[JoshK]

When does it become obsession?

Not audiophiledom, but build it yourself-dom?  I have more projects slated (and parts for) then I can likely complete in the next 6-9mos, maybe more.  Is this normal?

My curiousity is killing this cat.  I read too many approaches which I haven't heard myself and it makes me want to build it to hear for myself.  I am making decent progress on my current projects given my workload, but I am always looking 2 projects ahead instead of finishing what I'm on.  

I think I'm doomed....  

[Doublej]

I can't tell you if it is normal but there's nothing wrong with having a couple of projects always in process.

It's a hobby, you are allowed to do what you want.

It think it becomes an obsession if it impacts your ability to perform your daily functions, eat, sleep, take the dog for a walk, give quality time to those close to you, peform adequately at work...

If you are having no problems with the above you are not obsessed and therefore will never achieve audio greatness  

[SET Man]

Hi,

  Josh, you are not alone.... believe me Like you I still have 1 or 2 projects that need to be completed. And of cause there are some more in my head right now! Not to mention what other idea will come up in my head.

   But! Between works, family and friends there not much time left to get things done. Well, I will try to work on them little by little when ever I can.

Anyway, good luck and dont forget to have fun doing it.

Take care,
Buddy

[JoshK]

I think it is a blast doing it, but that is sick twisted me.  That reminds me though, Buddy, that i need to make a trip to Queens to hear your system.  I have still never heard single driver or SET amps before and am more than curious.  Will it be for me?  Don't know but your music tastes overlap with mine.

[SET Man]

...I have still never heard single driver or SET amps before and am more than curious.  Will it be for me?  

Josh,

    You are welcome to come over to listen to my SET + Single Dirver Speaker.

    I consider my system, especially the speaker my "main project" I have been working on it for sometime now. When I set out to build my speaker my goal was to make speaker that sound like my headphone, the Grado SR60... itself a single driver  I think I am very very close to that point now. Not sure if that is a good thing or bad thing.

     Anyway, Josh stop by sometime. By the way... I think I will be free this Saturday. If you want to stop by let me know. Hey! after you listened to my system you might have another project to build.... SET amp and Single Driver Speaker!

Take care,
Buddy

[Gordy]

I can't tell you if it is normal but there's nothing wrong with having a couple of projects always in process.
 

I need to have a couple of projects going at any given time, audio or otherwise. Working on any one thing for too long causes my brain to grow dimmer and unforseen snags, lost parts (gotta see my work space ), mistakes... it's nice to have an alternative to turn to.   Just my way of avoiding frustration and it... usually works  

[Geoff-AU]

As long as you're enjoying yourself, does it matter?

[MaxCast]

How about some pics of you work benches?  Would love to see those.  What type of audio do you guys have in there?

[JohnR]

When does it become obsession?

When you have more unfinished projects than finished ones...?

[Vinnie R.]

When does it become obsession?

When you quit a very good paying engineering position (salary, benefits, 401K with company matching, stock options, etc.) to start your own audio company.  What was I thinking!!!  

The first year of starting a business is very difficult, but seriously, I love doing this!  

[JoshK]

Well you have more guts than I, Vinnie!  My wife would skin me alive.

DIY is fun, and this thread was meant half-heartedly. Sometimes we just need to laugh at ourselves.  If John's definition holds true, then I am obsessed, as I have more going then finished.  I am never sure if anything is ever finished.     Actually I have finished a lot, but there is always something further to do on it.  The 80% rule doesn't apply to an obsession though.

[mcgsxr]

I will share this - I have referenced in the past, that I used to build motorcycles in my garage.  I would buy crashed or raced bikes, and strip them down to the frame, and sell off the parts that I did not want, to fund other bike sales.  I eventually went through 11 Suzuki GSXR's in 4 years, often having more than 3 at a time in various states of disrepair in my garage.

It came to this - I had to sit one Saturday AM, and look around the garage.  When I found that I was more interested in stripping and building bikes than riding, that was the moment for me.

I sold off all the parts, and kept just one bike (ok 1 for me, and 1 for my wife, then girlfriend).  Later, I sold that last GSXR (the product of 3 years vision, and effort) to buy her engagement ring.  Best money I ever spent.

Still have her minibike in the garage, sitting waiting for the girls to grow older, and then I may get back into it.

I also went through a DIY phase of audio, but have found that I have hit my personal ROI point.  I will continue to build speakers, but that is as far as I want this to go.

I also still need that full time income, but I do pine for that extra $$ that I know my old bike habits could provide...

It comes down to this Josh - do you still take enough time to listen?  If you find that the building is overshadowing the listening, both in time and enjoyment, then you will decide which is more important, and which you want to focus on.

Oh, and isn't it all really obsession anyway!  WHOOPS, was that out loud?