[davidrs]

Anyone else ever feel this way?

JLM, What is your definition or description of complex?

[Wind Chaser]

You can always walk away, but chances are you'll come back as long as your hearing doesn't become too compromised.

[charmerci]

I'm at a bit of a loss to see how suggestions of buying a old, used turntable (cartridge set-up, loading up and cleaning records, tracking down used parts and finding a repair shop if something goes wrong, etc.) is going to simplify an audio experience. 

Seems to me like downloading all your music onto a computer and using a Squeezebox would make things a lot simpler.

[JLM]

JLM, What is your definition or description of complex?

You caught me.  What I find complex is music server software/firmware; trying to match up components for the best synergy; and keeping up with the latest/greatest DAC, speaker, etc.

Of course quality and simplicity and cheap are pretty much mutually exclusive.  The least expensive without giving up quality is normally to just keep what you've got.  And I agree with charmerci, vinyl may be a purist approach, but it's not simple, easy, or cheap for the user.  I could say the same regarding tubes (swapping, biasing, matching, aging).

I tried for years to follow the purist/SET route, but couldn't find efficient speakers that provided deep bass or were uncolored.  So I have chip based monoblocks (9 parts, short signal path) with stepped attenuators plugged directly into the back that drive single driver speakers.

Vintage is a romantic ideal, but can take more effort (or trying to find a shop to make the inevitable repairs) and still not sound as good (depending on your taste).

I have a 2nd system thats in the living room that is simple: CDP, stereo receiver, and 2-way floorstanders.  It provides a less detailed, but non fatiguing presentation, and is perfectly fine considering the compromised setup in the room.  Its perfect for dinner parties (I'm too old to get rowdy).

[Mariusz]

........simple as:
Low maintenance
Easy to use
Fewer boxes the better
Cheap
No tubes
No vinyl
Better sounding then Bo$e

Doesn't sound too challenging.
But it sounds to me like " getting off Marry-go-round" syndrome.

[JoMoCo]

High dollar navel contimplation takes away from the pure joy of the music.  Remember when a six transistor radio was just fine and your own mind filled in the blanks?
 

Its not about the endless equipment of aquisition trophies...or is it...
What makes it fun for you? Only you can answer that.

[JLM]

Much of this past time involves the thrill of the hunt.  Trophies is certainly a part of it, but what passes as a trophy for me may be different from you.

Part of the fustration is the grass being greener on the other side of the fence (expectations exceeding reality). 

Another part is chasing the SOTA (state of the art).  Just as I close in on something that is close to SOTA (I goals have rarely been so lofty as to expect reaching it), someone invents a better mouse trap that costs more or doesn't quite fit into my scheme.  Or a user/reviewer reveals some sort of shortcoming to my "perfect" plans.  So yes I suppose it's a "burnt out" feeling I'm going through.

[turkey]

Maybe I should just get some new music and listen for a while.

That's what I've been doing.

[Wind Chaser]

Works every time.  If you're listening to the same old music all the time, therein lies the problem.  Keep it fresh.

[Quiet Earth]

People always get burned out when their hobby becomes overly complex. "Complex", as in it only works just right when all of the stars are aligned and the moon is in full view. If your system is held together by a plethora of specialized tweaks and requires special attention all of the time, then you're going to burn out. If on the other hand, you have a system that doesn't need any tweaks to sound good, and it's very easy to use, then you will use it all of the time and enjoy it.

"Expensive" is relative to the individual, so I don't want to comment.

My recommendation for a simple stereo that will provide maximum entertainment and minimal boredom involves only three components. A non oversampling CD player, a single ended triode (or pentode) integrated amplifier, and a pair of reasonably sized, reasonably efficient two way speakers . (I would avoid most single driver speakers because they almost always require the end user to figure out how to make them sound complete. I.E. they are not finished.)

Get some decent hook up wire and set the whole thing smack up against a wall in the room that you feel most comfortable sitting in. On your mark, get set, go.

[Elizabeth]

Yup. new to you music is the best thing of all.
I have thousands of CDs and LPs I have never had the chance to listen too. And I like to have a huge pile of 'new to me' stuff. So when i want something new, something is ALWAYS on had to satisfy!
I use the "All Music Guide" books for Rock and Jazz. They have reviews and ratings , with the only flaw being they are no longer publishing them, so for current stuff, one can go to the allmusic , com site and search. I do wish they would make a current edition of at least the Rock book, which is last published ten years ago.
Sometimes the upgrade bug hits.. but then after all it is the music that is what is interesting about the audio hobby.
AND, I have experienced upgrades where after the 'bling' wears off, I stopped listening to music, because the upgrade was really a giant step backwards.
This was a swap of a nice Hafler DH110 I made from a kit (with Phono) to the (at that time) new Sony digital preamp 1000 something model and was the first with digital domain sound changes..After the newness wore off... I realized it was a chunk of DooDoo. Sold it and got a Counterpoint preamp Wonderful but fatally flawed because it would break. So it goes....

[groovybassist]

The LFD Zero Mk III has arrived - impressive so far.  Will spend more time tomorrow getting a handle on it. Fun, fun, fun!

[Tyson]

If you think buying audio gear is too complex, you should try building it

[JLM]

Thanks again everyone for your input, especially Elizabeth regarding allmusic.com.

Tyson, I assembled Hafler pre and power amps 30 years ago, does that count?   

[andrewbee]

A pair of Audioengine A5's, an Apple Airport Express, Notebook computer, Apple Universal Dock and an iPod  is my prescription for you.

[JLM]

Wasn't really looking for answers, just venting.

BTW andrewbee, that's not a bad solution, but I still want upper end sound (just inexpensively and simply).

Active speakers have huge advantages, unfortunately most show their studio/sound reinforcement roots and most audiophiles don't like turning that portion of the hunt over to the speaker designer.  I'm currently using monoblocks wired directly to single driver speakers (active by default).

[konut]

BTW andrewbee, that's not a bad solution, but I still want upper end sound (just inexpensively and simply). 

To quote Ringo " You've got to pay your dues if you wanna sing the blues, and you know it don't come easy."