Are We Insane?

[wingnut4772]

Does anyone else feel like they are totally nuts with this 'hobby'. I was explaining to a friend yesterday that I have spent too much dough on my HT and she said " Well, you have it and it's done now, right?" Ummm......Yes?

Then I started wondering if I will ever be done? I mean there will always be a power cord here and an interconnect there. Technologies will change and I will want to keep up. At some point this stuff starts to own you instead of vice versa and I really don't want that. Anyone else having a bit of a struggle with this?

[Ricardo]

What? Never heard of that. Why?

[zombie boy 2000]

The moments of levity definitely stand in stark contrast to The Obsession.
It is a madness, as I'm sure most hobbies are. The unfortunate caveat of ours is that it is abetted by a host of enablers:D

btw I think some people find peace by drawing the line at IC's... however I do not:p

[cfrizz]

LOL! Darla it is up to you to draw the line & say enough I'm going to be content. You already have power chords & you already have IC's. Be content with those, or else spend the rest of your life & tons of money always looking for the next best thing that may or may not help.

In short you have turned into a hopeless gambler.

[AndyGwis]

I'm at work responding to this, so I think that should answer something about how addicting the hobby is. I'm not even listening to music or buying anything right now, but it's still on my mind.

If you think about how much time you actually spend listening to music critically or loudly enough to enjoy the thousands of dollars and hours you've spent creating the system of your dreams, it seems a little askew.

But, gear is too much fun to shop for and buy, and it's too easy to justify with things like "I've already spent ___ on my system, and I can make it sound that much better by only spending ____ more." Or, "if I buy it used, I can sell it later on without losing anything."

Using that justification, I have closets full of an endless supply of spare parts, wires, etc., a storage area full of boxes so I can move/ship my gear if/when needed, a lesser bank account, and speakers in every nook and cranny of a 800 sq. foot apartment. . . an apartment in which I will get a note on my door anytime I watch a movie or listen to music with the system past 8pm.

But, it sure beats being addicted to drugs! Crack is whack, and unlike our gear, you can't resell it once you've used it.

[dorokusai]

Yes.

[wingnut4772]

It's way more expensive than being addicted to crack.

[audiobliss]

Hahahahahahahaha, I doubt that.

[AndyGwis]

Well, gross cost may be greater for Audio than Crack in a given year.

However, again, audio has less sunk cost than crack because of the resale factor. And, I may not be working, but I am at work which keeps me getting paid. If I was on crack, I wouldn't be at work, therefore wouldn't be getting paid, ergo crack would be more expensive than audio.

[W WALDECKER]

"Just say no to HiFi":)

[Ricardo]

What's HiFi?

[ND13]

Damn, that reminds me....I need to stop at CVS to get some lip balm....I burnt my lip on my crack pipe last night............NOT!!!!:p

[dkg999]

Darla - see the thread in 2 ch forum about just enjoying your system! I like to get new stuff as much or more than anyone else! It's amazing that a lot of times I don't enjoy what I have because something else has caught my attention. Then when I do take the time to just set back and relax and enjoy a movie, I realize that what I have is better than I ever realized. At some point you have to focus on the enjoyment part of the hobby.

Now, I just need to keep repeating the advice I gave you to myself :rolleyes:

[Ricardo]

Right now I am sitting back enjoying music.....I think.....there cannot be anything that sounds better than this...but...still buying to improve it....the itch...the itch....:mad: :mad:

[hearingimpared]

Okay here is the ultimate in obsessed audiophilia. I found out that high end audio and analog is still alive and well three months ago after being away from it for 15 years. Just like any addictive drug or booze I got in one day and have been totally hooked again. In three months I have spent exactly, $4150 in equipment not to mention magazine subscriptions, DVD on turntable set etc, etc, etc and will be spending more on a very good cd player (est $600 to $800), a new high end cartridge (est $500 to $1000) for my current high end turntable & tonearm, ICs (>$1k) & speaker cables (est $500) and a wet/vacuum record cleaning machine (est. $700).

HERE IS THE KICKER: My wife and I are currently renting with family THAT MEANS THAT ALL THE EQUIPMENT I HAVE IS CURRENTLY IN BOXES and I can't listen to one note of music at home until I buy my new house.

IF THIS ISN'T A SICKNESS I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS!!!

