Older And Wiser or just Tighter and Deafer?


I’m 63. I’m not wealthy but I have a tolerant wife and I still love to pursue great sound. But I find myself increasingly reluctant to spend significant amounts on new gear. I know my hearing acuity is not as good as it used to be, but my love of music and good sound is not diminished. When considering a purchase, I find myself factoring in cost versus life expectancy (mine!) and auditory function. I’ll even have some guilt about spending my kid’s inheritance. Is something wrong with me?
jdmccall56
It is all about the music, so stop worrying about what equipment you're missing out on and just buy more music. Concentrate instead on using various tweaks to get you closer to the music you love.

Frank

Since you likely don't know your life expectancy,
or whatever unexpected "financial surprises" are along the way:
establish a minimum number for the inheritance.
Set it aside and mark it as untouchable.

Everything you leave, over and above this, is a bonus
for your family.  And gives you the license to enjoy
whatever you wish, while you can.

Here is 19 minutes of magic:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFDxmow6gio

I am 42 y/o and have always been very conscious about money with a lot of ambivalence and analysis paralysis about spending money on audio. I have set in my mind a total system cost allowance to help ease my trepidation. Hopefully it will work. 

On another note my 72 yo mom was discussing her financial planning with me, including an expected inheritance.  I sincerely implore her to enjoy her life by treating herself. She does not owe me anything; quite the reverse!  

erik_squires:
Do you want the regular, barely readable decoder ring ($5,000) or do you want the high-end, vibration isolated decoder ring ($150,000) ??
Yikes!  Just the tee-shirt, please...XXtra large!  (This "sheltering at home " stuff is tuff on my youthful physique.  :)
And much thanks to sgordon1 and ohlala and others for all the good advice!
Why are people always seeking opinions on whether their audio habits are normal or not? Normal is an iPhone and earbuds.
Older and wiser is also the norm.

Also hearing ability only deteriorates over time. So that is always the norm there.
Cheaper? Everybody’s financial situation is unique. It’s also normal to feel guilt if one is not entirely comfortable with ones actions. 

That’s basically the game we play. Everyone will play it as they see fit.
Cheers! 🤪