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How can anyone afford this ?

I consider myself a dedicated audiophile. I am 36(which I am guessing is a little younger than the average here) and single. I have been interested in high-end audio since I saw my uncle's Mcintosh and Threshold equipment for the first time when I was 5.
Since joining the workforce and saving a little I have always been trying to put together a nice system on a budget. I do OK financially(I am a systems engineer) but I do live in NYC which may put some of this into perspective.
Over the last 6 months I have struggled to buy(all used on Agon) a pair of Dynaudio Audience 42s and a Threshold CAS2 amp, Chang CLS3200, and cables(I haven't gone out[I don't have a girfriend], purchased anything else and really haven't eaten too much to be able to afford these and it is still a real stretch). I am using the amp with a direct connection from my CD/DVD player(Cambridge Audo Azur 540D...slightly modified[op amps, PS caps, bypass caps] that I have had for almost 10 years). A fellow has a Threshold FET2 series II(to match with the CAS2) he is holding for me but that seems like a pipe dream at this point along with a turntable.
A few years ago the analogue bug hit me.
I had a setup consisting of an Audio Analogue Settanta integrated and a Nottingham Horizon SE turntable with a Rega RB300 tonearm with the Incognto rewire and structural mod. This was not an expensive kit by any stretch but for me it almost put me in the poor house. I had to sell the entire rig to pay my bills and it hurt.
It seems over the last 10 years or so I have not been able to keep a kit for more than 6 months before I had to sell it. Whenever I don't have a rig I am constantly scanning the online Ads lusting for the next bargain to set up a system and cannot even listen to music on a mass market rig(I have been spoiled).
Anyway, I guess my question is how can anyone normal afford this hobby? What type of money do you have to be making to be able to enjoy this hobby.....$100,000/year? $500,000/year? Do you need to be worth millions? $5,000 barely gets you in the door(some interconnects cost more) and you could possibly spend millions. I am not looking to put together a $10,000 system(not even close...and that is modest in this hobby) but if I wanted to I don't see it ever being financially possible. If I had a girlfriend or a family(hopefully someday) I would not event be able to think about this hobby with a good conscience. I guess I am wondering if all these people in this hobby are millionaires? I am close to selling my rig again to pay the bills(the amp needed repair/recap and that was $450). Any advice for an audiophile who lusts to put together a nice rig but can't afford it? Should I get out and save for 5 or 10 years and then try again? Maybe I am in the wrong hobby but it is more addicting that crack to me(and more expensive). Maybe I should be a crackhead instead...that might be the only thing to make me forget about it. Thoughts?
adamd1205
auxetophone
114 posts
 
One mistake I have made is to buy a component that sounded great in another system or had a great review, but ended up not working in my system.

It's hard to avoid making this type of mistake buying used - it's how you react to it that can cost plenty. One time I bought a pair of speakers I had heard sounding good in another system, but not good in mine. I was told that they "needed quality electronics" to sound their best. Before I knew it, EVERYTHING had to be upgraded, and listening wasn't much fun until that had been done. I would have been far better off taking the attitude that a component isn't for me if, by itself, it doesn't improve my system.

So the lesson is: If anyone buys a $300,000 amp and it doesn't work in your system, save yourself a ton of money & gift it to me;)
hotmailjbc
571 posts
 
trickledown economic policy is just another bunch of hogwash you swallowed irroniclly on ronnie raygunz 100 birthday. hang on to your most cherished fantasies. when speaking about forgetfulness speak for yourself and not the 'we'. by the way unemployment is at 10 percent with millions of people over the age of 50 with no hope of ever working in their field of choice again. enjoy you ivory tower frogman. maybe get away from your comfortable listening position and your keyboard and check out the real world.
mceljo
1,357 posts
 
Here's another example of to show that you can't compare yourself to others when it comes to finances. I have a good friend that started working the same day that I did and the way promotions work we'll likely always make just about the same amount of money unless one of us chooses to move into management. Most people consider him to be the typical selfish toy buyer and would never expect him to really be responsible with his money. All they see is his new toys, but what most didn't realize is that he's put more into his retirement than anyone I know, doesn't go into debt, but does spend very freely with the remainder of his money. I was scratching my head recently when he and his wife purchased a 4,100 sq-ft house that cost over $400k. I can't imagine wanting a house that big, but also don't know how'd I'd afford the payment. I found out later that he actually had enough cash in the back to put the majority of 20% down without selling their other house. I was impressed. As it turns out he'd been banking a ton of his per diem and overtime from several years of traveling for work. Even I didn't realize how financially solid he was. He's one of my best friends and I wouldn't have guessed how much money he'd saved in an effort to purchase the house of his dreams.
geoch's avatar
geoch
354 posts
 
Use some clever items, helping your self to define the term
"I refuse to follow the industry"
After this , audio evaluation, progression steps & urgrade path, can be a really easy, safe & fun activity.

One of this items I advise you as the starting point for your new clever audio life is the old "Red Rose R3"
A speaker that knows the heart & deeper meaning of music, that can open a whole new orizon in your senses & help you to escape from the usual hi-fi listening.
A 2X50W vintage (70's) preferably tube receiver or integrated is more than good enough (talk about smart buys).
A Lenco L75 is the next component to give you the chance to confirm & prove to your self your dedication to this hobby.
The 12" cherry arm for $250 is excellent for some great MM cartridges, the choise of them must directed by the amp too.

In general, the point of view for this clever approach, is to never pass the "good enough" threshold.
Strictly forbidden !
It is absolutely necessary to avoid the spider's web of the endless & unreasonable upgrade expenses & therefore to have the emotional space in your heart & the peace of mind to take pleasure in the use of your system & to commit yourself to enjoy the music at last !
john_tracy
342 posts
 
Join the DIY bandwagon. Upgrade your system with a soldering iron and not your wallet!
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