Mac,
>>Man, I need help. What would I do if I get a new preamp and don't like it (I won't of course) then try another, and another, and another, until I find one I like.<<
Happiness is an inside job. Always.
Its possible too. Happiness that is, regardless what you have on hand now. Regardless how expensive or inexpensive the system may be, it is not usually the system. Its the nut behind the wheel.
When the grass seems greener on the other side, its time to water your own lawn. That does not mean to get more grass.
Perception. Changing ones perspective is the most cost effective way to attain true happiness.
Being restless, irritable and discontent, with whatever, are signs the insides arent quite on the beam. Sort of like having an itch you cant scratch, or one you should not.
Its not the bling on the ring or the ear on the gear, its the ride on the inside. When the insides are at peace, tranquil, not tranquillized everything will fall into place pretty readily.
Seeking out another whos it whats it is merely treating the symptom, not treating the true problem.
Peace of mind for me is a very high priority. If in my mind I perceive a thing, regardless what it is, as a need, or a must rather than a casual desire, many times it can take on the persona of a task, or a chore, or simply put, work.
When a hobby becomes an effort. Utterly involving. Takes higher priorities than it deserves, I am then controlled by it and not it being controlled by me. Consequently, Im out of control. As much as I feel control is just another illusion, it can be quite an empowering or conversely, a very debilitating thing. Thus consuming more energy than is deserved.. Thereafter the moving of things in my life from a position of balance to one of being out of balance occurs, and the itching, then begins.
Look within, not without. Thats where all our real answers lay.
Of course, if the above insights do not appeal to you, Ill give you a better deal than Swamp offered up.
In fact I think we should establish a foreign exchange program . You send me all of your gear, and in exchange, Ill send you all of my gear. In six months or less well return things to one another. Then repeat that process with some other member. Perhaps living with some foreign gear for a time will help us appreciate our own situation. Well call it comparison shopping for happiness. But it will be far less expensive, and may or may not provide happiness after all, as results will vary and are entirely dependant upon the nuts behind the wheel perception .