But I love it, I love talking about it, I love reading about it, I love thinking about it, I love OBSESSING ABOUT IT.

Does that answer your question?
Joe

[audiobliss]

rofl...that's pretty bad...

[AndyGwis]

And, that brings our tally to. . .

Hearingimpaired's audio addiction: 1
Whitney Houston's Crack addiction: 0

[wingnut4772]

I don't even want to add up the $$$ I have spent in the last 3 months. I think my head would spin.

You are right Cathy, at some point I just have to say "okay, this is it".


........so the PS Audio power cords I got today are absolutely it!:o

[Early B.]

You are right Cathy, at some point I just have to say "okay, this is it".

If you're gonna quit, the first thing you gotta give up is this forum. These guys on here talk about things you never dreamed needed upgrading, and the next thing you know, you're buying it.

I'm looking at DACS right now...Damn, damn, damn.

[wingnut4772]

If you're gonna quit, the first thing you gotta give up is this forum. These guys on here talk about things you never dreamed needed upgrading, and the next thing you know, you're buying it.

I'm looking at DACS right now...Damn, damn, damn.

I have thought about it. What a bunch of enabling, bad influences you guys are!It's all your fault!:D

[scottvamp]

They only thing that saves me is no one in my town can have a conversation with me without getting lost in the money aspect and lingo of this hobbie. I have the best HT in my area and thier is no one to be competitive with.:D
I guess that helps - but if you are really into this hobbie there is no such thing as saving money............... no such thing as being done..............

[hearingimpared]

I know that this is an addiction and here's how I know:

My wife says, "Joe, please don't buy anymore audio equipment until we move into the new house." I say, with all sincerity and mean it from the bottom of my heart, "I won't honey I'll wait." That was two weeks ago. Friday two audiophile CDs and a $250 audiophile rack arrived . . . I need some serious help!!! Is there an AA??? Audiophiles Anonymous.

PS: The DAC was the first piece of equipment I purchased.

[BlueMDPicker]

As long as the wife's content, the kids are fed and clothed, the bills are paid, and there's money going into investments/saving, what else are you going to spend your money on? Toys, interests, hobbies, trips. Enjoy what brings you passion. Life is short and no one is getting out of here alive.

[Ricardo]

What's investments/savings????? Would a nice amp that I am sure will make my system sound better be considered an investment?

:D

[wingnut4772]

What's investments/savings????? Would a nice amp that I am sure will make my system sound better be considered an investment?

:D
Absolutely!:D

[cfrizz]

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!:eek: :eek: :eek: :D :D :D


I don't even want to add up the $$$ I have spent in the last 3 months. I think my head would spin.

You are right Cathy, at some point I just have to say "okay, this is it".


........so the PS Audio power cords I got today are absolutely it!:o

[shack]

What's investments/savings?????

The stuff I'm going to live off of when I retire. I'll be sure to say hello to you on my way in to Walmart when I stop to pick up some sun tan lotion...;)

[wingnut4772]

I guess I am lucky with my job. I retire when I am 55 and get a paycheck for the rest of my life.

[Willow]

I have to agree with Shack, one reason I don't spend as much as I could is I contribute extra to my pension and I have savings on the side along with my bi-weekly contributions to my RRSP. As much as I'd love to have it all now, if I did what would I have to look forward to? this way I get the best of both worlds. Plus a priority for us right now is travel. Heck with all the trips my wife and I took this year, I could have almost bought a whole new system.

One thing my wife does say to friends when they ask about our system " you know he could be spending his money on booze and drugs and or even sleazy strip clubs".

My goal is to have my ultimate system by the time I retire. That way I can spend as much time as I wish sitting back and enjoying, and I do plan on an early retirement around 55. (24yrs to go)

[Ricardo]

Well, just to get on the serious area, I don't spend what I don't have...You won't see my credit cards with a balance...but, occasionally (like this week) I definitely spend more than I should, which leads to find out ways to cut on other expenses to balance things out. It might take a couple or three months to get back on track, but IMO it's worth it, and as someone mentioned, as long as the basics are covered, no harm. There is though one good thing with this hobby (as someone else mentioned)...you can always sell something if you need some extra cash.

