Is it time to just quit?

syntax2,029 posts11-25-2018 7:47pm... listening to digital is like having a shower with thousands
of tiny ice cubes, listening to vinyl is having the shower with water. ...

@syntax this is a great analogy!  

I think that what we all need every now and then is a new music-loving friend.  My GF (over 3 years now) was always into music, but didn't know what a nice stereo can sound like.  It's been really fun helping her understand the nuances that the system brings to light, and in this case, her helping me discover new music.

Together, we now discover new music all the time, and at least once per week, we sit and listen to music.  We talk about the artists, read the covers, check out the band on "the google", and learn.  It's really amazing to see how they fit together... like how often certain artists are found on other bands' albums.

It's really fun discovering the new music, and appreciating how great music can sound in the right environment, with the right equipment, with a tasty beverage... and of course the right person who can enjoy it with you!

I've also met a few audiophile friends in the area, and I'm learning to appreciate other people's systems as well.  It's an interesting way to enjoy and sample the gear without necessarily buying something.

   Elizabeth, I appreciate your posts . You are part of a group that are more knowledgeable, more experienced and very civil while posting . As a chat member that is further along than most here, this is an issue of diminishing returns for you . As far as the Winter Blues , I battle with Depression. Music lifts my spirits when down , and soothes me when itrated . You help me with my MUSIC ! So Thank you for that. Since we limit our conversations to audio , my I offer this . I try to balance my music with cycling , meditating , fishing and helping others . Cycling or skiing on a cold clear day, followed by a nice meal and some good tunes does so much to keep the Winter Blues at Bay . I personally am always appreciative when the Stronger Gender excels at Boys Club hobbies . So to ALL OF YOU TRANSISTOR/TUBE HEADS , keep it alive ! Respectfully, Mike B. 

Thats a good one but I'm pretty sure the ice shower would be quite unpleasant whereas  my digital is the exact opposite quite lovely so can't buy it.  

Elizabeth. I don't see you posting anything gibberish. Your opinions are much welcomed here. You bring a very well thought out expression that does not carry a heavy tone but adds life to these threads. You had a big influence on me getting the SA-10. When I had got my new amp and preamp then added a 2nd dedicated line all my system was messed up. Like it had a cold. You suggested it was the new wiring causing the harshness. You told me it would settle in and it finally did after a couple of weeks. So your experience is well valued here. Keep posting! Oh I just put some damping material on top of the Marantz but can't tell much difference. It is built solid with no ringing on the chassis. The phono preamp is another story. Lets see you post.