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I'm done chasing the illusion

I too have been chasing the audio bliss dragon.
Bought up all the TOTL vintage Sansui amps I could find, recapped em all and still wasn’t happy, could have been, but wasn’t. I had to try tubes after all the great things I read about them. So got myself a Dynaco ST-35 to pair with my K-horns, and I finally found the synergy I was looking for! My favorite system in the house, and cheapest. Sold some of the Sansui gear and enjoying the simpler stuff.

It sucks to spend all the time, money and energy doing it, but it’s cool when you get there!

Good luck.
 
I retired earlier this year, so I am now listening to music 10 or so hours a day. My music collection is now the least of my interest , as it is actually playing the memories of the past.
I have posted elsewhere that I am lucky to have a great NPR FM station nearby that has kept my musical interest going.
Having program hosts that constantly play so much content that I have never heard before I believe is the key.

Yes, I hear some of the familiar pieces, but the majority of it is music I have never heard before. And interestingly enough, I now prefer music at a lower volume than I have in the past. I strongly believe that this listening diet of unheard music has kept me focused and interested,

I have outside speakers in my back yard. Raking up some leaves today in 70 degree sunny weather here in New England with the FM station playing was just terrific. The equipment and speakers may not be audiophile grade, but no matter , it was one of those moments where I really appreciated what I was hearing. It doesn’t get any better than that. I truly believe many of us involved in this endeavor live for moments like that .
 
I wish I knew exactly what it would take to satisfy me 100% so I could make a decision to buy or not to buy depending on the price. It's really disappointing buying a piece that you think will work for you and then it doesn't. I'm not going to stop looking yet and don't think I'll ever get rid of all of my equipment.
 
It would be nice to be able to audition stuff before you buy it, but that’s an illusion in and of itself. You still have to have it in YOUR set-up to find if it truly works. I got attached to my Sansui pieces, but if they are just sitting there and you’re keeping them for looks, to me it’s not justifiable. It’s not easy to do, but ya get over it. It’s just stuff. My kids don’t have the time or place for it, so that made the decision easier as well. Get something you will use and enjoy. When you get that piece that does “it” for ya, ya forget the piece you sold to get it.

I do know I seem to prefer tube gear in my system. I still have and will keep my SS gear, but prefer tubes when sitting in front of my speakers.
 
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CraigVMN said:
I've been in the game since the 70's and I just don't think I can do it anymore. Countless pieces of gear, hours spent piecing together and dollars spent - and I'm never satisfied. I though switching from SS to tubes was the answer, but to no avail. I could spend the rest of my days changing things and never be satisfied. Between tinnitus and the constant "need" inside my head for critical listening, picking apart what my system is and isn't doing...It's a never ending cycle of disappointment & disillusionment.

I need to have music, but at this point I want to sell everything and just get a simple bluetooth speaker and call it a day. Eff me
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Have you tried SS & Tubes combo ? Tube Pre SS amp. I’ve gone the hybrid route and can’t see any other way to have it, pure perfection imo .

Audiofreak71
 
playittwice said:
Agree, but that’s true with any hobby that you are passionate about.
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First, you're from my home town ... very cool.

Second, I agree. I see it with cars. I'm in a couple groups of those who own versions of my old car and some get hung up on correct this, factory correct that ... spending lots on parts for a car who's value is only so much in the first place. I guess they enjoy that, but I have to wonder what are they enjoying? Their car? The chase for perfection? Their ego? I dunno. I just like to wrench on mine and enjoy driving it .. and enjoy it for what it is.

I like audio equipment. I now have a main system, and even a garage system that I'm very happy with but I keep things in perspective and like finding new stuff, playing with it, then keeping what I want and moving the rest along. There's no chase for perfection, I can't afford it. So I combine the best of what comes my way and enjoy it for what it is. And most importantly, have fun with it, whether it's an amp or an old car.
 
grillebilly said:
It's human nature to get addicted to things we like. Look at all the overweight people ;)
Look at how many of us have rooms full of gear we never use. Vintage receivers, anyone?
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Hey I resemble that remark.Well not rooms full of gear. I have a "collection" of vintage gear but my gear all hooked up and ready to play.
 
I had lost interest in the game and gave away/sold some good equipment. Now I am back I just stick to what initially drew me to the hobby...early Sansui, Sony amps, receivers, and tuners. I find this approach rewarding.
 
Here i go.... its an illusion/delusion
Yep, 60ish rock n roller, tinnitus, hf hearing loss etc.

Had this upgraditis crap for years...
At times it comes and goes.
Here is the antidote story now!

Best sound and enjoyment I ever had:
1. driving in my dad's Corvette convertible on fort Lauderdale strip listening to the rolling Stones coming out of a crappy FM stereo, chicks looking and feeling good..

2. Listening to the hollies the air that I breathe in hippie van full of smoke...
 
There is another antidote story....

The best meal you ever had?

world war II company of men who had fought for months after D-Day toward the end of the war and came over a hill exhausted and hungry..

There was a red Cross station serving cold coffee and stale donuts...

Soldiers in the company said it was the best meal they ever had..
 
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