Think twice before concluding some thing sounds better

Slaw,

Glad you enjoy your listening and yes, it can be something important in your life, without getting out of hand.  We all have things that make going to work worthwhile. 

I wrote my post mostly for those that are questioning whether they have the ability to hear the differences in the "better/different" equipment that others have recommended or they have read about and also for those who seem to take one or two steps back when they upgrade.  And from their posts, they don't seem to be enjoying the experience or what they already have.

bharralson7740,

Thanks for your response. I think your response exemplified what I was trying to convey on a certain level.

I am in a lower social-economic status than some here. Having said this, my spending on audio equipment has punched way out of my status.

But, this has caused me to look more into a value for dollar listening experience. So, I understand your meaning.

I mostly focus on software/IE: lps. Music, after all is the reason I'm into this hobby. This aspect to me, is where some go "off the trail".

I am thoroughly enjoying my experience and want to enhance it.

I really do not read much in the way of reviews anymore because for me, with my status, I've found the main components I can happily live with.

The fact that I don't feel the need to read reviews makes me very happy!

Cheers!

so right Mapman.....   one needs time to hear if the new sound is right for the listener....also if attention is given to the new sound which masks the warts that may be lurking.

Mapman said: " I think there is a limit to what anyone can hear in total and at any instant we focus on or hear certain things more than others. Then our focus changes over time and we hear what’s there differently with a different focus. Even when nothing at all has changed really in what is being played. It’s like looking at a picture. You can take the whole thing in initially then you tend to focus on different content at different times. "

I am experiencing that now trying to determine if I really hear a difference some new ICs do or do not make.
Listen to A, concentrate on everything at once, wait! No I can't. OK try Base guitar, vocals and cymbals.
Listen to B. The bass extension seems better, the cymbals really shimmer; but the vocal seems more recessed.
Back to A. The vocal is about the same! why didn't it sound that way the first time? The cymbals really shimmer here, too. I do think the bass is more tubby, but let me hear B again.

I'm afraid I'll break down the input connections from changing so much.

The tomorrow the differences may be clear and indisputable...for about 30 minutes.

There is a fine line between fascination and obsession.