I am very happy with my 30-yr old Spendor BC-1 speakers and somewhat younger Audiolab integrated amp. I do consider upgrades once in a while, but the sonic difference has never felt worth the price difference. I also don't feel like paying for beautiful cabinets etc (was tempted by Salk).
In a way, my yearning for perfection in a few well defined hobbies has been replaced by desire for broader balance. In classical music, I used to only want to listen to great orchestras and conductors when I lived in NYC and Chicago. A small breach in that outlook was made with Naxos CDs which made me appreciate that many A- musicians/ensembles at $4.99 were just as satisfying to me as A+ at $20. Slowly, I began to practice similar philosophy in live music. So, I would still go to CSO, but I can also enjoy less famous ensembles at a local church or college dorm at walking distance.
I hope it makes sense at least to some of you!
In a way, my yearning for perfection in a few well defined hobbies has been replaced by desire for broader balance. In classical music, I used to only want to listen to great orchestras and conductors when I lived in NYC and Chicago. A small breach in that outlook was made with Naxos CDs which made me appreciate that many A- musicians/ensembles at $4.99 were just as satisfying to me as A+ at $20. Slowly, I began to practice similar philosophy in live music. So, I would still go to CSO, but I can also enjoy less famous ensembles at a local church or college dorm at walking distance.
I hope it makes sense at least to some of you!