some interesting points . as you know we had a wonderful hi fi show in the uk where folks bought along their own kit and set it up for all to hear . absolutely great day for all and shows that demo`s can be great
http://www.thehifishow.com/gallery.html
one point this person makes
“The tendency of keeping up with the Joneses tends to be more pronounced for material goods than for experiential purchases,” says Gilovich. “It certainly bothers us if we're on a vacation and see people staying in a better hotel or flying first class. But it doesn't produce as much envy as when we're outgunned on material goods"
its so easy to fall into this materialistic trap and needs to be avoided if possible
I checked the gramophone forum as you made the same comment before, and expected to find mainly discussions on classical music, with maybe minor discussions on equipment, when lo and behold, I came across a thread discussing (of all things) USB cables, and differences, if any, with the same kinds of viewpoints expressed in this forum. Made me smile!I think the materialistic trap is one thing, and the adaptation another. You have been a box swapper though, so you should know (Though you have stuck to your Summit X for 3 years now). Like I said before, the kind of hifi systems we build is really not required to listen to music. Check the people on gramophone records forum, they are really into their classical, and usually have much less gear. Not saying that we are not into music, obviously we are, but there are other things at play in swapping gear, and I am just saying to myself I am embracing that all out, so better to swap and demo till I am tired
For me, it's the experience of listening to music that is important, not a continuous swapping of boxes, etc., that's just buying "things" over and over. The point of buying a good system is to listen to music in the best way one can at home. Of course, going out to listen to music is also a great experience.
That's pretty much what the article is saying. The experience (listening to music) is more important than the act of buying things. Don't forget, listening to music can be achieved in many ways - many of which involve the purchse of nothing!. Audio shows, friends houses, live shows, free concerts...............
I know. But buying is not bad if it is not continual box swapping, as it allows the musical experience to occur, which is what the OP said he preferred. To me, box swapping and not settling in with a purchased system is the antithesis of the article, as it becomes about the things. Capice?
I am with Steve on this and his previous posts. I had a chum who was into serial box swapping and he hardly ever talked about the music. Okay he was not attached to a particular item but he was addicted to the process. I enjoy the excitement of upgrades, but also endeavour to practise santosa or contentment in between times and appreciate how amazing the system sounds and the experiences it provides. Best of all with friends who enjoy similar music....and maybe some Barbi ...the wine! :ROFL:I know. But buying is not bad if it is not continual box swapping, as it allows the musical experience to occur, which is what the OP said he preferred. To me, box swapping and not settling in with a purchased system is the antithesis of the article, as it becomes about the things. Capice?
If someone things they need a Lampi, esoteric, an upgrade from an ethos to a Montis, or a move from a krell to an AR purely for music purposes, they are kidding themselves. They are as much gear heads as I am. Those who are only into music will have system unchanged for years and will focus on listening only.
Bonzo,
There's a big difference between buying gear every four to five years, which I do, to update my system to provide greater musical enjoyment and further my emotional connection to the music versus one who habitually buys / swaps gear to see if they like "the flavor of the month".
Gordon
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