I really like the sound of my gear so I haven't bought any equipment for many years. I am thinking of buying A Dac though, since I like using my 100cd changer but realize it isn't the best cdp. I am waiting for the prices to go down.
I always get excited about a great new recording, I'm in this for the music. Some like fiddling with gear, nothing wrong with that. I don't know about your figures for best available sound at $1000 or $5000, or whatever. I think it's kind of hard to say anything is 75% of the best sound or 90%, whatever. What is "best" sound?
To me if it sounds really good then your getting close. Of course, you have to have some idea what "really good" sounds like. I listened to a lot of different gear before I bought mine. You also have to go to places that carry some of the "best". Doubtful you would find that at Best Buy or Target. Some people (Hell, most) don't realize there are other places to buy audio gear.
I agree you can get wonderful equipment for $5 - 10K. For most people that's enough. I also know if money was no object I'd probably have solid Gold volume knobs on my pre-amp, and naked dancing girls playing harps in my living room. If I spent $100k would it be 10 times better? NO. But, it would be better (probably).
How many thousands your willing to pay for small improvements is probably dependent on your wallet. Where the sickness comes in is if your spending crazy sums that you don't have for something that you really don't need.
I always get excited about a great new recording, I'm in this for the music. Some like fiddling with gear, nothing wrong with that. I don't know about your figures for best available sound at $1000 or $5000, or whatever. I think it's kind of hard to say anything is 75% of the best sound or 90%, whatever. What is "best" sound?
To me if it sounds really good then your getting close. Of course, you have to have some idea what "really good" sounds like. I listened to a lot of different gear before I bought mine. You also have to go to places that carry some of the "best". Doubtful you would find that at Best Buy or Target. Some people (Hell, most) don't realize there are other places to buy audio gear.
I agree you can get wonderful equipment for $5 - 10K. For most people that's enough. I also know if money was no object I'd probably have solid Gold volume knobs on my pre-amp, and naked dancing girls playing harps in my living room. If I spent $100k would it be 10 times better? NO. But, it would be better (probably).
How many thousands your willing to pay for small improvements is probably dependent on your wallet. Where the sickness comes in is if your spending crazy sums that you don't have for something that you really don't need.