Author Topic: Please face punch me  (Read 7644 times)

jamesbond007

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Please face punch me
« on: October 17, 2017, 03:06:57 PM »
Yeah so. I used to have a 5.1 home theater setup before I was a Mustachian. I am not a 100% Mustachian now either. But, I am trying to. Fortunately I did not squander away all my money and I am track with my retirement plan and I'm a generally happy person. I sold my HT setup when my DD was born 4 years ago. Now that she is older, I am thinking of getting back into having a HT again. It would cost me $3500 for a really good 5.1.4 setup. I am split. Part of me says, go for it. I worked for it. This is something that I enjoy for years to come. I watch all my movies at home. We don't go to the cinema. Part of me says, put it towards retirement.


I don't know what I am going to do. I am torn.


(first world problems)

Jenny1974

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #1 on: October 17, 2017, 03:15:07 PM »
Honestly . . . you can't deny yourself every luxury.  You still have to live and enjoy life on your way to FI.  It's all about balance.  I say as long as you are meeting your savings goals, splurge a little.

Sorry . . . not a face punch . . . but I don't think one is warranted here necessarily.

jgoody

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #2 on: October 17, 2017, 03:31:22 PM »
For me, $3500 seems like an absurd amount of money to put into a home theater.  Why don't you go to the cinema?  Do you realize that $3500 would buy 350  $10 movie tickets?  That's a lot of movies.  So you're sure not saving money by watching at home.

jamesbond007

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #3 on: October 17, 2017, 03:34:24 PM »
For me, $3500 seems like an absurd amount of money to put into a home theater.  Why don't you go to the cinema?  Do you realize that $3500 would buy 350  $10 movie tickets?  That's a lot of movies.  So you're sure not saving money by watching at home.


Good point. I watch a lot of movies at home. Old ones, new ones, foreign movies on blu-ray that I rent etc. The reason I was thinking of getting a home theater is because I want to enjoy the sound.

jgoody

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #4 on: October 17, 2017, 03:51:23 PM »
I just cannot conceive of spending $3500 for improved sound while watching a movie.  I think the easiest "mustachian" answer is to go outside for a hike instead.  And then at night, do some home improvement projects instead.  Watching a movie is just so... passive.  And to then blow $3500 on this already sedentary activity is pretty anti-mustachian.

Realistically, personal interests and priorities are going to play a part in where people spend their money (I have almost $3K in espresso gear <lowers head in shame/hypocrisy>).  Still, if you're really looking for some outside perspective (from someone who watches movies on their laptop), then my opinion is "facepunch" - sounds like a pretty anti-mustachian use of green employees.

« Last Edit: October 17, 2017, 03:53:37 PM by jgoody »

nereo

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #5 on: October 17, 2017, 03:52:16 PM »
You seem to be chasing the higher tiers of a hobby, which always suffer from diminishing returns.  Yes, I know true audiophile stuff can be 10x this price, but you can also get a decent setup for ~1/3 of what you are planning on spending.  It won't be as good, but it will be a hell of a lot better than tin speakers in your flat-screen.

Point being - you can always spend more, and there are always half-assed ways of justifying it to yourself.

Don't do it.  Put it towards your retirement or your DD (who's only 4).  Honestly that's another good reason not to do it - expensive electronics and small (but growing) kids often don't match.

nereo

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #6 on: October 17, 2017, 03:55:06 PM »
I just cannot conceive of spending $3500 for improved sound while watching a movie.  I think the easiest "mustachian" answer is to go outside for a hike instead.  And then at night, do some home improvement projects instead.  Watching a movie is just so... passive.  And to then blow $3500 on this already sedentary activity is pretty anti-mustachian.

Realistically, personal interests and priorities are going to play a part in where people spend their money (I have almost $3K in espresso gear <lowers head in shame/hypocrisy>).  Still, if you're really looking for some outside perspective (from someone who watches movies on their laptop), then I'll say "facepunch" - sounds like a pretty anti-mustachian use of green employees.

