet I've been done with my main system for a few years.  These days it's maintenance and listening.  
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