Average age of audiophiles

Yup, I picked up this addiction at the ripe old age of 12 at a local Department store that had a dedicated room for stereo gear. I saved every penny from a paper route (I don't think they even have them anymore) and, at 13, bought a Dual turntable, Ortofon cartridge, Marantz receiver and Ohm speakers. That was 34 years ago. I went on to Mac gear and then some other separates in my late teens and mid twenties.

Now, as twisted as I am, one pair of my interconnects costs more than my entire system did years ago - but I LOVE it as much or more today as I did back then. I was a professional musician along the way so I never lost my love of the music OR my love/appreciation of the gear producing it.

Mental or physical?

Yeah, Jvia has it right. Chronologically I'm 58 years young, but emotionally I'd say about 15. I've been into music since early teenage years when I started playing guitar(s). But I only got into the "nose in the air high end" about 10 years ago. I love it, and my big rig costs over twice what my 4X4 truck cost;>)

Tim; you have a terrific attitude for a 20 year old-- actually for any age! And I'm really glad to see that young people can know the wonder and value of this sport. Cheers. Craig

I'm in my mid-thirties...I discovered high-end audio, TAS and Living Stereos/Mercs/Deccas, etc. when I was around 19 and had a $30k rig by the time i was 23 :) My current system is worth a third of the old one and I now spend far more on concerts, travel, etc. I do know this for sure, if you're in your mid-twenties and have the time and inclination to mess with serious high-end audio, then you're most likely not getting laid enough!

I will hit the big 5-0 later this year. Send CD's in lieu of flowers.

Dixie High Fidelity Wholesalers sold me my first component system. Anybody remember them? I still have the December 1970 mailorder invoice: Dual 1219 tt with base and dustcover; Shure M91e cartridge; Dynaco PAT4 and Stereo 120 kits; and one pair of Dynaco A25 speakers...$440 new in boxes plus $9.15 UPS.

In 30+ years I've upgraded everything about four times except ol' reliable, the 1219:

Dyna PAT4->SAE MkXXX->SAE P102->Forte F44->Threshold FET ten

Dyna 120->Hafler DH200->Threshold S/300II->Threshold S/350e

Dyna A25->BigAdvent->a/d/s L710->KEF Q90->ProAc Tab2000sig