How can you justify spending so much cash??

[Mitch613]

Just interested in hearing some peoples' input here...

I know everyone's got different tastes and different products. Some people think they have a great setup for under $1000 while others have spent ten times that amount!

But basically, how can you justify spending (what you personally perceive to be) so much $$$ on a home theater? What are some of YOUR reasons?

 

[JerryLove]

What should I spend it on?

Should I pay $500 for the blue-tooth option on my car?
Is that Prius worth $10,000 more than than Yaris?
I spent *what* on a pool?

I justify it as "this is what I want more than the other things I could spend this on". How about you?

 

[jostenmeat]

But basically, how can you justify spending (what you personally perceive to be) so much $$$ on a home theater? What are some of YOUR reasons?

It's something to share. Everyone that knows who I am knows that my place is the place to watch a movie. It's a reason to bring people together, and while a movie means that we can't really converse during the show, I've had a scheduled showing before that brought enough interesting people together that we never got to the movie itself. As for having to delay the scheduled time, that is now nearly commonplace.

Before, I wasn't so much into movies as I am now.

It's a hobby, and can be an expensive one. But not all expensive hobbies can be shared, at least not nearly with as many people (let alone kids or elderly) at the same time. Whether that be golf, traveling, motorcycling, etc.

I never thought I'd spend this much on any given particular hobby, let alone on AV of all things. I used to pick very cheap hobbies (probably for good reason) like chess, reading, basketball, underwater basket-weaving . . .

 

[tcarcio]

I justify it by working hard. I work hard for every dime I make and I deserve to spend it on what I love. Now I make sure my bills are paid and my family comes first but when that is done I enjoy my hobby and so does the rest of my family. So bottom line is that I deserve it......

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I figure it's better than spending money on hookers and blow.....

 

[Alex2507]

This whole A/V thing recently went from being free to actually paying.
I plan to spend the proceeds on hookers and blow because like tcarcio ... I deserve it.

Hey Dawg, I have a couple of grand to play with and want to know just how much should go for the hookers and how much for the blow?

 

[j_garcia]

I figure it's better than spending money on hookers and blow.....

Especially if you are Tiger Woods

I don't need to justify it. I work hard, so I spend my money on the things that I enjoy. I ALWAYS shop for the best deals and will wait for weeks if I have to if it means saving a significant amount.

 

[nibhaz]

I figure it's better than spending money on hookers and blow.....

I'm going to try this line with my next girlfriend next time she asks this type of question.

Hey Dawg, I have a couple of grand to play with and want to know just how much should go for the hookers and how much for the blow?

In that order I’d suggest a 25/75 split of your monies

 

[ParadigmDawg]

If you have good blow, you can get away with a cheap hooker. If you have a good hooker, you can get away with cheap blow.

This whole A/V thing recently went from being free to actually paying.
I plan to spend the proceeds on hookers and blow because like tcarcio ... I deserve it.

Hey Dawg, I have a couple of grand to play with and want to know just how much should go for the hookers and how much for the blow?

 

[Mitch613]

Great replies so far! Keep em coming!

 

[KEW]

I don't really do HT, but I find it easy to justify getting a good stereo.

We have an '02 Ford Focus and an '04 Chevy Malibu and typically wear out our cars at around 160-200Kmiles & 10 years old. Neither of these cars cost over $20k when new. Most of my peers drive vehicles that cost $30K+ and trade them at 4-7 years. Today's inexpensive cars are reliable and durable and the Focus is even fun to throw into a tight curve every now and then. So what do you get for the extra coin?

I bought a nice stereo 30 years ago and just decided to replace/update it this year. Cars are the easiest example, but for me, it is a matter of putting my money where I will enjoy it most and for the longest period.

Many people would pay $1,000 to $1,500 for the optional leather interior while we happily go with stock cloth in the car and a very nice subwoofer at home.

It is a bit of a battle with my 12 YO daughter who is very status/appearance conscious. We live in a suburban area and she thinks our cars are "junkers"!

