Are audiophile products designed to initially impress then fatigue to make you upgrade?

Yes, all of that is true. Stop spending money on hi-fi equipment and go home.

@johnk @kenjit 

You really shouldn’t be so paranoid, however, I have it on excellent authority that someone is out to take advantage of you!

Why would I buy additional equipment from a company that sold me fatiguing gear?  I don’t know about you, but if I needed to replace gear that I found to be fatiguing I would eliminate that manufacturer from consideration. So remind me again why we are intentionally being sold fatiguing equipment?

johnk

... why are so many upgrading fairly new gear that’s fully working? ...

Some people enjoy swapping equipment around. It's not my thing, but it doesn't concern me that others enjoy it. I think it mostly a stereotype, though. Most audiophiles I've known tend to keep their gear for a long time.

A friend from Germany made the same comment (he owns an audio store) amazing how Americans swap gear so much. I am quite happy with my current gear.