Have you ever felt the loss of intrest in the constant upgrade path?
- Thread starter klama2006
- Start date
Danathepill
Well-Known Member
Is it strange that when a 13 year old thread pops up the first thing I think is I wonder how many of these guys died since someone last replied?
That’s the difference between a hobby and an obsession ! Realizing it is above what you can reasonably afford and stopping ! And besides there’s always the deminishing returns law of audio! There will always be something better even if you have the best today , so enjoy what you have !
Ross6860
Super Member
Haven't changed anything for a couple of years. I guess that means I'm satisfied, or I gave up.
Happy to have what I have. I still look at CL and watch reviews, but I'm not spending $5k on a new pair of speakers or power amp. If a deal falls in my lap, OK, but I'm not obsessed.
If I spend that $5k, it will be on a fishing boat.
Happy to have what I have. I still look at CL and watch reviews, but I'm not spending $5k on a new pair of speakers or power amp. If a deal falls in my lap, OK, but I'm not obsessed.
If I spend that $5k, it will be on a fishing boat.
infullview
Super Member
When I first started down the vintage audio road, I was on the hunt for everything that looked cool and didn't break the bank. Now I've hit a point where I have a closet full of working equipment which I occasionally switch out. I still look, but now I'm much more selective. If I find a great bargain, I will pick it up. My latest obsession has been reel to reel. I've picked up about 8 of these and am slowly restoring them to operational condition.
RVT1K
Super Member
I have been interested in audio gear since I was a kid.
While some may think that I have had a lot of gear over the years, the majority that post here probably would not.
I would absolutely LOVE to be able to try out different things -amps/speakers/whatever- just to see what I see.
But the harsh realities of responsible economics has prevented me from doing that.
So while I never lost the interest in upgrading/swapping/experimenting, I don't have the money to allow it.
While some may think that I have had a lot of gear over the years, the majority that post here probably would not.
I would absolutely LOVE to be able to try out different things -amps/speakers/whatever- just to see what I see.
But the harsh realities of responsible economics has prevented me from doing that.
So while I never lost the interest in upgrading/swapping/experimenting, I don't have the money to allow it.
jayvis
Addicted Member
Tell that to the guys who have a couple hundred or so pieces of old vintage gear stuffed into every closet of their homes. Maybe you're one of them.I do agree with the sentiment that constant upgrade means "never satisfied" and life is too short for that.
Be happy with your fine sounding rigs and spend time discovering more music that you love, instead of chasing different gear .
JazzVinyl
Super Member
Tell that to the guys who have a couple hundred or so pieces of old vintage gear stuffed into every closet of their homes. Maybe you're one of them.
Maybe it's one's age. Younger...hoard gear. Older...perfectly happy with competent gear. Maybe hearing is better when younger, makes you do nutty things?
jayvis
Addicted Member
I'd bet there are more old hoarders on AK than young ones. Unless you think "young" is anything under 65.
twiiii
Lunatic Member
No not really.
Anyone want to give me $200,000 so I can upgrade the HT speakers, exchange one my 207 power amps for 4 MC 1.2 power amps. I guess I could get buy with $120,000, If I just changed out the fronts and added a sub. and used MC 830's instead. I could use preowned front speakers and MC 830' for about $40,000. with out a sub. I may do that some day. Then I could move my current Left and right HT speakers to the office, change them back to passive crossovers and go back to an all early 70's Mcintosh tube system and move my TD 125 to the office, to. Restore my Ampex F-4460 and have an all tube system. No tuner. Then I'd replace the TD 125 with ML 5105 for the current all SS Mcintosh system. I wonder where I could find an Altec Acousta-voicette.
Anyone want to give me $200,000 so I can upgrade the HT speakers, exchange one my 207 power amps for 4 MC 1.2 power amps. I guess I could get buy with $120,000, If I just changed out the fronts and added a sub. and used MC 830's instead. I could use preowned front speakers and MC 830' for about $40,000. with out a sub. I may do that some day. Then I could move my current Left and right HT speakers to the office, change them back to passive crossovers and go back to an all early 70's Mcintosh tube system and move my TD 125 to the office, to. Restore my Ampex F-4460 and have an all tube system. No tuner. Then I'd replace the TD 125 with ML 5105 for the current all SS Mcintosh system. I wonder where I could find an Altec Acousta-voicette.
