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My High End Audio Gear As A Long Term Investment!!!

I’ve had enough years of fiddling around with all this expensive High End Audio gear. No more speaker musical-chairs for me or switching out my amp every few years, or chasing the latest new shine penny, etc. It’s far too costly (and a headache to boot). So a couple years ago I decided to take time and care in diligently putting together a fine audio system, within my budget, of course, that would preform at such a high level of proficiency that I could be sonically satisfied for many, many years to come. Mission accomplished!!! My audio system is soo musically satisfying to me that I could honestly live with it for the duration (but it didn’t come cheap). I know it’s hard to believe. At this juncture, and yes I’m old, I’m just flat-out tired and weary (so is my wallet) of all the hassle of buying and selling gear and (losing $$$ every time), never being satisfied with what I have even though what I have is already quite outstanding. Lets face it, it’s a fun hobby, but it can be an extremely expensive hobby, especially for an average guy like myself. So, I’m done trying to keep up with the Joneses. And now I just want to be content and happy with the wise long-term investment I made in my wonderful sounding audio system and just enjoy it without the constant burden (cloud of uncertainty) of thinking about switching out anything anymore. What a relief it is for me to finally after all these years be able to settle down in front of my audio system with the music being my only concern with a glass of fine red wine and just forget about all my troubles. It good feeling!!!  Anyone else have the same attitude toward the hobby as me?  Are you content with the decisions you made on your audio system?  Are you done with it like I am?   

kennymacc
fatdaddy2
368 posts
 

Investment? Not hardly.

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jfd11
106 posts
 

I have been happy and stable with my system for some time now. I too have had to face old guy hearing issues. Not too bad yet but enough to make me realize that doing the swap out of gear just because is a silly proposition. Until now. I have become intrigued with the DAC's appearing recently. Each seem to offer their own sound depending on manufacturer.  Which is best/right? There it is. This is what has got me going again. Hopefully I will find a piece/peace that will put me back to my happy place again.

lhasaguy's avatar
lhasaguy
330 posts
 

I have been stable for the last 15 years, I am now 75.  As to investment, audio gear is similar to cars in many ways, they are typically a depreciating asset that provides much joy.

I have added a streamer 2 years ago, but other than that my system has not changed.  I know 3.6 Maggie’s have lost value, but I could  sell my McIntosh MC501s and C220 for what I paid used.  They still perform very well.

I will add that I rarely  use my CD player anymore and never watch movies from that media.  Times change, but great stereo lives on in my home.

yesiam_a_pirate's avatar
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yesiam_a_pirate
154 posts
 

Audio gear is not a good investment financially. It depreciates. Rapidly in many cases. No matter how much I love a piece (I'm an ARC fanboy) the used ones go down in value each year- and why shouldn't they? Caps wear out. tubes fail, pots get worn, scratches and bruises show up- it's that dang 2nd law of thermodynamics. Moreover new and better gear hit the market all the time. Add to that the digital revolution- a body slam to residual values!  

Now if we classify investment as something that causes appreciation in ourselves that's a different story. My rig replays recordings that make me happy. What a joy to have a nice bottle of wine, turn down the lights and enjoy the music! It's often the best part of my day. 

I have learned to be happy with "really good but could be better"  and I do love chasing the gear- bit that's a luxury and not a necessity. Nor is it a good use of the time value of money. But I like it!

hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,805 posts
 

I have a friend that uses the word "investment" for things she just wants to own. 

It's such a transparent act of self delusion it's hard to keep a straight face when she says it.

Why not call your gear a "gift" to yourself? My guess is, you're a good person and you probably deserve it. YOLO.

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