What was the best money you ever spent on audio?

SwedeSound · « **on:** 7 Nov 2008, 04:58 pm »

Given these woeful economic times, I imagine there are those among us who have pulled back on their spending habits a bit. Or a lot. Or at least taken a hard look at what we spend our money on.

Yet I've come to realize that the money I've spent on my audio gear and music in general has been money well spent... little as it may be relative to a lot of you.

I'm curious what the rest of you think was the best money you ever spent on your audio habit. Could be a piece of equipment. Could be a piece of music. Could be something you no longer even own. What was it? And how much did you spend?

Just curious...

-Jason

Wind Chaser · « **Reply #1 on:** 7 Nov 2008, 05:06 pm »

A divorce!

acresm22 · « **Reply #2 on:** 7 Nov 2008, 05:08 pm »

Klipsch LaScalas...$300 at a garage sale.

TomS · « **Reply #3 on:** 7 Nov 2008, 05:09 pm »

No doubt about it. Room treatments - Realtraps, GIK, and even DIY.

mcullinan · « **Reply #4 on:** 7 Nov 2008, 05:13 pm »

Merlin VSM MXs.
Demo Pair. $4600
Makes the system complete.
Mike

rockadanny · « **Reply #5 on:** 7 Nov 2008, 05:17 pm »

My EgglestonWorks Fontaine speakers. The first audiophile grade speakers I've ever owned. I have built my entire system around these speakers and have yet to hear any others I like as well. I never would have thought I could have owned such beautiful sounding and looking speakers, but the cards just fell into place while I was speaker shopping, and ... voila. I feel blessed to own such a lovely pair of speakers.

As far as their cost, I'll just say that I got an amazing deal from a dealer closeout, and that they cost $599 less than my brand new, off the lot, 1973, 318 ci, Plymouth Duster. (I really wanted a Cutlass 422, yellow with black racing stripe(s?), but pops wisely steered me towards the potentially less dangerous Duster.)

SwedeSound · « **Reply #6 on:** 7 Nov 2008, 05:30 pm »

Wow! Talk about longevity! Hard to argue with that purchase... Especially if you amortize it over how many years?!

I should have said what mine was - but it's pretty obvious from my tagline. That $10 has led to the spending of more money, sure, but never has any of my money been better spent. And I can't see ever bothering to replace them. If I did, I'd never have the same value.

Jon L · « **Reply #7 on:** 7 Nov 2008, 05:33 pm »

Electrostat headphones. Prices are all over the place, but some great ones can be had in $1500 range. In addition to showing me what is truly pure and neutral, they helped me tweak my dynamic speaker system to emulate those qualities.

mgalusha · « **Reply #8 on:** 7 Nov 2008, 05:44 pm »

Room treatments, hands down the single best money I've ever spent on audio.

loki1957 · « **Reply #9 on:** 7 Nov 2008, 05:47 pm »

Glass ceiling Odyssey Extreme Mono's

SOM · « **Reply #10 on:** 7 Nov 2008, 05:54 pm »

Used HornShoppe Horns....$600 (I think).

I could upgrade everything else in my system many times over before the speakers become the weak link. These truly may be the last speakers I ever buy.

BradJudy · « **Reply #11 on:** 7 Nov 2008, 05:56 pm »

$5 for an Ototek Loop ear cleaner at Walgreens - http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?CATID=100218&id=prod359743

Should last forever and I like it more than the popular ear-irrigation products. Plus, it's great if you get an itch in your ear.

I've heard there are fancy ear wax suckers that work well, but I haven't tried any. This is similar to the ear wax "spoons" used in Asia, but has a safety guard to keep you from poking your eardrum.

BobM · « **Reply #12 on:** 7 Nov 2008, 05:59 pm »

NY Audio Rave annual dues. Wait, there aren't any. I'm really getting my money's worth then!

The social aspects of audio, which is primarily a solo sport, can't be measured in dollar terms. It's great to have a bunch of audio buddies as nice as everyone in this group. I feel privileged to be a member.

Bob

bluemike · « **Reply #13 on:** 7 Nov 2008, 06:04 pm »

I agree with Bob

The journey is the fun part and meeting all kinds of great people along the way aa

zybar · « **Reply #14 on:** 7 Nov 2008, 06:07 pm »

Another vote for room treatments.

In my case that has been high quality products from Ethan at Realtraps.com

George

mcullinan · « **Reply #15 on:** 7 Nov 2008, 06:14 pm »

Dammit, Bob took the high road.
Oh well...
I agree 100 % points... Great people. Though I really have no friends so there is nothing to compare them too.. ha
ha
Mike

Thebiker · « **Reply #16 on:** 7 Nov 2008, 06:22 pm »

The music. Without that, all the gear is just high priced dust collectors.

mcgsxr · « **Reply #17 on:** 7 Nov 2008, 06:23 pm »

I am torn.

I could cite the $3500 I spent in 3rd year university for my initial "real" audio system - Totem speakers, Sugden amp, Atlantis stands, a Sony changer, and a bunch of music - it lead me to the path of music lover, via a good system.

I could cite the $1000 or so I have in my Bolder SB3 - completely revolutionized the way I use my system, and the way I use music.

In the end, I think it is money I did not spend that was best invested. My parents spend $1000's on music lessons for me over the 10 years I played violin (achieved the 9th conservatory level), and this honed my musical ear, and put me in touch with how music can make me feel - self generated, live, or reproduced.

Have I ever spend bad money on audio? Another thread perhaps!

TONEPUB · « **Reply #18 on:** 7 Nov 2008, 06:26 pm »

The Naim 555. I enjoy digital as much as analog now...

Niteshade · « **Reply #19 on:** 7 Nov 2008, 06:31 pm »

1. Klpisch RF-83's
2. Pair of vintage Baldwin monoblocks that I modified for home use
3. A pair of solid heavy pine speaker stands custom made for me. They raise the RF-83's a foot off the floor (BIG sound difference!)
4. Denon 3805 receiver (built like a tank and a decent SS amp reference for me)