@millercarbon - no cell phone??????? How can you live in the 21st century? What if your car breaks down? I'm not saying you even need a smartphone. You can get a non data phone meant for people who don't know what the internet is for as the famous @mahgister would say is "peanuts". I'm sure your must be joking.
As far as the original post, I've been incrementally upgrading very s l o w l y over the past 39 years which has lately accelerated a bit since the kids are finally off the payroll (physician daughter was a marathon). I try to always make the newest component the best of the system, buy demo or used in new condition and don't collect the stuff. When I'm done with item it's traded in or sold outright.
There are all types on AG. $500 systems to $500K systems. I cringe when I hear people looking for $30K speakers or $50K amps, but I have no idea about their financial situation or their values. They could be lottery winners, or wall street types. It could be like Monopoly money to them and they are keeping up with the Joneses. Last I checked it's a free country.
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Thanks @mitch2. Much tougher for her - I just had to write checks. She probably will have to take care of me at some point (hopefully later than sooner). She has another year+ in her residency and then a 2 year fellowship, (after 4 yrs of med school and almost 2 years of residency) and all the hypochondriacs in the family are already bugging the crap out of her.
@glupson - Porsches are actually more reliable than you think (watch .... I'm probably jinxing myself and my 10 year old one will have a problem next week) but MC could still get a flat tire. With those low profile sticky tires unfortunately we get lots of flats. I guess he carries a portable tire inflator. He could have some other type of emergency. He is the only person I have heard of that has no cell phone. No texting....wow. Just cause the non-data flip phones are meant for the tech deficient doesn't mean that thrifty people can't use them. |
@glupson - I didn’t think of the burner phones. They are mainly used by drug dealers, but I guess they can be more economical than a monthly plan. You don’t have to be connected all the time if you have a smart phone. You just turn notifications off. You can go on .the web when you need to. Like directions, ordering at restaurants without waiting in line, and texting, which I fought for a while, but it is actually very efficient.
Porsches are very reliable. Something like 60% of every 911 EVER made is still on the road after like 60 years. The difference with Porsche versus Tekton, Better Records and his other commercials he spouts is that MC doesn’t get any special treatment for promoting them.
FYI - I don’t like the big smartphones because they don’t fit in a pocket easily and I get criticized because I still have an iPhone7. I think they are up to 12s now. I like the size of the 7 best, and if I need something bigger, I use my wife’s extra iPad (worst case, my lap top).
In some situations, they are actually required. Some restaurants’ menus have to be accessed via a QR code and some teams only issue tickets electronically and they scan your smartphone to enter the venue. If you leave the house much I would recommend you give it a try. You might like it. You can even read Audiogon on it and post! |
@glupson- at a minimum he gets free use of their gear to “spread the word” - I think he does have to return it (and maybe swap it out for something else.). He has said that.
Any other discounts (especially from Better Records), who knows.
At least the guys who make money from this stuff identify themselves here, but they are less “damn serious” than MC. |
Thanks for your defense @glupson.I have only ever criticized one person on this site. That is because of his hypocrisy as you’ve so clearly pointed out.
One more instance of his hypocrisy - he only promotes certain brands not to be renamed again, and he says he does it only because he likes them and gets no special treatment from them. If that’s the case, what about the numerous other laundry list of products he uses? He doesn’t like them? Or they don’t give him something? Maybe not directly, but there must be some benefit.
Lastly, he says people spend all day attacking others on AG. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. And yes, I do havre a system that has been improving over 40 years that I have commented on its various components where appropriate. Just because I don’t take pictures of it and post them doesn’t make me unenthusiastic about my audio and music passion. I don’t need to brag, not that it is only braggarts who post their pictures, just the “damn serious” audiophiles. Lighten up - this is a fun hobby and people who are interested can learn things here. Sometimes from you!
The best example is he has said many times that he is not fussy! Try to control your laughter.
I agree with some of his promotion like Townshend vibration control solutions. They helped me tremendously. It’s the ones that he says affect audio mysteriously that are highly questionable. All he can say is listen and have faith. Then when someone says they don’t improve the sound, he makes excuses. I am honest in my opinions when I try something, good or no change.
IAnother proof point, after he told me to contact Townshend, he told me to tell them that he sent me. If no benefit to him, then why would he say that?
