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?
It also depends on what kind hobbyist/collector you are. There are connoisseurs, trophy hunters, social collectors, completists, etc etc. I tend toward connoisseur in my hobbies, so I’m chasing levels of appreciation, which leads to different gear acquisitions and eventual turnover once I find it doesn’t move me or there’s something better or more suited to my current interests. That said, some people just like music and that’s ok too. The gear is only the means to an end.