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The argument against upgrading

I’ve always assumed upgrading hifi can be worthwhile provided there is some audible improvement in sound quality. Maybe, this assumption should be challenged.

Let’s suppose I make some change to my system. I make a meaningful comparison that proves it sounds better in some way.

Before making the change, I was already able to get into and enjoy certain recordings. Surely, I can’t get into these recordings any more than that. It’s an either or thing not a matter of degree.

So what does the upgrade actually do for me in practice? I fear that more often than not it may be absolutely nothing.

I am not arguing that there is no better. Just that incrementally better may not necessarily always translate into more musical enjoyment.

I suppose this all begs the question what I actually mean by better.

What’s your view on the benefits of upgrading? How can we reliably assess whether it is effective?

newton_john
erik_squires
17,538 posts
 

I've discussed the point but with a different angle.  IMHO the problem comes from confusing "different" from "better."  It's also true we get bored, so "different" may be "less boring." 

In particular, authors who claim they are hearing things in their music they never heard before are often seduced by signfiicantly different frequency reponse of speakers.  Of COURSE they are hearing things differently.  Is it "better?" 

While it's good to keep this in mind I also think it's good to be true to yourself.  If you find yourself getting bored, maybe budget appropriately.  Instead of looking for 1 set of megabuck speakers, look for 2 or  3  you can rotate in. You may be happier. 

vvvvvv6's avatar
vvvvvv6
95 posts
 

At this point for us - any upgrades are for visual improvements only.  So, as long as new stuff is in the same ballpark as the old stuff sound wise - but smaller and better looking, it is an "upgrade".  

foggyus91's avatar
foggyus91
612 posts
 

I agree 100%  @vvvvvv6 

At this point for us - any upgrades are for visual improvements only.  So, as long as new stuff is in the same ballpark as the old stuff sound wise - but smaller and better looking, it is an "upgrade".  

kerrybh
668 posts
 

This is an excellent question hard to answer. With the right speaker upgrade you can make big games. I think electronics tend to be more incremental and a greater risk of making a sideways move for more money. I know I’m considering a new DAC, I think there’s an opportunity for improvement, but I really love the way my system sounds now. When I listen to the music I’ll like the music and I’m not thinking about what could sound better. So, will an upgrade really be an upgrade and even if it is is it worth the cost?
 

It’s easier if you can identify an obvious  flaw in your system, harder when just trying to improve what Already sounds really good.

vvvvvv6's avatar
vvvvvv6
95 posts
 

With respect to upgrades in general - and any new DACs in particular, here's what stopped me completely from even thinking about it:

Me: Should I upgrade from Wiim Ultra to HiFi Rose RS151?

Chat GPT: With your McIntosh MA252 and Focal Kanta 2 setup, the audible difference between the WiiM Ultra and HiFi Rose RS151 is minimal to nonexistent. The RS151 is a luxury streamer with advanced features and premium build, but in terms of sound quality, both deliver transparent playback that your system will render nearly identically.

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