When does common sense kicks in the cost on audio equipment

[Jbl4345fan]

Hey all . Just want to get a feel on other audio lovers input. How much will you spend on audio equipment before you feel you just got taken or you are one of those person who want to have bragging rights I have the most expensive stereo in the world. One thing we all have in common, We all are human with the ability to hear from 20hz to 20000hz. ? . With that said a power amp just came out- Dan D agostinio. relentless is the name of the amp the cost is 250.000. Match that with California audio speakers that cost 500.000 a pair . No need to place the cost or brand of a preamp just use a little imagination. Now what if I bought a McIntosh power amp or parasound halo- krell- hafler 9505 - bryston power amp. The list goes on. Will you actually hear a little difference. Keep in mind not at all knocking any brand name down . This is about how much you would spend on audio equipment

 

[JoeESP9]

I would and have spent all I can afford. Had I more means I'd spend more. Regardless of how much I've spent or may spend it has never been about bragging rights. No doubt there are those for whom bragging rights are of concern. However, in my 50+ years with this hobby I've never met anyone who even considered bragging rights. Those 50+ years include long lasting friendships with guys that have upwards of $150K in their systems.

IME most of the comments about bragging rights stem from jealousy from some with only modest means. Those same individuals usually brag about how little they spent for whatever they have. They also try to claim that their bargain basement system sounds as good or even better than a multi kilo buck system. This is an assertion that simply doesn't hold up when making an actual comparison.

I make the best of what I can afford and don't begrudge anyone that has greater means. I wonder why some feel the need to denigrate others who can spend more? This is a hobby for most of us. Why do some turn it into some sort of a contest?

To sum it up. Why should I or anyone else care what someone spends for their system. It's their system and their money. In my circle I don't call them braggarts (they're not) and they don't call me cheapskate (I'm not).

FWIW: I like the look of Dan D'Agostino's latest collection of audio jewelry. However, had I unlimited means I'd still buy a bunch of Audio Research's latest reference tube gear even though it costs less than Dan's audio jewelry. For me it simply isn't about bragging rights.

 

[KeninDC]

This is about how much you would spend on audio equipment

You are implicitly saying that spending lots of money on audio equipment is stupid (i.e., lacks common sense). You do realize this is an audio hobby board?

 

[donprice]

The cost-benefit curve in audio has been discussed numerous times. Only you can decide when your ears and your wallet have reached equilibrium.

I'm with Joe. I don't care what others spend (or don't spend). Just like cars, houses, or any hobby....someone is going to spend crazy big $ and someone else is going to spend crazy little $...and both can be happy. I'll probably be somewhere in the middle...and happy with my choices.

My only general comment is to suggest that everyone, particularly young folks starting out, live beneath their means and avoid debt whenever possible.

 

[Grenadeslio]

I would and have spent all I can afford. Had I more means I'd spend more. Regardless of how much I've spent or may spend it has never been about bragging rights. No doubt there are those for whom bragging rights are of concern. However, in my 50+ years with this hobby I've never met anyone who even considered bragging rights. Those 50+ years include long lasting friendships with guys that have upwards of $150K in their systems.

IME most of the comments about bragging rights stem from jealousy from some with only modest means. Those same individuals usually brag about how little they spent for whatever they have. They also try to claim that their bargain basement system sounds as good or even better than a multi kilo buck system. This is an assertion that simply doesn't hold up when making an actual comparison.

I make the best of what I can afford and don't begrudge anyone that has greater means. I wonder why some feel the need to denigrate others who can spend more? This is a hobby for most of us. Why do some turn it into some sort of a contest?

To sum it up. Why should I or anyone else care what someone spends for their system. It's their system and their money. In my circle I don't call them braggarts (they're not) and they don't call me cheapskate (I'm not).

FWIW: I like the look of Dan D'Agostino's latest collection of audio jewelry. However, had I unlimited means I'd still buy a bunch of Audio Research's latest reference tube gear even though it costs less than Dan's audio jewelry. For me it simply isn't about bragging rights.