@mahgister at least has a possible reason for the sound change as plugging in more SR devices to your electric grid can change the sound. I don’t see how that could be a positive, but who knows, and maybe it could do something. I have never personally criticized him.
Now maybe MC will move along, but I doubt it. |
@tomic602 - nice Lil (what is that?) garage. I'm sure the Porsche dealer was thrilled while you ate pizza in their showroom waiting for a better deal.....
You should try a Cayman GT4 - I'd get one if it only had a sunroof (maybe GTS - the 4's are kinda pricey with the markups) ....Caymans are more fun than 911s. I'm not a cab guy.
Don't be jealous of McLarens - $2K for an annual oil service - if you can get an appointment that is. |
@jss49- I was talking about the GTS Cayman. I am a sunroof guy so I have a 911 GTS that has a sunroof. The GT#s are the track cars that typically don’t offer sunroofs because for the added weight.
I think there was a GT3 with a sunroof option for a year or two with the 996.2, but it has less power than my car and was more $$.
I think if Porsche made the Cayman with a sunroof option (if that is possible), it would cannibalize 911 sales and cost them money. That would be my car - probably a GTS. |
True. Every try to get in a newer NSX? Im 6' and guaranteed to hit my head getting out of it. Other than that, it's a great car and you can get them due to Acura's (Honda's) inept marketing. |
He should try a 911. I have more room in that than I did in my '05 4Runner. By a good amount - especially leg room. |
I’m sure it is better, just like the 996 was better than the 993. Just not my cup of tea. I wish they made a Cayman with a sunroof (which I know doesn’t fit without really reducing headroom). I’ve gone from 996 (C4) to 997.1 (S) to 997.2 (GTS). These are like planes as you know, no need to change every 4-5 years.
I’ve driven the 991 and 992. I think they are getting too big, like the 928 did. And the sunroofs are a disaster from a looks standpoint.
Everyone knows the Cayman is the best handling Porsche, and I might add most fun, I just can’t live without a sunroof and don’t want a cab I can only use a few months a year without freezing or burning. There are worse things in the world than driving a 10 year old (and counting) 911. |
992 is way too big and complicated and all turbos. 991 was too big for that matter and had a ridiculous looking sunroof when open. I like the 997.2- no IMS problems. Regular in line 6, sunroof, etc.
I know .... that what the purists said when the water cooled ones came out in ‘99.
if you want a new one, get a Cayman or Boxster. I think you can get a 6 cylinder model, non-turbo. |
@mitch2 - please let's not get political.....
and @unreceiveddogma - who mentioned what someone earns? I didn't see it any of @millercarbon 's posts. Not that he hesitates to defend himself.... |
@mrklas- why did you get rid of the 991?
What did you replace it with?
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Hey MC - mine might be my last one - '11 GTS. max 997.2 power other that GT3 (has no sunroof) No turbo, normal sunroof. Triple black, center lock wheels....Please convince me otherwise. I've always replaced every 6 years and now I am overdue.
Can't think of anything else except an older, slower GT3. I don't pay for collectibility, just pure fun. |
My sincere condolences. I told my wife when I got my first 911 18 years ago that this is the car I'm driving until I can't get in or out of it.....
Hopefully health wasn't a factor in your decision.
At least you won't be incurring much in terms of depreciation cost.... |
My wheels are not carbon fiber. I think either a GT3 RS or GT2 has a Weissach package for $30K that had magnesium special light wheels. I didn't even know about the motor mounts. I've only pushed my car once, on an empty highway. It seemed to have unlimited power/acceleration, even in 6th.
The wheels in that video are sick. I only wonder what it would cost to replace one if you blow it out. ($5K or more).
Based on your comments, I guess this is my last car (that only I drive with rare exception). In only put on 5K a year. I'm surprised you didn't mention any GT3s or GT2s. I guess you are talking about cars you can fairly easily find without breaking the bank.
I still have to deal with my wife changing cars every 4 or so years. I drive them in the rain, snow, etc. Considering a Macan for her or may just lease another A4. Have another year+ to worry about it. I just hope the supply chain improves so the market isn't as crazy as it is now. Otherwise I'll have to buy the A4 off of the lease, and they are not long term keepers with their reliability issues. |
MC- I have been in PCA for 18 years and am aware of the Porsche depreciation/appreciation curve. I always buy them 3-4 years old certified from a dealer and let the first guy take the $50K depreciation hit. I think with my car it actually happened sooner than normal. Maybe because my car is not real common. It’s not “rare” but certainly not abundant. I didn’t buy It to make $$- I need something to drive and I want the most possible fun. I guess I lucked out.
