2. misc-audio
  3. 193456-143640

Has it all been worth it?

I recently turned 63, and I've been into all things audio since the mid 70's. In that time I've spent countless thousands of dollars chasing that damn rabbit down the hole. Solid state, vinyl, cassette, CD, tubes, big speakers, small speakers, pricy gear, cheap gear...been there, done that. Sitting here in my less than acoustically friendly office listening to a Hi-Res version of Angie by TRS this is probably the nicest stereo I've ever had. And even with my compromised hearing (bouts of tinnitus, and a stroke) I know the music sounds as good as it ever has, but yet I can't help but ask myself - has this journey all been worth it? The money, soul searching, reviews, disappointment in the review when it didn't live up to the hype, "am I missing out by not owning _____" etc. Sometimes I wish I were more like my wife who just bought a cheap shelf unit to listen to her CD's and is perfectly pleased with what she hears.

Anyone else find themself at this point sometimes?

craigvmn
stuartk
3,077 posts
 

@craigvmn

I’m assuming this is a rhetorical question.

Perhaps examine your expectations and carefully consider whether they were/are realistic.

Perhaps, at present, you are seeking "something else" that simply cannot be achieved via audio?

 

 

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pablolie
18 posts
 

A hobby is always a discovery journey, and there’ll be moments of joy as well as of disappointment. We’ve all been there.

I have gone the opposite way - about 4 years ago one of the components in my expensive setup had to be serviced. So I set up a system that was 20% of the cost with spares I had. I decided it sounded fantastic. When the other component came back, I didn’t bother to put it back together. I haven’t sold the more expensive system components yet, but shall do so soon.

I still care about audio, but found out I obsessed about it too much for too long. Now I just enjoy music that sounds amazing, and feel free having unburdened myself from the audiophilia nervosa that still lived on in my system.

jl35
4,099 posts
 

Definitely worth it...you can thoroughly enjoy what you have while looking at your next possible upgrade...love your music while having fun with your gear...

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