Awesome. Music is the machinery of the universe.
Is it time to just quit?
Time to just quit?
Buying audio stuff?
Posting to an empty house?
My gut feeling is no one is posting in the regular 'free' threads. Maybe they all are paying to post? I could not know, since I am way too cheap to pay to just post 'exclusive'. Being natural paranoid, I think everyone is posting over there, not here?
Then I also just hit my limit on credit card Paypal. Now I have to become "verified' or no Paypal.
This also happened at a fortuitous moment, when I was starting to overspend...
So no buying OR selling here for me (unless I am willing to get the Paypal CC. Which I have to think about)So maybe the Universe is telling me "Time to quit".???
Not quit listening to music, just NOT buying more stuff and NOT posting more gibberish.
Buying audio stuff?
Posting to an empty house?
My gut feeling is no one is posting in the regular 'free' threads. Maybe they all are paying to post? I could not know, since I am way too cheap to pay to just post 'exclusive'. Being natural paranoid, I think everyone is posting over there, not here?
Then I also just hit my limit on credit card Paypal. Now I have to become "verified' or no Paypal.
This also happened at a fortuitous moment, when I was starting to overspend...
So no buying OR selling here for me (unless I am willing to get the Paypal CC. Which I have to think about)So maybe the Universe is telling me "Time to quit".???
Not quit listening to music, just NOT buying more stuff and NOT posting more gibberish.
119 responses Add your response
Today I am proud to offer the fact I have Earl Hines playing piano in my living room for five hours... Not 'on the stereo'... in my living room as if he was here playing a piano in the room. Spectacular. I have to say the system is ready for Prime Time. Compared to a year ago, when I just was thinking maybe I can upgrade something?It is finished. |
Elizabeth, thanks for the vote of confidence. It really can be somewhat of a lonely and misunderstood hobby at times. Trying to achieve highest level of realism that can bring in so much joy. I have found little improvements are big victories for me. But at what cost (literally)? To your point, I have a very good system and I am going to stop (or slow down) going down the money rabbit hole and enjoy what I have. |
@jafant Many thanks for the welcome. I just posted my second post in umpty-umph years on this forum regarding the Jolida SSX I just received. It’s the first component I’ve purchased in as many years. To answer your question, I listen to Classical and Jazz with a passion for live recordings. There is something magical about tubes and Maggies when done right. Tonality is paramount for me. Look forward to continuing with Audiogon. It has always been very informative. |
I say do not let yourself get suckered by anyone telling you 'you can't hear'. You CAN hear the music, and if new stuff improves your ENJOYMENT, that that is what matters. I can say others who are not audiophiles never get it. Like the first thing out of the mouth of ANY non-audiophile seeing the size of my speakers is: You must play really loud music!. With no comprehension. I would say it may be the same, in a way, for your wife, who equates ordinary day to day with 'listening to music'. (One of the saddest people I EVER met, was the guy selling off his stereo equipment, because he 'needed hearing aids, and his wife convinced him what good is a stereo if you cant hear". He should have just kept it. Ordinary folks have no idea how important music is to an audiophile!) On the other hand, maybe staying where you are equipment wise might be just as good. I am in my 70th year. I actually had no plans to buy all the stuff I did. When last January I had some cash in the bank. And thought maybe upgrade my 3.6 Magnepan to 3.7i Well I decided that was too much of a sideways deal, and decided 'Now or Never' to buy 20.7s Then one thing led to another.. and I really got carried away. I would say the 17 Furutech Duplex was my jumping over the edge of the cliff. But Jeez those made a huge difference. This morning I was sticking the Treble resistor and choke behind the plate on the left 20.7. Not terrible, but I really am getting old to do this stuff. Waiting until maybe tomorrow to do the other one. One thing I think about is getting the stereo where I can handle any little issues. No more buying to replace... Just tune a bit. Anyway, I say do not let wreck your enjoyment of music! You have managed to keep it so far... |
Thank you
