Love for music shatter by highend equipment

I enjoy both the music and the gear. I generally buy what I consider to be the best "bang for the buck" type products in the medium priced category, which for me is about $1500-$3000 per component. I enjoy what effect it has on my listening experience without going broke. I typically do not change systems for at least 5 years, although I do make some small changes and tweaks between times. Once I have settled on a system, I enjoy my music on it, and do not go out auditioning new stuff until I am ready to buy. While the music is the top priority, I do enjoy hearing it at high quality levels, and I appreciate "real" improvements in sound. Since I am not rich, getting systems in the price level stated above allows me good results without going too high on the "diminishing returns" scale. I have always been happy at this level, because I know I can never afford the outlandishly great and expensive, but I can get close enough to achieve a satisfying musical experience. By doing this, I can concentrate better on the music by eliminating the nagging psychological distraction that I should have bought better equipment. If you satisfy yourself that your system is the best you can reasonably afford and it sounds real good to you, the music is much more accessible for enjoyment, due to removal of the neurotic barriers. This method has always worked for me, and lowered my stress levels immensely.

I want to know about Mahandave's $500 world beater. My $500 is a Yamaha piano craft for $350 plus Aegis 1 speakers $179.

I have to share my system with the Kids. Since Britany and hip hop are not my bag i come and play here while they listen to the rig.

Having run into the "this disc sounds like crap so i will no longer listen to it" syndrome some time ago, i've learned to try and strike a balance between a system that is "revealing" yet still "musical". Out of all of the things i've tried to do in life, this has been a great challenge. It seems that most pieces lean one way or the other and finding the right blend can be very tough. When you can find that blend though, it almost seems like "magic". You are transported into the music and you forget all about the gear making this type of enjoyment possible. To me, THAT is what it is all about. Sean
>

Right on Sean! But, speaking of discs that sound like crap, does anyone have a system that makes Santana's 'Supernatural' listenable?? When I come home and my sweet wife is cranking this CD on the living room system I shortly start developing a homicidal rage-- Lou Ferrigno morphing into Mr. Hulk. She senses my hostility and plays another disc while I compose myself with a brew or two.