Are audiophile products designed to initially impress then fatigue to make you upgrade?

Changes in technology are moving very quickly compared to the past. Manufacturers might be competing to make upgraded equipment at a reasonable cost rather than a build quality that will last many years.  Especially if what is being made today will be outdated in a few years.  Also service/repair costs seem to be increasing at a higher rate, which would favor buying something new instead of fixing on old item.  So again, the focus might not be on longevity. We also live in a throw away society…not everyone, but in general.

According to Phillips and Sony, who jointly introduced the audio CD format, the CD was first marketed in November 1982 in Japan and in March 1983 in Europe. I remember picking up a Sony CD player in the Akihabara district in Tokyo in 1984, because I happened to be there on business and I knew the latest and greatest models were only in Japan at that time.

Would love to see one of the 1970’s models from Kenjit’s collection...

Kenjit has never been one to let facts get in the way of the narrative.

I am not so much on a quest to upgrade,  I am just trying to assemble a system that begs to be listened to for long periods.   I am almost at the end of the journey,  just waiting for my preamp to be built.  

I am careful where and what I spend $$$ on.  

Most of the time I will only buy something I can audition at home , in my system.

It is not often that I replace something in a short period if time.    My purchases tend to be something I would want to keep for a long time. 

I agree with others in saying systems that are hard to listento probably have more to do with the room than the gear.