Where do you stop?

[chessman]

Retirement slowed my buying way down (and my income). But it may have been "completion," since researching and adding to the system was at least half the hobby for me and I filled in the last obvious holes just as I retired. Or it may simply be the calm before the storm ... in this hobby never say never.

[crwilli]

Originally Posted by chessman

Retirement slowed my buying way down (and my income). But it may have been "completion," since researching and adding to the system was at least half the hobby for me and I filled in the last obvious holes just as I retired. Or it may simply be the calm before the storm ... in this hobby never say never.

I am pretty much in the same boat Randy. A flurry while I had an income. Now I am replacing/adding as I see something interesting that is not outrageously expensive. Also, generally, I can sell what I am replacing to lessen the sting. Lastly, I am more focused on what I want to ‘hear’ from improvements.

[ariess]

I have been in this boat this year too. I made a lot of upgrades and additions this year to reach a certain level of nirvana that I really like. The instinct is always there, "What next?" but I too realize that this can be a never ending merry-go-round ride so you need to recognize when you have hit oil and stop drilling, at least for awhile.

I think the best thing to do if you are at a good point but still like the hobby and also want to ratchet down the spending is to switch over to aggregating and curating your music collection (or playlists). Software is much cheaper than hardware and just as satisfying when you find something new or new to you. We all know some recordings and masterings are much better than others, so it can be fun and really worth the effort to try a few versions of an album you love to find the best for your source. I really like using the website discogs and Steve Hoffman forums to research versions and find a better or best one.

[ehoove]

I kind of settled in a few years ago when I felt I had reached a point I was comfortable with and looked forward to slowing down and retiring. At that point I decided to turn my audio budget into a college/trade school fund for my grandson Tucker.

Most of my spending is on Phono Cartridges and Music, although I did upgrade the Acurus A200 SS amps in my Tri-amped system to Aragon 4004 MkII amps.
Happy Holidays,
Jim

[Mikado463]

at age 65 I've finally realized you DO NOT have to spend a boat load of $$ to achieve great sound, or is that at age 65 my hearing is going to sh*t and it doesn't make any difference !

[bart]

Originally Posted by ariess

I have been in this boat this year too. I made a lot of upgrades and additions this year to reach a certain level of nirvana that I really like. The instinct is always there, "What next?" but I too realize that this can be a never ending merry-go-round ride so you need to recognize when you have hit oil and stop drilling, at least for awhile.

I think the best thing to do if you are at a good point but still like the hobby and also want to ratchet down the spending is to switch over to aggregating and curating your music collection (or playlists). Software is much cheaper than hardware and just as satisfying when you find something new or new to you. We all know some recordings and masterings are much better than others, so it can be fun and really worth the effort to try a few versions of an album you love to find the best for your source. I really like using the website discogs and Steve Hoffman forums to research versions and find a better or best one.

Sound advice, Adam.

I've been thrilled with the weekly new releases in hi-res on Qobuz, and the terrific remasters of old favourites.
Costs me 299€ a year.

Well.. that being said, I have to admit I'm saving for a new source and a (very decent) sub...

[Formerly YB-2]

Am only a DD TT, new TA (or two), new SACD player, new amp and, of course, new speakers away from audio nirvana. Won't be long now.................

p.s. - things like cables & cartridges and such are lost in the noise and don't really count.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by LarsT

Now the wife has been somewhat tolerant of my "obsession" and/or "disease." She doesn't seem to grasp the word "hobby." I keep telling her that if she gave me a dedicated room, I would consolidate the systems into one and be done with it. But I don't even believe that myself anymore. I consolidated and downsized a few months ago. That lasted 53 days. I know the time because I bought a pair KEF wireless speakers for the bedroom to replace my system there. And they had a 60 day return policy. Well that downsizing is now a Simaudio 600i v2, Simaudio 380D DSD (soon to be (780), Canton Reference 9K and Aurender N100H. I still need a sub though. So much for downsizing. But back to the wife: the changes have come so often that she can no longer keep up...except for speakers or a Mac amp. So the moral of this portion of the story is keep the changes coming with shock and awe. You can outlast her!

Hilarious

[Masterlu]

For me, it will never stop. Even if I weren’t in the business, I would still have multiple systems.

Of all the goofy things I collect/spend money on, Audio Equipment still gives me the best ROI return on investment than anything else.

I enjoy my music, gear, systems every single day. My theater is further enjoyed daily by the whole family.

Sometimes when new gear arrives it has to wait to be opened (due to me keeping busy; by choice). But when I do get around to it, I still have the same excitement, and enthusiasm for what it will bring to the table.

I still truly enjoy every aspect of the hobby (ok, maybe not carrying the many hundred pound speakers up or downstairs)

So, when will I stop? Never, and you can quote me on that.

[mchydro]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

For me, it will never stop. Even if I weren’t in the business, I would still have multiple systems.

Of all the goofy things I collect/spend money on, Audio Equipment still gives me the best ROI return on investment than anything else.

I enjoy my music, gear, systems every single day. My theater is further enjoyed daily by the whole family.

Sometimes when new gear arrives it has to wait to be opened (due to me keeping busy; by choice). But when I do get around to it, I still have the same excitement, and enthusiasm for what it will bring to the table.

I still truly enjoy every aspect of the hobby (ok, maybe not carrying the many hundred pound speakers up or downstairs)

So, when will I stop? Never, and you can quote me on that.

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