My brother asked me a question a few days ago that I answered differently than I'd like to. He asked me "Will you ever stop adding to or updating your systems?"
I had to say that there is no end in sight. I'm very happy with my systems. Much happier than many who have far less (to me) elaborate or listenable systems. But there is always wire or tubes or isolation components to try. Not to mention the constantly shifting Decware upgrade line. Just when you settle down on the best amplification that you have ever known there's a Mk IV or a Mystery Amp or a new speaker.
Sigh. Is it a sickness? I have actually been able to stop at the Torii Mk III and the PS Audio Duo as a front end. These are spectacular products that complement each other and give me great listening pleasure. No need to change those. But the Mk III si so flexible and an owner soon begins to feel he needs to flex and develop all those muscles . . . there might be just one more combination that will bring a huge surprise. . . . Likewise I love my Rega RP3 with its upgrades the ZP3 (funny how there's just one letter between them!)---they work so well together and often give me the best sound I have.
Still . . .there's products like the PS Audio PowerBase. I bought one, stuck it under my Duo and really like what it does. Over time I've come to really like what it does even more. . .and bought one for my Powerplant Premier. . .than my Torii .. . . then . . . . Well I found a great price source in a gentleman who was downsizing and now I have SEVEN of them. They just do more for the sound than a complete tube roll of the best tubes imaginable. Underneath my RP3 it has been a revelation, freaked me out how amazing it made that sound. And under my Denon DCD-A100 SACD player and DBP-A100 Universal player it has really transformed the sound, making these shockingly good 100th anniversary showpieces. If I could find a way to get my two CSP2+ and ZP3 on one or two I would, I confess. . . . Sure feels like an illness this need for more, or an addiction.
But I don't want to be cured. And now I turn my attention to my Dad's system, which I actually listen to more, I could mess with that for years.
I bet I'm not alone! Can YOU stop?