My approach is very simple - in good years, spend on turntables, which dont depreciate. In bad years, sell them off and recycle the money. You dont have to ask the wife. You can also pitch this creatively "Honey, I just saved us $1000. Guess what - how do you think bought the new DAC? Easy...I just sold off a cartridge (don't tell her that such a small item cost $1000)."
Girlfriends and wifes, how do YOU cope?
I would be very interested in finding out how one manages to justify (or sneak in the home) expensive audio equipment without having to sell your soul to the Devil? It's quite a challenge for many of us I think. I heard of someone buying a Bel Canto DAC and telling his girlfriend that " Oh it's just a $ 100.00 power conditionner", or whatever. Seem like we need to get creative here if we can pursue this crazy hobby much longer! Regards All...