Rig building - When or Why, do you change devices?

Macrojack

Hear! Hear! Very good.

I think with a gear change... a new piece... or a modification of some aspect, I am certianly altering the presentation, perhaps the sonics too.

I'm not sold entirely on the fact that every change I've made has been to increase performance. Render a clearer window to the recorded venue, or even immulate a live performance after all.

I think, more often than not, my greatest foe in acquiring that next level is myself. At times, with a lot of changes which I did this past year, I sought for a time to regain that which I had let go of... I initially tried to make the now all tube power duplicate the sound of the Tube & Ss set up. yet found out soon enough that wasn't going to happen completely. Then I got to listen still more critically and found out some areas were improved upon, while others lacked. A Shelby Cobra just isn't a Hemi 'Cuda. Both are breath taking rides, yet get there in different ways. A funny thing happened then, I slowly began to not miss so much, those areas where the SS amp excelled past the tube amps…. And so forth.

Getting 'different' is lots easier than attaining 'better'. Different isn't a bad thing either. actually, I feel that the relationship between 'diff' & 'better' are often interchangeable and can point towards the same things, generally speaking. It’s all relative. Right after I got married I realized all my problems were relative. I moved away from my relatives as soon as I could. With audio, it’s not the same.

The relative diffs are where the incrases, if any, are found. Allong the upgrade highway, the ‘relative differences’ begin to shrink, and become scattered about. Where and What those distinctions get found out determines better. It gets tougher and tougher to feret them out, and when you do, finally decide, it’s one of a couple thoughts… “Is this indeed better? Do I need to keep looking, or Can I live with this?””

I know I can’t live with my relatives, but could easily live with the stuff I’ve brought in here since all this began a few years back… and some items that are gone now as I’ve moved on, I’d sure not mind having back.

Philjolet
Thanks. You're onto something there...

If by 'problem' you mean "adjustment", you're so right!

I believe a system is just that, a 'system', a whole and singular thing, comprised of many parts. Exchanging out one of those parts even though quite similar in fact, it will change more than just the esthetic!

Perhaps that power cord which ran so well with the previous yadayada, doesn't play so well with the new entrant... or the ICs, or different isolation needs should be addressed.

Making changes in a system if the changed in item is to be optimized for the system, requires more than just plug and play.

A positive attitude too is a great thing to have on hand. Finding happiness in what you have is key. If happiness revolves around that next 'whatsit', you'r in trouble. Of that, I'm positive.

Tobias
Thanks. There's a good bit of wisdom in your thoughts. Keep on keeping on...

Tvad
What's driving the speakers is more important than the speakers themselves. Always. IMHO.

Samhar

Good point! Thanks.

I tend to agree with your perspective on gear pricing. I used to think with SS amps, it was about weight. The heavier the better... and still find that aspect more valid than not... but will agree $5K to $7K amps are the threshold for diminishing returns. Likely too CDPs have their own as do other components and cabling.

I feel however, the point itself is subjective to some extent and dependant upon the synergy and resolution of the System being toyed with. it tickels me to see someone whose idea is that due to the expense of a thing, they feel it a "high resolution" item. It's not. It's just expensive… but good , nevertheless.

Islandmandan
Thanks Dan.

True enough. If the grass looks greener on the other side… It’s time to water your own lawn. A real obsessive and/or compulsive person will have lots of trouble with that note. Routinely.

I’m beginning to see the upgradeing what’s on hand, as a more viable path. One which is gaining pace with me as something I’ll try out soon with a piece I have now. It’ll be a while though.

Of course, then, other things may again need attending too to integrate it best. Geeezzz. That part always eludes me until I’m face to face with it.

Shouldn’t it be a given then, that what lays in front of the speakers is more important than the speakers themselves?