Why can't I be happy with what I have!!!

[Vancouver]

I feel like such a sucker. I have upgradded my system a few times now, and each time I do it I get a stronger earge to upgrade another part. If its not speakers, then it a new processor, dvd player, going from a reciever to seperates etc. I do have a picture of what I eventually want, but want it so much that I am barely happy with what I have. I spend more time listening and watching for flaws, then I do enjoying the performance of what I have.

Is this normal?

 

[chas_w]

Is this normal?

I don't know but if it's not I share the problem.

 

[jaxvon]

Upgraditis is common in this hobby. I wonder if Sir Nomas has any words on the subject...

 

[miklorsmith]

Sure

Of course it is. You're bitten. The disease spreads at different rates, but it sounds like you're done-for.

Think of your system as a whole and what's most important to you about it. Do lots of research on your parts. Think of ways to improve for cheap. Have you done any room treatments? These are probably the biggest bang-for-the-buck. Speakers provide the most personality to your sound. Once you find a pair you Really Like, the rest should fall into place.

I'd worry about electronics next and cables and tweaks last. Welcome to the (ahem) asylum!

 

[Vancouver]

Its bitter sweet i guess. I have one thing going for me. I live in a loft so there is no way I can get a big powerful system. so there needs to be an eventual end to what I can get.

You probably dont care, but it makes feel better to say what I have and want I want.

I have B&W FPM speakers (center, fronts and surounds)
an insuficient Denon 1803 reciver
Old denon 800 DVD player
DVDO iscan HD video processor
HDTV panasonic plasma.

If I can chance the denon 1803 to a rotel seperate processor and amp, and change the dvd player to a rotel 1050 I think i would be content. Then the last thing I would want to get is a Richard Grey Power centre.

 

[nm2285]

I realized long ago that the only way to be happy is to do it right the first time. When you buy an amp, get the best your budget can afford, and then some. Always over do it a bit the first time, and you'll usually be happy for a long time.

This site has helped me a lot too. Now I don't have to worry about getting awesome cables or different preamps working great in my system. I'm much more aware of the difference in performance each upgrade will make for me (Thank God).

 

[hifiman]

I have given up the upgrade bug. I'm tired of never being happy with what I have. I long for things I can't afford until I eventually scrape and scheme for a means to obtain a prize, but it always ends the same: I usually have immediate buyer's remorse as I wonder if it was such a good idea to have spent the money on such an extravegence even though I am usually pleased with the performance of the purchase. A few days pass and then I start to wonder what I can upgrade next. So often I have picked a piece to upgrade that I am completely happy with in every way, but decide to upgrade it because it's been in the stack too long. I then convince myself that it's really not right for me anymore and before you know it I can't wait to get rid of this inferior piece of equipment that I was happy with a week ago. I'm just too tired of this never ending madness - after I get a new amp

 

[Vancouver]

I realized long ago that the only way to be happy is to do it right the first time. When you buy an amp, get the best your budget can afford, and then some. Always over do it a bit the first time, and you'll usually be happy for a long time.

This seems like good advice to me.

 

[cornelius]

Upgrading is normal. First thing to realize is that upgrades are inevitable. Second, I've found that it's most important to look at the big picture and always think musicality. It's very easy to get hooked on "hi-fi" sounding equipment (most of what's out there), and that's the very gear that will send you back to the stereo store.

When you stop thinking about your gear and relate to what you're listening to, then you're getting somewhere.

 

[mtrycrafts]

I feel like such a sucker. I have upgradded my system a few times now, and each time I do it I get a stronger earge to upgrade another part. If its not speakers, then it a new processor, dvd player, going from a reciever to seperates etc. I do have a picture of what I eventually want, but want it so much that I am barely happy with what I have. I spend more time listening and watching for flaws, then I do enjoying the performance of what I have.

Is this normal?

It's a state of mind. But if you work at it, you can overcome it, sit back and enjoy what you have, listen to enjoy, not to find faults. I can enjoy music in my car. All depends on the music and melody

 

[zipper]

I've spent the L2 years buying,then upgrading. nm2285 has a good point. Figure out what you want to accomplish 1st before you start acting on it.

I've looked into the future & can tell I wouldn't be done with upgraditis until I'd spent many more thousands. Therefore, I'm going to finish off my Axiom setup, perhaps get a more contemporary receiver than my Yammy 3300, & call it good (yeah right).


I'll never be completely happy.

