If no limit why’d you need recorded music and all that crap boxes to reproduce it !? I’d go with live music...hire profi musicians buy the best Stradivarius, Guarneris, Steinways, Fender stratocasters for them and Heaven is reached.
How I'd spend money given no limits
oldhvymec asked me this in another thread, and I thought it was worth sharing to hear how others might respond and spend for themselves.
Maybe a better question is, would I drop a million dollars on a stereo system if I could? No, I can’t imagine unless this involves building a home around it. In large part because I don’t see the returns. Let me expand on this.
First, what is best? I completely and utterly want to burn down the idea that high-price = high-end. So, the question for me is, is there higher performing gear I could get given cost is no object? Don’t get me wrong. I don’t think you can get to great performance for free or what a covid economy would call cheap.
For me, much of this hobby was in building, not buying. I made my own speakers, which may sound like crap (but I like them!), but the pride of ownership is unparalleled. Anyone with a fat enough wallet can buy their way into the club and pretend to be part of the cognoscenti but when you build anything, even if from a kit, you are ahead of everyone who has not. If I had any amounts of money to spend in my version of this hobby I’d experiment with custom line arrays or for HT, high output MTM, and innovative bass traps. My money would go to 3D CAM based milling machines, and sawdust removal. I would also hang out on Audiogon laying waste to snake oil salesmen all day long.
In terms of electronics what have I heard I feel is the equal or better than what I own?
In another area, headphones, I probably would drop a lot more money than I have. The best audio at a show, ever, was from Audeze headphones driven by Woo Audio tube headphone preamp. I’d love to have that experience in my home again. BTW, that was a very long time ago, so if I did this again I’d definitely want to listen to Raal Earspeakers and other headphone amp/DACs.
Any remaining money I’d spend on supporting musical education and culture. Great musicians come from an environment that includes formal education, access to instruments and a thriving supportive community.
Best,
Erik
Erik, if you could, would you. if you could and had all the means, would you buy the absolute best you could buy?
Maybe a better question is, would I drop a million dollars on a stereo system if I could? No, I can’t imagine unless this involves building a home around it. In large part because I don’t see the returns. Let me expand on this.
First, what is best? I completely and utterly want to burn down the idea that high-price = high-end. So, the question for me is, is there higher performing gear I could get given cost is no object? Don’t get me wrong. I don’t think you can get to great performance for free or what a covid economy would call cheap.
For me, much of this hobby was in building, not buying. I made my own speakers, which may sound like crap (but I like them!), but the pride of ownership is unparalleled. Anyone with a fat enough wallet can buy their way into the club and pretend to be part of the cognoscenti but when you build anything, even if from a kit, you are ahead of everyone who has not. If I had any amounts of money to spend in my version of this hobby I’d experiment with custom line arrays or for HT, high output MTM, and innovative bass traps. My money would go to 3D CAM based milling machines, and sawdust removal. I would also hang out on Audiogon laying waste to snake oil salesmen all day long.
In terms of electronics what have I heard I feel is the equal or better than what I own?
- Luxman
- Ayre
- D’Agostino
- Vandersteen
- CAT
In another area, headphones, I probably would drop a lot more money than I have. The best audio at a show, ever, was from Audeze headphones driven by Woo Audio tube headphone preamp. I’d love to have that experience in my home again. BTW, that was a very long time ago, so if I did this again I’d definitely want to listen to Raal Earspeakers and other headphone amp/DACs.
Any remaining money I’d spend on supporting musical education and culture. Great musicians come from an environment that includes formal education, access to instruments and a thriving supportive community.
Best,
Erik
67 responses Add your response
Call me crazy but it would be more matched systems and not a “one killer system”. I currently have 5 different systems and love them all. It’s like some crazy harem of sound. Some systems play more intimate and others rock the house. My wife believes they are all too loud, oh well. As to additions, absolutely. Something matched to some Sonus Faber Strads would be nice and always thought about a Hovland amp. From there some of the ancient Western Electrics would have to make the list, matched to proper amplification. Then there is the Meridian dsp8000 and the list goes on and on. Each is so, so different in stage and presentation. Would this satisfy my appetite, probably not. I thought I was done when I assembled my first “forever” system. Nope, didn’t happen. I kind of look at my habit as similar to a car collector. A Ferrari definitely has some incredible appeal, but would you pass a chance to own a duesenburg, if your in to cars. Would you say, I got a Ferrari, I’m good. Heck no, both have a ability and looks galore but what a difference. Now yes, as an audiophile we do run into Porsche owners. Those that swear, “their brand”, is all there is. All I can say is, well good for you, have a cookie. |
I have my Lotto Wish List but I am sure it would change after auditioning gear:
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue16/lavigneroom.htm |
I will keep my actual dedicated audio room with my crazy cheap homemade embedding devices because like said the OP, when you make something yourself you are ahead and proud.... I will buy the Berning Zotl amplifier to replace my Sansui, i will keep my Starting point system nos dac and i will study about new speakers (undecided for the moment ).... Not so costly additions after all... I like the philosophy and experience of the OP, audio is not about money at all.... My best.... |
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