So, what DON'T you spend money on?


OK, most of us have stereo systems that tally in the five-figure range -- more than many peoples' automobiles, inlcuding perhaps our own. ;-)

Last week in an attempt to self-justify recent hobby expenditures, I started drawing up a list of things that more "normal" people would own or spend money on, but which I choose not own. To wit, I am 34 and married and do not have a:

TV
Cable Bill
Blu-ray player
Ipod
Smart phone
PS3/Xbox/Wii
Car payment on my '03 Mazda
Child

.... How 'bout you?
cymbop
34, married, 3 month old daughter.

Other than the new Rega DAC I bought in January, I stopped spending money on audio gear about 2 years ago. And my system is nothing like what seems like the majority of what people have here. It's far more than 'good enough' for me though - Bryston B60, Audio Physic Yara Evolution Bookshelves.

What do I spend money on? Rent, food, day care (couldn't afford the Mrs. staying home any longer than 3 months), and whatever our little bundle of joy needs. One car payment because I had to finally replace my '97 Volvo that had 250k miles on it. Cable and internet are the only entertainment we have other than watching our daughter grow up.

What don't I spend money on? Everything else.
No drug habit to satisfy. Save lots of money not drinking expensive wine, or smoking expensive cigars. No kids. No mistress. No pets right now. No gardener, (I do my own yard). No expensive sports car to maintain. No private plane. No boat. No social club dues. Don't have to buy clothes for work, (I'm a UPS driver and uniforms are provided). Don't gamble. Don't eat out very much. Not into jewelery. Don't CHASE AFTER all the latest, newest, hottest technology, (not an early adopter). Keep all my gear in tip top condition- clean, dust free, smoke free environment and get many years of use out of my shit...unlike most of my audiophile buddies who buy and sell off their audio gear like it's toilet paper. I got $200,000 invested in my audio system and it totally kicks ass. I buy used c.d.'s online and used vinyl too. That's where my money goes and I have NO REGRETS. My life is filled with great music all the time and I'm happy as can be!! Oh, and I got a hot looking wife to boot.
No fancy amp yet--sticking with McIntosh 6900 integrated and miniwatt tube. Cheap speakers. Haven't bought any music in years. Over 12000 tunes on ipod ripped from CD and vinyl collection. Spend most on awesome guitars.
No car, don't really need it in NYC area.
No cable or Blu-ray.
No expensive vacations.
Not much eating out.
No expensive drinks or cigars.
But I do buy designer clothing and good shoes on ebay from time to time;
And I do have some money for prostitutes.
After reading these answers I guess audiophiles are a pretty boring group. No wonder I don't have any audiophile friends.