When will the "Madness" stop

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!

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

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.

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!

I'm pretty close to finalizing all but digital source(s). I have two systems, one in the living room, one in the study. Everything but the cables and the phono cartridge were purchased used. It's not a super high-end system, but I now happily spend my money on LPs and CDS, not on components. Further component investments will be restricted to mods, like upgrading the stock crossover parts.

LR System

Technics SP-10 MK II with Grace 707 arm, Reson Reca cartridge, mounted on McCurdy broadcast base. (1970s; cartridge 2001)

Sony DVP-S9000ES CD/SACD/DVD player (currently away getting the DACs bypassed!) (2001)

SAE T101 AM-FM tuner (1986)

Meitner PA-6iPlus preamp (1989; factory upgraded 2000)

Meitner MTR-101 monoblocs (1990)

Tannoy System 15 DMT studio monitors (1993)

Study

Thorens TD-125 MK II turntable with Signet XK50 arm and Reson Reca cartridge (1970s, 1980s; cartridge 2001)

Crown FM-2 tuner (early 1980s?)

Sony CDP-X779ES CD player (1992)

Bryston 11B preamp (1989)

Meitner STR-55 power amp (1989)

Tannoy System 12 DMT studio monitors (1992)

Cables (1999-2001)

Mixture of DH Labs SilverSonic and Canare StarQuad and XLO 1200 Pro and budget Cardas

When I (finally) buy a house, I shall invest in room treatment, but except for a later generation digital front end, I have no plans to upgrade.

Happy listening all!