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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
newton_john's avatar
newton_john OP
569 posts
 

@lalitk 

If your system pic is current, then the best ‘upgrade’ would be room acoustics.

That is a question best raised elsewhere. Any response here confuses the issue at hand. 

newton_john's avatar
newton_john OP
569 posts
 

@mahler123 

Essentially what you are saying, imo, is a variation on the discussion of Music vs Sound Reproduction; the notion being that the music is all that matters and how well it’s reproduced is a trivial consideration.  
  This discussion is as old as Audiophilia and for me it’s a false dichotomy.  Most of the people on the planet think like this, but hey, they aren’t posting on audiophile sites

I disagree. Look at my post immediately before yours addressed to @deep_333 and ​​​​@mahgister 

 

 

mahler123
4,022 posts
 

@newton_john 

 

with all due respect-and I have enjoyed many of your posts on other topics-I had read the post that you referenced prior to making my most recent post.  I have just re read it, per your request.  And I stand by my earlier comment.

  I am glad that you enjoy music, your current system, and don’t feel a need to upgrade.  I have been in the same spot for a bit.  However the previous upgrades that I made definitely enhanced my enjoyment of music that I loved, in some cases causing me to significantly respect composers or works that I hadn’t fully appreciated prior.  I guess your mileage varies.  Have a nice day and continue to enjoy the music 

mylogic
841 posts
 

The argument developing here is just a discombobulating difference of opinions. 
The  way l see it is simple….

 

Who is the most happiest?

 

The guy with a reasonably adept budget system with no worries listening, who always enjoys the music he hears, and is content with his lot. Or is it the guy with the mega bucks oil rig sized system, who is not completely satisfied, but is always wondering if there’s something missing.

jl35
4,459 posts
 

You left out those with  mega and mini mega systems who are very happy but nonetheless still enjoy upgrading...

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