Audiophile frame of mind


It amazes me how I can justify my audio purchases and don't think much about them with something costing several thousand dollars.  I know this goes with any hobby but I had a funny thought over the weekend.  The last OEM part of my system that I have been considering an upgrade is power cables.  I only have a couple random low end audioquest cables that I got as part of purchases several years ago.  Shunyata recently launched two new lines, Gamma and Theta.  I was thinking about the Gamma and to start with my monoblocks for the first 2 cables of a system that needs 6 total.  It would cost about $1300 for those 2.  That is the same cost of a nice Weber stainless steel grill with a side burner.  I couldn't go forward with getting an official quote on the cables.  Looks like I will be grilling in style this summer!

dhite71

Showing 4 responses by dhite71

Life is all about moderation.  Not quite sure we can honestly use that in our hobby but for now I have decided to focus on other home improvements.  Believe me that I have dropped some serious coin over the past few years and get great enjoyment from my system.  I try to avoid those purchase comparisons during upgrades as it really isn't fair and you can drive yourself crazy but this time the other decision prevailed.  When the next quarterly commission check comes then who knows what will happen LOL

@kennymacc  Very well said!  I know you are right that the idea of those power cables may be pushed to the side but will never be silenced forever.  This goes back to my moderation mindset.  It feels good, it's summer time so spend some money on the patio, the house, etc.  I just ordered the grill from Ace Hardware and they will deliver next week.  

@newfzx7 I have actually had a Big Green Egg since 2009.  It still works beautifully.  I haven't ever owned an outdoor gas grill so it was time.  I am uber fortunate and got a used Viking 36in Rangetop when I remodeled my kitchen in 2011.  It has 4 burners and a grill that is designed just like an outdoor grill.  It is amazing but was ready for an outdoor option too.  I love to cook as much as I do listen to music....both at the same time is the best.

@ronboco @vthokie83 I have an Ooni pellet pizza oven and while I like it I haven't gotten the itch for a Traeger.  You now know that I have a Big Green Egg so def wasn't going to add another smoker/grill to the mix.  My daughter and I are finding that for steaks, burgers and chicken we are not a big fan of the infusion of smoke flavor.  It can overpower the taste of the meat.  

@mahgister I like your take on an acoustic state of mind being more focused on the sound/experience.  I am definitely both.  I love having new gear that is eye candy but ultimately it is more about the sound.  I just sold some speakers that I loved the look but they just weren't delivering consistently enough on the SQ so they had to go.  

@grislybutter While Weber seemed like the default and safe move, I did a little research and settled on the Napoleon Prestige PRO 500.  It is no Kalamazoo but I think I will get many years of enjoyment.  Thinking back a few months ago, I bought a low hour Koetsu Rosewood Signature cartridge for $2100 vs the $2700 for this grill.  I still can't help but laugh at these comparisons.  In some ways I think I am maturing a bit as an audiophile to not feel the need to upgrade recent upgrades.  It is quite refreshing.

@audioquest4life 

I just checked out those AMG grills.  That seems to be in the reasonable zone of really investing in a lifelong grill.  If I had a poolside kitchen that was covered and a big family that I spent lots and lots of time that would be on the top of the list.  The Napoleon has a cool searing side burner that you can also cook in a pan/pot.  The rotisserie will also be fun to use.  I have a 36in Viking range top with 4 burners and a 12 in grill inside so have been very lucky the past 12 years.  It is absolutely amazing but sometimes I need more space or just don't want to have all the mess inside.  Cooking is a close 2nd for my hobbies/passions.  My daughter is having a sleepover tonight and these 12 yo girls got table side guac and head-on cooked shrimp cocktail for apps with a homemade pizza coming later.