Ok; back to looking at audio racks :)

[shack]

Anyone under 50 thinks that they will be able to retire based on SS, Govt/Municipalities pension, defined benefit plans may be in for a rude awakening. Darla, be very wary of your cop pension. Many city pension plans are grossly underfunded, with the logic that future taxes will cover the shortfall. Same with social security. Company plans could be in trouble as well (but of course there is the govt to bail them out...supposedly). Most pension plans have been based on inflated earnings esitmates, over-estimation of future contributions, and GROSS under-estimation of life spans. Even the so called guaranteed plans are having issues because of medical insuance guarantees and life expectancy. Sure the Govt. pension insurance fund can step in and MAY continue with a percentage of what was promised (60% ±), but if enough fail that may be a problem.

I know I have a good amount "promised" to me when I retire for the rest of my life. It may or may not be there. Since my wife and I are over 50 we are allowed to invest "catch up" funds into our 401-Ks over and above the 6% allowed for tax deferment. We each can put in about $17,000 per year tax deferred. That plus the 6% of our salaries that our companies match means we are socking away a substantial amount each year. Even though I have a reasonable expectaion that we will be able to collect our pensions and SS because of our age, I'm not counting on it. Based on what I'm saving, company contributions and what I already have... if I retire at 65...with moderate inflation, an average rate of return between 5-7%, and no catestrophic illness, I should be able to live comfortably until I'm 85 or 90. SS and my company pension is gravy if I collect it. Sure I may die tomorrow and never spend a penny (my wife will be a wealthy widow) but I'm doing pretty good now and and it's nice to know it will be there when I retire. I've got plenty of toys to keep me occupied for now. And when the kids are both out of college in 2 and 4 years it will be like getting a $25,000 a year tax free raise. (I'm thinking Porsche.....)

Seriously, If you are young and can afford it...put some back...now. The time value of money is a wonderful thing. You will be glad you did.

[wingnut4772]

Thanks. I would never go with a city or municipality agency as they are notoriously shaky on the pension bit. I am with the State and they have the best retirement. It is a good idea to save though.

[TroyD]

Well said Shack-daddy.

I get a lot of good natured ribbing that TLW and I live beneath our means.....however, when I decide to hang them up, I want to be able to do so comfortably. If that means that I don't get the new car smell as often, in the end, that's fine with me.

BDT

[cfrizz]

Very well said Shack! Most company pensions are going the way of the Dodo Bird! If you aren't putting as much as you can into your 401k or whatever equivelent you've got, you are in for a rude awakening come retirement. And that will be at 65 for some of you or 67 for the others.

So get hopping on those 401k's IRA's & other outside sources as much as you can!

[dorokusai]

www.ingdirect.com

[hearingimpared]

Well, just to get on the serious area, I don't spend what I don't have...You won't see my credit cards with a balance...but, occasionally (like this week) I definitely spend more than I should, which leads to find out ways to cut on other expenses to balance things out. It might take a couple or three months to get back on track, but IMO it's worth it, and as someone mentioned, as long as the basics are covered, no harm. There is though one good thing with this hobby (as someone else mentioned)...you can always sell something if you need some extra cash.

Ok; back to looking at audio racks :)

Great advise . . . my rule of thumb is: If I can replace the money within two months I can buy it. If it is going to take longer than that, NO GO, until some money saved. I too have no credit card balances . . .I hate legal loan sharks they charge 15% to 28% interest on revolving balances . . . EFF :eek: them:D , I'll pay it off each month.

[hearingimpared]

Anyone under 50 thinks that they will be able to retire based on SS, Govt/Municipalities pension, defined benefit plans may be in for a rude awakening. Darla, be very wary of your cop pension. Many city pension plans are grossly underfunded, with the logic that future taxes will cover the shortfall. Same with social security. Company plans could be in trouble as well (but of course there is the govt to bail them out...supposedly). Most pension plans have been based on inflated earnings esitmates, over-estimation of future contributions, and GROSS under-estimation of life spans. Even the so called guaranteed plans are having issues because of medical insuance guarantees and life expectancy. Sure the Govt. pension insurance fund can step in and MAY continue with a percentage of what was promised (60% ±), but if enough fail that may be a problem.