 

[brian32672]

I feel like such a sucker. I have upgradded my system a few times now, and each time I do it I get a stronger earge to upgrade another part. If its not speakers, then it a new processor, dvd player, going from a reciever to seperates etc. I do have a picture of what I eventually want, but want it so much that I am barely happy with what I have. I spend more time listening and watching for flaws, then I do enjoying the performance of what I have.

Is this normal?

It sounds like you are depressed, shall I prescribe Prozac.....

 

[Tom Andry]

I feel like such a sucker. I have upgraded my system a few times now, and each time I do it I get a stronger urge to upgrade another part. If it’s not speakers, then it a new processor, dvd player, going from a receiver to separates etc. I do have a picture of what I eventually want, but want it so much that I am barely happy with what I have. I spend more time listening and watching for flaws, then I do enjoying the performance of what I have.

Is this normal?

Oh, it is normal alright...for an Audioholic!

Signs you are an Audioholic

1) Your wife comes in the room in a negligee and you ask her to get out of the way of the TV...but if you hear a hum in your system...in three seconds flat you've got your entire system rewired, every tool in your workshop in the living room, tech support on both your land line and cell, and you're posting on Audioholics.

2) You’ve programmed your remote to operate every appliance in your home. (Bonus points if you can drive your car and/or do your job with it as well)

3) The highly pierced “experts” at the local big box store know you by name and have lists of questions for you every time you come in. (Bonus points if they have your home number)

4) None of your friends will talk to you about speakers anymore.

5) You wear two handmade bracelets made out of Monster interconnects that you refuse to use on "principle" inscribed with WWGD and WWCD (What Would Gene/Clint Do).

6) Your wife has to hide money from you….for food.

7) You want to get a tube amp just so you can cook in the living room – more time with the system. (Bonus points if you use them for night lights)

8) When a surveyor calls and asks you what you think the most pressing problem facing the nation is, you say, “Chicklet distribution equity.”

9) When someone mentions you by name in a thread, you feel compelled to come up with something witty to say. (Bonus points if you give them a chicklet for doing so)

10) You ask your friends and family to refer to you by your screen name. (Bonus points if you legally change it)

 

[Resident Loser]

I agree wholeheartedly...

It's a state of mind. But if you work at it, you can overcome it, sit back and enjoy what you have, listen to enjoy, not to find faults. I can enjoy music in my car. All depends on the music and melody

...I can be just as pleased hearing a favorite piece as it comes out of my GE portable with the 2" or 3" inch speaker at work as I can relaxing at home...look through the gear and ignore it...it's the music that matters!

jimHJJ(...I usta' be an audiophile, now I know better...)

 

[zipper]

LOL............love it mrnomas

 

[nibhaz]

mrnomas..that post rocked!...lol!

 

[wilkenboy]

Oh, it is normal alright...for an Audioholic!

Signs you are an Audioholic

1) ...
8) When a surveyor calls and asks you what you think the most pressing problem facing the nation is, you say, “Chicklet distribution equity.”

Bonus chiclet for mrnormas!!!!

~Josh

 

[anamorphic96]

ROFLMAO.....Damn Funny mrnormas.

 

[REWJR]

Why can't I be happy with what I have !!!

Because we are males and Home theater is in our blood ...

We can not help ourselves as forum fanatics and show gazing enthusiasts we know every year there is something better out there ... CEDIA ...

I myself have come to terms and actually enjoy the flipping nearly new products to friends looking to get a deal .

The thrill of the next purchase making sure it fits your setup and is clearly the catagory winner against all opinionated wannabe experts ...

I love the smell of a newly aquired electronic product ...
It It smells ... like victory

 

[wilkenboy]

If you think HT upgrade-itis is bad, try gaming on a PC - every 6 months to 2 years your whole rig obsoletes and can no longer play the latest, greatest, best-looking games at any reasonable framerate. And the release timing is much more agressive- video card companies release new, faster products on a 6-month basis. Monitors, hard drive sizes, almost continually improve. Drives go from CD to DVD to dual-layer DVD... and oh yes, a high end rig can benefit from a good audio setup too...

The only thing I haven't upgraded in the last 3 years is that old 3.5" disk drive.

But I'll give you this- the cost of entry into a computer is MUCH lower at the mid-range than for home theater! I can build a VERY nice computer capable of lasting a year and playing all games with the bells and whistles for around $750, $1000 if you include a nice monitor, etc. But my lower mid-range HT setup is going to run me around $3500 not including a dedicated room and the furnishings!

What was I thinking getting two hobbies like that going at once?

~Josh