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melofelo
Addicted Member
I like adding a few bits that I never got a chance to try when I put my first decent first hi-fi system together in my teens. My current interest is in small 'entry level' to 'mid -fi' British bookshelf speakers from the early/mid-80s to the mid/late 90s My first Hi-fi speakers, (a pair of B&W DM-110 bought new around 1985/86) , are still at the end of my main system , as their size , quality and sound are almost a perfect fit in my listening space. I've heard worse and heard better in some areas..but as an all round package , then & now , these have always been extremely good value and almost a texbook size for a decent , affordable 2-way system that is neither bass shy , or unable to create a convincing soundstage with depth. The soft dome tweeter fitted to these avoid that 'obvious' ' listen to me' metal dome syndrome that followed in the 2-way boxes that I never quite enjoyed enough to ignore. As a first 'safe bet' step into affordable hi-fi..I still can't recommend them highly enough 40 years on after their initial release.
But , to keep the hobby enjoyable , it's great to able to to experiment with other smaller units that enjoyed a good following back in the day if they can be found at a good price in good condition. Most recently I added a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 2 which were was pretty much unused and still in the original box. These are a fun blast from the past and an iconic design that helped usher the era of smaller speakers for cash strapped audiophiles who preferred the ' Source first' approach that was so popular in the 80s and 90s in the UK . Others such as the Mission 780se , original Castle Durhams and many more that use the same small box 2-way treble and mid bass driver format can sound very good if you have a decent source and amplifier . While they may not replace your existing main speakers , they can give a different presentation that might sometimes keep the fun factor high. The trade off between the limited bass of these tiny speaker enclosures vs their natural point source imaging and flexibility with room placement reminds me of some of the recent Japanese Diyers found on Youtube channels, who will take a single 4 inch driver , build an elaborate and exquisite transmission line or folded horn cabinet for it out of MDF ..and stick them on the end of some high end electronics just to have some 'alternate' audio presentation fun.
Vintage cartridges and speakers are two transducer 'ends' of an analogue system that sometimes rewards experimentation once your 'basic core' audio system is up to par. And , if you really want to add some fun..throw in a decent vintage equaliser. These have been frowned upon for years as detrimental to the 'pure' sound of a good system , and, in context of well sorted system that is understandable. But , for simply ironing out the 'In room' response of some thrift audio scores in a second ,or third system they have their place too . Plugged in to a tape loop that you can switch out of the signal path at the press of a button, they add an extra level of tweaking that can sometimes help a bad vinyl pressing sound enjoyable for what it is , a bad pressing of good music. The main thing...is to enjoy the hobby..e
Even if the next purchase in not an 'upgrade'..but a 'sideways' step...there is no one sound fits all ears formula...so roll your own and enjoy the process .
But , to keep the hobby enjoyable , it's great to able to to experiment with other smaller units that enjoyed a good following back in the day if they can be found at a good price in good condition. Most recently I added a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 2 which were was pretty much unused and still in the original box. These are a fun blast from the past and an iconic design that helped usher the era of smaller speakers for cash strapped audiophiles who preferred the ' Source first' approach that was so popular in the 80s and 90s in the UK . Others such as the Mission 780se , original Castle Durhams and many more that use the same small box 2-way treble and mid bass driver format can sound very good if you have a decent source and amplifier . While they may not replace your existing main speakers , they can give a different presentation that might sometimes keep the fun factor high. The trade off between the limited bass of these tiny speaker enclosures vs their natural point source imaging and flexibility with room placement reminds me of some of the recent Japanese Diyers found on Youtube channels, who will take a single 4 inch driver , build an elaborate and exquisite transmission line or folded horn cabinet for it out of MDF ..and stick them on the end of some high end electronics just to have some 'alternate' audio presentation fun.
