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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
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...
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
When I started out 30+ years ago I relied a lot on dealers, and I bought my gear as demo, consignment, and later model pieces. I was a chintzy, budget audiophile. I have learned much, and spent much time and money on the hobby over the years.  :) 

Sites such as this are confusing to newbies, as the budget, experience, preferences and motivations of forum participants is unknown. 

I am a reviewer of 14 years and invite you to read my work at Dagogo.com 

You have a big advantage in having dealers nearby to hear gear. Get to shows if you can - God willing they will start up again soon! 

Give up on the idea of making a "perfect" rig. Think of it as a cross-country journey with a lot of scenery (systems, performance changes, musical experiences) rather than a destination (perfection). 

Decide which gives the most pleasure; saving money, socializing with music, media collecting, or system building - or a particular mix of them. 

Just start with a rig. You won't be remotely near state-of-the-art, even if you spend $20K. There is a shockingly HUGE spectrum of performance, and unless you want to drop $100K for starters, you have lots of room to roam in systems. 

I have no interest in debating my advice. :)




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