Has it all been worth it?

@craigvmn 

Sorry to hear your story. But high end audio is not for every one. It is a highly complex and ambiguous endeavor. Some folks do not enjoy the challenge or take a bad turn or two and end in dead ends. Best to enjoy the music... with whatever gear makes you happy. 

After a lot of thoughtfulness and soul searching, I can say that I have come to the end of this - affliction. Over the years I've invested far too much money, time, effort, belief, emotion etc. into this hobby, just to end up dissatisfied and disillusioned. Chasing after the illusion purported in reviews and discussions and never feeling satisfied with the gear I coveted. I took out a cheap ChiFi amp & hooked it up to a very pedestrian pair of speakers, which freed me from the expectations I never realized with any of the more expensive and well regarded gear. And I've never been more happy and satisfied. All the other stuff is for sale locally, and when it's gone, I won't miss it at all. So, no, it's not been worth it - to me. 

This is not meant to fly in the face of those enjoying this hobby - I'm glad for you. But for anyone who may find themself in my position, I say let it go & be happy. 

I sold my rig last year primarily because I had nobody to leave is too, and the thought of it being sold off for peanuts after I'm gone was bothersome.

So I used the funds on my other passion - photography.

But I still have my vinyl and just purchased a budget TT to use with my Bluesound Pulse Mini and it's sounding pretty good so far.

The other factor i considered...

• today's more affordable product sound very good provided you use good cables
• I make my own cables that sound amazing and they work extremely well with the new, more affordable rig.

Do I  miss the old system? Sometimes, but I  find as time goes by I  am missing it less

I have chased perfection and came pretty close I  think, but I  no longer have the desire.

So now I  am content with my more modest rig

Regards, Steve

I started this hobby at age 12. I am now 70. I listen 3 to 5 hrs everyday. I can’t think of anything else I enjoy doing more. Money well spent for me. 

For me it has always been music first. My hardware is the best that I can fit into my budget without affecting my media purchases (vinyl, CD, cassette) or performances. I've been buying records since I was in grade school, and I just turned 70. My feeling is that the auctioneer can sort it out, and if my R. Stevie Moore, or other cassette only releases sell for pennies, I won't be disturbed (I'll be dead). I have regrets, but not about the things that have brought me JOY.

What else are you going to do in life?  Live, overcome obstacles in life, take care of yourself and your family.  Enjoy life.  what does that mean?  If you love music, then by all means, listen to music.  If certain electrical equipment or systems drive you out of the room, then the upgrade path it there to fix that until the sound is wonderful. That is not or should not be the only enjoyable thing in life.  Art, music, traveling, cooking, spending time with friends and family, helping others, bettering yourself, etc. Here we go.  Now you are talking.  If it makes you happy and doesn't hurt anyone and you can afford it (that's the hard part), then it really shouldn't be anyone else's business.

Enjoy your system, music and life.  If you love watches or cars, either collect them or go to car shows and enjoy.  Worrying about what other's think is not cool.  There will always be something that others think you are doing that is stupid.  It is not their life.

Is it worth it?  only you can answer that about you.  Did listening to music and upgrading to get "there" with my system hurt others? or prevent me from taking care of my family?  Nope.  Do I enjoy coming home, turning on my system, getting a good book and a good glass of wine and listening to old and new music. You betcha.  

enjoy

Because most people have nothing better to do with their time.

Maybe Learning how to be a better cook might be a more worthwhile and cheaper thing to do and just a satisfying clearly.

It's all about improving the quality of what you're listening to and I think it's dumb to refer to it as a hobby, it cheapens the effort.

Why don't you collect coins or stamps or learn pottery.

Yes ma’mm sir. YESsirrebob and yahsureyoubetcha. 

Totally worth it! Refer to my post in the “Why did you purchase the equipment you have and what do you like most about it?” thread.

Sorry for the Typo - POC should have been POS in the first sentence above.

Absolutely worth it. I got my first record 50 years ago and soon thereafter got an all in one POC Broadmoor Designer from Korvettes (remember that store?) as a present with an 8 track player and a turntable plastered on top that played multiple records at a time that you could stack.

Got my first real stereo after my freshman year of college when I got all Yamaha - entry level receiver, cassette deck, turntable and speakers. Can't remember the cartridge. When I made a little money in my 3rd year the equipment bug bit me hard and I was selling equipment and constantly reinvesting the profits to better and better equipment. It was an unhealthy obsession. I kept blowing fuses on underpowered amps.

