I went to a dedicated headphone system to cut costs. For about 1/10 the cost of my conventional system, the system suits me:
EVS modified Panasonic S47 DVD player
Meier Audio PreHead preamplifier
Etymotic Logic ER-4S earphones
Virtual Mode Clear Power 1 and 2 conditioners
Signal Cable PCs
Joe-Zen ICs
I have, however, disconnected and stored away this gear. After not having listened to it for months, I have gradually conditioned myself not to miss it. The hardest thing for me is selling good gear at an appreciable loss. That is what keeps gear around; and when gear is around, I start listening to it, then I get compulsive about upgrading.
Right now I have a ($250) PIMETA Home headamp, a set of ($20) SONY MX-500 earphones, a ($39) Signal Cable "Analogue Mini-" adaptor and some ($30) RA Design isolation cones that I listen to at work. I listen less critically at work, so this relatively modest set-up is more than adequate from 9-to-5. The key for me is to have no at-home set-up, and to do something else with my time. Right now I am signed up for correspondence graduate courses in Theology, which take up my free time at home in the evening. I'm getting a lot more out of my time this way.
Of course, I must mention that, after having admitted that I have a compulsive buying disorder when it comes to audio equipment, and feeling the distress of that kind of helplessness, I prayed quite a bit for a way out. It has taken time--about two years--to get to where I am today, but I am not as restless and consumed as before with the endless quest for more and better. Granted, I have to avoid temptations--kind of like the alcoholic refaining from the first drink, but not having the system up and running, and having a worthwhile diversion (for me, studying) helps.
If you are really serious about kicking the habit, you have to get ready to deal with the acute pain of loss and resulting feelings of self-diminuation before you see a turnaround of any lasting value.
EVS modified Panasonic S47 DVD player
Meier Audio PreHead preamplifier
Etymotic Logic ER-4S earphones
Virtual Mode Clear Power 1 and 2 conditioners
Signal Cable PCs
Joe-Zen ICs
I have, however, disconnected and stored away this gear. After not having listened to it for months, I have gradually conditioned myself not to miss it. The hardest thing for me is selling good gear at an appreciable loss. That is what keeps gear around; and when gear is around, I start listening to it, then I get compulsive about upgrading.
Right now I have a ($250) PIMETA Home headamp, a set of ($20) SONY MX-500 earphones, a ($39) Signal Cable "Analogue Mini-" adaptor and some ($30) RA Design isolation cones that I listen to at work. I listen less critically at work, so this relatively modest set-up is more than adequate from 9-to-5. The key for me is to have no at-home set-up, and to do something else with my time. Right now I am signed up for correspondence graduate courses in Theology, which take up my free time at home in the evening. I'm getting a lot more out of my time this way.
Of course, I must mention that, after having admitted that I have a compulsive buying disorder when it comes to audio equipment, and feeling the distress of that kind of helplessness, I prayed quite a bit for a way out. It has taken time--about two years--to get to where I am today, but I am not as restless and consumed as before with the endless quest for more and better. Granted, I have to avoid temptations--kind of like the alcoholic refaining from the first drink, but not having the system up and running, and having a worthwhile diversion (for me, studying) helps.
If you are really serious about kicking the habit, you have to get ready to deal with the acute pain of loss and resulting feelings of self-diminuation before you see a turnaround of any lasting value.