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Mo' money. Mo' problems.


I'm sure this has been discussed in a few posts over the years, but seeing as how we didn't burn up in the Mayan apocalypse, I thought I'd float something that has been on my mind as we close out 2012.

I think Notorious B.I.G. said it best:

The more money we come across, the more problems we see.

That is, in audio, as I have gradually spent more and more on high-end gear, the more critical and discerning I have become. The more I expect out of this stuff. I've spent more this year on gear (and vinyl) than ever before, so is it just a coincidence that I've had more issues than ever before? Be it tube matching, power issues, faulty amps (had two in a row, then jettisoned the brand), cable matching, fuses, tracking alignment, concern over my home's electrical, wondering about a two rinse wash vs. three rinse process, footers, computer optimization, high res file types, where is that hum coming from?, was that a pop or did my wife turn on the washer?... the endless quest for perfection... you know what I mean? (I hope.) Seems like each new upgrade opens a door for another or some other nit picky thing...

When everything is working perfectly, of course, it's a drug-free high. Total bliss. Lightyears beyond where I was or what I ever would have imagined as a kid.

But there's always going to be 'something,' isn't there? Are these bumps along the way just a part of the hobby - or are the bumps the hobby? How can I make 2013 the year I stop the BS and just enjoy the music?
bonhamcopeland
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
+1 to everything Zd542 said, esp. the importance of the pre-amp being the backbone of your system (even if it's a great passive like the Lightspeed). And also what Whart said about it not being unusual for high performance audio (or cars) to have higher failure rates for the reasons he said. Remember that any design is a compromise. When performance is the primary design criterion sometimes reliability (or you could call it longevity) suffers. And as far as the Beemer goes, if you go for a certified pre-owned, they do extend the no-cost maintenance coverage, but I'd skip the 2011 3 series. My wife's '11 328 isn't half the car her 2002 was. Heavier, slower, much poorer fuel economy (but hey it does have retractable side mirrors!)
csontos
1,311 posts
 
Bring me back a T-shirt, T.
thesoundhouse
250 posts
 
As for the Honda Accord comment which I have owned several Hondas until I bought a VW and yes the VW requires more maitenance but is a hell of a lot more engaging to drive. I no longer buy appliance type Automobiles. I have a 2007 Jetta GLI with a 2.0 turbo and that handles and accelerates at much better than any Honda I have owned. I have had six Honda (s) / Acuras. My 2007 Jetta is a more fun car than my old 1998 Acura NSX.
whart's avatar
whart
2,976 posts
 
Swamp~ a 2002 is a thing of joy. I fondly remember the small bumper Tii from what- 1973? They are tiny and spartan compared to the modern 'small' BMW. (I wouldn't turn away from a 3.0 CS either, but wouldn't want to pay to get it right).
I'm a car guy and have had the good fortune to have quite a few very cool cars over the years, but the older I've gotten, the more I appreciate the more primitive vehicles. Decent brakes are pretty important (I had one pre-war car with cable brakes, you drove a little differently knowing that you weren't just going to press the pedal and stop), but beyond that, I'm all for stripped down simplicity. Most car makers, even those who make serious sportscars, have gone in the opposite direction. I guess it's time for a Morgan 3 wheeler!
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swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Whart- Actually I meant yr 2002 325xi (she always wanted a model 2002 but not for a daily driver). We bought it after she finished 5 surgeries followed by 16 rounds of chemo. We both really loved that car, but when the monthly repair bills got to be more than the lease payments for a new one, she traded it in (and really regrets it). Maybe look for an M series from that year when our son gets out of law school.
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