I am at the point where i have a really good system. There is no rational reason to upgrade now that I added two NPX 300 units for my 332 and 333. Yet I miss the hunt and anticipation of new gear. How long does it take to just focus on the music? It is only about a month that I completed the upgrades. The SQ is great, but I always think could it be better. How To get out of this mode? I am Rediscovering lots of previously played music that it yielding new insights. However the HUNT feeling remains. Has anyone wise experienced this?
Stop reading reviews of new kit. Listen to the music. I sometimes find if I’m having a quiet or even down ish mood in my life the acquisition bug clicks in, it’s a bit like chocolate I just have to have it. Sitting back and listening to what I have often settles me.
I.s.o. hunting equipment, focus on hunting music: Try new genres, new artists, read about artists and listen to other bands they were in or played with etc.
Yes rediscovery or probably more accurately noticing details in your recordings that you had not noticed before is interesting.
However after a while when one gets a really good replay environment and equipment that is assured and confidentially replays recordings - I tend to have a slight wave of anxiety with new equipment where after an initial positive impression can over extended periods of time actually turn out to be detracting. I have concluded over the years, just because I am hearing new details of info - doesn’t make it a better system for recorded music replay.
Even extended home demos can be slightly mis leading… or comes with some risk.
However exploring and listening to different systems I strongly encourage as it helps you understand what works for you and sometimes different manufacturers focus om things in different ways - there is no universal replay solution in terms of absolute SQ - it’s a total fool’s errand. Production qualities vary by so much - and the better resolving your system the more you notice this… but if you get to the point that you are only comfortable playing certain production qualities you have some how failed in my opinion as you are limiting your recorded music gamut.
I have found that my desire to upgrade is correlated (if not causal) with the amount of time I spend on this forum. When I have time away from here I genuinely just enjoy listening to my music without any thoughts about how it could improve.
So for me- I need to find a method of enjoying the forum content without it triggering upgraditis!
Still searching ….
Substitution usually works to cure addictions. So why not hunt for something different e.g kitchen appliances or more efficient heating, smart lights et cetera.
@ElMarko for the most part I am very satisfied. I am listening to CDs way more and doing more streaming. Vinyl is way less frequent. I find it difficult getting the LPs in and out of the packaging due to disability. I have no problem with using the TT itself. I don’t see anything I can easily add. I have run out of shelf space. I even like my Focal Utopia through the headphone amp in the 332. I have no desire for an external headphone amp. Nor do I have the shelf space for one. The rationale part of me says I am done upgrading.
@Ardbeg10y We recently redid our kitchen. In the renovation process my old Rega system got trashed. That led me to Naim. Started out with a SN3 and ND5XS2. It’s been quite a journey.
I visited 2 exhibitions the last 2 months and realized my system sounds really good. Of course it can always be better but only at a price I’m not willing to spend. So I keep enjoying the music and do not think on upgrading.
Absolutely correct!
You will see that I contribute to that thread from time to time.
I have discovered new music which I would not have otherwise ever listened too
I have no desire for s 555PS. My router is in another room at the opposite end of the apartment. To rewire would be a nightmare given how the apartment is constructed. Plaster, concrete and cinder block. I am satisfied with CAT 6.
It’s a creative process that enables one to engage and own the outcome - much like any creative arts and craft.
A feeling of controlling and manipulating originality perhaps,
The desire of originality will eventually be subdued by the realisation of buyer’s epiphany.
Want, or need? Things could always be better, and I’m fortunate that I could afford to fall down the upgrade rabbit hole. But I’m happy with my system, and I still marvel at the places the music still takes me. And I’m proud of myself for not getting on the phone to my wonderful HIFI dealer when a used NAP 500 appeared on their website. Want, maybe. Need, nope.
Find another hobby or activity. Stop letting your life revolve around listening to music, thinking about your system, and/or reading online forums. That is the answer.