After I graduated and CDs popularity made it impossible to buy new records I didn't buy anything for around 10 years except a CD player (only thing I ever regret buying) replacing cartridges when they wore out.  Then it bit again when my Phase Linear (linear tracking) turntable broke. When I replaced it with a simple manual turntable, I could not believe the sound improvement and the bug came back albeit much more mildly with new speakers (kept for 25 years) and a new integrated amp (justified because I wanted a remote and instead of replacing my preamp my trusted audio guru said it was worth it to get this way better integrated and keep or sell off the separates) that I still use 20 years later and it still sounds great.

About 10 years went by I started actually learning things, like how important the arm is, and that started the bug again which got more virulent when Covid hit. I started learning more on the 'Gon about how important other things are besides the equipment (speaker placement, vibration control, etc.) and spent a few bucks there.

Through it all I never spent a big chunk on anything except when I made a bit of stupid money and upgraded my turntable after first getting the arm a while before that. Arm was a better investment, but I don't regret the table because I don't see ever getting rid of it and after putting it on a Townshend platform on top of a wall shelf, it really sounds like nothing.

Because the speakers are the weakest link in my system (but are excellent - bought just before Covid) I think I am done since improving the sound of them would probably cost 30-40% of what I have spent so far in total. I think I am back to  replacing only if something breaks or wears out. A cartridge replacement or stylus/remanufacture is on the horizon since it's been 4 1/2 years and I listen about 750 hours year in my estimation. Haven't changed that model since about 14 years ago (did a like for like replacement during Covid since getting it remanufactured was impractical and the deal for a new one was worth it).

Should I have a minor windfall of dumb money burning a hole in my pocket, who knows maybe I'll listen to a few speakers - I really get tremendous satisfaction when I improve the sound, but I am fearful that a new speaker will not sound better, just different, and I really like the sound, especially when I listen closely and hear new things from a 45 year old record. I buy records occasionally, especially if it is a favorite and a new reissue comes out on 45 and the existing one is not an audiophile release. 2 exceptions - Aja and Kind of Blue. I am not expanding the collection much as now I only listen to any given record 2 or 3 times a year, so it is tough for me to justify to myself.

@biwire 

I can’t believe you mentioned your Panasonic cassette player and the Radio Shack oiled walnut Minimus speaker. I literally did the exact same thing by cutting the earphone cord and stripping the wire to be able to attach it to the speaker. I eventually got a second speaker and that was my first stereo. I had a separate radio that I would also play through those speakers and that’s when I first started listening to FM radio.

Great times!

I understand where you are coming from, but after a divorce and an unplanned retirement, I have made it a point to try to live without regrets and to make good life choices.

Now, if I could get my golf game down a couple of strokes to a 7 or 8 handicap, then I could die happy.

Yes. When I found out how much fun I was having I dropped my other hobbies and devoted my time and money exclusively to audio and music. Never looked back.

If seen at an APOXNIA, or the equivalent, I’ll be obvious....and your 10’ pole will be useless.... ;)

There may be those that would think that I'm trying to squeeze blood from a rock with my activities....to which I say:

It's more engrossing than trying to make a new item in the mix sound like you wanted, but still can't quite get 'There'....

Short of a major lotto win, I'm unlikely to spend what the lucky of you are willing to expend on the rabbit hole pursuit.  I've spent less on my current activities than what some have spent on a particular component, and could care less that you might think it's laughable.  To which....refer to Marx. and not Groucho....

To be sure and realistic about it, I may not be able to achieve 'what' you may be able to.  That's fine.

As a legend upon a shirt seen long ago:

"Today, we'll try to do the impossible...with Nothing."

Referencing a line from a song from The Waitresses:

"I'm just trying to find a cure for irony and make a fool out of God..."

Making progress on that, thanks.... ;)

I've got 10 years on you....and was it worth it .probably not ,but what the heck...The money gone now....so enjoy what you have ,my friend. 

Yes, it’s been worth it.

Just got back into 2ch 3 years ago. Before that I was a teen working as a dishwasher at a local restaurant. All my disposable income went into my stereo. It made a lot of noise, but not sure it was quality, at the time it didn't matter. 

Went into the Navy, somehow my middle sister owned my system. 

Got into home theater in the late 90's when DVD's came out. Lots of speakers, lots of dvd's. Still had a 200 disk CD changer, still purchased CD's. 

Then iTunes came out, most of my listening was on headphones, or in the car. adapters came out for the home system. 

Fast forward to 3 years ago, got back into vinyl, got a cheap TT, some vintage separates, and some KLH Model 5 speakers. I was hooked!!! The only piece left from that very modest system is my Cambridge Audio streamer. 

