In my case,

Before I automatically started ordering an isolation platform with any disc player.

Before I lined up several portables in a level-matched (to sub-0.5dbs), blind-switch test. After all, if you're going to do it, you might as well do it properly unlike the fanboys.

Before I could quite breezily say spending $10K on a used headphone was not entirely unjustifiable.

Before I knew what word clocks were.

Before Geekophilia.

I think I might finally be approaching that phase.

Nope. Knowledge is power. Ignorance ain't bliss.

Yes, I used to be able to enjoy music without even thinking about the veil. But the bell cannot be unrung.

And I have to admit to feeling a certain thrill when I hear something reproduced particularly well. I remember two such incidents -- one was at Hirsch's place, he played me that Weavers Live at Carnegie Hall, and that was the first time I heard "you are there" imaging. The second was prior to that, when I thought they had a live musician playing in the next room at Deja Vu Audio (in their old location). It was a recording. Every time I break through a wall, I get a similar kind of thrill. So no, not entirely do I wish that.

Before I could quite breezily say spending $10K on a used headphone was not entirely unjustifiable.

So, I've been thinking about this line for the past few minutes.

What?! Which headphone demands such a price?

So, I've been thinking about this line for the past few minutes.

What?! Which headphone demands such a price?

I don't think I've ever seen a headphone on it's own sold for that money although I've heard rumors of the R10 changing hands for about $10K. The closest I actually recall having seen with my own eyes was an Orpheus going for $11K+ a while back but that did include the HEV90 amp too.

Nope. Knowledge is power. Ignorance ain't bliss.

x2

So, I've been thinking about this line for the past few minutes.

What?! Which headphone demands such a price?

The phone + amp is in my sig. Should be pretty obvious really what it is.

I just get the feeling I'm unnecessarily complicating things where there are no concrete benefits. I guess I've started to lose the certain degree of self-delusion necessary to sustain a certain level of audiophilia.

The phone + amp is in my sig. Should be pretty obvious really what it is.

Ah, I see. The amplifier included. Makes a little bit more sense. Hmmm...

Nope... I go to the symphony every couple of weeks (3 times in the next 2 weeks) and I don't obsess much about my equipment any more. Having a limited budget helps, too.