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New Component Upgrade Success Rate

I like to try a new component once in a while when the upgrade bug hits.  Cables, tubes, power cords, power conditioners, headphones, maybe even something major like a preamp or a DAC.  I've noticed my successful adoption rate is pretty low and I usually end up returning the new component.  About one out of every four or five attempts is a success.  I'm batting about .200.   What is your successful adoption rate when you try something new?
mward
dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
Depends entirely on how well you know your system/room, what you want to improve, what you don't want to lose, the quality of your research, and your willingness to accommodate the new component if it is (hopefully) more resolving.

I bat a very high rate (90%+) using that formula, but usually have to spend some time and money to accommodate the new component and its interaction with my system.

Dave
mward OP
102 posts
 
Thanks Dave, I think I have everything you mentioned nailed. Especially quality of research. That's the funny thing, I'm frequently disappointed in how the new components really sound compared to the glowing reviews I read.   Of course everything is system dependent.  I'm not looking for any system upgrade help myself, just curious how others fair when they try something new. 
dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
Good for you mward. Never know when these kind of threads pop up. I am puzzled by your low success rate though.

Best to you mward,
Dave
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