MrD., first I think I’d have to modify the estimate on the system I inherited. I think it probably cost around $15k, maybe a little more. That would have been in early 2000’s dollars.
So to answer your question, based on the adjusted cost of around $15k, the answer is no, I would not spend that much right now if I needed to replace it even if I had that much cash in hand.
You may read that answer as a snub toward high end audio but it isn’t. It simply comes down to a few simple things: 1) I could think of a few other ways I would enjoy the money more. 2) I probably just don’t have the ear or taste for the level of performance that others hear in their high end systems. In other words, those dollars would probably be wasted on my ears. 3) After hearing my low end system I’m certain that I could be well satisfied with a home/primary system that cost way less than $15k.
The fourth reason would be that I think I would enjoy doing the shopping and research to put together a good system for, say, under $5k.
That would probably be my cut off point; $5K.
And in my book that is still a lot of money.
But yes, I think I could assemble a system that would more than meet my needs for that amount and have a blast doing it.
In fact, given that my system is over 15 years old, I could probably nearly duplicate it for $5k. There is a chance I could better it with more modern gear at that price too. Who knows?
So to answer your question, based on the adjusted cost of around $15k, the answer is no, I would not spend that much right now if I needed to replace it even if I had that much cash in hand.
You may read that answer as a snub toward high end audio but it isn’t. It simply comes down to a few simple things: 1) I could think of a few other ways I would enjoy the money more. 2) I probably just don’t have the ear or taste for the level of performance that others hear in their high end systems. In other words, those dollars would probably be wasted on my ears. 3) After hearing my low end system I’m certain that I could be well satisfied with a home/primary system that cost way less than $15k.
The fourth reason would be that I think I would enjoy doing the shopping and research to put together a good system for, say, under $5k.
That would probably be my cut off point; $5K.
And in my book that is still a lot of money.
But yes, I think I could assemble a system that would more than meet my needs for that amount and have a blast doing it.
In fact, given that my system is over 15 years old, I could probably nearly duplicate it for $5k. There is a chance I could better it with more modern gear at that price too. Who knows?