Have you reached your end point with this addictive hobby?


I wonder if out there somewhere there’s a support group called Audiophile Anonymous 😂 that addresses Audiophiles constant need for perfection. For my self I would probably benefit from a couple of these group sessions. Putting humor aside there’s some truth to this hobby being addictive and at some point there has to be an end point where you are there and the need to upgrade serves no useful purpose. I can’t say I’m 100% there yet, but something inside me tells me I’m getting close to hitting rock bottom and when I do maybe I’ll see the light, or maybe not 😂!

hiendmmoe

I retired in 2019. A couple of years ago, I purchased an LTA microZOTL v2 pre amp. It works very well with my system. Other than upgrading their tubes and buying tubes for my PS Audio BHK250 power amp, I’m done. It was a fun and expensive ride while it lasted.

It helps to have little money for this. Works as a sort of safeguard. Doesn't address the core of things, though.

Personally, on average I spend about $1500 a year on equipment, including tubes. And I have maintained this figure for years. I have spend about $6.5k in the last two years, so..unless something breaks and can't be repaired there is nothing I can buy in the next 2.5-3 years. Not that I feel the need. There is a wish but there is no need.

I could be done. Perfectly happy and content with what I have. But if I see a screaming deal on something I'd want to check out, I can convince myself to pull the trigger.

raysmtb1, I’ve been a friend of Bills since 1989, however current date is 9/29/97, so I understand 😎 . My opinion is this is a hobby , and we work at it, and we pay a price to do so. I’m getting too old to do some of my other activities like snow skiing and road cycling. Within this hobby I roll tubes, another path to obsessive behavior. I’ve learned to be AVERAGE at many things. I’m definitely cost driven with equipment and admire the great systems people have on this site. I’m currently bumping up my mid Fi system to a larger system. But it’s still mid Fi by the standards of my peers. But I’m good with that as I don’t  need to feed my ego. For me “ Rule 62 “ is in play and you measure a man’s wealth  by the quality of his relationships. My stereo is just a plus. I was the kid that started with building a crystal radio and then Dynaco stuff. Then I built a few speakers in High School and quickly realized I had a lot to learn. I’m blessed to have a house , a wife and great kids. I’ve finally become the man my dog always wanted me to be. Bless all of you and Happy Listening, Mike B. 

It's getting harder to let the chase get me excited anymore. I used to think with my next purchase I will finally be there, and I'll have what I have been looking for. I kind of think of it as Audio delusion: a false sense of being. In reality it's only a temporary state until my mind tells me I need something better! LOL