The two stages of audiophilia

touchy subject!

my pareto:

1) music
2) quality of analog and digital source
3) room speaker integration
4) speakers or earphones
5) power amp + pre amp

price of gears does not always connected directly to quality of sound reproduction! there are many different analog and digital sound design philosophies to consider, in many cases accomplishing similar audio results. many ultra-expensive gears have “chic looking front panel”, and accomplish only Dr. FeelGood goals!

What's the matter with Audiophiles there never happy with there system....me included...Most of us listen with our Eyes....which is s situation where your never happy even when you have a killer system....

I’ve been in separates for 50 years! I just went to an integrated amplifier and love it!
it sounds great 
great sound stage 
great clarity 
and it’s class D!!!!- lots of power!
no heat either
my bookshelf speakers sound so deep that a sub would be an overkill! So happy!
now the problem- the amp
Is so  revealing , that a poor recording sounds awful!
I need to go to AA (audiophiles annon) for the twelve step program! 

Stage 3
pack up the lot, sell it, and move to something else…

@larryro2 ,

I did the same thing going from a Naim pre/power to a Creek Destiny integrated.

In no way did I regret the decision.

That finally put an end to my worrying about endless amplifier upgrades - a Naim six pack anyone?

The Creek is at least as powerful as my Naim combo was, and it has a remote.

"I need to go to AA (audiophiles annon) for the twelve step program!"

Maybe this forum is as good as?