I think that this is a lot more common than we would like to think.
Most of this results from reading too many glossy mags, on-line reviews and audio forums where every product mentioned is "as good or better than anything i've ever heard in my life". As such, people feel compelled to try and / or buy everything that gets raved about. They do this with little concern for how well it is implimented in their system ( poor installation or component matching ) or if it really is as good as they read ( probably not ). After all, it's only money right? If it doesn't work out, i can sell it and buy something "better".
After about a dozen or two "betters" and you've only moved sideways ( and sometimes even backwards ) a few steps, "upgrading" gets old and stale. Your disdain for all that you've gone through is taken out on both the system and your enjoyment of music. By removing the system from the equation, much of the stress and disdain for past mistakes is removed and one can once again begin to enjoy the music. Even if it is on a "mini system" or a "boombox", music can still shake your body, raise your spirits and stir your soul.
If that is what it takes to bring joy and music back into someone's life, i'm all for it. I would hope that it doesn't get to that point though, hence my efforts to help educate people in a manner that may help them avoid multiple costly mistakes. I made many of those mistakes myself, hence my animosity towards many of the "guiding lights" in the industry. They tend to stroll you down a path that leads to the bottom of your wallet with frustration and misery close behind. Sean
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PS... I'm curious as to how many of the components purchases were rated "Class A", "recommended buys", "product of distinction", etc ???
