Is This the Essence of "The Audiophile Dilemma?

For some it is. Hate that song.

I think it’s more about not knowing what you’re looking for. A predictable byproduct of our modern way of buying without audition. In the old days you walked into a dealer and said “I like that one” and at least you were in the ballpark. I realize brick and mortar is on the decline, but that’s the way of the world.  

It is not an all or none proposition. 

First of all, most of us have no idea what we are looking for and I do not mean this in a bad way. Most of us have limited exposure to really great systems and you do not find them at dealers regardless of the equipment they use. There are a few dealers who do a great job. I could probably count them on the fingers of one hand. I would bet more of us have been exposed to live music than great systems.

Second of all, most people buy a system and have no intention of climbing an audiophile tree. This includes some audiophiles. They have found what they are looking for.

The rest of us have found part of what we are looking for and just have to make a few improvements. This is the incremental group. We know what we are looking for and will get there eventually given the availability of equipment and finances. I do not know about the rest of you but I am loving the ride. 

@roxy54 , Not one of mine either.

What dilemma?