Testing your system

I agree.  It’s easy to fall in love short term with a lot of stuff out there, because honestly there is a lot of good stuff out there 

The trick is ending up with gear that you are afraid to change or part with because it sounds so good. 
 

@oddiofyl 

Good thoughts. 
 

But for me. “The trick is to end up with gear that is so completing and alluring, you simple cannot imagine something could sound better. Happily that is where I am… although I know it is possible.

Over the decades, I have been afraid to change or part with it… because of the chaos that might, and did ensue. To me, I am in the better of the two.

When I sit listening with my eyes closed and find myself smiling and/or tapping my toe, that’s the best test of my system.

Yes, the music is paramount. But it has to sound good. My breakthrough was when I realized that everything sounded great on the system. The days of only seeking out the best recordings on the quietest vinyl were over. Particularly striking are 50s and 60s recordings. It took a while to get here. It’s a small yet significant achievement.

@noromance 

Yes, I’ve had the same experience as you, even down to the love of 50s and 60s recordings.