Canuck Audio Mart

Only an obsession based on the amount of C2H5OH consumed...

EtOH!!




Never thought I'd use this term on an audio forum

I must admit 10 years ago I became very ill and for 4 years they weren't sure I was going to make it. I had my own Company at that time and had to let everything go.
Net from the company kept us afloat for a half a year.

Thing was I was obsessed about BUYING gear. Already had 7 systems in the house.
I had to rent one of those heated storage units for all the other gear. I would hook up and test for a couple of days and pack it up and into storage.
As I ran out of cash for food and payments I started selling stuff off to pay bills.
I made $26000.00 the first year and about a grand less the second year.
So an obsession turned into a lifesaver in 2 ways first the money and 2nd. I
had to push myself to have a steady stream of people coming to buy. I think It kept me alive and sharper as I had continued to slide before I had to start selling assets.

Now although more well am still sick but very alive bought a much smaller house
only have 3 working systems and about 20 pieces I still have to sell.

And as scipro has said well I got my RITA so things are good and when I need to buy something I purchase something I'll enjoy in one of the chains and when bored I roll it out
and get it a good new home.


All the best LES

Wow 2b, I thought I was bad!

I actually started wondering if I really enjoy any of this.

I often find myself thinking about what it'd be like to have a particular component while I listen.

However, it must be said that I really love the sound of my system. I've decided to stop buying for a while. A, I absolutely can't afford another thing, and b, I'm almost deliriously happy with the sound of what I have. Now that I've decided that, the thing that bothers me is that sometimes I find myself enjoying the sensation of sound rather than concentrating on melody or musical intent.

However I do think it's both. SOmetimes I am absolutely rapt with the music and not paying any attention to the gear (But feel very thankful to have it), and other times it just feels nice to hear such lovely sounds.

For a while I thought seriously that I needed to sell it all off and refocus on other aspects of my life, but I 've decided to try something less radical- to pay attention to when I am avoiding other things by using the stereo, and by focusing more directly on the music while I listen. And to be aware of when I am thinking of the gear instead of listening to the music.( I actually really love music. In the next life, I will be a composer)

I do think it has been rather unhealthy for some time, and it has been only in the last 3 or 4 months that I've really understood that. I plan to change it.

Albert, I am envious....separate rooms, or sharing a space?

I would rather show pictures of a $ 3,000.00 amplifier that will last many years then to show pictures of a $ 3,000.00 vacation that lasted a couple of weeks of course that,s ME.

Have to agree Mr STAT

This hobby has drivin many a good man over the edge.Until you start carrying old tubes in your pockets,so you can sniff them or roll them between your fingers while away from your gear,its not a obsession,so just relax everything will be fine!

I found myself buying gear that I had no use for, really, just to have and try it.
Now selling is a pain for some 9.6 vintage stuff.
Heck, I have some stuff to give away, but to find somebody who wants it to bring back to enjoy.

I often have to smirk when someone will post something to the effect "in the end, it's all about the music". I know it's not. Obsession yes! However, if anyone was to see my system it's definitely not for bragging rights. Modest vintage at best. Not one of my friends or family (other than my own wife and kids) are interested in audio equipment so it's not like I can impress them with a show and tell session. I guess it's just my own personal obsession that keeps life fun for me. I really enjoy the hobby. Not only do I have too much equipment, I probably post too much on CAM yacking with you guys

For some it is a sideline business.

It is an obsession if you spend all your time swap gear, never listening and can't stop yourself from buying more stuff. If you try & stop and you get uncomfortable, tense, must go back to it etc., then you are obsessed.

I have two systems... one made up of my old Quad electronics which I tried to sell. Never got a fair price for them, so I said to myself, I'll keep them rather than give it away. I have it nicely setup in the living room, sounds good & looks good. The main system, which is downstairs, sounds great & looks very industrial.

At this time, I think everything is balanced & I can't really think of anything else to change. I do have 2 pieces I don't use, an extra cassette deck & a cd burner, otherwise everything else gets steady use. Yes, I have extra wire & cables kicking around, but that is typical.

So, for me it is a hobby. I spend more time listening to & collecting music than swapping gear.

To some it's an obsession and to some it's a hobby. I actually went through one cycle where I thought this was becoming an obsession and started to sell off all my gear. Fortunately I put the brakes on and realized that this has become a great hobby. I've now built a system with kits and really enjoyed the satisfaction of building something that actually sounds good. And since then I've been tweaking it with upgraded parts to improve things. Turntable tweaking has become a joy, it feels a little like being a watchmaker, making those little tweaks here and there, perhaps a loading resistor change. My latest addition will be a new tonearm.

Now if you find yourself neglecting your family and your work, perhaps that would be an obsession. In my case my wife is always commenting about how she loves how I fill the house with music

Another benefit is I have met some great people through CAM and elsewhere, and it's wonderful to discover that many audio companies are still influenced by their founder and it's been a lot of fun dealing directly with people with a passion for their business.

Now it's time for a trip to the record store for some more vinyl. Have a good day everyone.

Well said, me too!!

I think we should start a AA group..Audioholics Anonymous...

Seems to me we would fill a group session with no problem..

Hello,my name is 2bornot2b,NO I mean Matt..I have a problem,but I guess that is why I am here.

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