AA for us

Purchase gobs of cheap thermometers from TEMU and then peruse the free online weather stations with the rest of your remaining time.

This has worked for me.

Weather is REAL.

DeKay

@dekay unfortunately my other obsession is the  weather, and climate change and writing weather apps, thanks for pushing me further into the hole 

 I got there without going to a single meeting. No 12 steps for me, more like a skip and a jump and I'm done. Kinda. It crept up incrementally, like in that Niagra skit but no one strangled me in the Carillon Bell Tower. I knew when I got my current speakers that I was done.

The itch is there for bigger speakers but I'm room limited and that's a walk in the park dealing with it. As for the news, don't worry about it. An educated person is a good thing, despite what some think.

All the best,
Nonoise

@nonoise 

that I was done

sweet music to my ears 

Or a tone deaf person that calls that being educated, gaggle of them at ASR. 

I feel that at this point that I am showing all signs of an addict and I am no longer a functioning addict, unfortunately.

If this is a real post, sorry to hear this.

IMHO, it’s the undefinability of it all. Whether you are unhappy and can’t find what you want or you ARE happy and curious about what out there is better.

How does one get off the merry-go-round?

@cdc real post. Very astute observation about whether 

unhappy and can’t find what you want or you ARE happy and curious about what out there 

Both, and in between; when it's an addiction, it's about the feeling of wanting more and something different, and not being able to stop.

focus that energy on new music……

The First Step to returning to becoming a Functional Non Obsessive Individual in relation to ones Interests in Audio Equipment is to:

1, Admit ones own Head is far up ones own void between the Derriere, where Audio Equipment is concerned.   

The problem is not audiophiles, it is the human species. Humans think arrogantly they are smart and are the most evolved creature on earth, when really they fall between the common Zebra and three toed sloth in the evolutionary hierarchy. Humans have the brain power equivalent to a pumpkin and will piss away anything they may think they have created. Whatever remains will kill them in time.

You might try telling your wife how much your audio equipment costs and that probably will keep you from having to attend any meetings.

Severe hearing loss did it for me. Haven’t critically evaluated, tweaked, added, or subtracted anything to/from my "main" system in 8 years. Really nice for articulating dialog from Hallmark Channel at present. Truly exhilarating musical experience(s), not so much.

You might consider sitting down with a large bag of Cheetos when you start "messing" with the system. Will measurably reduce the time you spend with the equipment.

Sounds like I am surrounded by wise people here. Better than the opposite.

@frankmc195 I am not a big spender - because of the wife. But I sure have my secrets.

I have the opposite problem. I live on a small fixed Income. It usually takes me quite a long time to save up for A piece of equipment. When it comes time to make the purchase, I go through all kinds of emotions wondering if all this money I just spent is going to help my system. To date, I have been able to bat 100 but still every single time it’s a roller coaster in the brain. 

OK, if weather is out try putting Peri Peri sauce on everything (and I mean everything).

DeKay

@gkelly my budget is so small I can relate to the saving up part, but unfortunately my conscience is not fighting me much.

@dekay Totally. I will try anything on everything.

The thing that I've found helpful is stop reading message boards where people talk about how great component x is or speaker y is. Secondly, be comfortable with your system and not be looking for the next thing to "upgrade." Lastly, when people tell you things like the Shakti Hallograph or Marigo Tuning Dots making a difference in the sound of their system, realize that they have drunk the flavoured water and should not be trusted with audio advice. 

@roadcykler it is definitely fuel to the fire. I shall take a break, go to rehab, drink Peri Peri.

We should consider our gears as music instrument .        

Once we buy a piano or a violon ; we keep it a very long time . We don't sell theme  after two years , just because there are new ones on the market .

@maxwave it's not about the new ones on the market but all the old ones I had never heard 

"Addiction" can be a valuable tool when it comes to finally achieving the goal of owning a fine sound system. Wouldn't have it any other way. It was worth the trip. Some accomplishments require obsession.

@tomic601 some day...

To get off the merry go round you have to become immune to the hype. Some ways to do this:

1) Avoidance: Don’t read audio mag’s or go online.

2) Go about your search in an objective manner as much as possible. Do you like solid or stranded wire? Do you like the smooth sound of poly cone speakers or the punchy, clear sound of metal? It’s a good way to narrow down your options and eliminate most of the stuff out there.

