Does old-fashioned necessarily mean out of date?

@mew2150 - it’s not black and white, true or false.

There are many facets to this high-end audio hobby beyond simply chasing the latest technology.  If’s not good, better, best but rather it’s subjective preferences for different presentations, especially in tube midrange such as Kondo, Shindo, Berning. Vintage turntables are still solid performers, big fan of tricked out Garrand 301.  Early electrostats speakers are still sonically competitive within their limited range. 

best way to go forward sometimes is to stay deliberately still. (Oxymoron?)

This can be interpreted 2 ways:

1) Sometimes it’s wise to not shop to purchase anymore - this is true 

2) Stop in fear that my current purchase will soon be obsolete - this is unwise, unwise to think this way.  High end audio, like high tech, will always be improving- the market drives it. Sitting on your hands will not change this.  One can try to purchase wisely to minimize component depreciation, like purchasing used.  But sitting out you’ll miss the benefit current components can lift your audio chain - a current DAC is “Sonically” more enjoyable “Now” which you’d loose out if doing nothing. Sure your bank would be fuller but if that’s the main concern, you’re in the wrong hobby.

Thanks but i was always here...

I only restraint me to post because of gangstalking...

@mahgister Welcome back!

I appreciate the perspectives and insights that were shared by the respondents.  I would argue--in accord with some of the views that have been expressed--that  there has been an asymptotic approach to live sound.  The genius of audio designers and manufacturers has gotten us as close as can be to the "real thing."  To get any closer would entail attending a live performance. Reproduced sound can certainly be powerfully palpable, but it remains at best illusory.  Once it has hit that limit, the age of the equipment that produces that illusion becomes irrelevant.  

Your argument that there is a sonic limit is a baseless claim, it is not a universal truth.  It can be “your” personal preference that any incremental changes are not worth it “for you”.  

Points well taken.  Thanks.