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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
glupson
7,842 posts
 
Classic geoffkait.
glupson
7,842 posts
 
geoffkait,

Please. It has your name on it, sort of.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649624687-sony-pro-walkman-wmd6c/
jssmith
322 posts
 
Start with Ethan Winer's The Audio Expert.

Like any other subject, you can go in blind, stumbling around, being pulled from one claim or review to the next, like almost everyone. Me included. Or you can educate yourself.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Definition of expert. Someone who used to be a drip under pressure.
iopscrl
198 posts
 
How do we live the "Audiophile Life"?    Well if you have to ask.....

Actually, we all have more money than you do.   So much in fact that we can afford capricious purchases of 5 figure equipment, just using pocket change.

I hope you realize I am joking.

We all started somewhere.   If we started young, it was likely with limited resources.  If we started older, we likely had a base of HT or other generic equipment as a foundation.   Regardless.  We all had to learn what we wanted, learn how to evaluate sound in the abstract, and how to determine if differences are true improvements or just the novelty of something new.   It makes no sense to dive into the deep end and spend large sums of money to start your journey.

You reference living in NYC, and have a multitude of dealers in relatively close proximity.  GOOD.  Any reputable dealer will welcome your visits as you learn.  A good dealer understands that education is part of the high end sales process.   You live in a large market.  As a practical matter there is a large and dynamic market for used equipment in the 5 boroughs.   Craigslist, Ebay Local, Facebook Marketplace are your friends.   As you learn, you will able to sample just about anything, and likely be able to resell along the way to break even-  your only investment becomes time.   Don't be afraid to ask questions.   
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