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  3. 1130474974

What is your comfort level?

Can't say how or why, but while perusing the Classifieds I've unconsciously set limits on how much components, new or used, can reasonably cost in my home system. The limits seem built-in. Although units over my limits are often desireable, because they're beyond what I'd consider actually spending, I give them no more than passing interest. Have I found my comfort level? Thankfully the used market on the Net has got me into some stuff I'd never have afforded new. FWIW then, here are my limits:

Preamp - $1,000
Power Amp - $1,250
CD Player - $1,500
Speakers - $2,000
Pair of Interconnects - $100
Digital cable - $150

Do you have limits? What is your comfort level?
rockvirgo
bpwalsh
1,215 posts
 
Uru975: Great post! More people should listen with their ears, not with their pocketbooks or what they read. When you hear what you can't live without and can get it, it's nice to get off the bus and enjoy the music.

Brian
tobias
1,534 posts
 
My $1500-per-component limit turned into $1500-per-upgrade... with just one trip, so far, into the territory Uru975 mentions.

You have to set limits, I think. They make it much easier to see the difference between something you want and something you need. ( OK, maybe that should be " ...and something you really, really want." )
bgrazman
226 posts
 
Over the year, my philosophy has been cost per upgrade and not cost per component. If I trade a component for $2k, then my comfort level for the replacement is $2k + "X".

I have also found that the longer I am in the hobby, the higher X goes (and I am working from a larger base).

This may be why I so love tweeks, I can play for much less than the cost of a component/upgrade (I have gone the upgrade route a number of times with SMC audio and McCormack gear).
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