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How did U get into this expensive hobby?

So I was up last night listening to my system and thought to myself, when am I going to be 100% satisfy with my set up. Just for once I like to listen without thinking well maybe if I can add this or remove that I can improve on this or that area. A mist all that I thought how did I ever got into this hobby any way? Well, the nightmare began for me when I was working in my college university's periodical section. We had over 3000+ magazines on file. The first stereo magz I ever picked up was the AUDIO annual price list which was about 300 or so pages of all major audio mfg. and models..also known as the audio bible; what ever happened to Audio magazine anyway? I remembered being so intrigued by so many brands that I have never heard of before and how the workmanship and industrial design seemed so much far superior than the average Kenwood and Pioneer back then (no offense to Kenwood and Pioneer owners). This was 10 years ago and I started by scraping every pennies I had to purchase my first NAD integrated amp. Although 10 years have passed, I am still scraping for money to own something new every now and then, but this time instead of pennies, it's dimes a nickels since my tasted have upgrade with my salery. It'd be interesting to hear how some of you fellow audigoners got started in this hobby. Upon adding to this thread, you'll find that you'll get a little grin on your face after spilling your guts out on how you began on this deep pocket journey and how far you have come. Happy Holidays guys and gals.
3chihuahuas
south43
386 posts
 
I guess it started with me growing up in nyc and being surrounded by muscians(my dad plays guitar) and just knowing what instruments sound like. Later I just wanted my system to sound as close to the original as possible. I believe it's not so much about gear but how much you love music. BTW just listened to the Marsh amp, sounds really GOOD, like music. Good listening
garfish
1,840 posts
 
Leafs; your spiteful, negative post was totally uncalled for and definitely out of line. If anyone has "ruined" this thread, it will have been you. As to 3Chihuahuas' thread, I had been out of audio for 10-15 years, when I was walking through the music and electronics section of a large department store (early 90s) and noticed that there were no LPs-- nothing but CDs (a few cassettes). I asked a clerk to demo a $249. JVC boom box with CD player built in. I was totally taken by the 'stone silence' of the music background, as well as the instant track access, programming, repeat, and other functions of the CD player. I bought the boombox shortly after and a handful of CDs-- then did the "mid-fi" thing for awhile, but before long I knew I had to have separates. I did some research, and a vinyl junkie friend recommended Vand. 2Ce speakers, my first "high end" equipment, and gave me access to his large library of Stereophile back issues. I now think I have what is an outstanding, enjoyable, and very musical stereo system, and I've never looked back. BTW, like so many others, in my young adult years I had Bose speakers (501's) and a series of cheap TTs. Cheers. Craig.
leafs
414 posts
 
The point is there are Music lovers in our hobby and gear heads.If a magazine led you to HI-END your 99% gear head.The stupid fool is the one who buys high end based on what they read in the Audio press. Buy with your ears.
leafs
414 posts
 
3Chi The difference is that it does not take us 20/30 years before we learn about Sex.We read and look at playboy from a very young age because we have a genuine interest in the subject.If a Mag brought you to high end your a gear head not a music lover.
jadem6's avatar
jadem6
1,074 posts
 
Well I have no comment on Leaf or his "friends". I was in Junior High in 1969 when I was offered a used Marantz Integrated amp and tuner. I had two summer jobs at the time so I bought it with a small loan from dad. I talked my dad into a bit more for some Jensen speakers with 15" woofers! After I paid dad back I saved $400 and got an Empire belt drive turntable. I had no idea how lucky I was to have started with such a good system. I guess that starting that way spoiled me and I've always gone up from there. It wasn't until the mid '80s when a friend of mine took me to an audophile shop. I was blown away at how good a stereo could sound. After some time I bought my first quality system, and I still didn't even know Sterephile and the other mag's existed. As has been often stated, music brought me to this hobby and my drive to improve the sound and my personal enjoyment keep me upgrading. If all the jabs cast on this site could end and we could just share our hobby together life would be perfect. Come on guys, can't we just enjoy eachother?
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