Ok, now you've got me curious - what the hell costs $3k for 'espresso gear'?  I can't even figure out how that's possible, unless you buy some sort of computer-controlled contraption.    I thought my roommate was insane when she spent $140 for a burr grinder and $300 for the machine.  Toss in a few pounds of coffee and that tamper-thingy and she's still under $500.

jgoody

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #7 on: October 17, 2017, 04:10:19 PM »
I just cannot conceive of spending $3500 for improved sound while watching a movie.  I think the easiest "mustachian" answer is to go outside for a hike instead.  And then at night, do some home improvement projects instead.  Watching a movie is just so... passive.  And to then blow $3500 on this already sedentary activity is pretty anti-mustachian.

Realistically, personal interests and priorities are going to play a part in where people spend their money (I have almost $3K in espresso gear <lowers head in shame/hypocrisy>).  Still, if you're really looking for some outside perspective (from someone who watches movies on their laptop), then I'll say "facepunch" - sounds like a pretty anti-mustachian use of green employees.

Ok, now you've got me curious - what the hell costs $3k for 'espresso gear'?  I can't even figure out how that's possible, unless you buy some sort of computer-controlled contraption.    I thought my roommate was insane when she spent $140 for a burr grinder and $300 for the machine.  Toss in a few pounds of coffee and that tamper-thingy and she's still under $500.

$1700 espresso machine, $500 grinder, $400 coffee roaster = $2600.  "Higher tiers of a hobby" as you said.  Fortunately, I encountered MMM before upgrading any more.  I already had begun lusting over the next step up for each item at 2-3x the cost of what I already have!  To temper the insanity, consider that the above setup gets used by both myself and my wife every single day (and usually twice per day on the weekends) and roasting your own coffee is roughly half the cost of buying (fresh expensive) stuff from your local coffee shop.  Plus, I love the ritual/learning process of it all.

surfhb

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #8 on: October 17, 2017, 04:37:11 PM »
I have a 7.1 surround system that will blow it away.   All components bought off CL over time for less than $800.    ;)

doneby35

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #9 on: October 17, 2017, 05:01:10 PM »
I had a 5.1 surround sound system a few years back which i had bought for like $500 and it sounded pretty damn good.
I personally cannot justify $3500 for a sound system. $500 to splurge every now and then, sure go for it, but $3500 is a ridiculous amount of money just to have a better movie night experience.
You just got punched in the face.

wordnerd

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #10 on: October 17, 2017, 05:20:29 PM »
The byline under your avatar says, "One penny at a time." This is 350,000 pennies.


Bicycle_B

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #11 on: October 17, 2017, 05:26:37 PM »
Rarely does one find such a clear request in a thread title.  Mr. Bond, I shall oblige you. 

$3500 deserves a real Thunderball of a facepunch.  Hell to the Dr. No!

Surfhb and doneby35 have given you a License to Kill.  Kill this expensive temptation by finding excellent sound secondhand.  You Only Live Twice, and your home theater should do the same.  Challenge yourself to find a system equal to or better than surfhb for under $800.  Diamonds are Forever, but audio components are not.  Use your Goldeneye to get them cheap, your Goldfinger to assemble them.  Live and Let Die, my friend.

And if it takes a few months for the Spectre of the perfect system to appear, take a Quantum of Solace in this thought.  The $2700 you save will give you $100 per year income forever.  That's enough to buy ANOTHER system every five years at doneby35's pricing, in case the technology keeps improving.  Because, once you're FIRE, Tomorrow Never Dies.
« Last Edit: October 17, 2017, 05:29:38 PM by Bicycle_B »

JLee

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #12 on: October 17, 2017, 05:34:07 PM »
I found a pair of floorstanding Klipsch speakers and a 12" Klipsch subwoofer on Craigslist for $220.  I have a ~$60 pair of Dayton bookshelf speakers as surrounds and no center because I don't have a good place to put one.  It sounds pretty good to me -- I don't have too much experience with exceptionally high end gear, but if I want precise sound I'll just switch to headphones!

Laura33

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #13 on: October 17, 2017, 06:04:08 PM »
Yeah so. I used to have a 5.1 home theater setup before I was a Mustachian. I am not a 100% Mustachian now either. But, I am trying to. Fortunately I did not squander away all my money and I am track with my retirement plan and I'm a generally happy person. I sold my HT setup when my DD was born 4 years ago. Now that she is older, I am thinking of getting back into having a HT again. It would cost me $3500 for a really good 5.1.4 setup. I am split. Part of me says, go for it. I worked for it. This is something that I enjoy for years to come. I watch all my movies at home. We don't go to the cinema. Part of me says, put it towards retirement.

