How does one get off the merry-go-round?


I'm interested in hearing from or about music lovers who have dropped out of the audio "hobby." I don't mean you were content with your system for 6 weeks. I mean, you stood pat for a long time, or--even better--you downsized...maybe got rid of your separates and got an integrated.

(I suppose if you did this, you probably aren't reading these forums any more.)

If this sounds like a cry for help, well, I dunno. Not really. I'm just curious. My thoughts have been running to things like integrated amps and small equipment racks and whatnot even as I continue to experiment and upgrade with vigor (I'm taking the room correction plunge, for example.) Just want to hear what people have to say on the subject.

---dan
Ag insider logo xs@2xdrubin
I am feeling the "done for now" time is nearing since getting active speakers. I do want to try to work on acoustic treatments and possibly a projector but I'm pretty happy otherwise and everything fits in my cabinet. No more tubes, minimal cables, and very dynamic life-like sound. Fun.
In response to the question,in my house,there is no getting off,only getting on.Party on dude,cheers,Bob
You get off the merry-go-round when you finally come to your senses that 99% of the world does not give a sh** about this ridiculous and outrageously expensive hobby. This is usually the point when you discover that everything in the world that really matters is in front of you, not what is at the the next corner ( ie. upgrades ).... Put on a blindfold and you will hear very little differences between a $5,000.00 system which is properly set up and complimentary, to a $50,000.00 system which simply gives you braggin' rights. And we often talk about cocaine addicts and how sick they are. True enough, but audio is just as sick. Get the best you can comfortably afford, plug it in and enjoy it. You will listen and enjoy. BUT, buy an expensive system and chances are that after you spend 10X what you should have, you'll lose interest anyway.....
Blackwillard, 99% of the world doesn't care about sports cars, fine wine, plasma tvs, guns, electronic games, travel abroad, or any of the other vices that afflict modern society. Obviously, money is the key element is being able to afford your passion. :Your statement about hearing very little difference between a $5k system and a $50k system is, however, over the top. One would have to be a very poor audiophile to buy a system for $50k that would not be audibly superior to an average $5k system.

I find this thread quite interesting as I think there are few audiophiles that would want to get off. I have been doing this for nearly 50 years now and am still having great fun, more thoroughly enjoying realism, and enjoying the circle of audiophile friends I have met over the years.
Blackwillard, I think it is true that 99% of the world don't care about this hobby. But approximately the remaining 1% that do care are audiophiles (audiophiles represent a small segement of society). I would also agree there are far more important things in life including family but for an audiophile, a healthy balance between the two is a very good thing. It is when this balance tips towards compulsive behavior & out-of-control spending that leads to more serious consequences, thus the reason this thread exists for some.

Anyway I'm sure there are is an audible difference between a $50,000 system and one that costs $5,000 but the law of dimenishing returns do apply at a certain price point. If given $5,000 to work with, I could come up with a very enjoyable & satisfying system.