What's your biggest surprise in hifi?


After being in this hobby since the 70's, my own 2 biggest surprises are: [1] records sound better than cds. [2] More expensive isn't necessarily better. [for example, I once paid well over $10,000 for a set of separate components which were bettered by a $1500 integrated amp....What were your biggest surprises?
boofer
1. That stock fuses degrade the sound so spectacularly. 

2.  That there aren't enough vinyl records on the planet to ease my addiction. 

3.  That red book CD's can sound spectacular. 

4.  That I'm not bothered by a few glitches, clicks or pops on live recordings ... but audience noises like coughs are really starting to annoy me. 

5.  That ARC has a new REF-6 on the  market and there's not one residing on my equipment rack. 

6.  That as I get older and into my later years, music is even more enjoyable now than when I was a kid ... and that's really saying something.

OP-


tell us more about the $1500- integrated amp?


Rogue Audio amps sounds better than the Audio Research integrated amps. Better value as well.

Second note;

there exists a ton of info inbedded into both digital + vinyl recordings.

The key (and trick) is to carefully select the gear that will extract it the best! Do not forget about cables and power cords.

"That as I get older and into my later years, music is even more enjoyable now than when I was a kid ... and that's really saying something."

Amen to that Oregonpapa!
"That as I get older and into my later years, music is even more enjoyable now than when I was a kid ... and that's really saying something."

Amen to that Oregonpapa!

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