3) Use money, or convenience, ergonomics, set-up, as a deterrent. You will often see people get to the point where they say "My stereo sounds so good I would have to pay 3X the price to improve on the sound" (the improvements are not worth the price).

Looking at it from the perspective "I have $10,000 to spend, what should I get?" is kind of missing the point IMHO. Are you trying to spend a lot of money or trying to get good sound?

4) Realize that deciding your preferences can take a long time. It is relatively easy to hear, or read about, differences between components. But not easy to decide if that is the sound they describe is what you are looking for.

Most people don’t care and just buy something and don’t think about it again.

As Bruce Lee the audiophile, not to be confused with the martial artist, said "At first a stereo was just a stereo. After I became an audiophile a stereo was no longer a stereo. Now that I understand the art, a stereo is just a stereo".
You want to get from point "A" to point "C". Right now, you are stuck at "B".

thanks @cdc!

I am not just stuck at B, I am stuck in the sound quality deterioration spiral. It's probably just in my head. The more things I change or try, the worse it gets - I think.

Better to retreat said an almost graduate of the G. Custer skool of obsession management… See ya in a month or so, we will get the trend reversed 

@tomic601 

There is a variety of medication that a psychiatrist can prescribe for OCD. OCD treatment will fix audiophile neuroses.

AA type of events with other audioloons in a room is not gonna fix anything. It may make it worse.

@deep_333 I hope to avoid getting addicted to medication. Man this is a deep hole :)

@dekay I absolutely love Peri Peri sauce. 

Related to this post:  Audiogon Discussion Forum

Kits are perfect for someone with a small budget but big aspirations.

diyaudio

LM3886 power operational amplifier:

akitika

LM3886 kit power-amplifier

GAINCLONE-Amplifier

Speaker kit - They do all the hard work. You just glue them together.

parts+express+speaker+kits

madisound speakers
This one always tempted me

If chasing sound is an addiction and buying gear is the drug, what exactly are you trying to "medicate"?

I'm 100% guilty of trying to obtain the best sound possible, but I put limits on how much I will spend.  Not how much I could afford, but what I feel is approaching the area of diminishing returns. 

When I got seriously got into this hobby, there were no forums, etc.  The best I could do was read magazines.  My goal given limited funds was to obtain the highest rated equipment in Stereophile's recommended components. Mostly class C, occasionally class B.  My first decent system was an Adcom GFA555 amp, NAD 1300 preamp, and Vandersteen 2C speakers. 

While I certainly read reviews and forum posts, most of my gear choices have been based on my own research.  I've had a few duds, but for the most part, I think I've made good choices.  

I'm now tweaking with cables.  Nothing crazy expensive.  Mostly used because it seems to be a great value.

But, the music is the key.  It all started with jamming to 8 track tapes in my 1970 Dodge Super Bee..

very relevant article, thanks @shtinkydog !

@stuartk the more comments on this post, the better I define my problem, and realize that even if I moved into Alma Audio permanently, I still wouldn't be "over it". I need to find the OCD cure.

I have accepted the first step. Admitting that i am powerless over audio, and that my life has become unmanageable.

thanks @cdc !

OP… “I am stuck in the sound quality deterioration spiral.”

This can happen. It is unlikely in your head. There are so many variables and emotions involved… and the decision making process can become super load the decisions you make. If you have calibrated your thinking to the wrong set of parameters… let me just make something up… you carefully read / reread marketing info, and make decisions on measured specs, and actually like warm natural sound and are increasingly investing more… you are likely to be repeatedly disappointed.

The real trick is to recognize that there is a problem with either your decision process or the variables your track, or sources of info… etc.. Each step should be a significant advance… every one, and proof of process.

So, the only rational thing to do is stop where you are and deeply examine your decision making process… where is the process not working.

I would start by listening to other systems… dealers, friends, Audiogoners… cheap, expensive… etc. you want to find some that you really like and hate. Look for venues to listen to live music. You know you are smart… you can figure this out. Then read pro reviews on these. This will be your pursuit for a long time. You want an epiphany. “Oh sh@t!, that is what I was missing.” Take all the “addictive dedication” and invest it in figuring out why the expected outcome of sound quality is not what you are expecting, and what is your desire.

In the first years of my pursuing the high end I made some mistakes and some great purchases… I had to spend a lot of time figuring out the difference. After that my purchases became very satisfying and generally exceeded my expectations.

