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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
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.

kennymacc
721 posts
 

I understand what the OP is getting at.  However, how does anyone measure, quantify, discern, explain, understand, why any individual audiophile has developed a need/desire/urge (perceived or not) to upgrade his/her audio system?  It really doesn’t matter what you upgrade in your audio system or why, it’s strictly an individual desire/need/feeling, etc.  Who can explain this?  For instance, I have an audiophile friend who still uses his old 1980’s Klipschorn speakers and an old tube amp from the same era, and he has absolutely no desire to change/upgrade anything (his system sounds incredible).  I also have an audiophile friend who is just the opposite, and likes to upgrade/change frequently just because he gets a thrill out of simply trying something new.  Happy listening.                  

mashif
470 posts
 

I don't really compare one component to another. I compare what I'm hearing to an idealized mental representation of what I want to hear. If it gets me closer to that ideal, I keep it. If not, I keep looking. When I get to a point that everything I have in my system reaches that standard, I'll stop looking and just enjoy it. 

Different is only better if it exceeds that standard. But the bar is high. 

kennyc
2,834 posts
 

Maybe it’s The Grass is Greener syndrome. Maybe some boredom with current Sonics.

I build variety to keep from being bored with my SS audio chain:

various cartridges from detailed to musical Koetsu, SPUs.  Maybe someday I’ll pickup a warm SS like GanFet, sliding bias A, or a punchy Gryphon amp for SS variety.

I also have a second audio chain with highly efficient speakers for tube amps including flea watt SET.   

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