Thanks. You’re way ahead of me. I agree with you. I want to go beyond. My wallet holds me back most of the times. Other times, it’s because shipping is a problem. But I get you. After listening to stuff, I understand & appreciate anything that does not feel like a task just to wear. Tin2 gave me that feeling - to some extent. The M9 is what I was also considering when I was thinking about the WXM5s. I chickened out because for some reason, my mind associates wear-ability with the sound signature. Yes, I know - it’s dumb, like I said, it’s in my head. U12t is just within my reach. Just. Maybe a New Year present for myself. I dislike Apple with every shred of my body, but their dongle is respectfully in my good books. Still, I will never stoop that low to have anything Apple as my possession - no offense. Because I paced through the low tier, by the time I got to where I am, I found good speakers. Work keeps me stuck to the WXM5s, so my ascent beyond the mid-fi has mellowed. I do aim to mature as much as you, but I want it to be natural. I’m happy accessibility is improving by the minute, both for items & music, so I’m sure it will be soon.
I’ve learnt this hobby to be like a process- journey sort of. I am thoroughly enjoying it. Thus I do intend to get to a TOTL one day. Maybe a few years. The stuff I have now & get to get my hands on, I think of all of them as my training exercises, teaching me how to enjoy, showing me the nuances & helping me find what I like. I appreciate even the crappy ones. I get to see the other end of the spectrum. They show me what is utter shite or what’s not my taste. HE1000s- oh boy. Yes. More of such things in the world please. I’m glad there’s no dearth of them. I got to hear susvara ONCE, for a minute or two max, connected to a not-so-new macintosh amp. Just once. It was orgasmic I tell you. The gentleman had a tufted leather chair next to it to enjoy it. I want to try some electro stats. Never had the chance. I look at stuff from Meze or Focal for eye candy. That’s another aspect. I want my stuff to have that chic look & feel. Electro stats are currently in contrast. Due to their nature, I think. As I realised I love listening to the good stuff, I have now begun building my collection in terms of the gear. Making sure I have good tracks in my drive, having a solid piece of a player, knowing what breaks down easily, etc. All of this is for those shiny top tier goodies. I have inherited this hobby along with my genes from my father. He never was careful with his hearing & is now clinically unable to hear things at even mildly loud volumes. I am going to take care of my hearing so that I can enjoy my TOLT when I get old & wrinkly. I’ll get my own biscuit tufted chair with an ottoman. That’s my retirement plan.