''So, the pizza delivery guy's comment today was validation that I had achieved the goal in some small measure.''
No offence, but what sounds real to the pizza guy (or anyone else for that matter) is so subjective that it might have sounded ''real'' with a Bose HT speaker set (dont laugh, I witnessed it once). So, the ''validation'' has a wide spread margin here.
This is an interesting thread though...I did go myself to a ''validation'' phase, but that was years ago.
Here is are a few words I've written in response to another recent thread.
This thread was in the section where people show off their systems. One guy posted this totally unbeleivable system and it was obvious (to me anyways) that such display of how much was invested in terms of money and time, was in effect someone seeking ''validation'', instead of just wanting to share his experience. I responded in a manner of , well, if it makes your motor run, good for you - type of way.
This may seem off topic, but the relation to the ''validation'' is quite real. I think it relates to how I somehow disconnected completely from a certain level of involvement in this hobby, to make room for other things...
Here's part of what I wrote:
''So, your system and post brought back some memories when I admit to having been in love with music (I still am today) but even more with the gear, as the gear part took over big-time and I had to let go as there was no end to this.
My first ‘’serious’’ component was a pair of $ 15,000 speakers. That was the start of it.
(see my review here! forum.audiogon )It's still there after all those years.
– I eventually doubled that amount in a preamp and an amp alone – then a ‘’high-end’’ (very high-end) turntable, then cables the price of 20 evening outs at the local symphony and dinner (for two).
Then I did a foolish thing, I sold it all!
This is no joke; this is what I got in return:
Huge Coleman fold-down tent – toured the USA & Canada for 7 years with it with our two kids! Wonderfull memories.
A Martin guitar for my son – (my idea of live music) no system can reproduce this.
One for myself, although not a D-series but an OM size (concert size)
A nice Yamaha violin for my daughter (she took 5 years of wonderful classes).
Trip to Paris (for the four of us) with a couple of live concerts and good food
Trip to Italy (for the four of us) with an Opera concert.
And (almost forgot) also, a ‘’mundane’’ Cayin A-88T integrated with Sonus Faber speakers and Rega cd player,hardly drool-worthy units, because, I still love music just as much (but not quite as much as playing guitar or hearing a live instrument in my living room, even if not played to perfection).
This does not make me any better or worse. I actually LOST MONEY! on this foolish spending, contrary to savvy purchases of blue chip audio gear, by savvy buyers and sellers. Somehow, I feel that I am richer for it after all. But thats just me.
Now the kids (in their early twenties) no longer ‘’follow’’ on camping trips with the ''air-conditioning-equiped'' Coleman– so we sold that – that was a sad day ending some incredible memories, but there are other, different ones to come... now if I can just find that ad again for that nice Audio Research amp I skipped over the other day....
Thanks again for bringing back so good memories, nothing personal !
As for my ''silly'' name (sonicbeauty), well, can't please 'em all I guess!
Cheers!