It's been fun searching everywhere for that one piece that was missing. Going to every record store in 100miles, my collection has gone from 0-3000 records. Have rebuilt my speakers, did a full restore on my pre & power amps, changed all my cables, got new stylus, new cartridges, done so many tweaks. Moved my speakers around 3000 times. 

Now it's the best sounding system I have ever had, it brings me joy everyday! A lot of time, I just look for a reason to turn it on. Now I'm just focusing on more records, some tweaks here and there. My new search is for a better cable for the TT.

Yes...

I’ve been at this since I built my first amp from a Dyna Stereo70 kit when I was 14.  That’s 66 years ago. 

Sometimes I say it’s definitely worth it. Sometimes I say meh because it is such a hassle. 

I curse the fact that I have excellent hearing. Bad sound drives me wacko (my wife says it’s something else but let’s not digress). I have cervically-induced tinnitus, but my hearing tested as that of a 40 year old last fall. My ENT guy attributes that in part to having developed good listening skills from being an audiophile. So I have to feed the beast. 

The age old question.  For someone my age (68) i remember loving music comin out of little am radio back in the 60's.  However, I also LOVE hearing all these new high res versions of classics on my 35k rig.    To me, the quest was always worth it.  Maybe why my jaw still drops when hearing some 500k system at a show I know I will never own.  

I hear what you’re saying. I currently own the best system I could put together. I also had a stroke a year ago (definitely causes me frustrations with things, including my hifi daily expectations), some days I love the Hifi some days I think what’s the next step to raise the level. I find some speaker adjustments always get me settled down, a small adjustment changes the sound I’ve become accustomed to. Not sure if it’s better but it is a different sound that reminds me I have a great system. I think I get so accustomed to my set up and sound, I get a little bit bored with it and start thinking what else do I need to buy. I’m retired so the last thing I need is a new piece of equipment, I spent the last 20 years getting my system to its current level, which I know is quite good. Don’t know if this helps you, but it’s what I’ve learned over the last few years. Going to Axpona doesn’t help me either, but it’s a fun time with my hifi buddies. 

You're chasing something that is unattainable or something that don't exist in most cases especially if you have been doing this for quite some time. When you finally get a system that sounds great then leave well enough alone. Make sure you have a few extra pieces laying around and lots of cabling to change things up when you get bored. Still, this is a lot fun, no telling what awful things you might have gotten involved in if it wasn't for this hobby.

Yes it has been worth it. Never second guess yourself as there are others that will do that for you. 
Enjoy the music. 

Definitely yes. And you don't have to spend too much to have a very good satisfactorily sounding system. There is always something better out there, so what? Your system must be capable of conveying the emotional essence of music, the rest is less important.

Only you can answer that as it's a singular perspective that we all have. 

For me, with my small budget, DIY speaker builds and skip rescued tube amp restoration, and repurposed 90s sampler as a DAC, it's been very 'worth it' ! Confirmed in full last year when I was treated to a demo of a £40,000+ system in a local HiFi emporium to discover that my budget vintage system sounds just as impressive. I heard nothing I wanted to own and saw nothing I found as nice to look at. 

Yep!  I’ve been at this for 40 years. My Dad is an audiophile too and I came up being dragged to stereo stores for hours. I was born into it. We go to audio shows and have a great time.

I’m a music listener, not a “gear listener”. I upgrade seldom, but when I do, I usually go big (or as big as I can reasonably afford). A friend of mine once told me “you can really justify just about anything you spend on that stuff because nobody gets more out of it than you do.” I keep trying to convince my wife of this. 😉

I think there is a time when you have to concede that you’ve taken your investment as far as you reasonably can. But the good news is there’s always more music to buy and listen to. Either way, I win.

We all go through cycles...  When I get bored of my system, it is usually because of the same old music.  One thing I have done that has been very interesting is look at  stereo equipment reviews online and note the music the reviewer is using to test the piece.   Then, I go to Qobuz and listen to it.   It is usually a super quality high res song.   If I like it, I will pay the $2 and down load the high res version.   In this way, I have found some fantastic music, that still adheres to my taste, and makes my system shine.  I have received comments like, " who is this"; "wow", "great song", "great recording", etc... using this method.   Give it a try, it is a cheap way to change it up. 

Absolutely!

1) I had a lot of fun.

2) I made some good friends with either good musical taste and/or helpful knowledge regarding the equipment side of things.

3) So, I learned enough to pay that forward, and....

