Do you spend more time analyzing the sound of your system, worrying it could be better?

Once a system is thoughtfully put together, dialed in, used for a length of time and sounds good for what it is - no.

Aside from tubes/styli I have not made any changes to my main setup in over a decade (I like it as is).

I recently (5+ weeks ago) put together a mini system to listen to CD’s while at the computer.

As the new setup was made from both new and old electronics/speakers/cables (didn’t sound too hot for the first couple of weeks) I "am" listening for changes in the SQ.

Two new/unfamiliar to me parts of the new setup are a Tripp-lite surge protector and Canare 4S11 speaker cable.

If I’m not satisfied with the sound after six months, or so, I will probably start by replacing the Canare with some of the 47 Labs OTA cable that I have been using in two other systems for the past 15-20 years (I have @ least 100’ left), or maybe try some Neotech 22 gauge solid core copper hookup wire (save the OTA for a rainy day).

If that doesn’t do it I’ll borrow a power conditioner/surge protector from the main rig.

I’ve been using a pretty much the same mini system in the living room for 15 years (duplicate Sharp SD-EX111/Polk RT15i speakers) so have an idea of how it should sound.

http://www.laaudiofile.com/sdex111.html

DeKay

I have an ARCAM AVR 550, Paradigm Prestige AVR, BlueSound Node 2i, OPPO 105, two REL SHO's.  I have a dealer that would sell me a brand new Luxman 509 for $7,000 ($3,000 off).  He would also sell Focal Kanta 2's speakers for $6,000 brand new.  The reason why I purchased the ARCAM was to be able to watch TV and movies through speakers.  I have not added the rear surround speakers yet because my wife won't allow me to buy them.  I thought at the time the ARCAM was more audiophile quality than the large Murantz I have in the family room.  I have been thinking of adding the Luxman to my ARCAM for 2 channel listening.  However, is it better to upgrade my speakers to the Kanta's.  When I first started I listened to Focal Aria's and even the 848's lack bass.  I think my REL's would fill in the bass now.  Who do you believe?  What makes the most sense.  So far, the majority in the group feel spending money on the source is better than adding speakers.  I have always thought the opposite.  What ever I do, when upgrading my speakers, I will be searching for the most efficient.  This group is certainly knowledgeable.

I went the same way (got something that I could play my TV through) and am now enjoying better sound from all my sources. Removing the soundbar and it's stand not only got me better sound but better looks, to boot. A lot less clutter. 

I'm also enjoying FM on a level that I never thought possible.The sound is so clear, full and enjoyable that I turn it on first thing in the morning and leave it on until I choose something else. That can sometimes take hours and it's simply lovely to have it in the background again, after way too many years of going without it (the reason being it never sounded this good with my precious set ups). 

No need for room acoustics here. To me, it's a waste of time and kind of self defeating. Talk about chasing the dragon. I listen in the near field (7.4' from the plane of my speakers) and the sidewalls are far enough away to not worry about 1st reflection points. I've even had a sound engineer and a high end audio dealer over and they both said the room is great the way it is and not to waste my money.

For me, the process has always been one of synergy (I don't like that word but it's apt) and after being in this hobby for some time now I can (mostly) ferret out the BS and pretty much hit on what I'm after. It takes a while. Sometimes a long while, but I get there. The thing is to be patient. Let things settle. Experiment a bit if needed but don't go down that rabbit hole and buy one thing after another. This "last piece" of mine (my new integrated) took 8 years of waiting (with one misstep) to finally get it right. Ignore the naysayers who advocate their special way and please discount their claims. They just like to bloviate.

All the best,
Nonoise

No. 

I know of all the problems of my system.  If it had bothered me too much, I did something to cure it.  Now just enjoy the music.  Lucky me also, to live somewhere that does not have any stereo boutiques to entice me with better.  Reading words is one thing.  When you hear it, it is a different dilemma.

+1 @hilde45