Didn't you know, "All amps sound the same"? Even the lowest AVR with all the bells and whistles will sound identical to the greatest dedicated power amp, I know it's so because it's been stated as such on AK. Forget the fact the AVR has an internal preamp that also influences the SQ, there's still no difference ROFLMAO.

Did I mention I have a bridge for sale lol?

 

[lokerola]

I do love reading about both ends of the spectrum - guys who have like $400 bucks total in their system. It's usually a motley collection of mismatched components, but they've taken the time to buy, trade, and thrift what they could to build a system that sounds great to them. And on the other hand I love to read about multi-thousand dollar custom monoblock amps, $100,000 speakers that I've never heard of, and giant cables on hand-carved wooden risers.

It's all about fun from one end of the audio world to the other. Just don't spend yourself into the poor house for a hobby.

 

[4-2-7]

When does common sense kicks in the cost on audio equipment

Hey all . Just want to get a feel on other audio lovers input. How much will you spend on audio equipment before you feel you just got taken or you are one of those person who want to have bragging rights I have the most expensive stereo in the world.

I see a great many snob post on AK but I think your post should get the trophy for the best this year.

One thing we all have in common,

We have nothing in common.

 

[E-Stat]

How much will you spend on audio equipment before you feel you just got taken or you are one of those person who want to have bragging rights I have the most expensive stereo in the world.

Neither - as I use common sense by auditioning the gear I buy. Bragging rights? I'm not shallow. Most folks have no idea as to my system's worth.

Will you actually hear a little difference.

If that's a question, to what am I comparing?

 

[SPEC2man]

I have had the good fortune to hear a set of D'Agostino Momentum monoblocks and I thought they were amazing, both in sound and build quality. $25K used was way outside my comfort zone but if I was single - maybe. They would likely hold their value better than a new car. I rarely speak of how much I paid for my system and I don't think it really matters. It detracts from the point of how much joy I get listening to it. Right now, it 5:45 AM ... still dark outside, the Christmas lights are on and I have my window shades open. It's a beautiful sight ... the system is all warmed up and I am getting ready to play a bit of Christmas music followed by a couple LPs. My lights in the room are off and I am not thinking about how much I paid for my system. I'm about to get my Christmas spirit on ... and money isn't part of the equation. I put great value in moments like these and I don't hold judgment on people willing to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to truly enjoy music. I did like the comment about not going into debt - good, sound advice. I also like reading your posts about how excited you get when you purchase, trade or find a new piece of gear that makes you happy. I sometimes feel like I am living vicariously through the descriptions of others, and I enjoy it. I work hard and as I get older, mountain climbing, skiing, running, and 50-mile bike rides are starting to appeal less and less. I do enjoy my music ... whatever the cost.

 

[4-2-7]

IME most of the comments about bragging rights stem from jealousy from some with only modest means. Those same individuals usually brag about how little they spent for whatever they have. They also try to claim that their bargain basement system sounds as good or even better than a multi kilo buck system.

All for self validation to feed their own insecurities.

 

[polypetalous]

Word of advice that Ive found fits most things in life: “run YOUR race.”

Ben

 

[drumbum]

Jeez Louise, here they go again.

 

[4-2-7]

Word of advice that Ive found fits most things in life: “run YOUR race.”

Ben

Get in where you fit in, and enjoy the music and what you have.

I just say there is always someone with less than you and more than you. I don't trip on either as long as they enjoy what they have without putting down and belittling either.

 

[Mister Pig]

Hey all . Just want to get a feel on other audio lovers input. How much will you spend on audio equipment before you feel you just got taken or you are one of those person who want to have bragging rights I have the most expensive stereo in the world. One thing we all have in common, We all are human with the ability to hear from 20hz to 20000hz. ? . With that said a power amp just came out- Dan D agostinio. relentless is the name of the amp the cost is 250.000. Match that with California audio speakers that cost 500.000 a pair . No need to place the cost or brand of a preamp just use a little imagination. Now what if I bought a McIntosh power amp or parasound halo- krell- hafler 9505 - bryston power amp. The list goes on. Will you actually hear a little difference. Keep in mind not at all knocking any brand name down . This is about how much you would spend on audio equipment

If you ain't going to buy it, then why would your opinion matter?

