Many seem to be talking about their last system .

Both! Time to focus on the music more than the sound. The limiting factor is the source material, and it is what it is. There comes a point where good enough is good enough.

There are folks, like myself, who are in their 60's and looking at retirement in a few years, most likely reduced incomes, potentially much smaller living spaces, and unfortunately, either less acute hearing or more serious medical conditions to contend with or both.

Not to be a downer, but individual components that cost more than say $2K become very unnecessary after awhile.  

I like my current systems a lot, but I recognize that the components I like best are going on 15 years old and may be nearing the end of their useful lives.  So when I replace them, I am thinking this will be the last time I make the purchase.  

My focus now is making sure I have back-up in case something breaks down or can not be repaired.  I have a veritable boatload of CDs and zero desire to stream or convert to files.  So, I have 2 CD players, new in the box, on the shelf, so I am covered for the next 20 years.  

As for all these stunning $5K+ components, that time has passed for me at least.  They just don't make sense anymore.  It is a hobby after all.  


Rich 

I’ve thought a lot about this in the past couple of years (turning 60 was sobering to say the least). I’m now 61 and am indeed interested in the end game. I think @rar1 nailed it with this:

There are folks, like myself, who are in their 60's and looking at retirement in a few years, most likely reduced incomes, potentially much smaller living spaces, and unfortunately, either less acute hearing or more serious medical conditions to contend with or both.

I’ve tried more than my share of component/speaker combinations over the years and my current system, which I began to acquire 2 years ago, came about from a long-standing curiosity finally realized. I’m incredibly happy with this system, thankfully, as I’m tired of the seeming endless search and upgrades. Over the years, instead of selling all of the gear I moved on from I stored much of it and have enough in storage for 3 systems (and then some). It’s nice to have back-ups if/when something breaks or boredom strikes.

As for all these stunning $5K+ components, that time has passed for me at least.  They just don't make sense anymore.  It is a hobby after all.  

+1

I have just retired and now have no time for the upgrade cycle anymore.In a nutshell I am quite happy now with what I posess and to that end I will only want to service things now so that is why I puchased the best things I could to last me untill I croak. I have two pairs of highest spec. headphones from Sennheiser and Stax to cover all eventuallities and a super hi spec headphone amp. I have sold my Gryphon Mikado and replaced it with a Direct Sream DAC from PS Audio, because all I listen to now consists of Radio broadcasts from BBC Radio Three and I also stream from Quobuz. I get most of my enjoyment now from that setup and if I feel nostalgic for a pianist or violinist that I have on CD then I put it through db Poweramp on to my workstation and then listen to it through Roon and I am happy. Now I don't endlessly clean Vinyl or getup to change CDs and every thing that I like can be accessed by a remote or a wireless mouse but with a visit to the drinks cabinet now and again for a drop fo Cardu Single Malt and an enening just flies in.Couldn't be happier. Jim.

I agree with bdp24.

Two kids in college has me off the upgrade cycle for now.  It will be interesting to see what the market looks like when I get to come back up for air in a couple of years.

I understand what you all are saying but I protest. Personally, I am not going to stop, not only to improve the sound but also to maintain the audiophile tradition and connection to the roots.
As for the availability of funds, well, it is always a factor but rarely the most significant one unless you accept nothing but the very best and new. Yeah, source material is what it is, even more motivation to get the most out of it.
However, younger generation doesn’t appear to be interested in all this. We have no-one to pass it on to - that’s bad. Better exploding universe than shrinking.

I quit this child thingie long time ago. 
The number of vintage receivers, amps and players that I have allows me to swap them from time to time for different sound without investing any extra penny.

It’s cyclic. They’ll get it back. but probably not until most of us are gone.

In the meantime, Digital and it’s problems are misrepresenting music, and that is part of the problem. Subtle to the conscious mind but the lack of some important aspects of what pulls us in, for almost 20 years, wiped out an entire generation of aficionados before they had a chance to exist. The same effect can be found in class D amps, in my experience.

It’s not just the changing landscape it’s a problem of going sonically backward - all for that modern convenience.

Show me a ’real’ audio manufacturer these days, who wants to build with delta-sigma type dacs. Most are moving out of it as fast as they can, for discrete R-2-R dac types. More expensive... but far more correct in what we hear. Back to what digital had before the delta-sigma dac types came along.

