Dude, you win. You're still an audiophile, you just obviously found a system that's satisfying. My speakers are over a decade old and my tuner just turned 27 (although I didn't buy it new, obviously).

Not having to upgrade is a good thing. If I'm still as excited about my gear in a few years as I am now, then I'll keep it.

There is nothing wrong with not replacing something unless its broken. However if you have never tweaked, never tried to improve how your system sounds, images then you can only be described as an audiophile who is complacent.

Quote:
. . . you can only be described as an audiophile who is complacent.

Or happy that he has succeeded in purchasing a musically satisfying system and is wise enough to know that he has.

I wonder if your loyalty to your gear is also just a part of your personality. I know it is for me. I tend to remain loyal to things, in general -- people, places, possessions. If it weren't for the luxury and responsibility of my job, I'd probably stick with the same system for years and years and years, too.

I don't consider endless upgrading to be a necessary part of audiophilia.

Quote:
I wonder if your loyalty to your gear is also just a part of your personality. I know it is for me. I tend to remain loyal to things, in general -- people, places, possessions. If it weren't for the luxury and responsibility of my job, I'd probably stick with the same system for years and years and years, too.

I don't consider endless upgrading to be a necessary part of audiophilia.

Wow, that's kind of spooky. I am still loyal to gear I owned as a teenager.

I think I tend to anthropomorphize my gear and feel like it would feel lonely and abandoned if I 'rejected' it. I just keep trying to add systems to my life to keep my gear happy.

In my 'main system:'

Speakers from 1993 (although the caps have been replaced.)

Preamp from 1993 (had a factory mod in 1994 or 1995.)

Turntable I: Table and arm from 1986. Cartridge newer.

Turntable II: Vintage 2005.

Amps: 1992, with some mods and changed parts.

Digital: Changed in 2006, previous gear from around 1995.

I think there is alot to be said for loyalty to one's gear.

Additionally, I believe in long break in periods. I think my system is just now settling down with the newer members of the family. (I also secretly believe that gear learns to work together over time... ...)

Just a sidenote: There's nothing impure about using a subwoofer.

Says me.

Quote:
There's nothing impure about using a subwoofer.

Hmmm....

I understand it can make you go blind.

Go in peace, my son.

There is nothing wrong with that approach, BUT... stuff does age gradually and I bet it doesn't sound nearly as good as it did when it was new. Parts age and get more "polite" sounding with time. Then there is genuine innovation: CD technology especially is light years better than when you first got that player (whatever model it may be). So sure--- you obviously do care and would fall into the audiophile camp, but you might dip your toe in occasionally and take a listen to some newer gear. On the other hand, maybe it's best to avoid the waters and stay happy as is!

Complacent only applies when you have done nothing for years. Adding a sub and loving it, already says you are a true blue audiophile.
I do not what is best practice but I plan to try out a tweak at least once every six months. I just find it strange when some change systems or significant portions of it every couple of years or sooner. I can only guess that they made the wrong choice or they are keeping up with Joneses.
There are many who are brand loyal while I am only loyal to the music. If I wanted to replace something I would choose the best I could afford but do admit system synergy may best be served by sticking to the same brand.