Hiatus

I think Audiophilia attracts certain types of people. Men for one, but with analytical skills, a love of nuance and subtlety, lots of cuiousity, and definitely somewhat obsessed. Depending on where you are on the scale of obsessed will probably determine if you get dragged too far.

For me, the reward always outweighed any other aspect. I have been obsessed for 50 years nonstopped. I enjoyed listening to my system (sometimes the music, sometimes the system). Although at one point (about fifteen years ago) I had pushed my system too far to the detailed / analytical side. I loved listening to it for 45 minutes… I was working, so that was all I could manage most of the time. If I had more time I would get bored and go do something else. I was disappointed… and wondering if my interest was waning.

I called this system my reference system, as I could immediately determine the nuances of the venue and mastering techniques. It seemed like the best possible system.

Then I upgraded my headphone system to an unbelievably good, really powerful 300B amp. Instantly what was wrong with my main system became obvious. It lacked warmth and musicality as well as rhythm and pace. I completely rebuilt my main system… it is now completely musical and enthralling. I listen three hours a day and have to be dragged away each day.

Sounds like for you it was a change in attitude, for me it was a change in the sound of my system.

Reading these posts made me think of an analogy. I think the reason why we’re always tweaking is similar to why we buy new clothing. It’s like “we like the basic system” which would be ‘the person” and then every now and again we “make a tweak” or go buy some “new clothes.” So I’m “making a tweak” is the same as buying a new “sport jacket and some pants and shoes.” The core of the system is still there we just change how it sounds a little bit or how it looks. Does anybody think this makes any sense? Lol

I came to the conclusion that I love all 3 of my systems now, Livingroom, office, and RAAL phones. I am now done, done. The proof is in the last 2 photos. Taken before all were taken to the recycling centre.

Office System | Virtual Listening Room (audiogon.com)

I need to update my system photos with what is the final systems.

Just the music now and my wallet is also happier.

Some get sucked down the rabbit hole like Alice.

Have to keep it all in context. For me it is about music, not the arms or gear race. I find that I am spending more time on small refinements and selling the stuff we do not use anymore. 
 

If you spent $500 and it sounds good to you, then stop and listen to the roses. 😉

I completely rebuilt my main system… it is now completely musical and enthralling. I listen three hours a day and have to be dragged away each day.

 

Sounds like for you it was a change in attitude, for me it was a change in the sound of my system.

I lived through the exact same experience as you but with a low cost well embedded synergetical system..

I listen now as yourself  music in ectasy and the negative aspects of sound are no more evident...

I can upgrade at a cost which will be 10 times the cost of my actual system ... I will not do it... It is unnecessary because i miss nothing so much as to feel a lack on any acoustic factors..

When you cannot stop listening the SOUND for the first time in your life this is a clear sign that all is synergetically well chosen and rightfully embedded.. ...

But the OP has a very important point : listening albums for their sound instead of their musical content and interpretation may be the starting point toward a dead end road, upgraditis ...

It is useless to upgrade BEFORE learning how to embed any system...

Articles about acoustics and electrical and mechanical embeddings are more valuable than any upgrade in general, except the necessary upgrade when there is no synergy...