end game audio system -- how do you know you are there?

You’ve reached your end game system when you go to the audio forums and all you look at are the new music threads. :)
 
Oly said:
You’ve reached your end game system when you go to the audio forums and all you look at are the new music threads. :)
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I reached that stage but now I am wondering what am I missing from my favorite Jazz listening sessions without a $64,000.00 MIT Articulation Control Console... It's not easy being an audiophile! :lol:

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Mike Lavigne said:
...if you were me, what would you aspire to do to get to a higher level of hifi performance along the same path i've been on? show me what i should be thinking about. and not being a smart ass, just curious where i still need to go.
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At this moment I couldn't tell you what my next move is, never mind recommending upgrades to other people. I know from considerable experience that In time you will most likely find source components that reveal sonic aspects to your favorite recordings that henceforth weren't readily known with your existing gear, that's one.
 
In 1964, Justice Potter Stewart tried to explain "hard-core" pornography, or what is obscene, by saying, "I shall not today attempt further to define the kinds of material I understand to be embraced... ut I know it when I see it ..."
That’s the answer to the original post.
 
soastrup said:
This is a great thread with some interesting and good points!

Speaking for myself I have no plans for changes or upgrades as I am very pleased with the sound and use of the systems.

Following various people on various fora I have noticed some that make a high number of horizontal moves, changing this and tweaking that, without ever being fully satisfied. An endless merry-go-round and a lot of money sunk into it. So I promised myself that I would not change unless it was a significant improvement - and that means spending funds I dont have, this side of a lottery winner! My former system lasted 19 years...

In any case, listening to music is still the most important part, a point also made by others here. I got Minecraft free of cost from https://minecrraftapk.com/
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Totally agree with you here. It’s easy to fall into that constant upgrade cycle and never actually enjoy what we already have, but if the system sounds great and keeps you happy, that’s what really matters. Sometimes sticking with a setup you genuinely enjoy is far more satisfying than endlessly chasing the “next best thing.” Just sitting back and enjoying the music is the real win.
 
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I find it hard to justify new expenditures. What I have is pretty good. I know I don't want to give up the hobby so I keep my nose to the grind stone as best I can.
 
I just recently upgraded my Aurender N100H to the N200 and this will most likely be my last major upgrade. That being said, the rising cost of Hi end audio has forced me into my end game. I’m 68 years old and have been upgrading over the years and have a great system Sure I still lust after some equipment and cables but as soon as I see the prices I have to shake my head and try to understand why.

I now focus on what matters most, the music.
 
There are many variables in what a person might call their end game system. Budget, room location and size, etc., etc., will come into play.

Of course, Burmester gear would be that type of components for me. However, my budget certainly would not agree; and my room is far too small. Therefore, a new room constructed off the back of our house would have to be in the budget also :).

But end game to me means gear that I am happy with (such as my McIntosh), that I was able to afford and fit in my music space. Sure, as opportunities present themselves, I would consider certain upgrades. But I am not actively looking for upgrades because for my wants, desires and enjoyment I would say I have entered the realm of end-game system.
 
At 66, and retired, I had what I considered to be my end system. After we moved to be near children, I ended up with a much bigger listening room/study. 9.5x14 to 17x25.

Depending on finances, I’d like to consider new amps and speakers. The MSB Premier is my endgame unless I win the lottery. It’s a big chunk to move up to a Cascade.
 
Bones13 said:
At 66, and retired, I had what I considered to be my end system. After we moved to be near children, I ended up with a much bigger listening room/study. 9.5x14 to 17x25.

Depending on finances, I’d like to consider new amps and speakers. The MSB Premier is my endgame unless I win the lottery. It’s a big chunk to move up to a Cascade.
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Nice sized room. Mine is 12x12... so pretty darn tiny. My wife has even, jokingly commented about building on to the back of the house :).
 
aKnyght said:
having spent the past 2+ years slowly and methodically building / upgrading my system, i must say that at this point i am really, really enjoying it. when listening critically, i no longer find myself thinking that i need to upgrade this component or that cable, etc. instead, i find myself thinking about things like the quality of the recording.

honestly, i do not think embarking on another upgrade cycle would increase my listening enjoyment one iota. so, i may have reached my version of the proverbial end-game.

however, that being said, the tinkerer/hobbyist/audiophile in me says this is a heck of a lot of fun -- keep going!!

just curious how others here know when they have reached or will reach their end-game -- and once there what do you do?
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There is no such thing as an end game audio system, because Audio and HiFi are hobbies as much about the gear as the music. Add to that the obsessive compulsive nature of Audiophiles and you can safely assume that no matter how satisfied they claim to be with their present system it won't be for long before their wandering eye catches note of something else that becomes the must have next piece of gear. The fortunate thing about the pursuit is that a stereo system has many components which can theoretically be upgraded indefinitely.

If you one day finally find yourself fully satisfied with your system, it's at that point you will realize you've lost interest in the hobby.
 
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