Right. But not backward, that wouldn't be the worst because you could reverse, theoretically, it is simply nowhere.

Well, in anticipation of losing discretionary funds to supporting the coffers of the universities of my kid’s choice, I built up 3 systems. One in my main listening room, one in my bedroom and one in my youngest son’s room (19 years old).

I think my son would qualify as a next gen "audiophile." When not listening to the main system, he listens to one of the 100 albums he personally owns and plays them on an RP6 with Clearaudio Maestro V2 cart run through a Parasound HINT in his bedroom.

My wife says I’m a bad influence, but I disagree.

No, she might think that you are a good influence but refuses to say it. Women are different..

She definitely does not see the value in the pursuit of better sound quality or the need to spend the funds in order to do so.  I, in return, don't understand the need for yet another handbag from some design house in Europe.  We both agree to quietly sustain the other's purchases as long as the primary financial needs are met.  Certainly a Mars vs Venus situation.

I am not exactly thinking about upgrades any more, the system is well-balanced and I consider it complete. I am thinking about a totally new system. Sure, for a few years it is going to be a transition because I can't afford or/and can't find what I might want, but it will be a new system building process that will take some time.

I agree, based on a combination f age and experience.  I began listening to classical Victor Red Seal 78s on a wind-up Victrola. Before WWII, I was a ham radio operator, building my own transmitter and power supply.After the war, I was no longer able to have a ham radio station, so I began building mono channel audio equipment - - amplifiers, preamps, power supplies and speakers, using the Audio Engineering (later Audio) publications for reference. A cannibalized Capehart provided the turntable and pickup. Then came the 45s, followed by the LPs and stereo.  I continued to build my own stereo amps - - some from scratch and some from kits. I had access to a fully-equipped woodworking shop, so I continued to make my own speaker cabinets, and used JBL, Altec-Lansing and Tannoy drivers. Then came the Klipsch speakers, and I quit making my own. Then, as I was moving every couple of years, I quit making my own electronic gear and began to sample what was out there in the way of pre amps, amplifiers, turntables, arms and cartridges. I was a tube guy until the KT-88s and other final stage tubes had to come from Russia and elsewhere, meaning that keeping a supply of decently- matched tubes was prohibitive for my finances.  I switched to solid state.  Along with continually upgrading, I began ripping my classical LP collection to tape with 10 /12 reel-to-reel decks. That lasted until the supply of recording and playback heads became problematical. So, I switched to CDs, replacing a large chunk of my classical LPs with CDs. (I still have one of the original SOTA turntables with an SME arm plus  Shure V-15 carts.)  I came across Thiel speakers by accident, and when I acquired my CS 3.5s, Jim Thiel suggested Bryston 4B amps.  Finally, after about 70 years of upgrading, I was hooked. Now, my final rig is: Bryston pre amp and 4BSST2 amp feeds a pair of Thiel 2.7s with a SmartSub 2.2. I spin CDs via a Bryston BCD-3 - - - and, when the neighbors complain late in the evening, I switch to a pair of STAX Lambda Pro electrostatic headphones.    At Age 95 plus a few months, I believe my journey in Audio is complete.  I slip in a Bach, Brahms, Donizetti, Mozart, Mahler, Dvorak, Puccini or Verdi little silver disk, sit back, smile, and listen to some of the world's greatest music. 

Most in this hobby are over 50. There’s your answer.

I am over 50, this has nothing to do with the answer. Until perhaps you are 95.
Brayeagle, your dedication to music and sound is admirable.

I don't plan on upgrading only repairing or replacing if some componet dies before I do. 

We can die at any moment, probability unknown. What is the point of taking it into consideration ?

It is much more than funds. First, I have to 'see' this new system. In other words, formula first numbers will follow. See the sound then find the components to make it. Second, availability. And finally, it must be 'politically' right, including the timing. There are other projects and expenses.

I'm 54 and I'm still going.   An ideal would be to find a single system that just did everything amazing.  But I've yet to encounter such a system (at least that I can afford) so, while I always love my current system, at some point I'm checking what else is out there.

teo_audio,

In the meantime, Digital and it’s problems are misrepresenting music, and that is part of the problem. Subtle to the conscious mind but the lack of some important aspects of what pulls us in, for almost 20 years, wiped out an entire generation of aficionados before they had a chance to exist.