4) Reach a plateau, equipment wise, where I can at least feel contented and/or satisfied. 

Gone though alot of gear myself. Never bought super expensive gear costing multiples of thousands but have spent 2 grand on speakers and a bit more on an amp, both discounted and were closer to double retail.

At this stage, I listen at lower to moderate SPLs whether its movies or music and have two systems, each having an amp, dac and speakers with a source player for discs and the performance I get is good enough to enjoy.

While I could possibly get better, it will require I spend more money with no guarantee I can succeed buying a particular piece that actually is better.  I also like the gear I have now. 

So, while there are alot of other speakers and some dacs I would like to try, I do not pursue as I will be forever buying and reselling more likely than not.  I researched my gear first and made an informed decision, and it seems to work well enough together and are not bulky. 

From here, a new direction would be headphones and a streamer...both of which I am not compelled to pursue.  I may be near the end swapping gear at this point. 

But one of many reasons we do what we do or attempt to do Better....👍😎, ✌out

....by th' by, y'all.....

Happy Birthday, David Gilmour...and Thanks Very Much for all that you've played into our minds and emotions....

Play some PF today and into tonight.....

Visit https://artteeprints.com/# for you diehards....

The shirt fabric has a velvety texture on my cat silhouette bending the light beam.

Stranger: "Floyd?"

But of course... ;)

*Grins* 

Break out the smoking accessories....

Started in this hobby 50 years ago.

Love my current system.

It's my therapy session, whenever I want.

Couldn't be happier.

@ All Y'all.....

...something that the majority of 'us' agree on, wonderful and rare.

How we approach this 'involvement' and by what means, trials, and tribs' in the process is a pleasant break from 'I'm sorry to imply that imho your cables stink'...and on anon....
Lampcord to $100/m., if you're happy 'till you're not, sit back and enjoy 'till you can't or don't want to chase the wild beast no more..... ;)

Stasis is not part of nature, but you're more than welcome to persist at the level of your choice....*S*

Me?  I like to play with perception with a DIY intrusion, and with a champagne taste on a beer budget....

Beats daytime cable....if I was awake for it....*L*

.....yes, for me it has been worth it. I was always in it for the music, the love of music and as I have gotten older and as my system has progressed my appreciation for music has got even stronger. Like in life, I have met some real dic#$ in this hobby especially some dealers but I have also met some pretty cool people who some I am still in contact with. They have made the hobby more enjoyable. Yes, I could have a vacation condo or a beach house camp near water as that is the trade off, but music has taken me places that I would have never geen able to go to. Enjoy the ride and the journey.....      

@carlso63 

Well put

@hjdca 

Logic? 

I think it's "worth it".

I also think what you've been feeling is what I refer to as "Hobbyist Maturity"; that point where the enthusiast feels like what I have is good enough; I'm not seeing massive improvements in either quality or enjoyment anymore, like I did when I had lesser equipment - and the gains from upgrading were immediate, very noticeable, and very satisfying to see the results. Now I feel like I'm spending increasing amounts of time, effort and money... while getting decreasing amounts of pleasure out of the results...

Happens to most of us at some point. And there is a little bit of sadness / remorse because something that once brought excitement and pleasure no longer does. And you miss that. So you question the entire "metamorphosis" and wonder if where you are at the (perceived) end of the journey was worth all that effort.

I'd bet if you thought more about all the memories of chasing down some of those things that you thought were either unachievable or impossible to find and how it felt when you actually had it in your hands, the first time you hooked it up and the joy and anticipation you felt at that time, those times when you brought home a piece of (almost) junk and brought it back to life and the satisfaction of a job well done... you'll feel a little better about the whole ordeal. And always remember it's perfectly OK to enjoy what you have - and just enjoy the here and now...

I grew up wanting to get a job as soon as possible, getting a Marantz receiver in my room, getting an affordable car, and installing a nice car stereo.   Through the decades that has not changed much for me.   However, after a lot of research, once I decide on a home stereo system, I usually keep it for decades.   My journey has mostly been going from receivers, to amp/preamp separates, to tube amps/preamps.  It has been fun, but, hobby money has always been an issue for me, so, I almost always buy my equipment used.  I have also found that most people do not understand the logic for this hobby. 

@retiredaudioguy, +1

At the end of a particularly powerful work by Salonen (who also conducted) at the CSO last month someone's phone went off during the extended decay of the last notes of the performance. You could see Salonen's head drop in disappointment because the moment was ruined for everybody in the auditorium. Turn off your ****** phone!!