I know I have a good amount "promised" to me when I retire for the rest of my life. It may or may not be there. Since my wife and I are over 50 we are allowed to invest "catch up" funds into our 401-Ks over and above the 6% allowed for tax deferment. We each can put in about $17,000 per year tax deferred. That plus the 6% of our salaries that our companies match means we are socking away a substantial amount each year. Even though I have a reasonable expectaion that we will be able to collect our pensions and SS because of our age, I'm not counting on it. Based on what I'm saving, company contributions and what I already have... if I retire at 65...with moderate inflation, an average rate of return between 5-7%, and no catestrophic illness, I should be able to live comfortably until I'm 85 or 90. SS and my company pension is gravy if I collect it. Sure I may die tomorrow and never spend a penny (my wife will be a wealthy widow) but I'm doing pretty good now and and it's nice to know it will be there when I retire. I've got plenty of toys to keep me occupied for now. And when the kids are both out of college in 2 and 4 years it will be like getting a $25,000 a year tax free raise. (I'm thinking Porsche.....)

Seriously, If you are young and can afford it...put some back...now. The time value of money is a wonderful thing. You will be glad you did.

RIGHT ON SHACK!!! If you are young, even if you think you have all the retirement & pension bases covered double up and rethink your situation. . . I wrote about what happened to me in another thread and am now on SSD (maximum amount) and I can tell you I was living very well and putting a lot of money away for retirement. . . the maximum amount of SSD is a meager existance. Do your homework, get some solid advice, THEN YOU CAN REALLY ENJOY THIS OBSESION WE HAVE!

[hearingimpared]

I like talking about this stuff better than the politics and gay & lesbian stuff. . .I've unsubscribed from those thread and am strickly staying with this audio/video 2 ch rig obsessions.

[shack]

www.ingdirect.com

Really? Do you like ING? They are who my current company's 401-K is with. They seem to do ok handling our plan. I don't use any of their funds opting for a couple of Vanguard and T-Rowe Price funds that are availble to us. I don't like mutual funds as a general rule so I'm real picky when it comes to choosing a fund to invest in since indivdiual stocks are not an option in our company plan.

[schwarcw]

Anyone under 50 thinks that they will be able to retire based on SS, Govt/Municipalities pension, defined benefit plans may be in for a rude awakening. Most pension plans have been based on inflated earnings esitmates, over-estimation of future contributions, and GROSS under-estimation of life spans. Even the so called guaranteed plans are having issues because of medical insuance guarantees and life expectancy. Sure the Govt. pension insurance fund can step in and MAY continue with a percentage of what was promised (60% ±), but if enough fail that may be a problem.

Another thing to remeber is that the Goverenment run Pension Guarantee Fund will cover about 90% of your pension up to a maximaum of $25,000 per year That's all! so if you were dues say $5,000 a month pension from your company and they default on your pension, you will get less than half of what you were counting on. All the more fuel to get into a 401K ASAP. I tell our new hires at Westinghouse to contribute the maximum (6%) that the company offers to match when they start. They will never miss the money going from college to $50K per year. Then each year when they get a raise, increase your contribution by 1%. If you do this, you will never miss the money since it's coming at raise time. And if you stay with the company say 10 years, you will already be saving 16% of your salary to a 401K. Change jobs, start out at 16% and continue from there. At age 55 you will be contributing about 40% of your income (not all tax sheltered) but there are Roth IRA's and other investment products that can help earn gains tax free. Most of all get a financial advisor while your young. Take it from this 53 year old that didn't do this plan. If I did, I would have several million in the retirement account right now. Instead, I'm still working and scraping for audio money.

[wingnut4772]

My retirement adjusted for inflation will be about 75k a year or so. 18 years from now that is no big whoop so I am investing other places also.

[TroyD]

I'm definately in the wrong line of work...

[wingnut4772]

I'm definately in the wrong line of work...
Ha! So am I but it pays well...as long as I can get through another 17 years.

[reeltrouble1]

Life is not a dress rehearsal.

RT1

[zombie boy 2000]

When this wretched sickness takes you through the wall and you begin to obsess over the wiring behind the curtains....

then your brain has curdled and you have reached the point of no return.

Like Cokeheads snorting plaster of paris off the carpet...







I'm talking to you Bobby and Whitney

[BlueMDPicker]

You're deranged. I like that in a person.

[madmax]

To the original question, YES.

Truthfully, I have many more hours spent studying about all things audio than I have in my 4 year degree. MANY more... :)
madmax

[reeltrouble1]

When I retire all I want is for that beautiful eagle to fly over and drop the payload every month.

