Why are all the Virtual Systems mega-assaults now?

We, mostly men, look at things we can't have all the time. It's in our nature - do I need to explain!? I for one really enjoy looking at the all-out-assault systems. We all have the same compulsive obsessions with the equipment. I’ll bet I’m not the only middle-class guy here on Agon who, upon sticking it rich, would place building a “mega” system high on the proverbial first list of “things do with all this new found wealth.” I would love to sit down and listen to one of these systems. It’s amazing just how good a modest high-end or “approaching” high-end system can sound – but even with the all-too-real diminishing returns of dollars invested vs improved sound, you just know that these killer systems have to sound like heaven on earth to an audiophile. By the way, the only reason I just recently posted my system was due to a thread I read about “audiophile pet peeves,” in which not listing ones’ system was mentioned.

This is a most interesting thread. I agree with many of the posters that people tend to look at the things that they lust after, I know I do. I think that I can relate well to both sides of this issue. My first system(and only system prior to my current one) was an NAD integrated, a Nakamichi CD player, and vandersteen 1A speakers. I loved that system nearly as much as I love the one I have now. It probably cost a greater percentage of my net worth at the time as well! It was all about loving music and wanting it to sound good. I didn't know much about the physics of constructing a system. I just happened to stumble into a high end dealer looking for those tiny Bose cubes (embarrasing but true story...thought they might impress the girls!) and he showed me things I had never seen before. Fortunately he talked me out of the Bose and introduced me to the high end. I learned from that experience that quality could be less expensive than junk.

I don't think there was an Audiogon then (1993), but if I knew about it, I certainly would have looked at all the fancy systems, but gotten ideas from the simpler ones. I certainly think my current system qualifies as Mega Buck. I have never actually added it all up. I started constructing it about 3 years ago. I really knew very little about high end audio or how to put a great system together. Audiogon has helped me a great deal, and I have looked at thousands of systems on this website. You can learn a great deal from the experiences of others. I am guilty like many others of looking at pretty systems filled with super expensive components more than the others. I agree that it is human nature to do so.

I would say, however, that most of the people who have mega buck systems now, at one time didn't! Only the most petty and insecure would look down on someone else's system based on cost. I think many of the mega buck people are secretly afraid that some of the less expensive systems might sound better than theirs. I know I hope I don't encounter one of those!:-) I would feel like a Jacka** for wasting my money. In reality any system that costs over $10,000 is a megabuck system. That's what my wife thinks ours costs and she is apalled.

I think it is worth everyone posting a system, partly it gives other posters a point of reference. If you ask a question, make a point, they can refer to your system to clarify it. Personally, I don't have a mega system, I enjoy it, am not ashamed of it and am not too worried if it draws derision. I am not in this forum to bathe in admiration and envy.

Quote Bflowers

"In reality any system that costs over $10,000 is a megabuck system. That's what my wife thinks ours costs and she is apalled"

Your wife is a smart lady. $10.000 is about 1/3 of my net year income.

Bflowers, You'd better hope your wife doesn't keep secrets (and not just financial ones) like you do. Did you ever stop to think that with five minutes work on the internet she can add up the price of all your toys and discover your lies? That's true for all the men who think they're so clever they can B.S. their women. It'll come home to roost.

In time there may be some more equipment for sale on Agon.
I wonder how many "Megasystems" have been built on the broken backs of relationships?

I would rather listen to a POS stereo and have peace with my wife than hear great gear and live a lie every time I listen.