Audio Debt?

Although many of us may not be using credit to buy audio or pursue other hobbies, I wonder if it ever crowds out necessary savings for retirement, etc. The US savings rate is pretty crappy.

As I said before, why not finance when it makes sense? What's the difference between financing audio equipment or financing a luxury car when all you need is something much less expensive? The reason I bring this up again is that I remembered that I did finance a system -- my very first!! For $500, I got a very nice JVC receiver and a pair of AR 10 speakers. That was 30 years ago and I still own them (reconed woofers) and my son now listens to the system and loves it! Was it worth it? Absolutely!!!

stick with used gear and screw the urge to upgrade(most upgrades are 'objectively' more different-than-better . have other interests and learn enjoy music in other enviroments than your home. sometimes even the cheapo radio in your car with the windows down is an experience no hi end stereo can come close to.......weed helps too...inagadadavida

It's an investment. Not necessarily for resale. But an investment in enjoyment. I love music. I truly enjoy hearing it played back accurately. It's cost prohibitive paying talented musicians to perform for me at my home any time of day I desire. How long does anyone think they are going to live... . One sometimes needs to stand back and simply enjoy those roses that truly bring one joy.

Something is an investment when it pays out. The value of the pay out is in the head of the payee.

Even if I use a credit card, I don't purchase anything I can't back with cash. Sometimes it is more convenient budget wise to spread the payments out over three months. I have friends that will finance new gear for three years but I refuse to go down that road. Buying gear here on Audiogon allows me to buy brands I would otherwise disregard due to the price for new.