Diminishing Returns

 mahler123 +1

first, and foremost, this is a hobby, for your own pleasure, PERIOD.  The goal is simple,,,,secondly, the law of diminishing returns certainly applies, especially when measured as gain/cost.  Thirdly, I have no doubt, like in many situations, the PLACEBO EFFECT certainly applies.  SO, enjoy, and do what feels good to you!
Many of my components are OLDIES BUT GOODIES(though updated/serviced like you would do for a fine automobile), and, though I am sure for large expense I could improve my sound a little, it is quite wonderful as is, so I am happy to just get new LPs occasionally.....

It’s an old wives take that there’s a ceiling to performance, that you can approach the ceiling to within say, 3-5% with relative ease. Nothing could be further from the truth. That’s the audiophile’s dream - to get within 5% of what the Big Boys have. News Flash! The Big Boys are nowhere near the Absolute Sound. There is no Absolute Sound. Hel-loo!

If your goal is approaching live music, then I disagree.  If you wish a dramatic sound, then I do agree. It is,again, whatever pleases you

i’ve been active on various audiophile and music forums since the late 90’s. honestly Audiogon has evolved more away from my audiophile sweet spot in the last 7-8 years but it still has value to me. so i do try to watch and participate.

why do we post on forums?

learning about how to improve our systems is part of it. or maybe helping others to learn. or just shooting the breeze too. and of course, hearing about new music is big.

if you are satisfied with how your systems sounds and that is why the gear talk no longer has any value i respect that. i’m different in that way as my curiosity pursuing better sound seems not to go away; i’m certainly less motivated to change things now after 25 years of system evolution.....but my quest is not yet dead. everyone is different that way.

but really for me it’s the sense of community and relationships that now are the biggest draws to participating in forums. it’s a hobby that is big for me. i have friends for life which began on audio forums. many have visited me and i  not as much lately here on Audiogon, but there was a time when this was bigger for me.

of course; to get something you have to give something.

be happy and enjoy. and if Audiogon gear talk has lost it’s value then best wishes.