One thing I've taken up recently is spending several hundred dollars investing in HiRes music. I've bought & downloaded a lot of music I already owned, but now that I have a system capable of resolving all the extra 1's and 0's , and while I'm selective in what I buy, I'm enjoying these familiar pieces on a whole new level now. 

Well worth the journey and as they say with motorcycles "$2 of gas is worth $2k in therapy".  

Been playing this game since I got my first crystal radio (shaped like a cartoon rocket 4" tall).  It was tuned by moving the nosecone antenna in and out and had the obligatory 2 cent ear piece. We're talkin' late 50s here.

I did the same thing as @biwire and collected speakers from thrown away TVs and music consoles.  Built my first subwoofer at 14.  Bought my first REAL stereo from Radio Shack at 16.  My dad thought I was completely bonkers, whole thing cost $400.  He was driving a car that cost very little more than that. 

Fast forward a bit and I started to make real money and it was off to the races.

In the @ghdprentice mode of upgrading, it was a clean sweep, all new and exciting.  Now I'm on my last/best system and it's not going anywhere.

With the past as prologue, the best constant in my life has been music.  There is always some BS going on.  But the music, the music is my synaptic drug of choice.

So, to answer your question directly:  A RESOUNDING YES!

Regards,

barts

I'm 70.  

Started in this hobby/quest back in 73.

Each step of the journey has been a valuable learning experience.

I would do it all again in a heart throb.

I've got one daughter who is a budding Audiophile, so have been coaching her along the journey.

Remember, enjoy the software (music).....

About five years ago I renewed my interest in my system. I have swapped out a lot of gear and had both FOMO and frustration big time along the way, but as my knowledge improved so did my satisfaction. That said, I have recently turned a corner where between a DAC upgrade, a sub six pack, lots of isolation and room acoustic products I am able to occasionally forget its a recording. This was a clear tipping point as my frustration stemmed from the sound being too far away from the sound of the real thing. Sibilance was my primary issue. Secondly, the six pac of subs is not about adequate bass, its about adding an aural presence that sounds like a real venue. I have a huge investment and I regret that it cost so much to get to my tipping point, but I'm very happy I made it. I am now continuing to work on the room, cabling, grounding etc, but not in the frenetic panic I once had. Finally, I think that our hobby keeps my brain sharp and socially I enjoy the relationships (even on-line) that I have made within the hobby.

Insight from Keats -from "Ode on Melancholy"

She dwells with Beauty -- Beauty that must die; 

And Joy, whose hand is ever at his lips 

Bidding adieu; and aching Pleasure nigh, 

Turning to poison while the bee-mouth sips; 

Ay, in the very temple of delight 

Veiled Melancholy has her sovran shrine, 

Though seen of none save him whose strenuous tongue 

Can burst Joy's grape against his palate fine;

His soul shall taste the sadness of her might, 

And be among her cloudy trophies hung.

Where the listening chair intersects with the analyst's couch

Been on a long audio journey for many years. Finally had the opportunity and finances to get the system I wanted. And yes it was worth it. Enjoying the best audio experience of my life every day. 

Having been an audiophile for many decades there's been many ups and downs. Failures certainly frustrating but I never recall longer term regret, perhaps short term, eventually I'd come back to the realization building audio systems is as much about process and learning as it is an end goal. I thoroughly enjoyed the discovery phase of audio, so much to learn, so many variables, so much complexity! Lately I've been looking through my old audiophile magazines, brings back memories of those days, going to shows, dealers, having in depth discussions with other audiophiles along the way, just completely immersed in the learning process. What an adventure it was!

Also, in regard to goals, the greater the goal the more one strives to reach it, desire is a great motivator.

Over the past few years I feel as though I'm in a perfect place, I both admire the sound quality of my system and effortlessly become fully immersed in the illusion of real live artists performing great music in my room. This has all been totally worth it, having been OCD for so many years paid off big time!

As for ends, I'm still an audiophile, my interest in adding possible new gear remains But more relaxed times, not always feeling the need to fix some weak link allows this. Now I'm simply curious as to what some new item could bring to the table, perhaps another accent on what I already have.

I should also note that I kept my first truly audiophile components, which I proudly procured as a young engineer around 1994. German speakers that cost about $5k in today’s money, and a Luxman LV integrated amp.
A few times, for fun, I have set them up and used a source with a 2010-ish edition DAC (Squeezebox Touch) to feed them... and honestly, if I had to, I could be quite happy with that. While any truly noticeable SQ improvement is awesome, the improvements have truly adhered to the law of diminishing results. At least IMO.