The argument against upgrading

I guess I’ve been very lucky over the years to hit upon solid equipment that I’ve rarely been tempted to change.  ProAc Response 2’s--check (replaced woofers, have spare drivers and spare whole pair I picked up in storage).  First an Arcam irDAC that I enjoyed for years, then a Doge 7 that I liked for several years but wanted less coloration from the tube output stages, so a used Chord Qutest which I like a whole lot, very clean and musical.  Cary SLP-98 for a long time, which I replaced with a homebrew 6SN7 Aikido which isn’t going anywhere, homebrew amps, which I’ve upgraded but maintain the same classic Williamson topology.  Used Harmonic Tech cables that don’t do anything wrong.  I’m fiddling with my digital chain now, slowly.  Trying not to add a lot of junk.

Part of it is my wife, who is very discerning but conservative and, when I think about changing things, says, "Why?"  Often, when I try some new tweak, she’ll stick her head into the living room and say, "What’s THAT??  What did you do?  Take it out!" or simply, "That sounds good."  She kind of keeps things grounded, so to speak.  If she doesn’t want to listen to it, chances are it won’t stay.

To me, I don't find that there is any 'argument' either way (pro or con) regarding upgrading PROVIDED that said upgrade provides at least 1 of 3 tangible benefits:

1) An audibly noticeable improvement in sound performance;

2) A visually noticeable improvement in terms of owner aesthetics;

3) Replacement of a failed component with something touted as 'better'.

I do not agree with the idea of upgrading from item A to item B simply because item B has better specs. I need to either hear or see an 'improvement' - not convince myself I can hear (or see) an improvement because online strangers told me there is one...

That cynicism notwithstanding, IF I genuinely hear an improvement (or am more pleased with the aesthetics) I have no problem with the concept of 'upgrading' under those circumstances. But the idea of chasing numbers / specifications that do not provide me with some tangible real-world benefit does not appeal to me... and that distinction is anathema to standard 'audiophile' behavior to many.

The problem is not upgrading in itself...

Upgrading is usual and normal if we are with broken piece, non synergetical piece, or a piece not at the same level than other pieces...

the problem is the race to upgrade with always more costlier pieces without end...

The problem is basic knowledge  studies and basic experiments, and basic optimization process often are replaced by gear pieces propositions which replace then  our necessary thinking process, programmed as we are by audio marketing ideology...

Then some thin-tin-mind can claim that some audiophiles happy with their low cost system are ignorant, or losers or deceptive troll because they claim that optimization matter more than even very useful upgrade ...

Why upgrading matter less most of the time than optimizing ? Because we cannot evaluate properly a non optimized system nevermind his price if we had never heard it at his peak optimal working potential AFTER optimization...

The truth is audio satisfaction dont suppose a lot of money but instead a lot of knowledge...Basic one in mechanical,acoustical,electrical and DSP working dimensions...

We as consumers are often sleepwalking mind open to all kind of marketing conditioning  ploy exactly as in politics... Knowledge protect us...I can say it because it was my case not long ago ...

«What is a thin-tin-mind and how it differ from a tin-thin-mind that is the question? »--Groucho Marx studying grammar 

«How deep you are dipping here !»-- Harpo marx

Interesting topic. For me, the answer lies in the difference between sound quality - which can keep improving as new tech is developed, likely with diminishing returns - and enjoyment. 
In any endeavor, greater knowledge and experience raise expectations and refine tastes. Once you've sampled fine wines, the one-buck chuck becomes less satisfying. 
As they say, "comparison is the thief of joy".
For years, I tremendously enjoyed music via old Onkyo speakers I got from my dad. Then I started 'upgrading' and learned the journey can easily be never-ending. 
I have to admit that at this point, that journey - discovering and implementing improvements in sound quality - is about as important and as much fun as the destination - deeply enjoying listening to music, often for hours on end. This is true for any hobby, I guess.
I do feel that the search for and appreciation of better components, synergies, room treatment and interaction, etc, have also altered my appreciation of music. I tend to listen less to music as a background to other activities and more as a focused, stand-alone experience, often listening for hours on end. 
I don't think I enjoy music more now, on my better system, than I did in the past, but I enjoy it differently and with a new interest and vigor. 
 

@woutb 

Nicely put. Thank you.

Sound quality is objectively out there. Enjoyment of music is an individual’s inner subjective experience. They are closely related but not necessarily synonymous.