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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
curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,978 posts
 

@craigvmn 

My older brother thinks I’m out of my mind for having the rig I have.  He’s very happy listening to his music from the 1/4” speakers in his phone. While I do listen the same way from time to time, I truly enjoy listening with my main system a lot more.😃

xenolith's avatar
xenolith
156 posts
 

Heck, this is a fun pastime.  Chez xeno has always had a fun stereo since the earliest iteration: components were sourced from Goodwill, St. Vincent De Paul and other thrift stores...think $15 Heathkit tube integrated and $25 Dynaco speakers.  Lotta evolution, all fun, and now we're enjoying our end game system.  So yea, it was waaaay more than worth it.  I'm truly saddened for anyone who hasn't had similarly enjoyable experiences growing their stereo.

travelinjack's avatar
travelinjack
209 posts
 

Yup.  I sold hifi in the 80's.  I don't have what is considered a pure audiophile system but it gets the job done better than anything I have ever owned.  I don't have FOMO.  I don't have upgrade-itis. Play on!

roadcykler
178 posts
 

There's a serious issue with FOMO in this hobby and way too many people chase the unobtainable. I guess if they've got the money and it makes them happy (the buying new stuff, obviously not how it sounds), gofer it.

hickamore
704 posts
 

Don't regret a moment of it or a dollar of it, although many of both were "wasted" as viewed in 20/20 hindsight. For many of us there have always been limitations and side constraints. Who has the time and money to build a perfect listening room with perfectly matched components before retirement age -- if then? The ideal  is not the goal, but simply the standard of reference. The goal is simply improvement. At all times I ask what is the current weak link, and focus on that  -- until something breaks, or some revolutionary product appears, and then the focus goes elsewhere. A journey, not a destination. A process, not a product.   

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