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Diminishing Returns
I’ve reached a point, after much tweaking in my system thanks to Audiogon, I’m moving away from the forum. I’ve gotten to a place where I’m so satisfied with my system that further improvements, while I’m sure they will work, I don’t care. I used to read with great interest the weekly listing of the most popular posts. I’m now finding it boring. I think It’s time to get off the Merry-Go-Round.
Aside from the “Music” posts” that will be it.
Aside from the “Music” posts” that will be it.
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Years ago, when I could see the "light at the end of the tunnel" for my kids' college expenses, I began a several year journey to change this, upgrade that, etc. My system is at the point now where I'm "satisfied" and like the original post, will be taking a break from the upgrade cycles. At this point I think that I'm at a "diminishing returns" threshold, where that curve is on an extremely vertical trajectory. Having said that, I enjoy "networking" with people who are curious, like most audiophiles, enjoy learning new things from the postings here. |
I keep the audio economy in good shape. Yes, I have been satisfied, amazed and wowed several times during the past few decades. I wouldn't change a thing, except I wish that I still had those golden ears of my youth. All in all, it has been a wonderful experience.... except when I am driven crazy by a dying component, or a new listening room, and more! |
I reached this point a few years ago. A little hard at first, but then you just start enjoying the music and looking for great recordings and you feel satisfied. I'm far from an expert, but I've learned enough over the years to realize that diminishing return probably applies to this hobby almost most than any other you can think of.ENJOY! |
I’m amazed at the different responses a small statement can generate . Having met Richard on this site , after he contacted me on the instant message feature . We exchanged thoughts on tube rolling . Richard and I have exchanged tubes on loan, from opposite sides of the US . I found Richard to be interested in learning and a true gentleman. I have made other friends on this site and text almost daily. I’m retired from a profession that left me with PTSD and physical limitations . But instead of being Snarky to most people , I embrace 30 years of 12 step living . I cycle 100 miles a week and ride a couple Harley’s ( one at a time ). I do believe this hobby is very addictive. But like all of you I live for the music and on days I hurt too much to move , I can relax and listen . I guess there will always be “ Window Warriors“. But when the big lock clanks and the door opens wide, they still pee their pants... |
Good for you, I wish I could say the same, but with the help of these forums I am confident I will get there. I think I am off the upgrade merry-go-round as I am currently very satisfied with the equipment I have and the sound it is able to reproduce. Maybe a few more tweaks, power cords, an ic or two and speaker cables maybe all or maybe none... then I would like to enjoy what I have built. Yes, I will probably follow the forums on thing of interest especially music, as that is why we are all on the long and winding road....I am just looking for a rest stop for awhile.... SteveA |
@rvpiano, To get back to the main question, I hate to say that I seem to be moving into 'tweak' mode. Like you, I love how my systems sound, but knowing there might be something out there that might improve my sound, I keep trying new things. Not big ticket items, but things like cables (though they can get a bit expensive). My real downfall is visiting Audioconnection with Ctsooner. He and Johnny seem to always find new things to play with. Unfortunately, these things seem to really make a positive change.🤩 Bob |
What are the four conditions? I enjoy Hi-Fi with almost no money investment but homemade cheap creative solutions answering to the 4 conditions : 1) Vibrations-resonance controls of the audio system embedding... 2) Conventional acoustical room treatments... 3) Cleaning of electrical grid of the house and room... 4) Tweaking with supplementary non conventional method for acoustic transformation of the room, for example modified Schumann Generator, Helmholtz resonators, and other type of resonators... And some others... My best to you volumizer |
I’ve reached a point, after much tweaking in my system thanks to Audiogon, I’m moving away from the forum. I’ve gotten to a place where I’m so satisfied with my system that further improvements, while I’m sure they will work, I don’t care. I used to read with great interest the weekly listing of the most popular posts. I’m now finding it boring. I think It’s time to get off the Merry-Go-Round. Congratulations. I'm getting there myself. Stepping back, big picture, view from 30,000 feet, going back to the 1970's this is the third time I've gone through this. The first was in jr high when all my money bought JBL, Kenwood, Pioneer. That took a few years and many hours of work to assemble, after which I pretty much quit looking and just enjoyed what I had. Until around 1990 when I remodeled and added a listening room. This time it was probably more like 5 years of searching, comparing, buying, and setting up. The first time it was all speakers, amps, turntable. Nobody listened to wire back then, we all knew it just needs to be thick enough. The second time though was a whole different story. A huge amount of time and effort went into first learning to listen, then evaluate, and finally compare at home. This was still before the internet so print reviews and auditions were all we had. Listening at this level got more and more intense. BDR Cones use little half inch threaded studs. I remember at one point comparing brass, stainless, and regular steel studs. When it gets to comparing the difference between the studs inside the Cones under your speakers- and actually hearing a difference- you know its time to step back and decompress. Which I did. For probably at least a dozen years only stuff I bought