Is it "whats best forum" , or what's more expensive

Jazzbo said:

For My Ears Only. That's how I see it when it comes to audio. I have been a lover of audio equipment for many years. As a retired African American audio enthusiast on a fixed income I have to be frugal regarding all of my audio purchases. All of my major equipment except my Magnapan speakers, sub-woofers, audio cables, AC receptacles and phono cartridges was purchased used and love what I am hearing.

While I have been a subscriber to Absolute Sound and Stereophile for the past 20 or so years, I generally don't purchase based on their reviews unless I can later hear it and then purchase the piece used. I try to attend as many audio shows as I can and love to hear the mega-thousand-dollar stuff, I can still go home, kick off my shoes, retire to my listening room and engulf myself in my jazz or classical music.

I love reading about individuals who can afford to purchase the high priced stuff. I am sure that most are not influenced by a strong desire to have the best, while denying it may not sound the best. While I understand there are those who buy stuff based on the name, I believe most who truly love the music, will buy their system based on what it sounds like to them. My hats off to those who can afford to buy the very best.

jazzbo and music lover

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MarinJim said:

PLEASE, take this as a personal journey, and not as an attack. I sold some very expensive gear ($32K Burmester 911 MK3 and $18K GNSC Wadia S7i). I look at some of the SOTA prices and cringe. Not because I can't afford it (I can), but because I seriously wonder about the bang for the buck factor. I kept my $24K Concert Fidelity pre and $27K Venture speakers, but sold my amp amp and source, and went downtown and bout an Oppo 105 and an ATI amp. But, you know what? I felt a 10% decline for a 1000% savings. Do not get me wrong, I greatly appreciate the SOTA, but wallet is my new sphincter muscle. Why even start this thread? Because I see an alarming tread at CES and the new prices of gear, considering this economy. If I am wrong, sorry for your time.

Edit: This is in reference to "Ultra High End" article. Nothing more, nothing less.

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