I’ve always enjoyed listening to music but until recently, the realities of work, children, mortgages, etc. limited my ability to explore higher-end music systems. When I retired a couple of years ago, my present to myself was the purchase of a ‘good’ music system.
While my system is quite modest (Naim Unity Star + Neat Iota Alpha speakers), particularly when compered to those of other forum members, every time I listen to music I am absolutely blown away by the quality of the sound . . . it’s so much better than anything I have ever owned before. It is an absolute pleasure to listen to music.
I have read posts from members who are unhappy with their systems or have an ongoing need to ‘tweak’ things . . . or the neverending urge of ‘upgrade-itis’. While there is nothing wrong with seeking to improve your system, sometimes I feel that we should be more appreciative of what we have. I, for one, feel like a pig in sh*t! I finally have the system I have always strived for.
What about you? Have you reached a point of contentment with your system?
Lucky? Lucky to enjoy music-yes. I have always had music in my life; from that first radio cassette player at 15 to the multi-box system I now own. I have been able to make it sound better, and have music on the move in my pocket or in my car but I have never been unhappy to have music around. I grew up with music, went to University with music, fell in love to music…do I need to continue?
Music is my hobby, HiFi a tool. If at any point I’d had to stop upgrading then I wouldn’t have considered myself ‘unlucky’, or unhappy. Many people on this Forum seem to be more dissatisfied or critical the more they spend or tweak. To me they seem to be missing the joy of music in a blur of technology and equipment choices. Still, each to their own.
I am at a point of happiness with my system and have no current plans to upgrade further. The TT and streamer are at a similar level and the rest of the system allows them to shine. No need to change. I won’t say never, but upgraditis is not something I suffer from at the moment.
My feelings are as @BruceW. I have no planned/expected changes to my system until or unless something dies, other than some possible room treatment once my room is certain for the long term. I do have a couple of tweaks that I have been meaning to try for a couple of years, but nothing is driving me to bother! Maybe when I am less busy… (Retirement so far has had me busier tgan when I was working!)
I agree being content and enjoying your music is far better than hankering after the next upgrade. Wanting what you don’t have and upgrading for its own sake is not a recipe for happiness in my view. I only make changes when I know something is wrong or lacking.
My last amp I kept for over 20 years and although tweaked with manufacturers mods I have the same turntable for over 35 years and I am only on my 3rd arm since new.
I like my system just as it is now and the enjoyment I get out of the system listening to the music is superb.
I feel fortunate all round really being retired is one of the best phases of my life and I am having a great time.
I am sure that for many with mortgages, children and work the idea of relaxing with music and a glass of red in the evening was just a dream. For many many years the majority of my serious listening was via a CD and the car hifi on the drive to and from work.
Even when the kids grew up and started work there always seemed to be a gaggle of their friends in the house watching TV or playing Xbox or similar so my music was still car based.
Only when they moved out a few years ago did I get back to listening to a HiFi system, I am now very very happy with my set-up, I see no reason why I need to change anything.
As to whether we should stop tinkering and just enjoy what we have, well that’s for the individual owner to decide.
I’m in the lucky position that I’m happy with my system and can just sit back and enjoy music with the occasional glass of red wine. Typically my system stays stable for many years and then for one reason or another I do a few upgrades. I don’t think there’s anywhere to go with the system now, by the time there is a major change in streaming technology I’ll probably be of an age where I won’t feel the need to change.
I use my system to listen to music. Sometimes, I use music to listen to my system. The former is about enjoyment and the latter about fear of missing out. Luckily it’s mostly very enjoyable.
…….which I would love to have but alas don’t but I think it needs to be said that I still enjoy music as much as I ever have as a hearing aid user.
And the positives of being a hearing aid user is you get to learn a lot about hearing and how one’s brain reacts and compensates. Funny how audiologists don’t call it burn-in but that’s another story.
I like yourself feel extremely lucky..I’d say fortunate.. to be in a position to upgrade my very old system at home. I was introduced to my first hi fi system at 14 I worked for an entire year to save the $900.00 for my first Technics system. While not the high end product compared to others it was given a good recommendation in Stereo Review mag back in 1978. Jump ahead to another Technics receiver, Kenwood, Onkyo and I finally was able to take the time and upgrade to my current Uniti Nova and Focal speakers and wow was I blown away. Oh I also upgraded my really old Technics SL-2000 to the new SL-1300 and I am hearing vinyl now that sounds better than i remembered. As a techie at heart I do enjoy the tweaking here and there.
Here also a happy listener with a modest system, but enjoy it everyday.
Also at retirement recently and what’s more important in good health and
more importantly as are the children and the grandchildren.
Now I wish that the world also becomes wiser and healthier.