Elizabeth for this post. You really hit on a subject I have not let myself really consider. The obsessiveness of my hobby. I have big $'s invested (no it's money spent on a depreciating asset). I am 63 and a victim of very loud concerts in the 70's. I remember not being able to hear for hours after the concerts. Anyway, even with damaged hearing I still lust after new gear. The basis of my system is new McIntosh driving Revel Salon 2's. In reality this should be the last "big $" stuff for me. I read this post and heard the last conversation I had with my wife. I was telling her about the amazing sound of tube equipment and that would my last purchase. She snapped back (lovingly) with, you can't even hear the microwave or coffee maker "ding" at the end of the cycle. And you have worn out the "last purchase" line. My immediate thought was, she just doesn't understand. After reading this post, I think it may be me that doesn't understand. Perhaps addiction is too strong of a word, but spending mega bucks and looking for more stuff? I had an aunt who was pretty much "home bound" and watched the shopping channel all of the time. Over the years, she had purchased about 150 handbags. We used to laugh about it all of the time. Hmm... |
As "barrysandy" said: " Maybe it is time to quit buying stuff if you’ve reached the point with your system that you really enjoy listening to it. It’s not surprising you’d start to think about this, especially if you’ve been in the hobby for a long time." I think I've reached that point and enjoy the music more now, compared to when I was in constant research/upgrade mode. |
I've never tried that with BluTack but it doesn't surprise me that it would improve your sound. BluTack is an amazing product. I first used it 30 years ago as an interface between my speakers (at the time) & their stands. Been using it ever since in various places when I need to stick something together & dampen it at the same time. |
MY latest fiddling was to add some PS Audio Noise Harvesters. Two was good, so I ordered five more. NOT good. Went back to zero to get a baseline. Then added just three. Pretty good. One tweak I added was one I have used on some looser fitting AC plugs. I added a string of Blu Tack around the perimeter of the base.. (Rolled out softened up BluTack to a 1/4" roll about six inches long, to perimeter of base, so it squishes under and around as the Noise Harvester is places on duplex. Then press down the sides of the BluTack to tighten the bond between N H and duplex.so the device is stuck to the duplex.If yo have not used BluTack, it stays easy to remove for many years, I have done so with countless AC plugs and IEC) Amazingly, the sound is better WITH the BluTack on the Noise Harvesters. I would say mainly the midrange has a slight improvement in clarity and smoothness. Where without the BluTack the treble was a little emphasized. I wish someone could try this tweak so I stop feeling like it may be hallucinations... LOL |
elizabeth I will second, the Ani DiFranco debut disc. Feel free to talk about possible gear additions from your list. I cannot imagine that you do not have your room, system, dialed-in after all of these years. Hope you are well and enjoying this Holiday season. Keep posting here and other Audio forums. I enjoy your musings and writings. Happy Listening! |
Elizabeth, you are one of the few people whose posts I always read. To provide my humble input to your post, I have the same system I assembled in 1991 starting with Cary Audio’s Tubed Class A Preamp and Monoblocks with Maggies 3.7s. Tubes and Ribbons were what I wanted. For Redbook CD, I bought a Rega Planet when they came out in mid 1990 as I liked the top-loading feature. It is used as a transport which is connected to a Genesis Digital Time Lens and on to a Theta DS Pro Basic II DAC. There is magical synergy with these components. They were leading edge components of their day and still hard to beat for pure musicality. I can transport Sarah Vaughn or Anna Netrebko right into the room. My interconnects are all Mogami studio. My reasoning was if music was recorded in the studio with Mogami, it stood to reason it would work in my system for playback. Reasoanbly priced to boot. The only addition was incorporating my Mac into the system to take advantage of online libraries to supplement my CD-based listening. It is connected via USB to a s/pdif converter and into the time lens. Aside from that, I have only ever purchased music. I have incorporated a few select tweaks in the intervening years but the system has been ‘locked’ since mid 1990. It sounded great then and sounds great now. I should also add that I ‘graduated’ to this configuration after years of swapping components in a never-ending chase of ‘better’ sound. I made the decision to return to tubes and after hearing ribbons, I never looked back. Hope that lends some credibility to the notion of getting off the buying bandwagon. Are there better components? Yes, but I have chosen to save that money for music. My Redbook CD playback is nothing short of sublime to me and all who listen. Please consider staying. I enjoy your input. |