RT1

[shack]

I remember the Eagle shitting about the 3rd of each month for all my Vietnam
Vet buddies back in college.

Funny thing about those eagles, when they get fed less, they shit less.

[BIZILL]

just be sure not to neglect other hobbies you may possess.

[zombie boy 2000]

What if your other hobby is eating flies and singing sea chanteys?

[Skynut]

I tend to think everyone should have a hobby.
I like my HT and I love to show it off occasionally.
I hate my crack habbit and relly should sell off my crack gear for new HT gear before I do the opposite.

Anyone want to buy a crak pipe?
I have thousands invested in it and it works better than new.



Of course I am kidding.

I would never sell my pipe.

[reeltrouble1]

I am a sparrow happily buried in a nice warm dung pile. The thing about my uncle is he always pays as promised he just changes the promise to subsequent folks along the continuum.

RT1

[treitz3]

Absolutely.

[jdhdiggs]

I'm definately in the wrong line of work...

Again, I wish you'd reconsider or just retire already...

Still looking for a military guy with experience in supply ops....

Investments? My wife's addicted to them. Did the numbers and our living expenses are about 30% of our gross income, the rest is going to taxes or investments.- Working to improve my "toy" budget.

[beardog03]

The trick for me is to get gear that I am happy with, then just add small tweeks to it to get the most I can out of what I have...

It`s a hobby, it`s an obsession, but if you invest in good gear you can get back most of what you have into it later..

as far as the future, that`s not a given...you have today, but tomorrow is promised to no one..

Blue said it best.....no one get`s out alive

If it`s what makes you happy, then it`s worth every penny...

Isn`t that the whole idea...be happy , and live well......or at least as well as possible with what you have to work with ?

I spend more than I actually have sometimes, but it makes my everyday life much better when I can put on some music, and enjoy it ...it makes all the bad crap of the day fade, and put`s a smile on my face.....

One day I hope to catch up and break even on my audio spending, and retire with enough to still enjoy life....but who knows if my 401k is going to make that possible....Social security is a gamble at best...

Music is a must in my life...the rest will work it`s self out somehow...I will just have to work and invest that much harder for the future..

but for now...
Enjoy the music

[madmax]

I tend to buy whatever I really want and have never once been sorry I bought a superior product or been sorry I spent to much. Now if thats crazy or insane then I am. The voices told me to type this so I did.
madmax

[Polkitup2]

I just did an A/B interconnect test where I have two identical outputs from a CD player connected to two inputs on my pre that I could switch between seamlessly. One was an Audioquest Diamondback IC and the other a generic $25 Monster IC. In MY system, with MY ears, and in MY room, both cables sound identical - absolutely without a doubt in my mind identical, no difference. Yet.... I feel the need to upgrade the rest of my interconnects to the Audioquest Diamondbacks. Go figure.

[nms]

The extra cost is because they cables imprint a subliminal message in your audio that says you need to upgrade the rest of your cables :)

[obieone]

Everything in moderation. Instead of adding stuff, rotate what ya got. I started out w/
RM10, moved up to monitor 30's, then 60's. Now I'm looking at a pr. of RTi12's for $736.00
IF I buy them, my whole HT rig is going into the FS section, to pay for the AMPS!

[sucks2beme]

Like they say over at head-fi to newbies,
"sorry about your wallet"

[mule]

1st I spent all my money racing motorcycles.

2nd I spent all my money on boats and wakeboarding.

3rd I spent all my money on property and a loader to build jumps for my bicycles.

4th I bought an reciever for speakers outside, need jams on the jumps. I bought a cd/dvd player for said reciever, I realized the player needed a tv (no real display on the player, all on screen programing) Now keep in mind I didn't own a tv for over 5 years, suddenly I have a 4.1 setup in the house with a 40" 1080p sony lcd. Oh now I need a piece of furniture to put it on. Hey wait a minute ! all I wanted was some jams outside when we are partying! Suddenly I have all this stuff that I really didn't want in the first place and I have to dust it and keep it clean!!


Sometimes I want to sell everything and move back home with mommy, life was so much simpler then :)

[dkg999]

Just to confirm ....... we are insane ........ we like it that way ......... carry on :cool:

[treitz3]

Just to confirm ....... we are insane ........ we like it that way .........
For some of us, truer words have never been spoken.

For others, it's a way of life and I'm not talking about audio. ;)