was when something quit or glitched or whatever. Other than that is was pure enjoyment of music and movies. Until about a year ago when my ARC phono stage now 20 years old was coming due. Another great thing about getting off the merry go round is technology really does advance and so a dozen years later, hearing how much more awesome a Herron is than the ARC, even though almost the same price (but inflated currency, so in reality much cheaper) vastly more performance. One thing led to another. This site like most is 99% nonsense, misinformation, and banter. But its like diamonds, you only need one. The Swarm Distributed Bass Array concept alone makes this worth ten times what I paid. Okay, a million. What's a million times zero? Okay never mind. Point is yeah, little while longer, the wheel turns, back to just the music. Its like anything else I guess. To be good requires focus, concentration, and practice, practice, practice. But then to enjoy it you have to relax and forget all that. And so again, congratulations on getting there. |
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i’ve been active on various audiophile and music forums since the late 90’s. honestly Audiogon has evolved more away from my audiophile sweet spot in the last 7-8 years but it still has value to me. so i do try to watch and participate. why do we post on forums? learning about how to improve our systems is part of it. or maybe helping others to learn. or just shooting the breeze too. and of course, hearing about new music is big. if you are satisfied with how your systems sounds and that is why the gear talk no longer has any value i respect that. i’m different in that way as my curiosity pursuing better sound seems not to go away; i’m certainly less motivated to change things now after 25 years of system evolution.....but my quest is not yet dead. everyone is different that way. but really for me it’s the sense of community and relationships that now are the biggest draws to participating in forums. it’s a hobby that is big for me. i have friends for life which began on audio forums. many have visited me and i not as much lately here on Audiogon, but there was a time when this was bigger for me. of course; to get something you have to give something. be happy and enjoy. and if Audiogon gear talk has lost it’s value then best wishes. |
It’s an old wives take that there’s a ceiling to performance, that you can approach the ceiling to within say, 3-5% with relative ease. Nothing could be further from the truth. That’s the audiophile’s dream - to get within 5% of what the Big Boys have. News Flash! The Big Boys are nowhere near the Absolute Sound. There is no Absolute Sound. Hel-loo! |
first, and foremost, this is a hobby, for your own pleasure, PERIOD. The goal is simple,,,,secondly, the law of diminishing returns certainly applies, especially when measured as gain/cost. Thirdly, I have no doubt, like in many situations, the PLACEBO EFFECT certainly applies. SO, enjoy, and do what feels good to you! Many of my components are OLDIES BUT GOODIES(though updated/serviced like you would do for a fine automobile), and, though I am sure for large expense I could improve my sound a little, it is quite wonderful as is, so I am happy to just get new LPs occasionally..... |
@gadios, because it might be good for a laugh....;) I got 'out of the mainstream' for my own reasons, but still have an 'itch' that I 'scratch' in my own way, my own means, and has it's own rewards. rvpiano, enjoy; you need only to please yourself. *S* You can chalk up the sneers and snides to simple jealousy... ...and whether or not it is or isn't shouldn't shake your decision. Go forth...and be Happy. ^5's |
If you get some spare time, or become bored, you can always drop in and share what you've learned with the new guys. I'm sure you have a lot of valuable input and experience that could help less experienced folks get to where you are faster. Just a thought. Either way, enjoy your "retirement"-and the music. :D |
It's nice to be at peace with yourself and listening to music. Just finding the joy and stimulation music can bring is enough. I was there for about 18 years while my kids were growing up and out with their own families. I had basketball to coach and watch and help my kids play the game they also loved. The music was a nice diversion then. I hope to return to those days very soon. Although it is intensely fun finding something that makes a considerable difference for the positive in my own system. It's also great fun meeting fellow 'philes, music lovers, and now in some cases, good friends. Good luck to you rvpiano! |
You're in a an admirable spot. I've been comfortable with my system for a few seasons. No urge to replace anything, other than a phono cart, which I recently did-2nd Audio Technica ART9, for a great price. All is well, in audio world. I am just on the perpetual hunt for "stampers" in the bins of my neighborhood record stores. Rekkids, rekkids and more rekkids! I do enjoy reading the AN threads(audio nervosa) about contentious subjects. Fun reading. |
Mahler123, I thought this was a forum for expressing your feelings freely. I have no delusions of grandeur, and I find your characterization of me quite insulting. If you feel threatened, that’s not my problem. Please don’t presume to speak for other members. If anyone feels the way you do, they’re perfectly capable of expressing it themselves. That's what a free forum is all about. I only express my opinions, as every other member does. As for Rachmaninoff, I am entitled to my opinion, just as you are. I don't think personal attacks are desirable on this forum. |
When you live in an audio desert such as I do, places like this are most welcome. Indeed there will always be the separation of the wheat from the chaff, so when that becomes a bit much, I go away for awhile. Funny how I remember the love for music more when I had little to play it on, as opposed to after I started chasing the equipment. In spite of that, I actually Really enjoy the chase for better sound, or experimentation from one combination to another. Apparently, I am not alone. |