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?
I only upgrade when something goes wrong. Like the DAC in my CA AXR100 just started flaking out, so I RMA’d it. Might be a good time for an upgrade if it can’t play nice.