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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
deep_333
1,647 posts
 

There is no single best sound, for which you have to keep selling and buying to the top. It doesn’t exist. This is maybe the biggest audiophile trap, that gets sped up by the sales guys.

Fact of the matter is, there are many different types of good sound. When you get used to such a truth instead, all the nervosa and stoopidosa may come down.

I have 4 violins. If you ask, "4?? which one is the ’best??" I might just call an Uber for you, go home dawg.

 

bob540
420 posts
 

I decided up front that I would only spend a modest amount on audio equipment (about $8,000 so far), and that has still been fun.  I don’t want to leave a bunch of equipment to my sons that they probably won’t care about or be able to get the money out of it.  I think there can be a practical side to this hobby, and that is certainly influenced by the amount of wealth one has.  I’m just a middle class guy. 

jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,253 posts
 

It’s all worth it. I enjoy it.

slaw's avatar
slaw
22,299 posts
 

Yeah, I’ve had fun and discovered more music that is enhancing my life.

sls883
575 posts
 

I maybe could have gotten to where I am and spent less, but what I like a lot about my current system is that older recordings that I thought were crappy (sibilant, etc) are not.  

I was listening to Til Tuesday - Everything's Different Now last night.  I always thought it was a so-so recording.  It sounds damn good.  Who knew?  I'm listening to more music now and not just the "audiophile grade" recordings.

I have three new sets of preamp tubes delivering today.  For not a lot of money, I can do a little tweaking and see if I can get a tiny bit of improvement. 

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