How important is the audio gear? Poll

[Antonmb]

I’m having some difficult choosing a category. Music is my first love, and I listen to my system now and can’t think of anything I want to change, but I can’t imagine it will stay static forever either - the hobby is too much fun and something is bound to come along.

[PHC1]

Well the stats are starting to shape up from the poll. No surprise that majority voted for under “As long as I am an audiophile, my system is always evolving”.

No doubt the “audio nirvana” is an elusive concept.

So that brings me to another question then.

What is your philosophy of acquiring gear? We obviously all start somewhere but as the system evolves, do you find that you would rather:

1. Acquire components within your immediate budget range and upgrade at some point in the not too distant future as a clear upgrade path presents itself?

2. Do you allocate budget and save up for a dream component even if it takes time to get there? At the risk of that dream component eventually being replaced by a newer model from the manufacturer eroding the resale value of such an expensive component just as you finally saved up for it? (Yeah I, know, this is AA we are taking about, what is savings? It is more like, “just write the damn check” for many but still...)

3. Do you prefer to purchase preowned gear at tremendous savings which allows you to reach lofty heights and enjoy your gear knowing you won’t take much of a hit on resale?

4. “Other philosophy” and please share your thoughts

[DVass13]

Originally Posted by PHC1

So that brings me to another question then.

What is your philosophy of acquiring gear? We obviously all start somewhere but as the system evolves, do you find that you would rather:

1. Acquire components within your immediate budget range and upgrade at some point in the not too distant future as a clear upgrade path presents itself?

2. Do you allocate budget and save up for a dream component even if it takes time to get there? At the risk of that dream component eventually being replaced by a newer model from the manufacturer eroding the resale value of such an expensive component just as you finally saved up for it? (Yeah I, know, this is AA we are taking about, what is savings? It is more like, “just write the damn check” for many but still...)

3. Do you prefer to purchase preowned gear at tremendous savings which allows you to reach lofty heights and enjoy your gear knowing you won’t take much of a hit on resale?

4. “Other philosophy” and please share your thoughts

I started out in the head-fi world as a clear #1. It's much easier to move from entry level to high end in the headphone world (and much cheaper). Now that I have entered the 2-channel world I am more of a #3 as my budget is limited (relatively) and some of the members here have helped me build my system at a tremendous savings from buying new.

If I do plan on a big upgrade I generally give myself several months to save up and make sure it's not just an impulse.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by DVass13

I started out in the head-fi world as a clear #1. It's much easier to move from entry level to high end in the headphone world (and much cheaper). Now that I have entered the 2-channel world I am more of a #3 as my budget is limited (relatively) and some of the members here have helped me build my system at a tremendous savings from buying new.

If I do plan on a big upgrade I generally give myself several months to save up and make sure it's not just an impulse.

The headphone aspect of the hobby does offer some serious value in terms of fidelity of sound. No room to speaker interaction and no need for acoustic treatments. The headphone technology is rather amazing lately and so are the dedicated amps. Good time to be a headphone listener and I do enjoy my late night listening sessions in headphones.

[Antonmb]

In the past I have tended to buy the best I could afford and upgrade later. For major equipment (speakers, amp, pre, to, etc.), I have typically bought new or demo from a local dealer in order to have home auditioning, installation and support. Sometimes, however, I’ve bought on impulse because the deal was right at the time.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Antonmb

In the past I have tended to buy the best I could afford and upgrade later. For major equipment (speakers, amp, pre, to, etc.), I have typically bought new or demo from a local dealer in order to have home auditioning, installation and support. Sometimes, however, I’ve bought on impulse because the deal was right at the time.

Tony, that approach is definitely more foolproof. To have the chance to audition to be sure of your long term satisfaction as well as having a factory warranty to back your purchase sure puts the mind at ease even if the cost is somewhat higher.