Vintage cartridges and speakers are two transducer 'ends' of an analogue system that sometimes rewards experimentation once your 'basic core' audio system is up to par. And , if you really want to add some fun..throw in a decent vintage equaliser. These have been frowned upon for years as detrimental to the 'pure' sound of a good system , and, in context of well sorted system that is understandable. But , for simply ironing out the 'In room' response of some thrift audio scores in a second ,or third system they have their place too . Plugged in to a tape loop that you can switch out of the signal path at the press of a button, they add an extra level of tweaking that can sometimes help a bad vinyl pressing sound enjoyable for what it is , a bad pressing of good music. The main thing...is to enjoy the hobby..e
Even if the next purchase in not an 'upgrade'..but a 'sideways' step...there is no one sound fits all ears formula...so roll your own and enjoy the process .
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ernieS
Well-Known Member
I’ve changed my focus from upgrade to one of restoration. I love hunting for the right speaker, then restore them. It’s more satisfying saving these classics than buying something newer.
DesertRatt
All Bark, No Bite!
I'm only upgrading via DIY and experimentation. Like many here, I'm in retirement (meaning "fixed income"). I sure won't be buying any new McIntosh gear or $5G speakers.
Sometimes, I'm just going sideways for the fun of trying something different. Whatever I have is fine at this point. It's just for giggles and grins.
Sometimes, I'm just going sideways for the fun of trying something different. Whatever I have is fine at this point. It's just for giggles and grins.
Today I took the time to go through my collection of receivers and listen to them instead of them just sitting collecting dust ! I realized how much I still enjoy them ! Now eventually I may sell or gift some of them like I have in the past and 6 receivers is a little much but then I thought about how little investment I have in them and even at eBay prices if I sold all six it may buy one new decent one ! These are all decent units between 55-140 wpc ! So for now I decided just to enjoy them as a collector
I'm more interested in thinning the herd to things I love listening to rather than piles of crapstacks and projects. I retired in 7/21 and survived a heart attack 11 months ago so I realized that you can't take it with you and I'm making room and money moving unused spares and unplayed media.
I enjoy collecting so there not bothering me ! I have the room and they’re all decent units no crapstacks among them ! But when the time comes I’ll sell or gift them away ! I’ve given 4 away in the last 2 yrs sold 2 ! I’m happy if I break even or make a modest profit it’s a hobby not a business ! I’m always happy to get someone new into the hobby !
trying to make too big a jump at one time can have that effect. Also so much gear change is really a side step movement, not an upgrade.
the problem is real upgrades tend to get quite pricy very fast. Depends on the budget allowed as well. Swapping out brand A integrated for a similar price brand B integrated is likely not going to do a lot.
DeadRock
Ideas Guy
Big time...the law of unintended consequences can come into play as well. You take a BIG leap with one particular piece(s)...let's say speakers...and immediately discover your playback source(s) have become inferior...not good...
When it comes to audio gear I am mostly a content person with what I have and will upgrade when the opportunity presents itself. I have a pair of L100t3s I bought new in 1989 that I still use in a secondary system. I feel no need to replace them. I have picked up a couple of NAD Monitor Series receivers to drive them this year. My main system in our family room uses a pair of L5s as the front speakers in a 5.1 setup that has mostly remained the same for over a decade. This year I replaced a Denon X2000 AVR in this system with a X3500H only because I scored it off of FBM for $110. I plan to thin out much of the stuff I have bought over the past 20-25 years that I no longer use. I will probably give it to family members if they want it. I typically don't rotate gear in and out of use unless something breaks. Overall, I am very content with what I am using and am not compelled to buy anything unless it can be had for a screaming deal like the X3500H was this past summer. I still do a little dabbling in buying some gear out of curiosity and have picked up a couple of Fosi class D amps (BT30D Pro and ZA3) to see if they are useful as replacements for larger components. Also, I have no desire to buy high end gear because I would rather spend the money on so many other things than a hobby that requires me to sit in a chair for hours on end. For me, there are far more entertaining and heathy things to do than this.