How much gear do you own?


Do you have multiples of amps, preamps, speakers, cables, etc?

I do, and am starting to realize it's leaning hard toward a sickness rather than a passionate hobby.  Either that, or I'm getting up in age and tired of all the "stuff" I've acquired taking up so much space.

I went through a phase about ten years ago where I got tired of stereo gear and dumped most of it.  I really regretted it after a few years and acquired most (and then much more) back.

But this time it feels different somehow.  And I really think it has to do with my age...pushing 60.

Others go through this?

Thoughts?

128x128audiodwebe

This is one thread I feel a whole lot better after having perused. I no longer have that feeling of being TOTALLY batshit crazy. Just plain crazy will do it……

I currently have 5 systems that I listen to regularly.  Each has its own character, sound stage and good/bad.  Some are better for classical, some are better for jazz, and others just rock.  My issue is I have not been able to find the "perfect" system for every type of music. 

Also, there is a size and portability problem.  Upstairs I have my "smaller" systems to make the spouse happy.  In the basement, I get to spread out and have my 2 "big" systems down there for when I want to have a long listening session with a wee dram of pour.  I'd hate to have to move systems every time I wanted to move to a different area of my house. 

I had 6 systems, gave 2 away to family, and just picked up another yesterday.  My other issue is that when I give away or sell something I miss "that sound".  For example, I gave my son a pair of JBL 4312's.  Missed the "JBL sound" and picked up a pair of JBL 4311's yesterday.  Had a pair of Linn Kan's, sold and missed the sound for vocals, bought another pair. 

Personally, I think I’m on the verge of having too much gear.  I have two tube monoblock amps (4 pcs) that I always wanted, two solid state amps (1 stereo, 1 pr monos), a single CD spinner, and a single preamp.  I have two speaker pairs.  I enjoy mixing matching, and getting different sounds.  At times I feel dumb when I look at it all, but when I connect my Lamm to Focal Mezzo Utopia or Von Schweikert VR4 SR Mk3 speakers, I remember why I collected the gear.  I might sell my Audio Research DS450M Class D amps, but they sound so good and they don’t generate room roasting heat like my large tube amp monos, which makes the ARCs a good summer amp, heh.  I toy with the idea of finding a preamp I’ve always been sort of fascinated with, which is a Hovland HP-200,, or a Lamm L2 R, but I stop myself, when I come to my senses because I have enough stuff.  

I have always been laser focused on achieving the best sound possible and therefore all funds focused on only one of each component. What I did end up collecting was mostly interconnects, cords that got evaluated while getting to the best match.

@audiodwebe,

Perhaps some of the following tips taken from the Hoarding Disorder article by OCD UK might be of help.

I know they're not specifically audio related but OCD does seem to be a particularly adaptive form of affliction.

I should know, and even though I love having more living space, 
I've still barely kept mine in check, although I'm fairly sure my wife would disagree. Thankfully, she is not a hoarder.

Anyway, here are few of the tips and things not to do mentioned in that article:

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Throw things away straightaway without checking.    

Throw things away at times the refuse collectors are coming.    

Ask family and friends to join you for a decluttering day, rent a skip and direct your family/friends in throwing clutter for you.    

Get a paper shredder.    

If you can’t remember the reason why you have it, get rid of it.    

Buy things in limited quantities, and do not restock until used.     Stop junk mail, newspapers etc. 

 

 

There are some things family members should not do:     

Do not get extra storage space. This won’t solve the problem and the clutter often quickly builds up again.    

Do not call in the council or environmental health to clear the rubbish away without the persons permission, otherwise this could cause additional psychological distress.    

Do not push the subject if the person is getting upset and angry when bringing it up. Take a step back, and try again another time.