What an enjoyable discussion. The entire universe is on a sine wave. Audiophilia included. “Go with the flow”. Presumably there’s a larger intelligence in the background holding the baton. They say it’s trying to help. And one great but seldom mentioned benefit of these forums: funny posts. To all the witty audiophiles: keep working! Jim Heckman |
I can verify that the SA-10 that me and Elizabeth have and others is very very good. #%€$ good. With playing a great digital mastered CD it will reveal the limitations of my TT. Sibilence, surface noise, mistracking. Its seductive and makes me lazy to get up and spin a record, I don't always run the cardas clean sweep record. (It does make a difference in that I have been doing it consistently as of late). I don't think its much of the SA-10s fault if some CDs come out as a 🦃. You can dress up a turkey but it will still be a turkey. If I'm experiencing ice showers its because the water is hard. Back to the records. Some or most have that warm analog glow kinda like how tubes introduce distortion that is ear friendly. I live happily with both. |
To stop posting here or anywhere else may be a good idea. Talking to us boys is like talking to the wall and these deceptively wonderful words of interest and support signify nothing. You got arrangements to make to get to Milan on time. And time is running out. Give La Scala a chance to share the experience. Shopping for evening gown would be more appropriate than for this audiophile junk. Hear the real music. |
Here's my 2 cents, maybe 1.5 for some and 2.5 for others. I work with audiophiles, daily, and see such a huge mental change happening that it makes HEA forums look like graveyards. Mapman and Uberwaltz touched on it on this thread and several others are preaching the new age on other threads and forums. Most of the new audiophiles are not going to need to invest what generations past have spent for the same SQ. Don't get me wrong my clients build entire tunable rooms and use tunable tools, but then when comparing the massive 90's on systems to the new super low mass systems, the newer systems are winning out. This being the case it will only be a matter of time before we will have two main camps. Those who do mechanical tuning and those who do electronic tuning. So preserving expensive high end audio ventures are going to continue to be less and less equipment wise. The good news is, those with expensive components will be able to cash in and pay for their newer systems with money to bank. That is except for the last ones standing. mg |
It's fun with Elizabeth participating. Most of us will never meet, but it is good to know that there are others out there that know and appreciate music and equipment. I don't participate in forums all the time because it isn't necessary and others are contributing quite well thank you. But I chime in now and then to say hi and give my opinion. Elizabeth dropped off the net for awhile. I was glad she came back. Maybe there should be an Audiogon get together (lunch) at the RMAF or some such each year. Where we can sit, eat, drink and discuss great music and equipment. That may be fun. anyway, hang around Elizabeth. enjoy |
Elizabeth. I don't see you posting anything gibberish. Your opinions are much welcomed here. You bring a very well thought out expression that does not carry a heavy tone but adds life to these threads. You had a big influence on me getting the SA-10. When I had got my new amp and preamp then added a 2nd dedicated line all my system was messed up. Like it had a cold. You suggested it was the new wiring causing the harshness. You told me it would settle in and it finally did after a couple of weeks. So your experience is well valued here. Keep posting! Oh I just put some damping material on top of the Marantz but can't tell much difference. It is built solid with no ringing on the chassis. The phono preamp is another story. Lets see you post. |
Elizabeth, I appreciate your posts . You are part of a group that are more knowledgeable, more experienced and very civil while posting . As a chat member that is further along than most here, this is an issue of diminishing returns for you . As far as the Winter Blues , I battle with Depression. Music lifts my spirits when down , and soothes me when itrated . You help me with my MUSIC ! So Thank you for that. Since we limit our conversations to audio , my I offer this . I try to balance my music with cycling , meditating , fishing and helping others . Cycling or skiing on a cold clear day, followed by a nice meal and some good tunes does so much to keep the Winter Blues at Bay . I personally am always appreciative when the Stronger Gender excels at Boys Club hobbies . So to ALL OF YOU TRANSISTOR/TUBE HEADS , keep it alive ! Respectfully, Mike B. |