Along the way I made up little rules, like always invest at least 2x or more, or it is likely to just be a sideways trade of one set of strengths and weaknesses for another.

What is your gear?

I just ordered a bottle of Yellowbird hot sauce, a mattress and some 1/4" pegboard (my wife's birthday is coming up).

DeKay

@grislybutter 

Please do not take this question as insulting: do you actually know what sort of presentation(s) you prefer? 

If so, there are guys here who can recommend gear that will take you in a particular direction, at various price-points.

If nothing you've heard so far really grabs you, they may be able to suggest different presentations you may not have heard. 

@stuartk 

do you actually know what sort of presentation(s) you prefer? 

not insulting at all. I have a smallish room, I am close to the speakers and I like a relaxed but big sound, on the warm side - nothing fancy.

@dekay my gear is mostly vintage, what other people would store in the garage, boxed up.

 @ghdprentice you are right, the issue is my process, not very pragmatic, just impulsive. It wouldn't even call it a process. But if I learn along the way, I should be to make smarter decisions. I am in the negative feedback loop where I feel the more decisions I make the dumber they are that make me unhappier, with my budget spent and reduced, and then I end up with doubts and a lot of lessons learned at my own expense. The opposite of rewarding...

What is your system now? It isn’t in your profile and I don’t see it in this thread. It would be really helpful to see it. I know you know about virtual systems. If you would show some photos and ID your current components I am sure we could help point you in the right direction… or let’s talk off line.

@deep_333 I hope to avoid getting addicted to medication. Man this is a deep hole :)

Some addiction is ok as long as its not abusing your wallet, i.e., if that’s the core source of anxiety.

I have heard every kind of rig at every pricepoint and stuff exceeding a million dollars. But seriously, approx 3000 bucks will get you a good sounding no frills rig these days.

If you want to satisfy the joy of incessant tinkering (addiction) for cheap, get on aliexpress....lots and lots of dirt cheap unheard of kits that sound golden.

Aliexpress has been one rescuer of my marriage for years. The other rescuer would be the other audioloony friends. Ya loan them your things, they loan you theirs, i.e., mutual satisfaction of curiosity/tinker cravings (without wallet abuse). It’s kinda like AA, i suppose.

@ghdprentice I will contact you directly

Nothing wrong with a persistent laser focus on a hobby of interest as long as you can afford it and it does not interfere with other more important aspects of life. Live and learn. It’s either enjoyable or not. If not, then there may be a problem.

Maintaining a focus on value helps a lot Some products offer way more value than others. I tend to seek those out. It need not cost a lot for top notch sound in most people’s rooms. Addressing room acoustics first before spending another dime helps. Invest in DSP and learn how to use it properly. DSP is the great modern “equalizer” when it comes to how things sound in your room. To not do that in this day and age can be a crippling handicap.  

Personally, I have no good reason to pursue more gear at this point other than the fact that I am always interested in the technology and wouldn’t want to miss out on anything new, innovative or just plain different that might add value for me.

Paying less attention to the “news” is a big benefit the value of which should not be discounted.

@deep_333 we don't need to put a number on it, that's when it begins to spiral - I just need X to have a nice system but then what about 1.2X... and then 1.5X?

I REALLY like that idea.

I will volunteer to provide counselling for a reasonable cash per hour 

Like the cowboy that stopped smoking by switching to dip......I have been focusing on the record collection.   I don't recommend going off trail in this manner. Do you have any idea how many variants of DSOTM are out there?

@dekay ......Do you use those 3 items in a combination? 👀😬

2nd is.....for her birthday? 🙄

Been nice being in your digital presence...5's....

Where should I send flowers, and which ones do you prefer?

There is one aspect of this that is a new experience for me. I previously had equipment that had basic tone controls and a manually adjustable graphic eq for low frequencies that gave some control over room modes with a db meter and some tweaking time.

But now with a brand new Emotiva MR1L processor with parametric eq in the mix and this so called automatic room correction I listen to the results of the auto eq and it sounds awful. I have gone back and removed all the eq and done some manual adjustments with PEQ and like the sound much better. It still needs tweaking more but there is so much range of adjustability and in such fine detail it makes making any changes unwieldy and awkward. I would prefer, I think, standard treble and bass controls with PEQ below 100 hz. Some people I think really get off on eequipment with a very high fiddle factor. Me, not so much. I want adjustments but for God's sake make them easier and more effective to use...