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?
Insight from Keats -from "Ode on Melancholy" She dwells with Beauty -- Beauty that must die; And Joy, whose hand is ever at his lips Bidding adieu; and aching Pleasure nigh, Turning to poison while the bee-mouth sips; Ay, in the very temple of delight Veiled Melancholy has her sovran shrine, Though seen of none save him whose strenuous tongue Can burst Joy's grape against his palate fine; His soul shall taste the sadness of her might, And be among her cloudy trophies hung. |
About five years ago I renewed my interest in my system. I have swapped out a lot of gear and had both FOMO and frustration big time along the way, but as my knowledge improved so did my satisfaction. That said, I have recently turned a corner where between a DAC upgrade, a sub six pack, lots of isolation and room acoustic products I am able to occasionally forget its a recording. This was a clear tipping point as my frustration stemmed from the sound being too far away from the sound of the real thing. Sibilance was my primary issue. Secondly, the six pac of subs is not about adequate bass, its about adding an aural presence that sounds like a real venue. I have a huge investment and I regret that it cost so much to get to my tipping point, but I'm very happy I made it. I am now continuing to work on the room, cabling, grounding etc, but not in the frenetic panic I once had. Finally, I think that our hobby keeps my brain sharp and socially I enjoy the relationships (even on-line) that I have made within the hobby. |
Well worth the journey and as they say with motorcycles "$2 of gas is worth $2k in therapy". Been playing this game since I got my first crystal radio (shaped like a cartoon rocket 4" tall). It was tuned by moving the nosecone antenna in and out and had the obligatory 2 cent ear piece. We're talkin' late 50s here. I did the same thing as @biwire and collected speakers from thrown away TVs and music consoles. Built my first subwoofer at 14. Bought my first REAL stereo from Radio Shack at 16. My dad thought I was completely bonkers, whole thing cost $400. He was driving a car that cost very little more than that. Fast forward a bit and I started to make real money and it was off to the races. In the @ghdprentice mode of upgrading, it was a clean sweep, all new and exciting. Now I'm on my last/best system and it's not going anywhere. With the past as prologue, the best constant in my life has been music. There is always some BS going on. But the music, the music is my synaptic drug of choice. So, to answer your question directly: A RESOUNDING YES! Regards, barts
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One thing I've taken up recently is spending several hundred dollars investing in HiRes music. I've bought & downloaded a lot of music I already owned, but now that I have a system capable of resolving all the extra 1's and 0's , and while I'm selective in what I buy, I'm enjoying these familiar pieces on a whole new level now. |
