7 year itch for new gear

[Jimmy64]

Exactly 7 years ago I assembled my McIntosh / B&W Main System. I have gone through several changes, upgrades and additions to this system through the years. I absolutely love my current set up, and honestly never imagined I would be able to assembled a system so enjoyable. However, I have an itch to sell and make a move in a totally new direction. I've tried to shake that feeling and it goes away often but not completely. There is other gear that has caught my eyes and ears, and I imagine this gear in my home in place of my current main system. I'm frozen somewhat, not knowing if I should take the leap or not.

Do any of you go through this degree of audio itch? Please share your thoughts...

Jimmy

[Yamaki]

Yes, I have that itch from time to time. Fortunately, I gave in and scratched it. I say that because while I had some good pieces in the past, I had nothing (except my first system) that approached the quality of my current system.

Now that I have assembled a system that pleases me to no end, my audio buying days are done unless something catastrophic happens. Oh, I may add or delete some secondary components but the main system is here to stay.

I find when I get the itch the first thing to do is ask yourself, "What is wrong with what I have?" and then take it from there.

Good luck!

[Alberto]

Jimmy,

I did go through this itch 2+ years ago. I was very happy with my McIntosh + Sonus Faber, but I wanted to experiment with a very different approach: Single-ended, low-power amps and more efficient speakers.

I tell you, selling my MC501s and those gorgeous Sonus Faber Guarneri Homage was VERY difficult. But in the end, I was very happy with my new setup, which I have to this day and plan to keep for many more years.

Having said that, I believe that I was lucky and made an educated guess that I would enjoy a different system even more. In the past I've made moves that left me longing for my old system.

The one component I've kept -- and don't plan to replace anytime soon -- is the MDA1000.

Whatever you decide, best of luck and keep us posted.

Alberto

[harri009]

Someone once said the biggest key to being an audiophile is never falling in love with a component. If your not willing to sell and try something else you'll never know what your missing or what you had. You can always rebuild the old system.

[Masterlu]

[RLL1]

In the last 4 years I have swapped out my complete system twice, with the speakers and pre-amp being changed three times. I have lost track of cable and power cord changes. It's my way of contributing to economic growth.

[JohnThomas]

Originally Posted by harri009

Someone once said the biggest key to being an audiophile is never falling in love with a component. If your not willing to sell and try something else you'll never know what your missing or what you had. You can always rebuild the old system.

Excellent post. Unfortunately I need to start leasing audio equipment because I've been on the 2 year plan.

[Still-One]

Jimmy
Congratulations on getting on a seven year cycle. I get antsy when no new gear looks appealing.

[crwilli]

I find the itch is always there and I act sometimes depending on musical tastes. Yes a great system makes all music sound great but there are still some combinations that make other music sound even 'better'

I now lean more to vocal, less complicated music today and my current system kills it.

[Pyro]

Originally Posted by Jimmy64

Do any of you go through this degree of audio itch? Please share your thoughts...

Jimmy

I fight that feeling all the time.