Overall, we conserve money everywhere we comfortably can.
Vacation travel is the real area where we, as a family, have chosen to splurge. Audio expenditures are infrequent. Once my current stereo is fully complete, I'm not expecting to need to spend much more for a couple of decades (unless I hear a set of speakers that totally blows me away!).

But ultimately, some people here simply have large incomes where they can have the $50k car, the travel, and maintain a current state-of-the-art HT. It is all relative.

If you get the chance, catch Suze Orman's show. She has a segment called "Can I afford it?" which is entertaining, educational, and a real slice of life!

The Suze Orman show:
Saturday, Dec. 5th
New Credit Card Fees & interest rate hikes and what you can do about it. Viewers ask if they can afford a week at a health spa, custom closets.
Tune in to CNBC, 9pm and midnight ET

Cheers!

 

[cfrizz]

I don't justify it. If I have to justify it, that means I shouldn't be getting it. I PLAN all of my large expenditures, I save for it, and utilize patience until I get what I want at the price I want it.

Once I get it, I plan no more big purchases until I have put the money just spent back into the bank.

I waited over a year to get my Sunfire TGP III on Audiogon. That patience paid off big time. I was willing to spend 1500.00 for one. I got mine for 1100.00!

The other reason why I can spend what I do, is because instead of buying a cheap POS, I buy something that is made to last for years & will keep it for years.

My main speakers are going to be 20 years old in Feb. I am only just now possibly considering upgrading them simply due to age. I will keep my Sunfires until they die, the same with all of the rest of the gear in my signature.

I don't need the latest & greatest thing that comes out, nor do I want it. That to me would be a waste of money.

 

[Torqueaholic]

Just interested in hearing some peoples' input here...

I know everyone's got different tastes and different products. Some people think they have a great setup for under $1000 while others have spent ten times that amount!

But basically, how can you justify spending (what you personally perceive to be) so much $$$ on a home theater? What are some of YOUR reasons?

Its obviously not for everyone. In the world of cars, Its like the difference between a kia, and a BMW. People on this forum are paying extra to have a much better viewing and hearing experience than your average home dvd, and tv system can deliver. Check out some of the pictures of the setups some of these cats are sportin'! Its in the member gallary section

 

[njedpx3]

Just interested in hearing some peoples' input here...

I know everyone's got different tastes and different products. Some people think they have a great setup for under $1000 while others have spent ten times that amount!

But basically, how can you justify spending (what you personally perceive to be) so much $$$ on a home theater? What are some of YOUR reasons?

I have always liked good music and over the years the quality and technology has improved significantly. I also like TV and movies. So as I could afford I would buy better. I bought what I thought was a pretty good system 6 years ago; I had some extra money from selling a house and moving into a new house. Then about two years ago I started looking at audio forums; this one was the best by far. And why this is a lot of humor and some steam vent threads and lots of HT info, there are some really smart and experienced people here who are willing to share. So I started reading and learning and auditioning. Anyway, I end up becoming more involved in the finer aspects of video and audio and actually ended up spending quite a bit. However, I am very pleased and satisfied with the choices I made ( with lots of advice).

Nice Question and good luck with your answers!

Peace!

Forest Man

 

[dkane360]

I'm developing a taste for the finer things in life.
No tv speakers and stock earbuds for me

 

[fightinkraut]

I've had to carefully plan everything out, being only 22, married, with 1 kid and another on the way. My wife and I talk about stuff and set aside a bit whenever we can for our own "fun budgets". It's taken me 3 years to save up enough to purchase the EMP speakers, during which time I changed my mind about which speakers twice. I enjoy hunting for bargain deals and enjoy having guests and family over to enjoy my set up. My wife plays music about 6 hours a day, so everything gets plenty of use!

I recently posted in the "how much is your system worth" thread and was surprised when I added it up, but I dare say it's been worth it for me. I look forward to adding bits and pieces as I continue to save money...slowly.

Good question, I'm enjoying the answers!

