I have been enjoying my modest system with a new perspective lately. Since I’ve recently upgraded all of my cables( my weakest link resolved) I feel as though I have arrived. I no longer feel the need to upgrade anything in my system. It took me about 50 years to reach this point. I am 65 now and life is good. I read of people’s high end systems with interest but not envy. I am happy.
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I think so. My Onkyo PR-SC5530 A/V Preamp has been a Workhorse for over 5 years now. The PS Audio DirectStream Sr. DAC is going on 6 years old now. I’ve had it and the matching Perfectwave Transport refreshed at the factory in Boulder.
I’ve been using Orchard Audio amplification for 5 years as well. My Preamp however went from a BAT VK50-SE to a Black Ice Audio F360 to a Galion P75 and now a Galion Navy. The Nacy is a keeper for sure,
While I regret getting back into Vinyl 3 years ago. My end game Vinyl setup is my Linn LP12/Ekos/DS003/Lingo setup. The Optical Phono was built by me and will evolve over time. I’m over the Moon on how it sounds but there’s still a few subtle tweaks I’d like to do in the future.
I’ve been running a Cambridge Audio AXN10 Streamer for over a year now, It just blows away the PoS Bluesound Node 2i that was good until a Software Update literally Bricked it.
Tascam DA-3000 to rip all my Vinyl to DSD64 files.
Final Audio M12 Electrostatics are my true end game Speakers.
All Interconnects & Speaker Cables are solid Silver provided by ArgentPur.
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I hit it ever two years or so.
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I probably have. Fixed income, not a very big one, depleted savings. . . seem to dictate that. I’ll not be able to do source upgrades I’d like to, but don’t need to. I’m very very happy with my amplification and power treatments and my EQ flexibility. I’m not lacking fidelity, and not really craving something different. That’s a good thing, one of the foundational good things that are bolstering my general (perhaps fragile) happiness.
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Yes, I’ve come to the realization with my latest purchase, StellarGold preamp, that I have the sound I’ve been looking for. It was this final addition that made me realize that I don’t really need the latest top of the line gear to get me there. I have a core of the DS MKII DAC, Orchard Audio power amp, Stellar phono and now the matching preamp. All this tied together nicely with Silversmith Fidelium ICs. While replacing pieces with PMG pieces would be great sometime I don’t feel compelled to do anything more. Time to sit back and enjoy the music.
That said, I enjoy the journey and keeping up with new gear is fun and entertaining. The trick is keeping engaged. Fantasizing about upgrades is a good way to do that.
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There is nothing in the sound of my system that I want to fix.
You have a beautiful system. You must be happy.
I also feel really good about where I am now. I’ve been enjoying my system more lately, and after the last series of upgrades—it finally feels just right. I don’t feel the need to change or upgrade anything (at this moment at least).
I’ve been chasing it almost 50 years. I’m 65 now, and I feel like I’ve arrived. I still like reading about more expensive, high-end systems, but I don’t feel the need to chase. I’m happy with what I have. The music sounds great, and life is good.
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