Can one ever be "done" in this hobby?

I think "audio nervosa" and the image of the audiophile as on an endless path of upgrades and expense is just a stereotype. Sure, there are those who fit the stereotype, but it’s no more than that.

Based on what I see, most people who own high-end audio equipment are actually somewhat reluctant to "upgrade." After all, their systems are already at a pretty high level of performance. For that reason, they also tend to be reluctant to embrace the latest technology. That’s why so many high-enders waited before they jumped on the CD bandwagon. It was obvious from the beginning that the technology was immature.

None of this means my audio system doesn’t slowly evolve over time. But it’s a gradual process and often driven by technology. Things like streaming and remote control preamps weren’t an option when I assembled my first high end system decades ago, for example.

Hey cleeds, what do you mean, "was"? lol!

I thought I was done,stopped reading the magazines and stopped coming on here for several years.But then got the urge to try something new and I'm baaack. I am pretty much done now,retirement means my disposable income is curtailed.I'm happy to read about other's adventures,discover new music,experiment with tweaks.

@jtcf 

Really glad you can manage to just read about others and not feel that overwhelming urge to change.

I am getting there.

I feel mostly some tuning and tweaking is the order of the day for a while as I feel I have now managed to assemble a pretty sweet system.

To this end I have some brass cones, some ceramic cones and some lamp glass balls/footers to experiment with under amp and CD player... About $35 total.

There’s a fine line between audio nervosa and just doing what needs to be done. You could even call it housekeeping. Very unstressful. The stress comes when you can’t figure out where to go next or what’s wrong with your system. There’s not enough time left in the world to do what I think needs to be done. If I could explain it to the average bear they’d give me the Nobel prize. Good luck to y’all. 😀 Now, if you’ll please excuse me, I’ve got a plane to catch. A plane going to the future, I only come back here for the breezy chit chat and Wack a Mole. They don’t have audio forums in the future. Talk amongst yourselves. Smoke if ya got em.