You can also say you worked for a fancy car, and a big-ass house, and to send your kids to private school, and to take expensive vacations.  Oh:  and you also worked in order to free Future You from the need to keep working.  But the proper conjunction is "or," not "and."  Which of those is the most important to you?

Look, if this is your big "thing," and you are ok with how it will impact your FIRE date*, then your choice.  But, damn, that is a shit-ton of money for sound.  What about trying cheaper options first?  Or, you know, find another guy who is about to have a kid and take his system off his hands for a song.**  :-)

*But don't fool yourself into thinking this is a one-time event.  You are jumping back on the treadmill of fancy-schmancy cinema "experience."  Your financial analysis should assume that you will "need" to replace and/or "upgrade" to a better model on a regular basis.

** Part of me thinks that there is only one home theater system, and it circulates from guy to guy as they are about to have kids.  Kind of like fruitcake.

nereo

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #14 on: October 17, 2017, 06:15:21 PM »
Rarely does one find such a clear request in a thread title.  Mr. Bond, I shall oblige you. 

$3500 deserves a real Thunderball of a facepunch.  Hell to the Dr. No!

Surfhb and doneby35 have given you a License to Kill.  Kill this expensive temptation by finding excellent sound secondhand.  You Only Live Twice, and your home theater should do the same.  Challenge yourself to find a system equal to or better than surfhb for under $800.  Diamonds are Forever, but audio components are not.  Use your Goldeneye to get them cheap, your Goldfinger to assemble them.  Live and Let Die, my friend.

And if it takes a few months for the Spectre of the perfect system to appear, take a Quantum of Solace in this thought.  The $2700 you save will give you $100 per year income forever.  That's enough to buy ANOTHER system every five years at doneby35's pricing, in case the technology keeps improving.  Because, once you're FIRE, Tomorrow Never Dies.
I see what you did there.
...who is your favorite?

Bicycle_B

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #15 on: October 17, 2017, 07:07:27 PM »
Rarely does one find such a clear request in a thread title.  Mr. Bond, I shall oblige you. 

$3500 deserves a real Thunderball of a facepunch.  Hell to the Dr. No!

Surfhb and doneby35 have given you a License to Kill.  Kill this expensive temptation by finding excellent sound secondhand.  You Only Live Twice, and your home theater should do the same.  Challenge yourself to find a system equal to or better than surfhb for under $800.  Diamonds are Forever, but audio components are not.  Use your Goldeneye to get them cheap, your Goldfinger to assemble them.  Live and Let Die, my friend.

And if it takes a few months for the Spectre of the perfect system to appear, take a Quantum of Solace in this thought.  The $2700 you save will give you $100 per year income forever.  That's enough to buy ANOTHER system every five years at doneby35's pricing, in case the technology keeps improving.  Because, once you're FIRE, Tomorrow Never Dies.
I see what you did there.
...who is your favorite?

Vesper Lynd  :)

pbkmaine

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #16 on: October 17, 2017, 08:09:17 PM »
It’s fine to have a nice sound system. What isn’t fine, or mustachian, is paying retail for it. Mustachians NEVER pay retail. Find some poor schlub who paid retail and is now giving the system away for pennies on the dollar. Check craigslist. Ask friends and family. Befriend clerks in audio stores. Better yet, get a part-time job in one so that you will hear about great used systems first.

nereo

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #17 on: October 18, 2017, 03:25:21 AM »
It’s fine to have a nice sound system. What isn’t fine, or mustachian, is paying retail for it. Mustachians NEVER pay retail. Find some poor schlub who paid retail and is now giving the system away for pennies on the dollar. Check craigslist. Ask friends and family. Befriend clerks in audio stores. Better yet, get a part-time job in one so that you will hear about great used systems first.

People who head down the audiophile rabbit hole are serial upgraders. That means there's a ton of mid-tier stuff out there for a small fraction of what's new, if oyu are just patient and keep looking.  Not anywhere near your $3500 system, but I literally got a pair of omni speakers (retail $250 each) for a double batch of my homemade biscotti (out of pocket cost, about $10).