I also know the value of wheels weight reduction benefits. Even more so with bicycles, although not nearly as pricey. My recent purchase of a fairly basic carbon fiber bike included a wheel &tire upgrade that reduced the weight around 20%. |
Hey @glupson - have you ever been in a 911? I'm 6' and have more leg and head room than in my old 4Runner. Once you get in, it's very comfortable.
For someone in the back seat, that's another matter..... |
@glupson- I’ve had a 996 (‘99-‘05), 997 (‘06-‘09) and 997.2 (‘10-‘12) and all were roomier than my 4Runner in leg room with sunroof. I haven’t raced, but I trust @jss49 when he talks about his 6’4” friend tracking a 911 with helmet . Also I’ve been to the track and a friend of mine is also 6’4-5” and drives an older one (993 ‘92-‘98 I think)- no problem. Not sure if his car has a sunroof.
Maybe you’re taller than 6’4” or didn’t learn to use the height adjustment. It’s tricky if you don’t have power seats.
Used to come with an inflatable spare I think. Now I just make sure to take my portable tire inflator that plugs into the ash tray on any trips outside 5-10 miles. |
Wow - if you are much taller than 6', then I don't blame you for not liking your head touching the roofliner.
I guess for you to be comfortable, you have to get one of those big trucks/SUVs that the players in the NBA get.
Beleive me, Porsche used the space for the spare very efficiently. They don't waste on cc in the 911. The older ones had smaller engines and were air cooled, so no water pump. The new engines are more complicated as well. Ever look inside the rear hood in a water cooled one? The engine is jammed in there. |
I am amazed at the number of people I hear about on this site that have $100K invested in their current system (not including losses taken on past gear traded in) and how many are just counting one system that they use and not multiple components they switch in and out.
I would think that most $100K systems are bought by multimillionaires/billionaires who don’t spend a lot of time evaluating, thinking about or listening to their systems as they may be in a 2nd or 3rd house. They probably have a designer type making the decisions for them, and I would be shocked to see them posting on this site.
Please prove me wrong so I know that the equipment is being enjoyed. I hate wasting anything and not using something that a creator/designer of components is a waste. Just like cars that never get driven and are held for investments. Dr. Porsche and Mr. Ferrari would be turning over in their graves. |
I didn't say all $100K+ systems owners are like that @jss49, (I know @millercarbon looks at every possible component and tweak and @mikelavigne is about as committed as anyone in looking at all his options) ) I'm thinking of the proliferation of the "smart home" places, which is what the only stereo store left in Southern New Jersey turned into and how audio is an after thought. https://hifisales.com/They make the majority of their money through installations, home theater set ups, and people throw big money at their "designers" who handle lighting, window shades, security, furniture, even renovations, etc. Also, not to be sexist, but the vast majority of audiophiles are not women, and they handle these types of decisions many times. (I know there are a few women on Audiogon, but please don't hang me.) The store's only person who knew anything about turntables quit after the store transitioned. They have a right to make money of course, but even Best Buy'a high end section Magnolia, makes more off the "services", except setting up turntables! I guess I am wrong about the only store selling stereo being gone in my area since Best Buy does sell McIntosh, B&W, KEF and other brands that have the ability to stock all these stores (probably not getting paid for the demo equipment up front that smaller manufacturers could not afford) that are in a small subset of Best Buys located well, demographically speaking. And some of these people don't care about $100K spent or how much they could make on that investment, they have more money than they can ever spend (not investing). And they don't have the time or interest in learning the details. Remember Tony Soprano on the Soprano's listening to Clapton in a memorable scene in his basement saying it sounds like Clapton is playing in the room? Doubt he knew what a preamp is. Any other $100Kers out there invested in ONE system, preferably using a turntable a good amount of the time, that are not in the stereo business or have the equipment left over after working in the business? Also, I am not talking about $100K list price, actual $100K invested in components and tweaks, cables, etc. That $100K system could easily translate into a $50K system (which is still more than I'd consider, but it's a different story) out of pocket on the current inventory. As a music and audio enthusiast, I just can't see how a system can be worth that much as part of a room where other activities take place, not a dedicated listening room (not counting part of the $100K invested in video equipment and furnture,etc.). |
