The Law of Accelerating Returns

I Can't quite determine if OCD is a pre-requisite to becoming an Audiophile or is an affliction brought on by being one.

Not that I don't believe in matching components and speakers to work together; not that I don't believe in proper set up of room and components, but sometimes, even when we think we have everything sounding really good, we can't just enjoy the music - we have to fix it till it's broke and then start over, or at least find the next new fix. Usually the more expensive the fix, the better we feel, at least for a while. 

Although reviews and articles on audio gear are sometimes interesting and informative, as far as the AS article, as well as other professional articles and reviews, it's important to consider that their primary objective is to push and promote expensive audio gear - that's what pays the bills.......Jim

I've never forgiven them for their 4-part series on digital audio where they reported the original file on the hard drive sounded better than a copy on the hard drive.   
 

I have noticed many things in digital audio That doesn’t make sense but nevertheless are audible.  A file played off my hardware raid sound better than the same file copied onto my software raid.  And Jriver is set to memory play.  Makes no sense but it’s there. 

@jhills

I have to attest to OCD coming with the audiophile affliction in my case. I am not a perfectionist… I am at the other end of the spectrum. I have a perfectionist friend… who has had his life destroyed by it. Not a fan. But audio… The incredible positive reinforcement I have received by attention to detail and paying attention to what stuff sounds like has been so rewarding it is amazing.

@ghdprenticeThe incredible positive reinforcement I have received by attention to detail and paying attention to what stuff sounds like has been so rewarding it is amazing.

I can agree.

I greatly enjoy exploring and auditioning fine audio gear, but I’ve found that, after the do-diligence of matching components, speakers, cables, etc. and tweaking in speaker placement and room fixes, I need to make myself just sit and listen to the music and performance of a variety of my favorite music. Then, when the music, the vocals and all else falls into place and everything sounds and feels right, I need to allow myself to spend more time enjoying the music and less time chasing my tail for that elusive something more

We, more often, need to concentrate and be pleased with what works for us and not worry too much about what it takes to please someone else......Jim

@jhills 

Actually, I go through the upgrade process about every 7 years. In the beginning it took a couple or more years to get through the process… then I would just really enjoy the music for years until I could afford a substantial upgrade. 
 

Now my upgrade cycles are pretty short as I know what I want, know how to read reviews,  know how to pick the right sounding peripherals. Then back to years of amazing satisfaction in just enjoying the music.