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
alfa, and cd318....*s* Yes, there's the 'black hole' tug to ascend/plumb the range of audiophila....Add this, tweak that, speakers rivaling the monolith of 2001, padding the 'listening den' enough so it looks less 'room' then padded cell....

Which there are those that would consider that last item as a fit analogy. ;)

If one finds self talking to family/friend/coworker/stranger at an event about audio to the point of not noticing glazed eyes to the point of concrete....

If 'Restrait' becomes necessary.....You're doomed, a terminal case. *L*

cd, I'd like to have some of the old equipment I've owned.  Knowing what I know now, I wager I could still startle you, if only for the momentary lapse of reason....

The specs of SOTA haven't improved that much, unless one possesses a startling pair of ears, and the 'wetware' to process with them.

I make no claim to owning such....I prefer to listent to the music, given 'what' I call 'music' and what I enjoy hearing....for fun, for 'acting analytical', or just trying to see if I can break what I've made.

I own nothing that would destroy my finances if it goes *foom*.
A mix of old, vintage, new (mostly 'pro' audio; I like 'flexibility'), some items that have 'rubbed my the Right way'...

The list likely would impress none...esp. here on AG.
I've noticed there's a significant population of those with a similar 'bent'.  Old isn't bad, per se....if you like it, it's Good to Go.

My Spotify play list plays for nearly 48 hours.....and doesn't count the bookmarks made in Chrome.  And it's all over the board as to what...

As of now, my 'pile' is undergoing a major 'revamp'.
Parts of which a child can operate.
The balance begins to need an operational manual....even for me. *L*

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6twhXA1Gyw

...but I'm still listening to Enjoy...and typically loud....;)

"Get busy", indeed....
Post removed 
It’s a lot like heroin addiction. I believe the hard core addicts call it chasing the dragon 🐉  At least that’s what I read. 😬 Example: “I heard a system that blew my mind 30 years ago and I’ve been trying to get within 5% of it ever since.” 🤯
Hi paul6001
This is the best, plain speaking primer I've come across in all my years: 

https://www.amazon.com/Good-Sound-Uncomplicated-Choosing-Equipment/dp/0688064248/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=   

...subsequently, learn all you can about loudspeaker - room integration.
More Peace, Pin
*L* Well said, gk...and for self, I've got enough 'addictions' already.

"Never did nothin' that my spirit couldn't kill..."
Goddamn the Pusher Man" Steppenwolf.

....with exceptions that general idiocy have brought on....tobacco, sugar, meat, coffee, sex, sleep..*LOL*  Y'know...those things....

But I do resonate with your example when it comes to the original Ohm speakers....and that was nearly 50 years ago....

...somes things just mess you up for life....*L*