Rhljazz,
There is so much truth in what you said. It is so tempting to read about a component and convince yourself that is your next step up on the sonic ladder. If only it was always true! I have made the mistake with amps and speakers. As you said, one change can throw off the carefully constructed balance you (hopefully ) already have, and leave you less satisfied than you were.
I recently had some bonus money and decided that I should replace my speakers with a used pair here on Audiogon of similar design, but far more expensive build.
Within a week, I knew that I had made a mistake, and 5k and a lot of aggravation later, I am happily back with my former speakers, which I hadn't sold, and some guy in Romania is hopefully happy with my mistake.
The lesson is: don't make changes without careful consideration and ideally, an audition.
There is so much truth in what you said. It is so tempting to read about a component and convince yourself that is your next step up on the sonic ladder. If only it was always true! I have made the mistake with amps and speakers. As you said, one change can throw off the carefully constructed balance you (hopefully ) already have, and leave you less satisfied than you were.
I recently had some bonus money and decided that I should replace my speakers with a used pair here on Audiogon of similar design, but far more expensive build.
Within a week, I knew that I had made a mistake, and 5k and a lot of aggravation later, I am happily back with my former speakers, which I hadn't sold, and some guy in Romania is hopefully happy with my mistake.
The lesson is: don't make changes without careful consideration and ideally, an audition.