Quote Originally Posted by hermanv
Damned if I know where to draw the line between elitism, listening skill and bragging rights.

When I heard my first high end system I suddenly knew my Sansui amp and Servo Linear speakers weren't doing the job. I junked all the electronics and bought Denon individual pieces, 20 bit CD player, Denon pre and 110 Watt per channel power (kept the speakers). I was truly happy for about 6 months. That's when I made the mistake of revisiting my friend who had the high end system. Damn, the Denon stuff didn't cut it for me.

So first I decided speakers were very important, I went to many stores and listened intently for something in the $2,000 range. I settle on some Dahlquist DQ32 a three way with a poly cone mid and silk dome tweeter, has a 10" woof that reaches 22Hz in the spec sheet. Not at all a bad speaker in retrospect. Long since relegated to my home theater where they do just fine.

Next I jumped to a Conrad Johnson PV12L a tube linestage (no phono) and a C-J DAC2(?) then I bought a C-J MF2300A 240w/channel big brute of an amp. Folowed by another speaker upgrade, this time Martin Logan ReQuests. By now I've learned all about the internet and used gear.

Now I'm solidly in the audio nut camp, spent loo much money only to discover that the ol' 12 gauge zip cord and gold plated interconnects just wouldn't do. So close to another grand later, Monster M1000 and Kimber speaker cable I do indeed have good sound. All my friends think I'm nuts, it takes most of them a few years to discover that my stuff does plain sound better especially for long listening sessions. Since all this there have been many other upgrades allways more money allways to my ears better sound.

So if you are happy with $1,400 obviously there is nothing is wrong with that. Does it sound the same as my gear? Probably not. Can anyone hear the difference? Maybe not right away, but most would instantly if they were side by side.
I sat on my systems for six months waiting to reap the benifits of the various combinations.I'm just now reaping the full benifits of these choices.Does your systems sound better than mine, I haven't the fooggist clue as it's my ears I have to please.For me my decsions have been finalized, so there is no more of me trying to better it by adding this that and the other thing.