I think that what we all need every now and then is a new music-loving friend. My GF (over 3 years now) was always into music, but didn't know what a nice stereo can sound like. It's been really fun helping her understand the nuances that the system brings to light, and in this case, her helping me discover new music. Together, we now discover new music all the time, and at least once per week, we sit and listen to music. We talk about the artists, read the covers, check out the band on "the google", and learn. It's really amazing to see how they fit together... like how often certain artists are found on other bands' albums. It's really fun discovering the new music, and appreciating how great music can sound in the right environment, with the right equipment, with a tasty beverage... and of course the right person who can enjoy it with you! I've also met a few audiophile friends in the area, and I'm learning to appreciate other people's systems as well. It's an interesting way to enjoy and sample the gear without necessarily buying something. |
syntax2,029 posts11-25-2018 7:47pm... listening to digital is like having a shower with thousands of tiny ice cubes, listening to vinyl is having the shower with water. ... @syntax this is a great analogy! |
Mentions of Maggi lovers , thst is a speaker that sounds good but has a bunch of Substantial upgrades why they build them so minimal is beyond me ljust charge a little more , for starters get rid of the junky metal jumpers a quality wire jumper, Putin 2 high quality fuses. Magnestand rebuildsyour Maggi total overhaul transformation. The stock panels flex like a sale a solid hardwood frame locks in theimaging much better , the wiring totally replaced to quality wireand the Xoverisnight and day better and has to have a beautiful hsrdwould external Xover sitting in the back withallhigh quality voivedparts my friend owns them and IHave owned 3.6,and 1.7 . If you like the Maggi sound you would not believe the potential of your speakers untill youhave heard these . yesmaybe around $2k or so but the investmentislike buying a 5 x more expensive speaker. If nearPa. Youmaybe can do hesr a pair . If PeterGunn is still doing them. Just a thought , ifyou are tired of allways changing gear. just upgradeit and be done with it for years. Digital keeps getting better that maybethe only exception to the rule. |
Having been in Audio as a consumer as well as dealer in the past and having a 100k system and sold it for I found it much more challenging as well as rewarding to see how good you can find the gems out there for afaction of the price case and point I am allways preaching to bought. New or even more so a High quality used product and just have it upgraded in electronics wiring top qualityresistors like Vishay naked super low .05 % distortion top quality capacitors , even quality fuses, this too applies even more so to Loudspeakers since they by far give the highest distortions. My uncle a 40 year master electronics technician showed me how to build a proper Zobel network that dramatically lowrrs the high frequency distortions and also allows your amplifier to run much more efficient seeing a steady resistive load. I have been doing this mainly as a service to the Audio community when big companies buySyn Research I cut their open when one failed $30 in parts for $450 I use top quality parts . It is a shame people are so skeptical even when I give simple sound advise preople email me I have vastly more experience then over 95% ofAudiophiles .i just finished4 upgrades 1 Audiophile fuses they work for a simple reason look up metal resistance stockfuses steel- Zink conductor CSA SiverCopper 5x less earning removing lowlevel noise and bottleneck. 2 tweakslike Stabilant-22first clean Every contact with good alchohol including AC plugs so many people take littleto no time not even once a year. Stabilant is perfect over 22 years effectiveness look it up, Bybee technologies make a internal purifier under $150 that absorbed magnetic energy and RF ,just do a search ,no batteries , and cable upgrades. icould not believe using the new Keith Eichmann Connectors only conductor veryhigh purity copper- Silver much betterThen most gold over brass.and Neotech occ- 0 Crystal Silver Copper interconnect Wire .mysubwoofer took on another level of articulation - Real tuneful Bass. Forlittle monies these all made a substantial increase in realism . I had already modified the Loudspeakers Xover ,and wiring which totally transformed them to speakers many times their cost. For low cost finishing touches a Ifi Audio AC purifiers buy at least 2 at a time 3-4 highly recommended under $100 each , and have usb-3 purifier thathelpsout digital in several areas. That is my take on seeing out cost effective but worthwild Audio product upgrades . |
