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
when I'm considering a purchase, I almost always look at resale, both how easy it will be, and how much the value is likely to change. To me that determines if I can buy;  not simply the cost of purchase, but the cost to own it, say 2-5 years...
OP, there is nothing wrong with what you stated.  I personally don't think about equipment resale  value when I purchase.  My criteria is:
1.  Is it better than what I currently own (sound wise) to the extent that it "justifies" purchase/upgrade?
2.  Can I afford it?
3.  Do I want to upgrade at this time?

I've upgraded many, many times over the years and have never, not once had any trouble selling the replaced equipment.  Good quality equipment is just that.  There will always be someone just like me that look to the used market to upgrade first.  So, me selling my piece means that someone else can "upgrade" their equipment, just like I did.

Some important points have been made here, one that kept getting my attention is hearing loss with age.  Sigh!, this really sucks.
So I ask, do any of you have your hearing measured and did you add equalizers to your system to adjust for the hearing loss.  Or does adding an equalizer to adjust for your hearing loss make your system sound like crap for other's listening?

Just asking.

enjoy
I am in no hurry to have my hearing professionally checked.  I know they will try to sell me hearing aids.  I think I will know when it is time for that.  Then, I will go to the doctor.
As for new audio puchases, I suppose I'll just do what feels right.  What feels right at 63 with three kids just isn't as much as what felt right at 23 and single.  But like my oldest son is fond of saying, "It's all good".
I'm new to this forum and no, I didn't read the rules.  I suppose discussions of politics and religion are verboten, but I also suppose that merely alluding to faith is still allowed.  Having said that, here's a bible quote I remind myself of from time to time: "But Godliness, with contentment, is great gain." (1 Timothy, 6:6).  I find it healthy to consider that verse when I get upgrade fever, whether it's an amplifier, speakers, a vehicle...whatever. 

One thing is sure though,  if not now, when?  Time's a-wastin'!
^^^ 

I mentioned redemption once on this forum and got excoriated for it by another member.  Bringing anything about faith into the threads is akin to mentioning SR Orange fuses. :-)

By the way, as an old duffer myself, I'm getting mighty tired of being under house arrest because of the Communist Chinese Virus. How about you guys?

Frank 
I retired 2 years ago and am now 66.  I found my joy in life, again, is by going back to my roots; I let my hair grow a few inches and completely overhauled my audio system.  I sold off all of the old gear and bought new gear, slowly, over 1 1/2 years.  Certainly, have to consider budgeting!  Each and every upgrade has been an absolute pleasure.  And of course, I can't stop now, just slow down on the expenses.  I'm about there with the system, so no worry.
Enough said about me, I just hope that you can relate.  Life is too short.  You made it this far so please do enjoy what makes your heart (and ears) feel good.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with rewarding yourself with good hi-fi.  Your kids will be so happy that you did.  I am confident they will want to see you enjoy all that you can, for as long as possible.  That's a good family!  And if good hi-fi is part of that recipe, then by all means, serve up a good one for yourself.  Enjoy the music!