I have not spent huge $$ on my system. I have listened to systems costing far more and feel that mine sounds as good if not better. Yes, maybe I am prejudiced, but I know what my brain hears and how my emotions are affected by what’s coming out of my speakers. As much as I love my system, I have also enjoyed the journey of getting there. Learning from others has always been important to me. Doing research is time well spent. Finding GREAT deals on barely used gear is gratifying (my phono preamp/power supply was “used” but unopened in the factory boxes). Saving huge $$ on ultra high quality components like speaker cables and inter connects by making them yourself gives you a sense of pride knowing that big improvement in sound was partly your own doing (and you saved lots of money in the process). Yes, more expensive gear may sound better, but the law of diminishing returns applies. You get to a point where spending X times more does not get you X times better sound. Will I spend more in the future? Of course. But I’m sure it will be a lot of bang for the buck.
For those of you who had spent over hundred thousand dollars for your sound system.
Do you think, in retrospect, that you could have gotten better sound quality out of your sound system with much less money spend. Do you have any regrets for spending huge amount of $$$? If you can start all over again, what would be different this time around? Let’s talk about electronics only and not room improvement for now. I know they go together, but the subject becomes very broad - assume your room is near perfect for sound reproduction.
P.S. Mike Levine, please don't shy away from the subject.
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@sns @blisshifi @z32kerber Bravo! Thank you for sharing your gratifying journey with us. That’s what I call dedication. You are perfect example of "blue collar audiophiles" - yes, it is a compliment. My hat’s off to you. |
Retail, my system is about $130K. However, I was able to buy several key components for a fraction-used or otherwise. Cash spent is about $45K. After 51 years of systems-starting with a Pacific Stereo $199 package including a Lenco TT, Niko receiver and Quadreflex speakers. In my dorm room freshman year. There were many upgrades and changes over the years, but nothing very special by today’s standards. Even extending to recent years, You might say that today’s system could be called my “Covid Kit”. Retired now for 7 years, only in the last few years with travel restrictions, has my system grown to its current glory. It all started with finding my beautiful Woodsong Garrard 301. That became the center pillar on which the entire system was built. Piece by piece, it took form to encompass what I consider my destination. Recently “coming home” (after living joyfully with them for all of the ‘90s) to Quad 57s. Since amp matching is vital with Quads, I may change my amp. Other than that, I don’t anticipate and changes. |
@tannoy56 Thank you for your appreciation. For some fresh perspective, as a new dealer, I am every day meeting more and more customers, many of them who have $100K+ systems. I would classify most of them to be in the middle class or upper middle class income-wise. I don’t know many that are say in the top 1-5%. While it is something I can do, major full system installs for customers don’t come often. I would anticipate that if this is the type of service most often provided to the top 1-5%, but I could be wrong. Most other “blue collar audiophiles” as you mention may invest as heavily as they have, but mostly because they love the journey and their experiences in the hobby and the outcome. |
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