Background: I have a Cambridge Audio CX stack (CXA81, transport, streamer) connected to a pair of Jamo C97II and a Jamo sub. Initially, the CXA81 and the Jamos were a bit bright compared to when I was using the AXR100. With time, the combination seemed to mellow out and sound pretty nice. The center imaging is amazing and the soundstage is solid. About a year ago, I did audition a pair of KEF R3 non-Meta and after some A/B testing, we both preferred the Jamo setup. But that didn’t quell the desire to upgrade, and after hearing the KEF R11 Meta in-store, I was blown away.
How do you fight the urge to upgrade? As I approach 50, I find myself looking at things with a certain finality aspect. I want to buy things that I’ll be happy with having for the rest of my life. The R11s are within my budget, but am I really going to experience that much of a huge difference? Or do you find that you give in more often than not?
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Whatever you do don’t look up the famous quotation by Oscar Wilde about temptation.
Why not just go to Reference 1 Meta, instead of giant floorstanders? You have a sub. Instead of bigger speakers upgrade the sources. Cambridge is lovely but at your speakers level you can do a lot better. Hegel or Accuphase.
Change your speaker position. Tow in etc. you can make the system sound different and it will be like trying some different speakers. You might even find the perfect position for the sound you are trying to achieve. Then you might not want to buy more stuff after all.
I don’t - my bank account fights it for me.
(Just kidding, I take on debt 🤣)
With my empty wallet
I bought the highest end version of the speakers that I love (KEF R11 and R3 for surrounds), an amp that can power them (Monoprice monolith), and it sounds amazing. I have some LS50s around the house, and they sound great.
I’m done. It certainly cost enough. I still love trolling this place to look at speakers though.
My wife does that for me
Dont fight it. Reward yourself with gear that will put a smile on your face and that will amaze friends and family.
Don’t fight it. You’re around my age and now that some of my parental responsibilities are less financially taxing I started spending money on myself.
I have a I’m the last 3 years I’ve gone as301 to CXA81 to Willsenton R8 to Kinki Studio EZ-M1+ on the amp front and just picked up a set of Buchardt s400 MKII.
It all sounds great and I’m having a blast listening to music, new and old.
Diversify your hobbies
Instead of searching for an equipment update, search for music to listen to. For those that listen via streaming, it’s generally free to explore.
I’m essentially done. I’m only 35 but I’ve been into the “audiophile” community since I was about 10. I have my two headphones that I’ve owned for years now (HD800s and MDR-Z1R). And my two speaker setups, Rega RS5 in my office (aka my ADU) and my Philharmonic Audio BMR Towers in the living room.
I’ve honestly never felt so happy with my setups. I also just got sick of constantly looking at the next upgrade when I know I’m getting older and my ears are getting worse. I don’t worry about my systems anymore. I enjoy coming in this sub and looking at everyone else’s setup. I just hunt down different album pressings now.
What can you say about the BMR towers? I have heard a lot about them, just never heard them.
Just ask your wife. She’ll explain…
Whilst you’ve got good hearing go for the very best you can afford is my philosophy. I’m guided by opinions I trust and of course my own subjective experience but I totally agree with your thoughts on the finality aspect which makes me want to keep hearing the ‘best’ I can. Having said that I upgrade once every few years when I’m seduced by a good review. 🙂
You can’t.
I’m already looking at new kit just after buying a new streamer.
I’ve had the bug over 40 years.
The key is not to get yourself into debt. Save up and only buy what you can afford.