If you stop lusting after the 'lastest/greatest' new speakers you can find stuff with awesome sound for almost nothing.

Barbaebigode

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #18 on: October 18, 2017, 06:00:15 AM »
$3500 for a sound system to watch movies... wow. I'm baffled that that's a dilemma at all. Unless of course you're a millionaire and you value money and things differently. But in case you're not, I'll leave you with the words of the guru himself.


http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2012/12/26/cure-yourself-of-tiny-details-exaggeration-syndrome/

http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2013/08/29/luxury-is-just-another-weakness/


Khaetra

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #19 on: October 18, 2017, 06:15:09 AM »
I have a pretty decent setup, but nowhere close to $3500!  I bought most of my gear piece-by piece, floor models, pawn shops, etc.  You can get good stuff for not a lot of money if you're patient.  If I remember correctly I spent less than $500 total for everything.

runbikerun

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #20 on: October 18, 2017, 06:43:31 AM »
My own personal reformulation of the 80/20 rule: 80% of the quality is 20% of the cost. If you spend that much, you're burning the price of a ten-year-old car on a marginal sound quality improvement.

Three and a half thousand dollars for something that is the poster child for hedonic adaptation is crazy money.

frugaliknowit

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #21 on: October 18, 2017, 06:47:46 AM »
I own a 5.1 surround sound out of the box system from Sony that I paid $500 for 14 years ago and it still works.  Recently, a friend of mine encouraged me to go wireless and get a Sonos system.  That would have been a minimum of $2K installed by Best Buy.  The salesman at BB told me the Sonos wireless would NOT SOUND as good as my $500 Sony 14 year old system.  No thanks.

If $3500 is not a significant chunk and you will enjoy it, go for it, but that's a lot to spend and you will easily get sucked into the upgrading treadmill, which will cost you even more.  Wired might be cheaper than wireless?

FindingFI

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #22 on: October 18, 2017, 07:16:47 AM »
Your sig says FI by 2025, so if you put that $3,500 into retirement investments and it returns, let's assume, 7% per year, you'd have $5620 in 2025 if I've done the math correctly.  How do you feel about a sound system that costs you $5,620?

On another note: Any chance you are willing to share this recipe?!
for a double batch of my homemade biscotti (out of pocket cost, about $10).

EngineeringFI

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #23 on: October 18, 2017, 07:59:28 AM »
I'm an audio enthusiast as well, but there are ways to do this wayyy cheaper than $3500 as others have shared.

First, as others have noted, the depreciation curve on good audio equipment is a cliff. I get great deals on ebay and craigslist for perfectly good gear that's no longer the latest and greatest. This is an excellent option for speakers or separate amplifiers which don't required up-to-date software/codecs to play newer releases. If you're experienced with electronics, you can also buy broken gear for cheap off of ebay and fix it. I've been doing this since college, its a great way to learn, try new gear, and then maybe resell it on ebay for a profit when you're done enjoying it.

But perhaps the more mustachian option is to build your speakers yourself. I don't have a single pair of commercially built speakers or subwoofer in my house, the mark-up is insane for the relatively low quality product that you get. There is a HUGE community online of DIY speaker builders and websites like www.partsexpress.com and www.madisound.com have complete kits designed by the best and brightest of this online community and in some cases including complete enclosures that require little to no work. The end product you get with a kit is far superior to something you'd buy at a big box store and you save a ton of money.

undercover

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #24 on: October 18, 2017, 09:19:09 AM »
MMM has probably invested far more than $3,500 in his home theater over the years (though he's presumably gotten rid of most of it.

Quote from: iPad 3 article
Even after cutting my inventory, I still own at least eight pairs of speakers and four amplifiers.

And here's a link a pic of a couple of Axiom M80's, which currently are selling for about $2K. I assume he's had them for a long time though (he may no longer have them) so he would've likely payed more. http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/speaker-1024x764.jpg

So yeah, you're not alone in your quest for the best experience.

