What has your audiophile experience taught you about yourself?


So that is the question, "What has your audiophile experience taught you about yourself?" I would think it interesting to know what others have found in an introspective way. This is what I have found.

1. At first I believed in the hype created by over-enthusiastic new gear owners. Most often I made mistakes in buying gear other people liked rather than listening to audio components and picking the pieces I enjoyed.
2. I found more actual enjoyment in listening to my music and my equipment rather than lust after better equipment, much of which is out of my financial reach.
3. I can learn from others on audio sites like audiogon.com. Some other sites are much more geared toward advertising than exchange of ideas and/or opinions.
4. It is ok to want a Bose Wave radio. I once owned Bose 901 speakers in the 80's.
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Ive learned that even if i spend a million dollars on a system that i probably will not be satisfied. (If i had a million dollars to spend on a system). And always think something is better out there to get me to my live music. 
Funniest thread I've read in a while. And I think it's all true. Lol

And I also think we're all nuts. In the best way possible of course. Lol

What have I learned? That it's a good thing, or a bad thing I don't have a wife. Depending on how you look at it. And that we're very similar to crack addicts. I was told once that a crack addict can have a tractor trailer full of crack, and it's still not enough. We're the same way. All the money, and gear in the world doesn't insure our happiness. Only enjoying our little piece of crack (gear) will do so. I think we all have an addictive/impulsive personality. We've just chosen a different drug is all. 
Do the research
Learn to differentiate between value and hype
Enjoy the music
Be polite to hi-fi comrades
Subjectivity and objectivity are slippery concepts


I've been at this a very long time, but it took me much too long to trust my own ears.  
An upgrade isn't necessarily an upgrade... 

A Ton of great people who know their stuff
A ton of know it alls that know very little

My 3 best friends are audiophiles,  Audiophiles make great friends.