About users with hidden agendas

@mapman 
 

@holmz Personally, I am always on the lookout for something new and better. Also to learn something new and useful and share it with others. Technology is always advancing...never stagnant. Its like a treasure hunt but I have had numerous hits along the way to make the journey worthwhile. I like to get it right (for me) then leave it be until there is a good reason to do something new or different. "Good sound" is a somewhat subjective thing but the fundamental parameters that define it and what it takes to attain it effectively is not

I appreciate your perspective, but do not entirely agree… The march of technology forwards also seems to have a lot of steps where things get made cheaper.
Like the first transistor was super expensive, but eventually we had a bunch of small portable radios which were portable rather than a Philco.

DACS seem to have gone through this “A really good design —> now make it more cheaply - and loose some magic” cycle a few times.

Amps are “A really good design —> now make it more efficient and more cheaply - and loose some magic” cycles.

I am usually on the hunt for better, and often older is more often fine with me.

The march of technology forwards also seems to have a lot of steps where things get made cheaper.

There will always be cheaper and more expensive products... it’s all based on technology and the technology always moves forward although certainly the more useful older technologies will stick around and perhaps be improved as well. Like record players and tube amps. But the big advances will leave older technologies in their wake at various price points over time. Like Class D amps and digital streaming. Its all good, some newer, some older, some cheaper, some more costly.  But never static...always changing....

@ted_denney That may be, there are a great many who do not need validation by what equipment we own, the size of our house or what car we drive.

A car is just metal and rubber to me. My sound system is just that a system for listening to wonderful music. My house though some may consider large is a home for may family and it would be a home even if it were a double wide in Oklahoma.

The home and family make me the man that I am and what my station is in life. Not my stereo system.

I do not seek validation from anyone but my family and my higher power.

things in life are just things, cars, hifi gear and so on

but to me things wisely collected and used can lead to wonderful experiences, and thus happiness -- be it for one oneself, with friends, loved ones

to me that is what matters most