Thread: Where does it end?

So when do you reach a level in your system as an audiophile you sit back and say “This is good enough”? Any new component will sound “different” but is that an improvement? This can apply in the lowest to the highest level of gear refinement.

That is so funny but true.

Originally Posted by atmasphere

IME that isn't how it works.

Sure its good enough. Then you find out about something that's better.

What we all have right now it likely "good enough". What I enjoy is the exploration. I am currently considering a system change just because I can. Part of the fun is trying something new - new speaker topologies, new amp topologies, new DAC technology, etc. I could certainly live with the system and room I have for the rest of my life if satisfaction with performance was my only criteria.

When I am totally content with a component (e.g. my Select 2 DAC and my Vandersteen 7 Mk2 speakers), I just stop looking to upgrade. If I feel there is some room for improvement in a component (e.g. my Roon Nucleus +), I continue to keep my eyes and ears open.

Ken

i'm at that hifi system end of game point. which also aligns with work place retirement too within 9-18 months (turned 70 a month ago).

and i've finished my room/system development completely. unlikely i would ever have the energy to do it all again.

as far as my system journey; my thinking is now questions of 'ride into the sunset' configuration??? the last few years i've assembled 4 turntables, and 3 RTR decks.......anticipating a discovery process of what do i want/need to keep?

the big one for me will be whether i decide to keep my barn, or get a smaller place. spending time on a boat might share my attention in the future, do i need a hifi system so grandiose if i don't need it as a balance to working 6 days a week?

so the answer is that it never ends, it evolves to fit our life.

my desire for superb music reproduction will not end, but might be less an all consuming priority it's been.

Originally Posted by nc42acc

So when do you reach a level in your system as an audiophile you sit back and say “This is good enough”? Any new component will sound “different” but is that an improvement? This can apply in the lowest to the highest level of gear refinement.

lmao!! ...see this thread: end game audio system -- how do you know you are there?

i was at the "my system is more than good enough" point at this time last year and was asking the very same question... since then i have made a significant amplification upgrade and added an analog source. so glad i made these changes / additions as my system enjoyment is at least double what it was at that point ...and, to boot the journey to get to my current system was loads of fun.

future system plans are currently in development

Well I'll be 70 in 4 months and waiting on a couple of things and it is likely if I do anything after that it will be along these lines:

Originally Posted by nc42acc

So when do you reach a level in your system as an audiophile you sit back and say “This is good enough”? Any new component will sound “different” but is that an improvement? This can apply in the lowest to the highest level of gear refinement.

The buck stops @ Mike's audio palladium, or when you run out of cash; whichever comes first.
Basically never because in the audiophile world you'll never run out of cash, and Mike is going nowhere on permanent vacation.
C'est la vie mon ami; adapt or change hobby. 😀

Originally Posted by Mike Lavigne

i'm at that hifi system end of game point. which also aligns with work place retirement too within 9-18 months (turned 70 a month ago).

and i've finished my room/system development completely. unlikely i would ever have the energy to do it all again.

as far as my system journey; my thinking is now questions of 'ride into the sunset' configuration??? the last few years i've assembled 4 turntables, and 3 RTR decks.......anticipating a discovery process of what do i want/need to keep?

the big one for me will be whether i decide to keep my barn, or get a smaller place. spending time on a boat might share my attention in the future, do i need a hifi system so grandiose if i don't need it as a balance to working 6 days a week?

so the answer is that it never ends, it evolves to fit our life.

my desire for superb music reproduction will not end, but might be less an all consuming priority it's been.

I've been to your house, and I can say that there's not a whole lot you can do to improve your system. It's over the top good!

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Being retired I can't just buy gear like a drunken sailor, but I have no reason to either. I absolutely love my current system, and haven't bought anything since I upgraded to the Lumin X1 a year or two ago. With that said, if Lumin comes out with a better file player than the X1 then I will get that. Likewise if Magico releases a version 2 of the S7 then I will seriously consider that. Likewise I will consider the next generation of Shunyata power conditioner and power cords when they get released. However, I would expect those upgrades to only be modest improvements over the current system.

Originally Posted by TheOctopus

If one looks at it from the point of view of “the day I stop upgrading I am no longer an audiophile and the journey is over, then it will end when it gets old or the budget is depleted for such upgrades. I look at it as a journey that’s only beginning when one reaches a level where they stop obsessing over upgrades, dive deep and get lost in music itself. Exactly where along the path to nirvana it happens will be different for different folks. I’ve had a few friends completely burn out on upgrades and stop participating in the hobby. It was never about the music for them is the only explanation.

X2

Yep, at 67 years of age I'm fully aware of my hearing limitations and for the most part I've had my fill of a lot of the 'audiophile BS' , that and my present system provides me with all the sonic bliss I desire.

Ask Joe

Death for many I suspect. I have greatly slowed down the process at age 77. Most of us older folks have hearing loss in the mids and highs which might contribute to the slow down or final system decision.

It’s about the journey, not the destination.


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And the journey is sweet music to our ears ...