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How Do You Live The Audiophile Life

I don’t really have the credentials to be on Audiogon. Kef Q150s and new NAD equipment that replaced my stalwart Arcam Solo. Maybe I can peek over the fence.
So I’ve have a question about the new equipment. I’m browsing the forums, looking for an answer. I know as much as about audio as anyone who isn’t an audiophile. But I was astonished at the number of brands I’d never heard of. And I know the price of the stuff I have heard of.
I’m in NYC. Maybe there’s five high-end dealers here. I’m guessing that number drops off quickly once you cross the Hudson.
This is a long winded way to ask how you live the audiophile life? How do you get access to this stuff? I’d want to hear something before dropping a car-like sum on it. Do you buy blind? Do you travel? Go to the industry shows? Help me, teach me, inform me.
I guess this question applies to speakers as well. Maybe more so. But I was in the amplifier section so . . .
paul6001
newbee
4,768 posts
 
mijostyn, for most folks I think it is probably easier, and certainly cheaper, to put together a great high end system, than to find the 'right' woman.
 
Try getting rid of a 'wrong' woman!  And no one wants to take them as trade in's. :-) 
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,974 posts
 
What a wonderful question- hopefully you are madly in love with music and where it can take you....
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,974 posts
 
One fast track path is to buy a gently used copy of Jim Smiths book - Get Better Sound

btw, I have a nearly 40 year old NAD 3020A that is still a fantastic amp... running some Dynaco A-25 off a Nak deck.... lovely 
dayglow
1,940 posts
 
Many great posts here. First of all know what instruments sound like .Go to a small jazz/folk bar/symphony/opera at the Met. as much live acoustic music as possible, might have to wait until 2021? Know that you can never recreate a live performance regardless of your gear The most difficult(for me) to accept is as audiophiles we are "prisoners" to the recording quality. This may sound like doom and gloom but it"s reality many artists have subpar recordings and we just have to accept this. On the positive side learn as much as possible about each company and then listen to the equipment, you will know what you like(you won't need a sales pitch). Also take extreme care of your gear because in this hobby upgrading is a natural, dont be the guy with the beat up amp that's complaining why he's getting lowball offers. Most importantly don't rush into a purchase take your time and enjoy the music!!!
tomcarr
1,531 posts
 
+1 for Jim Smith's book Get Better Sound.
If you follow his guidance, it will save you years of trial and error frustration...
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