WOW! Interesting lineup . . . some very impressive lists. I was trying to see if there were any patterns for consistency . . . a few, but for the most part -- not really. To be honest, if I had had the resources to do so, my list would have been much larger.
Dahlquist DQ10’s with double subwoofers (still have and tweak) Bought second hand back in the mid-80’s.
Paradigm (for surround sound) mid-90’s .. . . also still have.
With a little help and determination . . . the DQ10’s can still do marvelous things -- even impress those whose systems change quite often and are much more costly. And although there are ALWAYS some great technological advancements out there (or myths perpetuated by advertising) and a price to be paid for the competing and the insatiable conquest for THE BEST . .. there is still the reality, and consequently, the necessity for some of us, who just have to work within our limited resources and be CONTENT with what we can afford -- that, and not overtaxing one’s credit. To those whose resources are much less confined (obviously) -- sincerely, more power to you.
It is a fun, encompassing hobby and at times a very enjoyable one -- IF, one can keep the music, at least theoretically, as the priority . . . and not the overwhelming pride of ownership, keeping up with the Jones (becoming KING of the Hill . . . being dethroned and gaining it back again) , and sometimes falling into the trap of advertising hype and often times -- just plain baloney; however, that constant urge to IMPROVE is also part of the CHARM and enjoyment of the always (seemingly) being on an unreachable quest for perfection and wanting to share every little nuance with like enthusiasts, as there will always seem to be that one step never quite achieved in the greed and necessity for profit by the designers and manufacturers, who do seem at times to milk it for all they can. I still have to believe that behind that shallow exterior of the love of money, the obsession of ownership, etc. there are those whose heart still has the purest intent of possessing, if just for a moment, the joy of sharing with pride an experience of OWNING the closest to real music experience that one’s limitation (or not) of money can buy . . . and IF the illusion of live music ever did totally come about, not only would the industry be devastated . . . but most likely the heart of the hobby and love of this never-ending quest for musical as well as technological tinkering would also be gone along with the enthusiasm and fun towards that “just out of reach” unachievable perfection.
