High End Hi-Fi like Drugs


I am getting back into vinyl after many years of digital (cough, choke, puke). Sorry for that visual. I enjoyed my days in digital until "I saw the light" or in this case, heard the sound. I really didn't realize the potential of vinyl back in the "80's" partly because I didn't have the $$ to invest (I'm still on a budget) and back then, I wasn't exposed to good equipment. One thing I have realized is, with any Hi-Fi system , whether it be digital or vinyl, it's like doing drugs. Yes there was a day many years ago I was in to that kind of thing. No matter what you have, you are ALWAYS looking for the better "high", or in this instance, better sounding equipment. I'm amazed at some of the equipment I see on this site. One thing I can say to all the na-sayers concerning analog-you have to spend some bucks, before you hear analog's real potential. I'm not talking about a second mortgage on your home (that's not a bad idea), just better quality equipment I am on the bottom rung, if you will, as far as my "front end" goes, but with each improvement, there is an astounding difference. One thing I questioned, was the pops and clicks I used to hear when playing an album. Digital was so quiet compared to my memory of LP's. I have to say with better cartridges and tonearms, it's amazing what difference good equipment can make. So, before you digital people, who think it's the only way to go, if possible, try to listen to a good quality analog system. You will never go back. And yes-i'm still looking for my next "fix." Guess I should have posted this on the Digital site. I have an excuse-too many drugs back in the day.
handymann
To my mind this is an category error in the question.
Drugs means addiction while our hobby is a (serious)
disease.
I get that high when I use 8-tracks.

Seriously, lots of nostalgia for the days when pot was illegal.
It's always a blast from the past when I open an old double album cover and find 40yr old weed residue from the ol' days of 'straining'!!;)
The old school psychologist train of thought:

ORGAN - This is your brain, this is your brain on your rig
DISEASE - Audiphilus Adictus
SYMPTOMS - Severe drooling over new hardware, upgrades, tweaks etc, maximized plastic, multiple mortgages, Multiple wives. Endless supply of recorded music in various formats.

No amount of correcting the symptoms ever cures the disease or the organ.