2. misc-audio
  3. 193456-143640

Has it all been worth it?

I recently turned 63, and I've been into all things audio since the mid 70's. In that time I've spent countless thousands of dollars chasing that damn rabbit down the hole. Solid state, vinyl, cassette, CD, tubes, big speakers, small speakers, pricy gear, cheap gear...been there, done that. Sitting here in my less than acoustically friendly office listening to a Hi-Res version of Angie by TRS this is probably the nicest stereo I've ever had. And even with my compromised hearing (bouts of tinnitus, and a stroke) I know the music sounds as good as it ever has, but yet I can't help but ask myself - has this journey all been worth it? The money, soul searching, reviews, disappointment in the review when it didn't live up to the hype, "am I missing out by not owning _____" etc. Sometimes I wish I were more like my wife who just bought a cheap shelf unit to listen to her CD's and is perfectly pleased with what she hears.

Anyone else find themself at this point sometimes?

craigvmn

Showing 2 responses by sls883

sls883
690 posts
 

Other than pissing away money on cables, I think the upgrades that I've made have been worth it.  I listen to music for a couple of hours every night. I've got other hobbies that don't produce the satisfaction that I get from listening to music. 

I do, however, feel that I'm at a stopping point.  I'm happy where I'm at and don't feel like investing any more money to get that tiny bit of improvement. 

You didn't mention 8 track tapes.  Surely, you didn't skip those.  I didn't.  :)

sls883
690 posts
 

I maybe could have gotten to where I am and spent less, but what I like a lot about my current system is that older recordings that I thought were crappy (sibilant, etc) are not.  

I was listening to Til Tuesday - Everything's Different Now last night.  I always thought it was a so-so recording.  It sounds damn good.  Who knew?  I'm listening to more music now and not just the "audiophile grade" recordings.

I have three new sets of preamp tubes delivering today.  For not a lot of money, I can do a little tweaking and see if I can get a tiny bit of improvement. 

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