The Psychology of Constant (Equipment) Change

As a hobbyist, I’d call your condition "normal."

I think there may be 3 (or more) clarifications for those in this group.

- hobbyist: highly energetic, childlike curiosity about all things connected to the reproduction of music in our homes

- audiophile: the development of a very sensitive antenna related to what our systems toss out into the listening space, and extensive vocabulary to relate those observations in meaningful terms to ourselves, and others.

- music lover: a profound appreciation for those with the ability to arrange sounds in various forms to create strong emotional responses to the listener.

The combination all three in balance is the perfect storm of equipment/music appreciation. Some element of all three are required, IMHO, to be "tall enough to ride the ride" here, but some preferences may point to one element as a higher priority vs the others. That emphasis doesn’t make it right or wrong. It just makes it you.

I also think it’s system dependent, whereby "secondary" systems (office, patio, boathouse, etc) may need to meet a certain "standard" to get the job done and pretty much set in place after initial installation. Our "reference systems" may fall under greater scrutiny whereby the sonic standard is set much higher. Thus the need for more critical evaluation and contemplation of alternative solutions to our present gear.

@audiodwebe

With your permission, I’d like to steer this discussion back to "on topic."

Since you are asking us to "get inside your head" (a bold endeavor for certain), I have some comments --- AND -- a suggestion.

Your seemingly perpetual loop of "dissatisfaction" with your system could be unrelated to "audio" and may be pointing to other areas of your life you are wresting with? If, for instance, maybe you are subjected to a barrage of conflicts you can’t resolve, family matters, business matters, political tug of war, or just trying to make the world a better place? This/these would represent items that are out of your control for many reasons -- too hot to touch (family matters), above your pay grade (fixing the world’s problems). Your actions and attentions could turn to what you DO have control over and affect the outcomes -- your system. You CAN FIX it, make it better, and feel that you have successfully solved a problem. Things ARE better, because YOU properly observed the problem, connected the dots correctly, made intelligent decisions and deployed them artfully.

Now for the suggestion:

Apply gratitude. That is to say, each time you sit in the "sweet spot" acknowledge what it took to get you in this space at this time, and be grateful. So many things had to go "right" to get you where you are RIGHT NOW. In a wonderful space, that your hard work and disciplined life created, your meticulous selection of high resolution audio gear, listening to the best examples of musical excellence the world has ever known.

Then l-i-s-t-e-n to the m-u-s-i-c and e-n-j-o-y what is unfolding in front of you. (And, off to the sides, and behind). If any dissatisfaction creeps into your head, tell yourself just how lucky are to have "good" problems to solve. And, this isn’t a problem that needs solving.

Best of luck.