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

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.

Perhaps for some it is the journey and sea of constant change that keeps them trapped on the Merry-go-round.

Careful perusal of this thread and A'gon site in general shows that many audiophiles claim to have gotten off the merry-go-round (found that ideal component, system, the BEST!). Great eulogies abound to this, that, and other prized components... that the great search is ended!

Recorded for posterity, these threads are like trunkless legs of stone, a shattered visage, in a desert where nothing beside remains: a testament to long dead, fleeting passions.

Near field listening !
I am listening to a modest system now near field, and enjoying it quite a bit.

1) Sony es CD player ($800)
2) Marantz 2285 receiver (from many decades a go)
3) Mission speakers ($300)
4) Wires - $160
5) Oneac power conditioner ($170)

When I go near, I gain so much in audio pleasure - makes me wonder why more people are not into it. I get my favorite cup of tea, and a book, and my music playing practically in my ears, and I am in heaven.