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Do You Tell Others How Much You Have Invested in Your System?

Putting security and personal safety issues aside, do you share with others how much you have invested in your system?

I can see cases when we share with those who are generally interested what the "tariff" is for superb audio reproduction. Or, those who are already know how tall you have to be to ride the ride.

Can you think of any other reasons (accountants, lawyers, insurance, etc)? Afterall, when your spouses second cousin pulls in the driveway in their Minivan, bragging about fact that you have $10k invested in cables may not be the best way show common interests?

What say you?

waytoomuchstuff

Showing 3 responses by fleschler

fleschler
2,041 posts
 

My secondary system cost $5,000.  Legacy Signature IIIs, a highly modified Dynaco Stereo 70 (voltage regulated not ultralinear now), custom subminiature pre-amp, Kyocera 310x (upgraded caps), Grover Huffman Empress cabling and a Synergistic Research Blue power outlet.  Great sound, fills 2,500' LR, DR, BK, Kitchen and FR.  

fleschler
2,041 posts
 

I equate Audiophile hobbiest with housing landlords. The rent is always to high to tenants. Audio equipment is always too expensive to laymen. It doesn’t matter how much one spends on their hobby if it isn’t audio gear to most people. Watches, cars, boats, art collecting, wine collecting, etc.= no problem, However, mention cost of higher end audio gear and they often say or think that one has wasted their money. I don’t hear that about videophiles and their hobby. Just audio gear.

fleschler
2,041 posts
 

My main system cost about $70,000 with lots of gear (78s TT, DAT, R2R, CD mastering deck, multiple amps and pre-amps). My cables cost about $5,000 (7 power, 7 ICs, digital, speaker cable). My room cost $150,000 custom built for listening. (You can see my list on my profile). If someone just throws money at an audio system, it is highly unlikely to sound good. The equipment must have synergy and be appropriate for the room. It has to be set up correctly. Some basics have to be followed to extract great sound. Good sound can happen with lesser cost systems/simpler equipment such as an integrated amp, or self powered speakers, streamer or CD player. Analog and digital separates require much more thought. Proper placement in the room and on adequate stands for the equipment are essential for the best sound.

Spending $10,000 on cabling indicates someone can afford it but no indication that the buyer knows what to do with them. For a few $100s in cables, (even cheaper Monster 300m original ICs) and a Yamaha CR620 can provide very good sound on the cheap but not great sound. My non-audiophile friends have modest systems even if they are musicians. I’ve set up inexpensive systems for $500 and $1000 using good quality used equipment.

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