Obviously, the problem with high end gear in any hobby is diminishing returns. Spending 3X the money for something that only makes you 1.5X happier/satisfied doesn't make sense. Also, clearly, spending that much money on a leisurely passive activity is hardly ever a good idea.

BTW, it just so happens that if you invested that $3,500, then you could pay for a MoviePass membership indefinitely and you could see any movie you want everyday at most movie theaters.

Heroes821

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #25 on: October 18, 2017, 09:52:15 AM »
$3,500 is crazy!

My HT was about $1000 at the time. 

Here's my take. http://www.projectorcentral.com/ is a great forum.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I4WSAL2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 is my screen 92" fixed frame wall mounted. $205 now, was $199 when I bought it 3 years ago.

If you have a pitch black room a white screen is great if you have a room with windows a black screen is great. Black screens are stupid expensive. Dark grey screens are on the rise and that's what's in the link.

According to most discussion on projector central the best home 1080p projectors under $3000 mark are the BENQ 1070W line (or w/e number they are producing now)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A2T6X0K/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I had to replace mine after a lightening strike took it and half my houses' electronics out.  $599 bucks.

Adjustable ceiling mount for projectors https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TXNS6G/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 $100

I also bought a sound bar w/ sub: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AMTAV7Q/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1  Could of did better with this one was $150 at time of purchase.

$600+100+150+200 = $1050   At the time a 50" LED 1080 was like $2000-3000 so way cheaper. While insurance would of paid for the tv after the lightening hit, I really enjoy the fact that I only needed to replace the projector out of the 3 main items.  Also the BENQ has pretty good sound on it's own just not the surround sound.

That being said 4k projectors are emerging and they are dumb expensive. Brightside with 4k as the new hotness 1080 projectors are dropping in price.


I personally feel that a projector is a cheaper endeavor than buying a TV and way more fun, but TVs are way down in price and a good 40 inch is like $300 bucks 1080p  nvm $450 https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Electronics-UN40MU6300-40-Inch-Ultra/dp/B06XGVQYQZ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1508341780&sr=8-1&keywords=samsung+led+40inch

It says 4k, but it's really Ultra HD which is like wanna be 4k. Still super cheap and as a smart tv you don't need another device to play Netflix, like a raspberry pi or playstation or something.

But if you want to take up a whole wall projectors can be affordable too.

GuitarStv

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #26 on: October 18, 2017, 10:00:04 AM »
Yeah so. I used to have a 5.1 home theater setup before I was a Mustachian. I am not a 100% Mustachian now either. But, I am trying to. Fortunately I did not squander away all my money and I am track with my retirement plan and I'm a generally happy person. I sold my HT setup when my DD was born 4 years ago. Now that she is older, I am thinking of getting back into having a HT again. It would cost me $3500 for a really good 5.1.4 setup. I am split. Part of me says, go for it. I worked for it. This is something that I enjoy for years to come. I watch all my movies at home. We don't go to the cinema. Part of me says, put it towards retirement.

- If you've already got speakers, or a TV, or whatever then keep using it until it dies.  Don't re-buy.
- If you need to buy something, buy it used.  This stuff is waaaay cheaper used than new . . . and there's always someone selling something nice.
- Don't buy stuff because it's shiny and new.  A good speaker from thirty years ago is still a good speaker.  High quality amplifiers last ages.  (Buying used really helps you realize this).
- You don't need custom designed sets of speakers for different uses.  You can build a lovely home theater system out of random old non-matching stereo speakers . . . and it'll sound great.  Listen with your ears, not your eyes.

3500$ is a lot of money to spend on a sound system.  Really ask yourself . . . how many hours a day will I use this system?  How many hours a day did I use my previous home theater system?  How much of the media you're using will really take full advantage of 5.1.4 sound?

Meesh

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #27 on: October 18, 2017, 10:32:14 AM »
What happened to your old one? If you got rid of it, it makes me wonder why you think this time will be any different.

You are not saving money just by watching at home instead of at the theater, you'd have to spend massive amounts of time watching to make it worth it. You say you watch a lot but how much do you actually watch a week?

As someone whose parents had a 50k thx movie theater and a mother to a toddler: Don't do it!! Children plus electronics equals nightmare.

