>>Ask yourself what unmet emotional need you are avoiding by chasing the perfect stereo system.
Sounds a bit like a cliche but I think Matt is onto something.
In addition, the major audio rags are just stuffed with ads that are put together by very slick and clever folks and are intended to have exactly the effect you describe. Reading that stuff and complaining about wanting it is like intentionally sitting on a tack and then complaining that it hurts.
This is why spiritual folks(monks, yogas etc) always remove themselves from the everyday din of things. It is not because they are holier than thou, but precisely the opposite. Given human nature, they know they will cave in to it if they surround themselves with it. The Bible says the same thing about money and being rich.
If talking to yourself (asking yourself as Matt advises) does not suffice, and it usually doesn't, sometimes shock treatment is in order. There are quite a few possibilities out there but my recommendations of things that might work would include: 1) Spend a couple days of your spare time on the oncology floor of the nearest major hospital. Pay special attention to the mother's faces. 2) Find some hard hit poverty area (they are generally closer than we think)where young kids can be found and have a chat. 3) Have a dream where the Ghosts of Audio past, present and future visit you while there is still time.
You might just find yourself substituting one obsession for another, but at least it is likely to be a better obsession.
I hope this does not sound condescending, it is not intended as such. I regularly make myself make the rounds mentioned above. It's like a peculiar type of vaccination I am in need of in order to keep from being overtaken by all sorts of absolutely silly stuff.
Happy Holidays
Sincerely
I remain,