The Psychology of Constant (Equipment) Change


Anybody have an answer?

I have a decent selection of preamps, amps, integrateds and speakers to choose from and I find myself swapping out gear constantly.  And it's not because anything sounds bad.  Quite contrary, really.

After most swapping sessions, I'm generally really satisfied and quite enjoy the sound quality.  But within a few weeks I'm swapping stuff out again.

What would be the diagnosis for my condition?

 

128x128audiodwebe

I don't think it's OCD as much as a lack of impulse control that said there are worse addictions to have than high end audio gear.

I really like the idea of keeping a small group of tube integrateds to swap in to a system, sadly I find myself unable to go that route at this time.  I don't think there's a problem any more than wanting to listen to different types of music or eat different foods ore experiment with meals you've made before.

Some folks love the process and some like the destination. The pursuit is the analytical process of assessing, comparing, and searching for better. I am a destination person, I will put in one to,two years of intense work. Then sit back and enjoy the music for five to ten years. 

The same diagnosis that keeps you from going to the same restaurant every time. 

A couple of years ago I finally found my perfect system after decades in this hobby and don't really need or want anything to improve it.  This system is in my dedicated audio room.

The ironic part is that I'll occasionally put together other systems in other rooms although I know damn well in advance that they won't surpass my main system.

  Perhaps just to have something new to play with and to see what's out there and compare.  My partner says that I should be one of those influencers or reviewers online, but that's just not my thing.  I think I do it just out of curiosity, love for the hobby or just boredom.  My nephews and nieces aren't complaining though, because most of that stuff I give away to them after a while, as components get demoted from room to room and eventually the garage and then given away. 

You could probably guess where they like to look when they come over :)