Have you reached your end point with this addictive hobby?

I’ve been in the hobby a long time and there are many reasons why people continue upgrading and seem to never be content with where they are at. Everyone is different. Some people believe that the newer components will give them a better sound. Some people upgrade because they want new, state of the art components. Some people upgrade because they get bored of their system and want change just like we do with furniture. There are so many reasons why people why many audiophiles constantly are moving their gear. I think the most important reason why is that they/we are looking for improvement in sound. Even if just minor improvement, it’s still something we will be interested in. But an important thing to know is that when we get our systems sounding very good to excellent, do we leave it alone and just enjoy music or are we still on that quest for more improvement. I have 2 buddies of mine that are both approaching 70yrs and they are both diehard audiophiles but very different. Both of them have a lot of components in their homes but one is constantly purchasing new speakers, amps, preamps, cables, transports, and the other is very content with assembling a system with his stuff and enjoying music. So everyone is different. I think that many people in this hobby that upgrade a lot do it because this is a big thing in their life. I myself have a lot of very fine expensive amps, preamps, cables, etc. and I’ve assembled 3 systems in my house that I enjoy very much. Honestly, I still do make slight tweaks and adjustments to these systems but I do not drastically change them. I am a diehard audiophile but I also have a life in which I enjoy other things. I live in NYC but presently out of the country on vacation and get back home in 2 days. I will admit I’m looking forward to playing around with my audio stuff and turning on my system and listening to music when I return home. I think this is what audiophiles do but in my case, I’ve been pretty content with my setups and I don’t have a strong desire to change them. So I do believe everyone is different and there are many out there that will constantly be m  as king changes and upgrading their systems but likewise there are also many out there that are happy and content with where they are at.  Things will never be perfect, it’s only what perfect for you or what’s good enough for you. 

Yes.  I don't think I am a true addict.  Enthusiast, yes, but not addicted.  I liken it to the difference between folks who regularly drink too much but are not addicted to alcohol and folks who are true alcoholics.  There is a difference, as I am sure many of you know.  I am in a very happy place with my current system, however the reliance on electronics technology just to get the right signals to the right places, does make me a little uneasy that my system may not be robust with respect to non-audio matters that could render the whole thing unusable with the next change of data format, etc.

Back in the day, I could hook everything up and take it apart, and now, that is no longer true.  I love the functionality, but miss the ability to take the jalopy apart onto the garage floor and put it all back together again.  Yes, there is certainly an automotive analogy here as well.

Analogously yours,

linvolk

Some great comments here. I'm probably a classic case of always wondering if there's (significantly) more. The only cure is to turn the system on and play some well-recorded vinyl to remind myself that my system is more than okay.

I could happily upgrade forever, but I have hit some big limitations, mostly in $$$. Upgrading my system would be in the tens of thousands of dollars. And I'm not simply spending my money. I have a wife who wants a new car but will most probably not buy it, especially with the new tariffs. A daughter who is always in financial trouble and granddaughters who need money for college.

Then energy comes into the equation. I'm 78. Not an old 78, but I  no longer have the energy or interest to haunt stereo shops all over Los Angeles. I've done that for years and no longer want to listen to systems I can't afford.

When my friends, who are not poor, hear how much I spent on my new speakers or turntable, they already think I've blown a gasket. How much would it cost to improve on my VPI Prime Signature 21? Would I hear the difference if I spent $20 or $30K on a new turntable? It would all be insane in the world I live in.

How much happier would I be if I sold my ARC PH-7 and spent $20K plus on ARC's latest Reference 3 SE? I would be very unhappy because I would have to do it without my wife's agreement. In other words, it's not happening.

If I were alone and rich and could buy any piece of equipment my heart desired, would I be happier? We all know the answer. No. I want good audio, but I also want a life. End of the audiophile story,

Heading to Axpona this weekend. Just another sign I haven’t reached my end point. 😂