Ugh...these rationalisations.

If you don't care for digital, fine.  But extrapolating from your own opinion to generalization that digital can not of it's own nature musically satisfy musically other people is just nonsense. 

Digital got a lot of people even more in to high end audio.   I got back in to high end audio big time in the early 90's, as did quite a number of people I knew, virtually all of whom had switched to CDs as their source (though a few still had turntables).  And that was during something of a heyday for high end audio - remember how many audio mags there were right into the late 90's,  how thick Stereophile was given it's readership?
The vast majority of audiophiles I knew then used and (which included those in the industry, and writers as well) enjoyed digital sources.  
That goes for plenty of people now, whether it's audiophiles who are using top quality digital sources, or music lovers who stream digitally, even at lower quality.  My kids have deep connections to the music they listen to on their laptop, or phone.  And why wouldn't this be the case?  If you think back on the type of systems many of us listened to when young, e.g. 60's early 70's or whatever, people were getting off on music whether it was their transistor radio, or crappy quality turntable.   Same goes for today; millions and millions of people connect to music, however it gets to them, and there is no "technological devil" in there keeping them from being pulled in to the music.  That's just personal projection. 

I've been thoroughly entranced with my various high end systems for decades using digital as a source, and a large number of musicians, and music aficionados listening to my systems have been enthralled listening to music as I have been.  (Not to mention audiophile friends).  We are certainly "pulled in to the music."

Now, I do have a new high end turntable and LOVE it, both for the sound of vinyl and for the experience of owning and playing vinyl.   But it certainly doesn't cause me to start concocting wild theories about some secret deficiency in digital.   My digital sources still sound wonderful, and can excel over the analog, depending on source quality and other considerations. 

I did not talk about my end system.

The only end is the speaker.

Practically, it is harder for me to get better speaker than Lansche 4.1.

Some monster speaker play louder with deeper bass.

Some planar speaker may have natural soundstage.

But Lanshe 4.1 has overall balance and the best treble that I had heard of due to Plasma tweeter.

http://stereotimes.com/speak112410.shtml


 I will keep updating the front end and amplifiers.

Since my grown up children had left my spacious house(5,100 sqf), I have room for second system.

Sometimes I got temptation to get planar speaker because I had enjoyed Apogee Duetta Signature for 10 years.

Practically, I had better spend money on improving front end for Lansche 4.1.

With your Lansche you are already quite far so yes it would require big funds to improve. Most audiophiles will never be where you are now, as sad as it is.
If it was me I would first take amp/cables/speakers unit to its full potential and then attend to the rest. It would also be easier to compare source components and other cables and cords.

brayeagle.....thank you sir for the wonderfully explained snippet of your life’s journey from your own personal musical time capsule... you are a true audio enthusiast...you made my day sir...God bless.

i SIT HERE S/P day 6 of quadruple bypass, no big explanation.  but can say a divorce early retirement and substantial income reduction, a new system would be a big deal.  I would like my pre divorce one back.  That would be good enough. 
Unlike some I still want the best sound and did just assemble a  very low cost SET system , which I think might benefit in any number of ways but other things obviously limit what I can hope to do.

In the last 5 years, though I've made certain upgrades to my system, I've probably spent more money on records. There comes a point where, to me, the continual quest to extract the last iota of sound from a reproduction system is subordinate to the the desire to use and enjoy that system to listen for its intended purpose. In the process, I've become less dogmatic about the all analog v digital thing, and can actually enjoy what I have rather than worrying about the 'next big (or little) thing."
@brayeagle- wisdom doesn't always come with age, but it sounds like you are in a good place. 

@mechans -- they probably have you lifting heavy boxes and running the 1/4 mile. You feeling better? 

I retired in June 2017 at 63  1/2 years old.  I  dropped 30K into my 2 systems right after I retired.  I am very happy with both systems and feel I won't be changing.  My income is now half of what it used to be so I won't have the disposable income for many more toys.  I bought all McIntosh pieces with the 30K.  The equipment should last the rest of my lifetime. 

