When do you stop upgrading?

thedudeabides

Well-Known Member
Jan 16, 2011
2,127
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Alto, NM
Curious as to what will cause you all to stop buying gear and decide that what you have is "good enough". With the exception of new music, I know I'm done unless something breaks. Given my age, I know my hearing is compromised and, after being a "dedicated" audio hobbyist for decades (with many purchases under my belt), I have other priorities. And I really have no interest to buy, install, break-in, tune and do all the other things involved in upgrading. Maybe I'm getting lazy in my retirement years but I'm quite happy with my current system. speakerwall.jpg
 
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BlueFox

Member Sponsor
Nov 8, 2013
1,709
406
405
Two things caused me to stop upgrading. First is the system sounds so good now that any upgrade will be minuscule for sonic improvement. Second is being retired and living on Social Security, investments, and savings.

With that said, if Lumin comes out with a better file player than the X1, or Magico releases an S7 Mark 2 speaker then I might upgrade. Or maybe not.
 

bryans

VIP/Donor
Dec 26, 2017
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This is a good question. I'm thinking some on here love to upgrade/change things so I don't see them every stopping. For me I'm almost there. Maybe a music server in the future.
 
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mullard88

Well-Known Member
Jun 5, 2010
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This covid pandemic stopped me not just from upgrading but even from rotating the components in both my main and bedroom systems.
 

dan31

Well-Known Member
Jul 22, 2010
1,016
365
1,153
SF Bay
I am close. I will get something new when the old stuff wears out. Cartridge upgrade is on the horizon. Tubes will need replacing so I guess upgrade/maintenance. I am a father later in life so my little one is getting most of the spend until he leaves the nest.
 

dbeau

Well-Known Member
Apr 20, 2018
204
168
148
OKC,USA
I've reached a point where the system sounds very authentic (natural?) and could (should) quit.
I do just listen to music now without irritation about something "not quite right" but following this forum doesn't help abstinence so ?????
 

thomask

Well-Known Member
Dec 9, 2018
1,604
1,508
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Washington State, US
I will stop ugrading audio only after I lose my spirit. ;)

At this moment I am wondering whether I will order analog active crossover unit or not.

I keep buying Nos tubes since they will not be available in few years.
 
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Chop

Well-Known Member
Aug 9, 2020
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England
'nuff said...
 

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Nemal1

Well-Known Member
Dec 9, 2018
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I am just finishing the purchase of my last system. Retiring to the Phillipines in a few years so now saving for a quiet life haha
 
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Bartolo

Well-Known Member
Jan 31, 2019
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Only been in this hobby now for 10 years but I get the impression there are "upgrades" and "changes."

For me I've 'upgraded' through the line of the manufacturer I like (Naim). I'm pretty much at the top of their line now. They'll likely have a new line somewhat soon. Or I could decide to 'change' and consider a different brand altogether.

Im sure few look to not 'upgrade' even when 'changing' but I think that it's more of a search for a 'different' sound in some cases (?)
 

jep123

VIP/Donor
Dec 23, 2012
293
106
908
Norway
I went from a USD 170.000,- system to my current USD 40.000,,- set up and I am a very happy listener. Just got tired of the constant upgrading and it almost turned into an obsession. Which is not good!

The good thing is that I have owned a lot of great sounding gear and I know what I am not missing.Just a few % of this and that, I live perfectly well without the last microdetails and «air» as two examples.
 

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