It would be along the same lines of me complaining about the price of yachts or Gulfstream aircraft. I am not the intended customer, would never buy one, and don't have the means to even get a showing on one. So what my opinion of their price and value is of no importance because they are products that are not crafted for me as a customer.

Now if I just wanted to complain about how others have it better than me....

Cheers
Mister Pig

 

[Condorsat]

When does common sense kick in for me? I have a sum in mind or an amount that I am willing to allocate to a hobby. It's based on my disposable income and how much I am willing to spend on entertainment budget.

If other people can spend more .. good for them. Why should I care?

 

[Jbl4345fan]

I have had the good fortune to hear a set of D'Agostino Momentum monoblocks and I thought they were amazing, both in sound and build quality. $25K used was way outside my comfort zone but if I was single - maybe. They would likely hold their value better than a new car. I rarely speak of how much I paid for my system and I don't think it really matters. It detracts from the point of how much joy I get listening to it. Right now, it 5:45 AM ... still dark outside, the Christmas lights are on and I have my window shades open. It's a beautiful sight ... the system is all warmed up and I am getting ready to play a bit of Christmas music followed by a couple LPs. My lights in the room are off and I am not thinking about how much I paid for my system. I'm about to get my Christmas spirit on ... and money isn't part of the equation. I put great value in moments like these and I don't hold judgment on people willing to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to truly enjoy music. I did like the comment about not going into debt - good, sound advice. I also like reading your posts about how excited you get when you purchase, trade or find a new piece of gear that makes you happy. I sometimes feel like I am living vicariously through the descriptions of others, and I enjoy it. I work hard and as I get older, mountain climbing, skiing, running, and 50-mile bike rides are starting to appeal less and less. I do enjoy my music ... whatever the cost.

Honest answer. Exactly what I was looking for. I will vote for you if you ran for president!!!

 

[Quadman2]

The depth of one's pockets, tempered by the SO, if you have one usually dictates what one can afford, taking into account both pos/neg cash flows.

Life and ownership is a matter of degrees, with always some above and some below on the financial pole of expectations of what you can afford. With this said, take a look at the average amount of credit debt out there which will give some indication of the many who live beyond their means, or are trying to cope within their means.

As per your intent of this thread...go back to my initial statement.

Q

 

[4-2-7]

Those same individuals usually brag about how little they spent for whatever they have.

Most folks have no idea as to my system's worth.

You know, we are bombarded daily with post from members bragging about what they pay for something. It's always how little they paid, their score and how good of a deal they think they got. They can't wait to tell the site they where able to spent $10, $50 and $100 on the hobby.

You never see members with really nice systems talking about the price of it. You never see them posting incisively about every few bucks they spend on the hobby. If they pick something up nice the thread is about the component and evaluation of the performance and SQ they find about it.

 

[Jbl4345fan]

I do love reading about both ends of the spectrum - guys who have like $400 bucks total in their system. It's usually a motley collection of mismatched components, but they've taken the time to buy, trade, and thrift what they could to build a system that sounds great to them. And on the other hand I love to read about multi-thousand dollar custom monoblock amps, $100,000 speakers that I've never heard of, and giant cables on hand-carved wooden risers.

It's all about fun from one end of the audio world to the other. Just don't spend yourself into the poor house for a hobby.

I agree

 

[FrayedWire]

In my experience most of the people bragging about how much they spent on their setup are currently desperately trying to recoup some of that money on Craigslist.

"Bro, I dropped $5k into this beast. You'll have the loudest sub on the block. $650 firm. No lowballers."