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 Navy 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 Preamp/Energizer 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 every 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.
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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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I have at least six systems and I just made major updates to two of them that had been ignored for a long time. Adding the PowerZone to my Home Theater system was a very nice improvement. Adding BACCH to my Computer Desktop system has kept me from turning my main system on since doing so. All three systems at home are very happy. The systems I have at my lake home, they may not ever get updated. But who nose?
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I enjoyed my audiophile journey very much. Started seriously in the mid seventies with a Dual turntable, TEAC C-1 cassette deck, Quad 33/305 amplification and B&W DM2A speakers. Over the years I have always been searching for opportunities to optimize the system within my financial possibilities. Switched to Quad 44/405, followed by various types of Jadis and Audio Research amps. Speakers were successively upgraded with Ensemble PA1 / Rel sub, Focals and Martin Logan. Only in the mid-nineties I went digital with a Denon cd player, followed by a Mark Levinson 390S CD processor and later on a PS Audio P10, Directstream dac and Melco N1ZS10 streamer. Happy and satisfied with (almost) every step I took.
After a double pneumonia about three years ago I was diagnosed with heart failure. For me this was a wake-up call, in order to enjoy an ultimate endgame dream set to my ears in the remaining years of my life I had to act quickly. With my personal experience, preference and knowledge I choose to purchase an Aurender W20SE streamer, dCS Vivaldi Apex dac, Audio Research Ref 160S and TAD E1TX-K speakers. AQ Diamond dual AES/EBU and BNC clocking cable between Aurender and Vivaldi, AQ Hurricane into 160S, rest is CrystalCable Reference Diamond throughout. And finally I improved the acoustics in my listening space.
I realize that I am very privileged to have been able to experience this journey through audioland, where listening to music has become a heavenly experience.
So yes, I’m done, I hit my end game (though the purchase of a dCS Vivaldi masterclock may still be ahead 
)
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After decades of getting a new (used) major component about every 5 years, I recently traded in my Mono block Amps, Preamplifier, and Phono pre for an Integrated Amplifier w/Phono (no digital), so thinking maybe I’m done…350 lbs now 57 lbs. very happy with everything. Though maybe new streaming/digital in future. Cabling is also all set. I’m enjoying not looking much at listings, though curious about secondary systems now - it’s gotta be fun !!!
I’m rediscovering all of my old discs in new wonderful way. I find that my system’s success is in the details however small. My new cables in my system transform a good system into an excellent system.
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I am done, except for two more items.
Wait, make that three, or four.
Never mind.
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My last “end game” system was 2002. I was working and could probably have afforded to upgrade but I was happy. I retired in 2008 and at that time I made the decision to go all digital and got rid of all my vinyl and associated gear. My wife and I also relocated about 1,200 miles to the west and started a “new life.” I was still happy with the system, but in 2020 my preamp (PS Audio PCA-2 from 2002) began to fail, and this started a slow upgrade that was completed in September of 2025. I now feel I have reached another end game system. I am VERY happy with the sound, love my digital library, and enjoy listening to music like I never have before. At age 75, my hearing is still decent, my income is fixed and this will probably be it for me. (maybe)
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I am almost done. 1 or 2 power cables for the main system.
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I think so. With this year’s acquisition of the Pass Labs Int 250 and the MU2, the 2 channel, digital only setup is set for a long time. Still love my Joseph Audio Pulsar 2 speakers (which, in the smaller room where I have the 2 channel system, sound better than the Perspective 2s - which anchor the HT/music setup), augmented by 2 JL e 110 subs. Even happy with the cabling, switches and the Muon Pro. System sounds pretty good at this point. Some might even say it’s nice.
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So you don’t believe in “fix it ‘till it’s broke?” I guess I’m alone in that philosophy, lol.
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The rising cost of Hi end audio has forced me into my end game. I’m 68 years old and have been upgrading over the years and have a great system Sure I still lust after some equipment and cables but as soon as I see the prices I have to shake my head and try to understand why.
I now focus on what matters most, the music.
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Yeah, I hear you, I’m a wee bit slower, but began the descent into my endgame in late 2019, and almost hit it 4 weeks ago ( Stellar PowerPlant 3—a love story )
Three more power cords and I’m done.
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Luxman L-507Z? I have my eye on that. Thinking of going to Listen Up in Boulder later today to check it out.
For streaming, I use a Wiim Pro Plus playing through the DAC in my Luxman D-03X CD player.