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Mo' money. Mo' problems.


I'm sure this has been discussed in a few posts over the years, but seeing as how we didn't burn up in the Mayan apocalypse, I thought I'd float something that has been on my mind as we close out 2012.

I think Notorious B.I.G. said it best:

The more money we come across, the more problems we see.

That is, in audio, as I have gradually spent more and more on high-end gear, the more critical and discerning I have become. The more I expect out of this stuff. I've spent more this year on gear (and vinyl) than ever before, so is it just a coincidence that I've had more issues than ever before? Be it tube matching, power issues, faulty amps (had two in a row, then jettisoned the brand), cable matching, fuses, tracking alignment, concern over my home's electrical, wondering about a two rinse wash vs. three rinse process, footers, computer optimization, high res file types, where is that hum coming from?, was that a pop or did my wife turn on the washer?... the endless quest for perfection... you know what I mean? (I hope.) Seems like each new upgrade opens a door for another or some other nit picky thing...

When everything is working perfectly, of course, it's a drug-free high. Total bliss. Lightyears beyond where I was or what I ever would have imagined as a kid.

But there's always going to be 'something,' isn't there? Are these bumps along the way just a part of the hobby - or are the bumps the hobby? How can I make 2013 the year I stop the BS and just enjoy the music?
bonhamcopeland

Showing 1 response by jmcgrogan2

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jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I think it's normal to become more 'aware' of any flaws the more time and money that you invest into that particular effort. Whatever that effort may be, audio, cars, boats, etc.

For me, the best way to put things in perspective is to step back and sometimes start over again. By step back I mean to stop reading all the glossy rags, reviews, and audio websites that will constantly wet your appetite for newer and alledgedly better stuff. By starting over I'm talking about a major downsizing of my system, I've done this a couple of times for various reasons. It's a way of getting off the merry-go-round for a while anyway.

I find that when I downsize, or step back, that I tend to listen less critically and just start to enjoy the music again. Yeah, I know it's not as good as my old big rig, but I also realize just how good it sounds for about 25% of the money that I had invested in the big rig. Close enough to make me wonder why I get so wrapped up with constant 'upgrades' for years, or even decades at a time.

Enjoy the music,
John
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