Many seem to be talking about their last system .

yeah, to my opinion, based on my experience digital often really sounds good, (CEC Belt driven must be an interesting player) now I'm not saying it always beats analog, but if you consider the operating convenience and so on, you may choose for digital. R2R is for those who seek the absolute highest end. More and more good recordings become available so yes, I will most certainly invest somewhere next year in a decent R2R machine, and explore/enjoy new areas of excitement.

I have been preparing my resources for R2R project. In a few years, I think. As for digital, I have my old decent sounding CEC belt drive player, I'll see the direction digital goes. Unfortunately, for me at least, all the new music is digital, I spend some time on youtube with headphones.

Yes, I agree that we haven't reached the bottom of digital music reproduction yet. In fact, I'm now concentrating on digital, and will invest some more in the near future. I may not invest in vinyl but will go for digital and analog R2R. 

It will always sound good. I don't anticipate any breakthrough in sound reproduction. In fact, I think that attention should be on the recording and mastering. Analog recordings of the past will probably never sound significantly better than they do now. Digital source will improve.
In other words, we will not become obsolete.

Few facts, 1) I love music, 2) I like to hear it at what others call "high end" level, 3) I’m nearly 62 now. 4) I had some money in an old sock. 5) I enjoy life, enjoy a good health.
Two years ago I thought of buying myself some new equipment, had been dreaming for a while, remembering the days that I enjoyed my Apogee Grands, but had to sell those due to my work being away from home, not being able to enjoy them. One day I met a friend of mine, we spoke about life in general, and about enjoying life to the fullest as long as we can. We all realize that one of these days it will all be over and gone, so why not to enjoy it whilst you are still in a position/condition to enjoy it. That made me think, and made me decide to simply go for it, make the investments necessary, and enjoy it from the next day I had the equipment at home. I now can tell that a good year later, I have no regrets, even though that old sock is about empty now. I also already know that next year I’ll invest some more. The moment you have no dreams anymore, you may as well stop and depart from this world anyway. Good thing is that my son loves music as well, so most likely after I move on, he will be more than happy with it. On the other hand, he may have to wait a little longer, the equipment may be a bit outdated by that time...you never know ;) (but then again, what sounds good today will most likely still sound good for a long time to go....)

Cheers,

Most of us can't afford or/and don't have enough will to jump from one system to another, so in reality it is almost always in a state of flux. Also, when you are after used equipment, certain pieces show up very rarely, and if that's what you really want for your future set up you are presented with a dilemma of whether to get it now and potentially screw up the sound you have or maybe never be able to find it again.

One thing to be aware of is that buying and selling may not work very well because you may never have a complete system that truly synergizes together all at one time. "Endless upgrading" as the topic discusses, may not be an upgrade at all but a bunch of sideways moves. That is why when I bought my most recent system I bought from a dealer that had not only the ability to match gear well, but was more than happy to work with me until we found what made me not only feel, but know, what worked well together and made the sound I wanted; note in particular it was about the sound I wanted because we don't all want the same sound. I've spent the last five or six years going to shows and dealers and I knew when I heard the speakers that I bought, if there was any way I could afford them, I'd bring them home. I brought them home with electronics including a server source that just sing together. I do realize that not everybody has local dealers they can visit and so not everyone can take this route to design a system. But if you don't have local dealers, going to a show can get you pretty close or at least push you in the right direction. Forums like this can help too, but in the end it is about what YOU think sounds good and so taking someone's word for granted may not get you what you want. The proof is always in the listening and of course if you can hear a system in your own listening room that is even better yet.

One more comment. I'm maybe five years away from retirement and thought I'd purchase my last system after I'd crossed that line and had even more time to research and go hear equipment. But then I heard the speaker that wouldn't let me stop thinking about it. I'm glad I decided to make it happen now as who knows, hearing could be worse in five years, I could get killed on the way to the gas station, whatever. We all have different goals; I've been a pretty frugal guy all my life and this was my one bid splash out. It brings me joy everyday, even if just using it in conjunction with my TV.

Mark, you are right of course. But people are both rational and irrational, and I like both sides, unless it gets out of control.

two other issues often, and correctly mentioned,  just can’t be completely overcome by even the best of equipment: 1) recording quality, and 2) room acoustics 

room acoustics can be modified to an extent but recording quality just can’t, and most music collections are compromised of recordings ranging from truly awful to excellent, but rarely all ‘excellent’ 

chasing nirvana, spending copious amounts of $$$, when the deck is stacked, after a while begins to feel like a ‘no win’, so an adjustment of priorities takes place, at least that’s what’s happening to me 

Brayeagle, you are absolutely right. I try when I have an opportunity, I seek the opportunity as well.

Mark, good post. Finding right balance in expenses is not easy but always important. I can't even remotely afford what I might want yet I spend on the equipment much less than I theoretically could.
We, audiophiles, value both music and sound. I listen to whatever I like regardless of the recording quality but of course try to make any recording sound as good as possible. I don't feel there is always a conflict here.

inna
Maybe it's for us to educate the youngsters as they grow older. I've been doing that with my grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Maybe the place to start and get them really interested is through the music, rather than the equipment.   When they become accustomed to listening TO the music, and not to the Bass, The Lower Midrange, the Tweeter, the Coherence, etc.  Get them interested in good music, well-recorded and presented to our systems - - - without getting off track and boasting about the latest addition to the system.   Sooner or later, they'll want to hear good music on their own systems, whatever those may be, and they'll want to hear that good music played better.  

Just a thought

Lots of reasons we older philes are departing the train

After 40-50 years of trading, buying, selling, hoping, reaching, praying, searching - it gets a little tiresome, and the ‘grail’ has either been found or we’ve come to the realization that it’s such a moving target that the hunt is not nearly as much fun as it once was 

if you haven’t found the sound that suits you, you come to the realization that you won’t find it and have to conclude one of two realities:  the equipment is more important than the music and you will end up perpetually unsatisfied, or, preferably, the music IS more important and you rearrange your priorities - in my opinion it should truly be about the music, in the end, not ego, not glitz, or $$$, or prestige 

other reasons: as we age, hearing acuity diminishes, perhaps aesthetics become a bigger factor ( Sonus Faber anyone?!? ), guilt feelings engage spending cash for personal and selfish reasons and thoughts of cash requirements for kids, grandkids, charities, etc,  kick in; call it enlightenment, or a greater feeling of responsibility, whatever 

spending more doesn’t guarantee ‘improvement’, satisfaction, bliss, or happiness; I’m as addicted to the search as anyone, and the irony is I can now afford pretty much whatever I want, but I’ve come to a point where priorities have changed, know now that what I own is pretty dang good, and buying the ‘next best thing’ is not likely to enhance my appreciation for either the system, or more importantly the music 

I don't really, it is more of a warning, things are not going particularly well.

@brayeagle is my new hero

my mentor in things orbital ( sadly passed ) was a lifelong learner
i called him one day seeking some help and was told at 94 he was on the bus to audit a local university electrical engineering class

tgis from a guy who has 5 or six essential to Apollo program patents and one of the first 50 people in NASA

inna good thread
mostly with ya
dont write off a generation 

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!

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.  

pokey77, thank you for your words.

@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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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'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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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. 

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.

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.