Have you reached your end point with this addictive hobby?

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. 😂 

In the words of the great Bluto, "was it over when the Germans bombed pearl harbor?" 

For those addicted or feel they can give it up.  If you have the space, buy and keep.  I have much. 

If you've lost your spark, you need to bring others into your addiction.  I have given away, loaned out and sold much.  While listening to your music on your perfect system can bring great joy.  Just give someone, who doesn't have the affliction, some of your older dust collectors.  You'd be amazed at how much musical ability you might have, that's just collecting dust.  Music brings so much warmth to the soul.  Share it.  I had a great friend that was in final stages, only a few days.  Also a audio addict.  I took one of his systems and hooked up in the room he was leaving the earth and we cranked some wonderful tunes.  I instructed hospice to play it as loud as they wanted.  He was unconscious, but appeared to smiling.  Now that was a playlist. 

This discussion is interesting and IMO revealing in some ways. Why? Well the question has been posed many times here in various ways, “Are you an audio gear collector or do you get the equipment to enjoy the music? I would say that it’s a fair question and many of us would be both. In my case, I just try to chill, be one with the music (think 60s and 70s hippy vibe). At times I don’t think we give our gear enough chances to really excel or shine. I have had several recordings through different media that sounded bad or really good. As it has been pointed out time and time again the room makes the difference and also room treatment. Another factor overlooked so much while we gear swap is our own ability to hear well. Many factors and I often believe I have not given my system enough chance to really enjoy the music. Not to mention buying near gear is expensive. I like the answer that “I have a built-in control — lack of money”. Not knocking anyone here who enjoys the ride of buying new gear but for me I like to sit back with a Guinness and enjoy the music.

"Are you an audio gear collector or do you get the equipment to enjoy the music?” - both