Rig building - When or Why, do you change devices?

Since my system has been built primarily through the purchase of used gear which I usually compare with another similar component in my system, I tend to change components when I see an opportunity to acquire a piece that I have wanted to compare to something I already own. This method has provided a great education in learning to discern differences among gear, and it has proven itself as a valuable learning tool regarding matching speakers/amps and preamps/amps.

This is how I buy preamps, amps, digital sources, and wire.

Speakers are another matter. I tend to hold on to speakers longer because they're a hassle to buy and sell. IMO.

Word for word what Tvad said. For the three years though there have been no replacements to the basic setup. Wow that seems like a long time after all the changing I did to get here.
Could there be improvements? Most definitely. Not sure I'm interested in paying for them.

Philjolet
Thanks. You're onto something there...

If by 'problem' you mean "adjustment", you're so right!

I believe a system is just that, a 'system', a whole and singular thing, comprised of many parts. Exchanging out one of those parts even though quite similar in fact, it will change more than just the esthetic!

Perhaps that power cord which ran so well with the previous yadayada, doesn't play so well with the new entrant... or the ICs, or different isolation needs should be addressed.

Making changes in a system if the changed in item is to be optimized for the system, requires more than just plug and play.

A positive attitude too is a great thing to have on hand. Finding happiness in what you have is key. If happiness revolves around that next 'whatsit', you'r in trouble. Of that, I'm positive.

Tobias
Thanks. There's a good bit of wisdom in your thoughts. Keep on keeping on...

Tvad
What's driving the speakers is more important than the speakers themselves. Always. IMHO.

What I'm finding in my limited experience is that there aren't any free lunches in audio gear. A $5000 CDP is better than a $2500 CDP etc.. I choose a retail level than search for the best used deals I can find . I decided $ 5500 was a decent level for a CDP and figured to spend $2500-3500 used to enter that level. As you all know than the pre needs to be upgraded than the amp/amps than the cables and P/C's then my chair etc... The amount I'll spend on a piece of gear just keeps getting larger and larger and somehow the larger amounts always become reasonable!!!! Hopefully I'm approaching my point of diminishing returns!!

My primary systems are pretty stable now but when I started building them (ie in their current form) I did so by buying used gear primarily, and went through a lot of what I call "in home demos". That is, I would buy a new (to me, but usually used) component to improve on what I had. I would play it in my systems and decide if to keep it or the previous one, and sell the loser.

Also, there were many years that I "sat out" because of the demands of raising kids and pursuing a career. Once I started "playing" with my system again I think had an insatiable appetite for trying various brand/components. When I was in college and had more more time than money, I spent my time in Audio stores wearing out my welcome. Now I lack the time for that, and doing in home trials of gear really isn't that expensive.

I am still trying and trading gear, but not nearly as much as 2 years ago. The components in my systems have been here for at least 2 years. I've moved on to trying and trading guitars and guitar amps now . . .