I too have been retired for a few years now. I have to budget my money carefully but that was a given so it is not a problem. I started in audio in the early 70's and have run the gambit as to equipment. I have kept a list of items purchased for the hobby and it is crazy to see the amount of money spent over the years. I have experienced some hearing loss and being a stubborn geezer have not tried hearing aids as yet. This loss has changed my way of listening however. I acknowledge the fact that some frequencies are lost or diminished. I also realize that things have to be a little louder than in the past. What this has done speaker-wise is I now have a very open and dynamic speaker that projects a wide soundstage that compensates for the loss of frequencies. I sold my Sonus Fabers because they were too polite and not open enough. I am thoroughly spoiled by my computer set-up and recently adding Hi-Rez Tidal has complimented it. The only thing I will spend money on in the near future are speaker cables (I need a better match) and a better USB cable. I have hunkered down for the long haul. Now I just want to "Enjoy the music".
Retired audiophile?
Maybe it comes with age. Fatigue with upgrades. Wisdom and satisfaction with the material world - acceptance of the audio system and a return to enjoyment of music without audio analysis - acceptance of deteriorating hearing and the resultant judgement that "what's the use" in the pursuit better fidelity - more restricted finances of retirement.. a feeling of "done for now" or forever. (Unless something brakes down) After improving and "investing" in my rig for over 30 years, I've come to the realization that I have little interest in the latest/greatest. "Tweaking" has little or no monetarily corresponding reward.
I'll still peruse the web, but the magazine subscriptions have elapsed and I don't miss the self-congratulatory reviews and commentary.
I suspect I'm not alone on this although the Audiogon community by it's very nature, is active in the hobby. Other retired audiophiles out there?
I'll still peruse the web, but the magazine subscriptions have elapsed and I don't miss the self-congratulatory reviews and commentary.
I suspect I'm not alone on this although the Audiogon community by it's very nature, is active in the hobby. Other retired audiophiles out there?