Are you Guys Rich or What!?

In my house, wine and audio are real close - my wine cabinet is just about three steps from my stereo!

Me rich?! NOT. I'm a recent graduate with a good paying technical job, but it is an intresting trade off between paying off school loans, my music, and eating. I buy most everything used that can usually be sold at little or no loss. I contracted the "audio bug" from a friend. Who knew it was such a virulent contagion? I wouldn't ever give it up though. With a long commute and long hours, it's my way to unwind.

It's all relative, every hobby has a stratosphere. I go to gun shows and see $50,000 shotguns that some people use to hunt or compete with. Those same people can be waxed in competition by a poor bumpkin with a $1200 gun. Then they console ourselves that even though they lost, "they looked damn good doing it." [:)]

First ask how important nirvana is to you. What will you sacrifice for it. And is it worth it. Do you really have golden ears. How much difference can you "really" hear. Just being in a high end salon looking at all the toys will get your ears burning. Be conscious of that. I REALLY hate to quote Star Trek, but, "You may find wanting is far more satisfying a thing than having." I know I've lusted for stuff bought it and even though it is really nice I sometimes question the purchase in hindsight. (see the spritual vs. material posts) Somebody is always going to have a better system. Millions will have worse ones. Try not to get the "fever" (easier said than done.) And try to find that sweet spot. In the end, a stellar system could make a big difference in the quality of your "golden years." Life is hard, especially when you try to live it with wisdom. I know I'm still learning. Whew!! too deep think I'll go for a walk and eat a cookie.

3 elements help: No kids, don't over spend on other things, and bargain-hunt for used gear. Key concept: priorities.

A childless household is more likely to have the money, space, and time to dabble in music/audio pursuits than one with children. How many AudiogoN ads have text that says something like, " Selling gear because we are expecting a (another) child"?

I find it odd that audio "civilians" seem to take an incredulous delight in scoffing at the high prices of specialty audio gear; yet, they think it perfectly normal to buy new, gas-guzzling trucks or SUV's every three years; or own boats; or regularly take resort vacations. Buying that SUV, boat, or blowing money in Las Vegas is completely their prerogative. So, why does it bewilder the audio uninitiated that some audio nerds forgo trucks, boats, or Las Vegas (except CES, of course) so they can afford $25,000 (or what-ever) audio systems?

Lastly, as so many on this thread have pointed out, exploiting the used market lets the experienced audio geek assemble a satisfying music system for about half that system's retail price. Smart choices and good setup (vibration control, synergetic cabling, wise speaker placement, etc.) can go a long way. Often, well-assembled less costly systems sound better than do poorly assembled expensive ones.

A well-chosen music system can deliver a mind-calming, soul-stirring transformation in its listener on demand in her own home. I can think of far worse uses of funds.

(Disclaimer: I bear no hostility to children or loving parents who choose to replicate themselves in this World. I include myself when I affectionately use the phrases 'audio nerd' and 'audio geek.' No malice, humiliation, or denigration is intended to anyone who may have been called nerd or geek by others in the past. While I personally do not choose to own a truck or SUV, I do not hold it against anyone else who feels the need to do so. We live in a wonderful World in which even cities like Las Vegas have a place. I apologize to anyone who may have inferred harm from my comments.)

I have a $50-$60,000 system that I bought over the years ALL on Audiogon for about $10,000. It's the only way to go. Never had any problem either (knock on wood). Any other way I could not have afforded it. I know it sounds like a commercial but... ( & by the way I am a stock broker too)
Have fun.