Record collecting versus hoarding

@sokogear , I think that the equipment hoarder is a very rare beast when compared to the hoarders of the physical music media (albums, cassettes, CD's). Some of the things that perplex me about the music hoarders are:

1) How do you find the space for all of that music?

2) How do you find the time to listen all of that music?

3) How can you ignore the importance of the equipment to better enjoy all of that music?

I too have re-bought many albums that I regretted selling as my musical tastes either changed; or, more likely circled back to where they used to be. Fortunately, in some of those cases, I've managed to find some remastered copies that were better than the original (sometimes drastically better). On that subject (and current forum thread), I'm really looking forward to hearing from my friends about what they think of the newest Joni Mitchell remasters (Asylum Years). Funny thing is, the "hoarder" group of friends will probably be the first ones to buy those.

Large CD collection, smaller record collection.  For me the fun of ownership comes from sticking my hand randomly into the collection and pulling out something unexpected.  May have been years since I last played that CD.  At least with my collecting hobby, it is the search and then finding (sometimes after decades) that is the rewarding part.  I will do without until found.  Playing that CD then brings back the memories of first time hearing that album, finding it etc.  I do not use my streamer very much.  Mostly too hear new music and the suggestions off of that.  Playing found CDs and records is much more satisfying for me.  If you have storage issues,  then by all means feel free to purge less desirable ones for someone else to find.

@fdroadrunner - if it takes you a couple minutes to find a record, I think you are in need of intervention. If you have 5500 titles either you listen a hell of a lot more than 15 hours a week or there are hundreds (thousands?) that you never listen to. Sounds like you really like Revolver. I think your "safety copies" may inch you toward the hoarder category, but at least you have rationale.

I still have the first album I purchased in 1972 "Black Sabbath Masters of Reality". I have since expanded my collection to over 3000 albums. It was a slow process. My method has varied over time. First, I like to buy Collections from people.  I then go through them and cull out the albums that I already have or don't care for. But i do listen to them. This enables me to find new music from days gone by (and potentially go down a rabbit hole learning about the band or artist). I also buy individual albums to fill out the collection of an artist, something that I heard, or if just looks interesting.

Once a year, I listen to at least one side of each album I own to see if I am still interested. I often initially keep records for "historical" purposes, meaning the artist was important in their time. By going through each album, I get the make an updated decision. I can keep it or move it on. In the process I usually get rid of 100-150 albums to make room for incoming music. 

3000 seems to be my sweet spot. Why so many? Sometimes I'm feeling like Zydeco, other times Hawaiian, Jazz, Blues, or Punk.  I like it all. I love having guests over and have them call out what they want to hear, and I actually have it. 

I don't stream music except in the car.  This helps me find new music. I also have a few hundred CDs for when the music I desire is not available on vinyl.

No justification here, just my method, which is also making sure that they are alphabetized and clean. BTW I don't own a TV, so music is always playing.

Starting over (again), I own a tad over 25. Of the future albums that I will buy, I cannot understand buying something that isn't special to me to begin with and would wince at buying a whole collection from someone. 

 Since I am trying to buy for the record title itself and the condition/recording, there is one more thing that would make me consider whether or not to buy used or new.. The old albums that I have gotten so far are in great shape, and there was NO digital processing involved. It is one of the reasons that I will buy an older used album.