Did a satisfaction threshold exist under 1000 bucks ?


Is there a minimal/optimal subjective and also objective threshold of minimal satisfaction ?
 
If so, many upgrade chasing may seems like a dog chasing his tail....😁
 
I just live through one of this upgrading  event...
 
My system is very good, and when i tried to upgrade it , it was more a curiosity about the new amplifier than a real need...
 
But keep in mind that my system is 700 bucks for all components... My upgrade trying cost 1000 bucks...😁
 
Anyway i myself think that there is objective acoustic factors that define good sound, and when these factors are there on this threshold line , most upgrade are a change not always for the better  not an improvement...
 
Am i alone who live throught this ? am i alone to be satisfied by under 1000 bucks system, headphone and speakers dac and amplifier included ?😁
 
For sure i listen alone... Many had wife and friends listening with them... This implicate costlier system able to accomodate a room , not headphone or small speakers for one in an acoustic corner for one ...
Anyway am i alone in acoustic bliss with under 1000 bucks system ?
 
 
128x128mahgister

I've also heard expensive systems that sounded poorly to me, and inexpensive that were quite good...but to listen to top quality gear in a synergistically combined system, with room and all other factors discussed here well accounted for, is an incredible listening experience...the room and tweaks mentioned have long been accepted a crucial, but are often unfortunately ignored...

Your question/ statement is very subjective. I think it depends on experiences, budget and the priorities of each individual. The secret of contentment is knowing how to enjoy what you have, and to be able to lose all desire for things beyond your reach.-- Lin Yutang 

I am not so much in stoicism nor in the self control of desire ... I am not so wise ...

In audio musical experience i simply discovered how creativity make us really happy without asking for any renunciation or ascetic self control ...

Acoustics knowledge ( + mechanical and electrical noise and vibration controls for sure ) can make a 1000 bucks system so good on all acoustic factors that we are able to pass what i called  the minimal acoustical satisfaction threshold ...my actual system is not a stoic stop gap at all, it is completely satisfying even it it cannot be high end top or passed  the maximal acoustical satisfaction threshold ...

my motto is :

Acoustics science rule the gear not the reverse ...

Then the secret of contentment is staying creative till your death and investing  yourself creatively in what you have but which  is used in the wrong way ... Learn how to use it in the optimal way ...

( As an example i modify thanks to Helmholtz knowledge  the rear porthole of my speakers and the result is astonishing )

The secret of contentment is knowing how to enjoy what you have, and to be able to lose all desire for things beyond your reach.-- Lin Yutang

Making the most with the less is true audio knowledge...

You are missing out a bit. There is a true audio savant in industry named Andrew Jones who offered charity for many years. It may be practically impossible for other dudes to eek out quality sound with non-existent budgets like Andrew. You probably owe it to yourself to try one of his speakers. He uses Yamaha amps primarily when voicing his speakers.

Elac Debut 2.0 bookshelf speakers, msrp ~350 usd

Yamaha A-S301 integrated amp., msrp ~350 usd

Get them used for way less. It may be a big upgrade from what you currently have.

 

I bought a pair of the Andrew Jones designed speakers (ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 Bookshelf Speakers) for an extra room while they were on sale for $419.98 recently and must say that this guy really knows what he's doing.  No speaker has impressed me this much in decades.  I did buy the Debut 2.0 before those and sent them back though.  The difference between the two is dramatic.