Oh, and to dkane, I'm doing the same. You've heard of people watching sports they don't usually watch just because they look so darn good? I do the same with music...finding beautifully recorded music makes me listen to it, including a lot of classical which I'm not naturally inclined to.

 

[myke]

What should I spend it on?

Should I pay $500 for the blue-tooth option on my car?
Is that Prius worth $10,000 more than than Yaris?
I spent *what* on a pool?

I justify it as "this is what I want more than the other things I could spend this on". How about you?

This is me too. Another examples would be some people who tend to spend all their money on clothes, shoes, jewlery etc.

Me I can care less about clothes or fancy fashion. Let me loose on some electronics anyday.

 

[JerryLove]

Me I can care less about clothes or fancy fashion. Let me loose on some electronics anyday.

I get most of my work shirts from goodwill, and there's a local consignment shop here with excellent work pants for <$10 each

What I *need* to start spending more is a custom closet and ergonomic furniture.

 

[lsiberian]

This hobby is a fun diversion from the mundane life I live. I discovered long ago I was just a below average cat. Everyone like's Lions more than Tigers. Being a Tiger is difficult because we don't have friends. I love to dream and live vicariously through people in movies and tv shows. TV is what I watch most so why not make it the most pleasurable I can. Unlike a souped up car a souped up stereo actually can be used without getting citations. Plus building speakers is fun. Nothing like powering up a router or saw and cutting your own creation.

I found a hobby that blends two great things(Power Tools and speakers)

I do buy cheap. So much so that I've been called a cheapskate. In fact my most expensive component is my 200 dollar receiver. Well unless you include lost blood and labor.

 

[TLS Guy]

I don't justify it. If I have to justify it, that means I shouldn't be getting it. I PLAN all of my large expenditures, I save for it, and utilize patience until I get what I want at the price I want it.

Once I get it, I plan no more big purchases until I have put the money just spent back into the bank.

I waited over a year to get my Sunfire TGP III on Audiogon. That patience paid off big time. I was willing to spend 1500.00 for one. I got mine for 1100.00!

The other reason why I can spend what I do, is because instead of buying a cheap POS, I buy something that is made to last for years & will keep it for years.

My main speakers are going to be 20 years old in Feb. I am only just now possibly considering upgrading them simply due to age. I will keep my Sunfires until they die, the same with all of the rest of the gear in my signature.

I don't need the latest & greatest thing that comes out, nor do I want it. That to me would be a waste of money.

I agree totally with this post. Especially avoiding POS! We unfortunately have endless discussions on these forums about which POS is better than that POS. That is one aspect that makes them tiresome.

Unless you are super wealthy, the best way to go about things is to build a good system over time and gradually improve it.

I leaned early that a good audio system brings immense pleasure, and keeps you connected to the musical arts world. Not only that, a good system is like a magic carpet, and really can put you in another space a continent apart.

My systems have been in continuous evolution for over half a century. By making good choices, I have some items that have been in continuous use for close to half a century. Now that's value. On a yearly basis I have spent relatively little on the hobby. If I had to do it all at once the result would be penury!

So I would recommend starting with two good speakers, rather than five or seven and a sub and adding as funds permit. Two good speakers will beat out seven mediocre or bad ones any day. Also if you choose wisely you can enjoy those speakers over many years, without costly upgrades.

If funds are tight good older gear can be a superb investment. Actually good older items such as preamps, amps and turntables, are an excellent investment. If you do your homework, you can run down units that have known superior performance and known for very low failure rates over time. So you can actually buy older units with a much lower statistical chance of failure than a new unit.

It seems on eBay there are a lot of savvy buyers, as I have noted that units in the category I have described fetch the best prices, and likely always will.

You probably will have to sacrifice a remote, but that may well prevent you dying of pulmonary embolism.

I'm not one for movies much. Some I really enjoy, an awful lot put me to sleep. However other family members and friends really do enjoy it, which is a big added bonus.

So there are lots of reasons for spending funds, thought and effort on AV systems. It should never put you or your family in penury.