Vote

When price point, utility, and opportunity come together, I decide what component should exit stage left. It's usually a very easy process.

I wish that I had the money I spent on unneeded tweaks and upgrades. Those dollars would have gone a lot further on new music.

Due to the fact that I have only bookshelf monitors, I'm probably going to get a sub one of these days. As far as upgrading my existing components, I'm not in a big rush. I'm interested in trying different cables or tweaks when I can afford them, but I don't make them a priority. If there is an urge to buy, say, another amplifier, it's either because I want more power or less power (SET). I'm very happy with my current sources, although a new cartridge could enter my life at any time!

When I have the cash available. Why not?

1) I'm neurotic, and 2) believe far too much of what I read in the audio press.

Audio equipment is the means to the end. I replace the means when they no longer can be serviced. I love music and I will continue to listen to it on my YBA/Audio Physics system for a long time, I hope.

Why change because other's changing? If I'm satisfied with my equipement, there's no reason to change. The only important thing is: does my listening pleasure will be greater?

I don't upgrade to new technology unless it has been on the market for five years minimum. Sometimes I wait even longer.

I'm the sort of person who decides how much he can afford and buys the best possible components available at the time for the money involved. Upgrading is only when the components become sonically defective/insufficient, or physically break.

Recently, I decided to "downgrade" my old audio system [22 years old amp & pre-amp, 7 years old speakers and cd player], simpley because I found that my taste in music have changed to small jazz ensembles and classical chamber music. I "downgraded" my amp from 100 watts to 30 watts [to a Naim's Nait], and my speakers from three drivers a speaker to two [to Proac Response 1.5]. I also purchased a Naim 3.5 cd player. Now the music sounds more delicate, more focused, more flowing, more like the real thing. I love it. It is going to take a very long time before I ... downgrade it again.

Money vs. weak spot with sensible goal in mind

When I'm dissatisfied it's time to spare some serious cash before being able to upgrade.

I DIY-ed my PC into a high-end 24/96K recorder (Card DeLuxe)and needed a DAC to match (Mark Levinson 360S)

desired music has become difficult to obtain in older or format or equipment has failed.

Upgades should be a studied process however, not an addiction.

I picked this one because I am on a very limited budget and can only have HIGHEND on a Radio Shack budget.

When I am bored and have money. That's a BAD combination!!!

I only upgrade when I have the money :)

I think the sound of my system is good but why not trying to impove. Besides my daughter wants a stereo on her room and I do not like minis in my house.

Whenever I upgrade it's for one reason only: It brings me one tiny step closer to the beauty of real music - to be available to me whenever I want and of a type and volume that suits the occasion.

I have an itchy backside...

I've always got an upgrade path in mind. I try to make a purchase every 12 to 18 months. Due to budget constraints I've learned to purchase good equipment I can afford and upgrade slowly.

I only upgraded when it became necessary to have a trustworthy monitoring system for recording, mixing, and mastering.

I doubt I will ever be completely satisfied with my system. Even when I upgrade to a new component I know it's still a compromise. I have been in continual upgrade mode for the past 25 years and I believe it only gets worse as time goes on. Of course, I blame it all on Stereophile. ;-)

When the music doesn't sound as dynamic and exciting as it should. I know I'm ready to upgrade. However, last week I bought a cheap TEAC mini micro desktop system at COSTCO, and I actually like the way it sounds over my big rid. Something is wrong with this picture. That Mini system sounds warmer and more musical than my big system. I must have a mismatch of equipment, or my speakers are just not doing it for me lately. For whatever reason, my big system just doesn't give me a great thrill anymore. I now think a good integrated amp will always sound better than a separate amp and pre-amp. Also, you don't have to keep constantly cleaning the interconnects that connect the two pieces together!

Damn this audio! Spend $1200 for a pair of speakers, and already want to spend $3000!

a new piece of equipment sounds much better then my present. It somewhat falls in between "Im dissatidfied with the soun of my system." and "I want to be up to dat with technological advances." choices.

I accumulated enough spare cash to get what I've been reading about for some time...

Usually I pick my products to be as "future-proof" as possible and upgrade components only when new technologies arrive.

If I feel that I have some extra money, I'm buying better pieces of audio (but I don't wanna be up to date with tech advances!).