If anyone cares to read the opinion of an old timer, I will offer my two cents. Building a sound system is not about achieving the "ultimate sound system" as one might believe. Rather, it is the pursuit of that imaginary system that provides the rush. Years ago, when "Stereo Review" was published, there was a monthly cartoon from a fellow named Rodriguez. He once drew a cartoon of two men in lab coats holding RCA cables that had the diameter of a fire hose in company CEO's office. The caption read something like: "And sir, after extensive and exhaustive testing, we found these X45AXZ cables to sound....a little better." Admittedly, it is more a visual, but you get the idea.
As we age, our hearing changes and musical detail diminishes. Cold, but true. I could never afford to chase upgrades even when I was much younger due to financial reasons although I have listened to some truly esoteric sound systems. However, after one investment in a stem to stern rebuild/cleaning/maintenance, my Pioneer SX 838 still "shines" in my ears. (I can hear some of you laughing!) The point is, obtain what you need to fulfil your own musical tastes. And, above all, don't chase you own shadow because you will never catch it.
Kindest regards to everyone,
Toi
As we age, our hearing changes and musical detail diminishes. Cold, but true. I could never afford to chase upgrades even when I was much younger due to financial reasons although I have listened to some truly esoteric sound systems. However, after one investment in a stem to stern rebuild/cleaning/maintenance, my Pioneer SX 838 still "shines" in my ears. (I can hear some of you laughing!) The point is, obtain what you need to fulfil your own musical tastes. And, above all, don't chase you own shadow because you will never catch it.
Kindest regards to everyone,
Toi