Great post as I'm in a similar situation. My wife knows what my system cost but who knows what will happen to it. At that point I don't think it will matter to me at all!
It could be worse, some of us both gamble and crossdress when we are doing drugs, on top of being audiophiles !Nooo, not entirly. Partly yes. I do get the question, and I try to avoid answering, but in some cases I have to tell the truth. Its reallly, really crazy. But I NEVER, NEVER discuss prices with friends, it serves no point. I dont think its impressing, its more like something sad.
I think my partner thinks this is better than drug addition, gambling or crossdressing. It could be worse. And we enjoy it both even if we dont share the interest. It conveys beauty like few other things. Its a joint experience, and that is worth something.
Probably not a bad idea to document the value of each component, give a copy to a loved one, then discuss what your preferences are, but also being clear that what you have will be sought after by others and therein lies the true value.I love my two-channel system and it gives me great pleasure, but it's primarily a private and individual "relationship," except for a few listening sessions with friends. My wife made it clear that she'd prefer my rack and speakers to be set up in our basement tv room, and that's fine: it's become a kind of stereotypical man-cave.
I suspect that its value is in the bottom quartile of WBF members' systems at about $30k total, but - as I'm now in my 70s, albeit healthy and active - I occasionally have a fleeting thought about what would happen to my system if I were no longer around. I think this is because I've invested thought and care in it, and it's returned real joy and satisfaction to me.
I'd prefer that someone - my daughters, nephews, nieces - would say that they'd love to have it intact, and I'd happily endorse it going to whomever would want most to keep it and enjoy it. But if no one really cares about inheriting a carefully-curated system that is capable of creating emotionally-involving interludes, I really don't want to see it ending up in a garage sale or just disposed of in a "Does anyone want Uncle Mike's old record player?" manner.
So...do other people in your family care about your system, and if not, do they know what it's actually worth so it'll at least receive some financial respect?
Gear, Yes.
LPs, at present even I don't know.
Same thing happened to me initially but she gets it now. I just translate what I'm getting to a purse she is familiar with so that it is relatable.When I first met my wife, I told her my Power cable cost $5k, she hit the roof... Now when I tell her I need $15k for a cartridge, she doesn't even bat an eye.... Acclimate them boys!!
I'm basically same age---laughing at the Baba Kanush line---lol--how true!I had to laugh reading all of the replies to this thread. Sunk costs are great. My wife has an idea on what I paid individually for each component. But she has no idea of my total cost. I have tried spreading my purchases over time. But in the last year, it has cost me 1/4 of the audio cost in jewelry which is fair to me to avoid the grief and hassle of my audio spending.
I am 69 and trying to enjoy the fruits of my hard earned labor. As a result, i have spent a lot of money on audio over the last 3 years. I think I am close to $400k on this hobby.
My wife is worried about what happens when I die and she has asked for a death file. The death file is all of the contacts she will need to call to tell the world I have gone Baba Kanush. Guess what is at the top of her list. She wants the dealer's name where I have purchased most of my audio equipment. That will be her first call.
She may just burn my audio system with me....Ashes to ashes.Take the system to a mausoleum-------good acoustics----good ethernet cable for streaming
I play a bit of golf but my preamp cost me $10k in 2008My wife is well aware of what the stereo costs because she helped select most of the components. She now winces when I upgrade because the cost to better gear is becoming substantial…in our world anyway. I have one buddy who comes over for monthly listening sessions who has a good idea of the cost. The rest of my family just knows I spend more on the stereo than they ever would. But, I don’t gamble, chase hookers, do drugs, and, the biggest cost saver of all, I do not play golf!!