Isn't a wondeful time to be an audiophile?


With all the new lower or intro priced vs. performance gear coming out recently. And with choices of sources, CD/ Streaming. I'm just thinking of how it must be for the newly converted. I started out back in the mid seventies. Let's see,if I remember correctly - Phono, Linn. Ortophon Dynevector Audio Technica?  Reel to Reel, Cassette. Dolby filters. Ohm's F, Snell, JBL speakers. Just to name a few. But I am impressed with the performance vs. price ratio of some of the new gear I've heard. For which ever reason, technical, marketing, production. There are certainly I believe not only more products to choose from but the choices are more affordable as well.
128x128joes44
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As far as formats go....with some care taken with your choice of equipment they all can sound incredible. Alot of today's mid priced gear smokes the best of what was offered in the 70/80s. Endless music choices at our fingertips is a blessing and a curse. Part of the joy for me is getting off my fat butt and go hunting for the gems for a steal...music and gear. I'm thrilled with my carefully chosen 2.5k system that gives me chills and makes me smile everyday. P.S. speaker break in is a real thing as I have witnessed it with my jbl studio 590s after many hours of playing last week they suddenly came to life and opened....it was a real pants crapping moment...DH
I have collected quite a bit of gear and enjoy the newer and legacy formats. I still love my turntables and CD/SACD players! I also enjoy Tidal streamed over my Sonos Connects (CD Quality). I have several upgraded iPod classics that I play (IAFF lossless) through Wadia and Arcam docks. I know that I am way behind the digital/streaming curve, but enjoy my music nonetheless. It is a great time to be an audiophile, but I miss many of the stores that are no longer with us. When traveling, I used to visit so many stores around the country. I always tried to find something to buy. While I still enjoy my favorite local stores (few and far between), It has become difficult to see and hear the wide variety of equipment that used to be available.