Vote

Several years back (~12–20) there was an Audio magazine article that explained the audio purchase mode as a "Catastrophe Theory." I think it might have been authored by Richard(?) Heyser. It brought together all of your listed reasons, plus time spent listening to live music, plus a number of other factors that created the "ready to actually purchase" condition. If anyone has a copy of this article, it would still be a great article to read in the current time frame.

When Money comes in.

I like to be on top of new technology. Never like to be outdated.

Your ears become adjusted to your system over time, giving it a "sounds like everything else" character. The ears need to be refreshed with newer and better gear.

Nothing is perfect, so I always have to upgrade, getting half a step closer to perfection each time.

I can get meaningful improvement.

When my toes stop tappin' or when my system fails the "goosebump" test, more often than not.

I'm one of those guys that will spend months or even years researching a product . . . then I'll see something pretty at a dealer and just NEED it! Right now, I'm lusting after Antique Sound Labs 805 monoblocks, mostly because those 805 tubes look sooooooo cool! Other than that, I really do try to upgrade as seldom as possible. The more money I can spend on recordings rather than gear, the happier I am.

I can afford better gear than when I bought my last rig. I generally go through a total upgrade every 10 years or so.

I get a Meshuggas!!!

My Krell and B&W stay, but early CD ain't too sweet. Looking forward to the new Cir. chip combo stuff.

if i have money, i upgrade

I hear someone else's system playing music that I "know" and I think, "I've never heard that on my system . . . "

Not that I am dissatisfied with the sound of my system . . . it is the desire to improve it. Make it more lifelike, more involving! When I last upgraded, I was most happy, but as time goes on and the promise of better products exists and (here's the big one) I have become accustomed to the sound of my existing system and more aware of its limitations and shortfalls (it often takes me several months to pinpoint faults)—this is what drives me to update/upgrade my system.

I've read several reviews of a product that is promising..Then some how manage to hear it,and then if---like it might buy.

When I convince my wife that she really doesn't want that extra cash that's lying around the house.

One always has budget constraits, and when my financial position improves I tend to upgrade. Although sometimes a system is so well balanced as my current setup that It would have to be a significant upgrade to hear a major improvement.

I upgrade whenever my wallet gets too fat (happens quite rarely) to put in my pocket. Not easy being a college student and audiophile. Well, school comes first! School comes first! . . .

i usully upgrade when i get a new component and have to compliment it because the associated component is making everything sound not as good as it can therefore its an ongoing process sorta...hopefully the next components (amp/preamp) would last longer than a year this time around.

This is a complex question. The main reason I upgrade is sound, but the upgrade is dependant on my income, what sounds good, and if that component is on sale on eBay (retail hifi is financially out of control). Also, with a family I have other people to consider. Now I have to get a decent theater receiver so the wife and kids can plug in their TV, VCR, DVD, satellite dish, video games, etc.

test result

It's pretty simple- when I have the cash I upgrade...

in the answer above, it is no more choice. thank you

Most of my upgrades happened because of burglars. I lost my entire system last time, so this time it's "downgrades" by default.

I alway wanted a high End high fidelity system. With the technological Advancement in today home electronics this is a good time to purchase my dream system

Most of my system is homemade (speakers, sub, preamp, and power amps). I usually upgrade when I think of a new idea or a new tweak. :)

Life's too short . . . new equipment, new problems, new setup . . . new experience.

I get the shakes and cannot control my credit card!!!!

My new wife. She loves music and puts up with the look of components in appreciation of the sound.

I upgrade when I have the money free and think it will make a significant difference. I am interested in some new technologies, such as DVD-A or SACD, but dazzle me with sound, not promises.