I need help with my Equipment addiction


I can't leave well enough alone. My most disappointing days are days like today where I sit down to listen to my system, drink some wine, and unwind and... the system sounds great. I hate that. Nothing to tweak, everything is intergrating well: Clear highs, check. Fast, deep bass, check. Digital sound good with weight and impact, Check. Vinyl sound deep and well rounded with extended highs and excellent speed, check.

That's when the trouble starts. I start thinking, "What if changed cartridges?" "Well then I need a step up transformer, or a seperate MC phono stage", "Maybe I should just look at new preamps, even thbough I love mine now", "Then I need a separate phono preamp, I've always wanted an ARC preamp", then "Hey then I could buy an ARC tube amp for the high end of the Maggies and get bi-amp them"

Does it ever stop? How can I stop the cycle? I think I'm going to drink some more wine.
macdadtexas
Balance, now I want balance!!! OK, that means a whole new set up. Can you say rationalization?

Now I am all about balance, that's what I need.

Well that will take a new preamp probably many until I get that balanced sound. Then amps, why that could take multiple, in many different configurations.

Maybe several smaller subs, instead of a big one, or several big ones.

Think I still keep the Maggies and the VPI Classic though.

But maybe a new cartridge??

Oh screw it, I'm going to show some restraint, not change anything and just buy some more records. Well, for tonight.
Throw away ALL glossy audio rags, and stop visiting audio websites. Yes, this is quiting cold turkey, but the desire will subside. It's just like quitting any other nasty habit.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go buy some more crack.

Cheers,
John
Step 1. Check the Audio Research Website for details on the LS26 and Ref 3 and 5 preamps

Step 2. Check Audiogon website for ARC preamps

Step 3. Check eBay for ARC Preamps

Step 4. Check Craigslist Houston for ARC Preamps

Step 5. Austin Craigslist

Step 6. Dallas Craigslist

Step 7. San Antonio Craigslist

Step 8. Bryan/College Station Craigslist

Step 9. Chicago Criagslist (family there)

Step 10. Los Angles Craigslist (go for work all the time)

Step 11. New York Craigslist (work)

Step 12. Drink another glass of wine