Unlike Bill I am becoming more 'dogmatic', even thinking about reel to reel deck, in fact already decided, it is just a matter of timing. I'll get half track Otari, Studer is just too expensive for me. But I like tape, I'll put everything I need on tape and will keep turntable and records as archive. Besides, very often I don't listen to entire record and I am tired of moving the needle. And if I manage to get some master tape dubs that will be great.

Retirement is a ways off for me but I have no plans to die with a death-appropriate-sized/priced system.  My goal is to squeeze every ounce of life's pleasure out of each day up until my last.  I'm unaware of any upside to dying with a prudently configured audio system.

You might change your mind later on, when your great-grandchildren tell you they would love to have a system like yours some day.

Just a thought.

Lot's of interesting comments; but, Three_Easy_Payments made me laugh the hardest, so thanks for that!

I bought my first serious audio system in the 1970's; and, I've done a major upgrade every decade since. I suspect my most recent upgrade will also be my last major upgrade. I'm hoping to avoid having to downsize to an integrated amp with bookshelf speakers after I retire.

What gives me hope is my most recent upgrades have been a quantum leap over my prior systems; so, technology is obviously marching forward. What worries me is that can't continue if the generations behind us don't  keep the hobby alive.

Generally speaking, behind us is a lost generation. The hope is for the next one after them.

@bdp24 - yes, the quality of the media is ultimately important; as you so correctly say, the "limiting factor".

@inna - I appreciate your many salient points.

@brayeagle - thank you!

@three_easy_payments - "I'm unaware of any upside to dying with a prudently configured audio system." - In full agreement here.

Really enjoying this thread because it is quite relevant to me. 

In the end, it is all about the sound you like, and of course, can afford.

I have usually had a system for ten plus years. My outgoing system was around 12 years old and the prior was probably 20 years old. Recently I purchased what will likely be my last system (I'm maybe five years away from retirement). There will be some tweaks including wire and power conditioning and possibly a source upgrade if it can beat what I just purchased and be affordable. But I'd see the source as being a relatively distant upgrade.

I now have the distinct pleasure of owning the TAD Evolution system with E1 speakers (when I heard them I knew then and there if I could ever afford them, there were exactly what I wanted), TAD preamp/DAC, and stereo amp. The source is an Aurender N10. For me, this system just sings and it is all I've ever dreamt of. Deep but controlled and fleshed out bass, amazing midrange, and a very sweet, detailed, and non-fatiguing top end. The resolution of this system is very high and it never sounds veiled, with the right media of course -bdp24. With the right media, it is as if you are there. -Let me emphasize that system/component synergy is key to the highest quality sound. I bought what I bought after many demos with the E1s and different components.

I won't wax eloquent about the sound (mostly because I'm not adequately skilled in the audiophile vernacular) but will say that 'when you've heard it you know will it'. That's the way I feel about my new system. I've saved long and hard for decades and am blessed to have found this system and to have been financially able to make it happen.

I will say if you are in the SoCal area and in the search to build a system that sings, then please contact Mike Rose @ Excel Audio in Newport Beach. He understands system building and can put together a system that is highly synergizing. He is also, by far, the best dealer I've ever worked with. I am in no way financially affiliated with Excel Audio, I'm just a truly happy customer and blessed to know Mike (and to be able to call him my friend too.) When you meet Mike, you'll immediately understand his deep love for music and the music making apparatus. It is infectious and to me that is what this hobby is all about. Thank you very much Mike.

Thanks again to @inna for starting this thread.

pokey77, thank you for your words.

Sort of a tangential thought, but I don't see much mention of the advances in streaming quality and how that might effect folks systems as they retire and their needs and/or budget change. Tidal has "master tape" quality streaming available for some of its music and rumor has it that Spotify will soon have higher-res streaming available.  You can't really downsize your speakers without losing quality, but one's music collection takes up a lot of space, so these new options make a lot of sense for those wishing to downsize and simplify.  

I'm retired and love CDs and vinyl although not exclusively, and if the streamer isn't working for some reason both of those will (except in power failures...until I get my used submarine nuke plant going). Always. Also it's important to have as much of the stuff you like as soon as possible in life as you could Buy the Farm any day from a number of causes. So the best way to be is wealthy with a lot of toys all over the place....just piles of stuff...simplify schmimplify!