I think you’re right in the sense that “endgame” as a concept doesn’t really last long in hobbies. I chased a NAC282/NAP250DR/NDX2 for years and when I got it, I felt it for a few weeks and then my ears adapted and it became easier to think I was lacking something again. When I’m reminded of how good it is, it is stark and I remember that it is the shit, but most of the time it just is what it is now and I have grown accustomed to the sound.
On the other hand, it’s truly endgame for me because I just can’t stomach the next tier of prices and honestly probably couldn’t afford them anyway, so I guess I’ve sort of found my nirvana. When I do reflect on it, it’s a very happy place to be and I enjoy my hifi a lot. In that sense, having a strictly enforced endgame can be pretty nice, you’re not chasing some mystical sound that is constantly shifting goalposts.
I think you’re right in the sense that “endgame” as a concept doesn’t really last long in hobbies. I chased a NAC282/NAP250DR/NDX2 for years and when I got it, I felt it for a few weeks and then my ears adapted and it became easier to think I was lacking something again. When I’m reminded of how good it is, it is stark and I remember that it is the shit, but most of the time it just is what it is now and I have grown accustomed to the sound.
On the other hand, it’s truly endgame for me because I just can’t stomach the next tier of prices and honestly probably couldn’t afford them anyway, so I guess I’ve sort of found my nirvana. When I do reflect on it, it’s a very happy place to be and I enjoy my hifi a lot. In that sense, having a strictly enforced endgame can be pretty nice, you’re not chasing some mystical sound that is constantly shifting goalposts.