Elizabeth, I’m sorta new here with not even 200 posts, compared to the 1,000s by others. That said, I think that if you’ve read enough of my meager input here, you would know that I got into high end audio at the age of 14, quickly learned what me ears preferred to hear, settled on the combination of components that pleased me by about 20 years later, and have changed almost nothing other than upgrades to the components that I already had since. You can can drive yourself silly looking for the next greater and better thing. Much of that behavior sadly has more to do with conforming to the dictates of consumer capitalism than attention to the art of music and sound. I hang around audiogon just out of curiosity, although Ramtubes at the moment is one of the few here who has a very informative thread going at the moment. Imho: Settle on what pleases you, then sit back relax and enjoy. It’s worked for me. |
Because of the massive increases in 2 channel audio, I almost gave up myself. Almost gave up the hobby over money. The fun was waning. $20,000 turntables, $100,000 speakers, $30,000 amplifiers and these products have seemed to take over the audio mags. But then I took a chance on 2 companies: Odyssey audio and Schiit Audio. Bought a 2 channel Odyssey Khartago power amp and the Schiit Audio Saga preamp. Cost for both combined, well under 2k. Added a used pair of B&W stand mount speakers for under $1K and a Pro-ject 6 perspex turntable and a Ortfon MC-3 turbo MC cartridge. Sounds great. Then I attended the 2017 and 2018 Axpona shows, with my wife attending the 2018 show. After visiting the various rooms, I looked at my wife and told her that I never realized how good my home system was! I didn't come away from the show with a burning need to replace or upgrade anything. I was happy, listening to music again and genuinely having fun again in this hobby. Moral of this story: there's a ton of affordable gear that will bring back the fun, so you can let go of the feeling of needing, even wanting to buy more gear. Now, all this said, if you want a nice little MM phono preamp, Schiit Audio has one called the Mani. It costs $129.00. I can live with this preamp if I needed to, but it's just too much fun and sounds great. Don't give up.....companies like Schiit Audio ARE bringing back the fun! |
Elizabeth. I have never posted on this forum, or any other forum for that matter. But, I am a frequent reader of several audio and music forums from which I’ve learned boatloads about both system building and music. I want you to know I have found your comments insightful and useful in my exploration of this hobby and I feel certain other silent readers agree. Thank you. Like you, I’ve been through periods of malaise, frustrated by the elusiveness of that perfect note, as it were. Like others who have responded to your original comment, I turned several years ago from buying and selling principal components to focus largely on tweaks, which have improved my system significantly while offering opportunity to participate more actively and “creatively” in hobby. It’s been liberating, instructive and satisfying. Tweaking helped me understand that that perfect note is merely an idea we chase but never catch. Finally now, I have determined that my system is finished. There likely will come a time when I again want to explore new technologies and equipment. But, for the moment, aware as I am of its limitations, I love my system and have turned to the “other side” of the hobby - listening. Like Springsteen’s “spastic’s reelin’ perfection”, I’ve allowed myself the luxury of believin’ my reelin’ system is the perfect expression of the music I love. And so I listen happily, forgiving the system its limitations and failings , as I do with all things I love. Cheers Elizabeth and again, thanks! |
Elizabeth, Few people on this forum deserve the respect that you've earned. Perhaps it's time to simply enjoy the music, but not walk away from this community. Your decency, knowledge, and experience would certainly be missed by ME and I simply won't have it! =)Honestly, from what I've read so far, you seem to have a magical rapport with everyone and unanimous support. That's rare and it would be a shame if you deny yourself of that. |
Hey @elizabeth - Here's an idea to maybe help with your enjoyment of listening to music, continue posting on A-goN and not spend money. Join us on the music related threads here on AudiogoN. This is where all the cool kids hang out (we know you're a cool kid because we know what kind of car you drive ;~) ) and it doesn't cost a dime. Check out these threads and consider participating. Would love to learn more about your music collection/selections: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/whats-on-your-turntable-tonight https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/what-are-you-streaming-tonight https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/what-s-in-your-cdp-tonight-the-minority-report https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/whats-playing-on-your-system-today Hope to always see you here on AudiogoN and would enjoy seeing you on the music threads. |
