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When will the "Madness" stop

I have spend 10 years and an amount of money I don't even want to think about on the quest for the 'perfect' system.

I have gone through at least 20 of each component category (CD, Vinyl, Pre, Amp, Speakers, Wires, Gadgets,....). When I look through a Stereophile magazine... it is amazing.... I have had almost one piece from each advertiser.

This thread (my first)... is to ask all you audio experts... those of you who have settled down on a system... stopped the Madness.... what system did you finally find 'close enough' to being perfect.

Here is my answer:

Metronome T2i CD Player, Conrad Johnson 17LS pre, VTL Signature 185 Mono Blocks, EgglestonWorks Rosa speakers, and
Cardas Golden Reference cables.

With many good answers here... maybe this can save some of the others some TIME and MONEY. Especially the time.. since it is so precious !

Thanks ... and enjoy the music !

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sandle4
killerpiglet
373 posts
 
Celtic66, you are right on!

It's first and foremost about fun; once it's not fun anymore, and you're still doing it, that's when you're going the wrong way.

KP
wmcmanus's avatar
wmcmanus
171 posts
 
After about 10 years as an avid golfer, I put my clubs aside for a while... which has now turned into 6 years. When I can enjoy the game again without being too self-critical, maybe I'll swing a few clubs in the backyard sandbox with plastic golf balls. That way, if I end up in a sandtrap the day I step back on the course, I'll know what to do.

If your audio obsession takes you to madness, do as Marakanetz has suggested - start thinking again about the music you listen to - update your supply at the source level, then forget about the limitations of your equipment and relax - enjoy the music!
glen's avatar
glen
714 posts
 
The Madness part would explain the deal you gave me on that pre-amp :^)

If I ever get out that way I want to stop over and listen to your system, I bet it sounds sweet!!!

Thanks again
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
IMHO most of the problem is our focus on the components instead of compatibility. The US mags foster this fallacy when they say that the new amp X is much better than amp Y. But if you've got amp Y tweaked into your sysem with sympatetic components then many of the possible "upgrades" will unbalance the system. Sandle4s having owned a good piece of Stereophile's recommended components list is a sad commentary on the state of audiophilia these days. We have lost sight of the holistic totality of the most synergystic systems in our quest for the next hot box.
nrchy's avatar
nrchy
2,111 posts
 
Good sound has more to do with your mind than your system. A little contentment goes a long way. My $30,000 doesn't sound like live music but neither does Joe Audiophiles $200,000 system. Enjoy the music and stop listening to the equipemnt.
Will I ever upgrade again? Yes! Will it sound like a concert at the Weidner Center? No! Will I still be happy with it? Yes!
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