How do you rationalize audio upgrades?


Thought this could be a fun topic, especially after a Friday night libation, or two.

I'm going to add a turntable to my audio system. I am listening to different turntables and the amount I consider spending is increasing. $1500 max is now heading towards $2700.

What do you say to yourself to "rationalize" your decision to spend more?

I amortize over time.

You?
wharfy

Showing 3 responses by erik_squires

Sorry, last one.

The demanding mistress.

You buy a decent bit of kit, but it requires obedience in the form of many additional expensive peripheral components to sound decent.  Like a speaker which sounds OK with most amps, but finally sounds GOOD with an amp 2x as expensive as the speakers are.


Not for me. :) I like gear that plays together well for cheap.
Then there’s a formula that audiophiles fail to consider:


Very little benefit is not equal to any amount of money


That is, OK, let’s agree something is better. Is it $5 better? or $500 better?

I may hear better many times, but the price and benefit to me and my listening pleasure is often out of proportion.
I think the implicit formula many audiophiles use in making choices is like this:

Different sounding + More expensive = Better

Get rid of any notion of money from your choices, and you suddenly find yourself buying less expensive gear and being happier with it.

Best,

Erik