The "better quality" is a joke. Sure its fun to have your seat shake from sound waves but I certainly didn't feel like I was missing anything when I plugged the same DVD into my laptop. I'm personally very happy with my laptop and speaker setup. I kept thinking the previous owner was a fool worthy of a facepunch and sorry but so are you.

If it really is that big of a deal to you (and I'm not sure it is since it seems you got rid of it once already) challenge yourself to get something great used.

Slee_stack

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #28 on: October 18, 2017, 02:45:52 PM »
Hmm.  $3500 is indeed a lot.

But then again...I find $10 (and up up up!) movie tickets absolutely ridiculous.

Who wants to sit with discourteous theatergoers and actually PAY for the pleasure?!  Not me!


I used to have a nice set-up and still miss it to this day.  I actually continue to feel slight deprivation every time I listen to or watch something 8 years after I got rid of it all.

Music and movies definitely aren't as enjoyable.  But I've saved money right?  It's all worth it right?  I sure hope so... :S

On a good note, I learned I only need to drink water ever again on another forum here so I'll be saving even more money!  Happiness be damned!  ;D

jamesbond007

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #29 on: October 19, 2017, 07:41:31 AM »
Everyone, thanks for all the feedback. After reading all the justifications and reasoning, I have given up on the idea of going with a 5.1.4 setup. That extra 0.4 setup costs me $1200. Instead I will stick to a 5.1 and buy a HTiB solution that are cheaper than audiophile equipment. I am hoping to find one during thanksgiving either used or new. Now, the whole idea of giving up entirely on this? I seriously considered it after reading each and every comment here. I am convinced that $3500 is ridiculous amount of money. But I'd totally enjoy this system based on my past ownership. I will try to find ways to save and go cheaper.

GuitarStv

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #30 on: October 19, 2017, 12:40:28 PM »
Everyone, thanks for all the feedback. After reading all the justifications and reasoning, I have given up on the idea of going with a 5.1.4 setup. That extra 0.4 setup costs me $1200. Instead I will stick to a 5.1 and buy a HTiB solution that are cheaper than audiophile equipment. I am hoping to find one during thanksgiving either used or new. Now, the whole idea of giving up entirely on this? I seriously considered it after reading each and every comment here. I am convinced that $3500 is ridiculous amount of money. But I'd totally enjoy this system based on my past ownership. I will try to find ways to save and go cheaper.


Used!  Go used man.  You're looking for six pairs of speakers (best quality, good quality, meh quality) and a woofer.  You take the best quality speaker and use it as your center channel, the good quality speakers and use them as L/R, and use the crappy ones as rears.  Then hook up the woofer.  It will blow away any HTIB stuff and usually come in at around the same price.

nereo

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #31 on: October 19, 2017, 01:24:00 PM »

On another note: Any chance you are willing to share this recipe?!
for a double batch of my homemade biscotti (out of pocket cost, about $10).

Funny thing was, it wasn't even my recipe!  I think I used this one for half:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/almond-and-lemon-biscotti-dipped-in-white-chocolate-recipe-1940219
...the other half i just swapped out the lemon peel for orange and used dark chocolate instead of white.  I had some icing powder left over from decorating a wedding cake for my friend but that was basically it.  Put the whole thing in a repurposed cookie tin and voila! One of my best craigslist swaps.

The guy I traded them for had at least two sets of speakers better than these - I think his spouse was pushing him to downsize and these "older" (maybe 3-5 years old) speakers were the cheap-o ones in his collection, though they retailed for over $200 each.

ChpBstrd

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #32 on: October 19, 2017, 01:55:54 PM »
It is possible to be a mustachian audiophile, just as it is possible to be a mustachian with a $1200 bicycle. The difference is finding a way to get the $3500 sound system or the $5000 bicycle for 80% off. Then, take care of and hold your high quality possessions forever, skipping the upgrade cycle. The other key is to not purchase more than you can actually enjoy.

In my pre-semi-mustachian days, I was gifted a huge yamaha receiver and sub by my uncle because it didn't have HDMI (lesson: make friends with "upgraders" for free electronics). Then I bought four 15 year old Bowers and Wilkins bookshelf speakers with fiberglass/carbon fiber woofers in very good condition on eBay. Then I added an older "made in the UK" poly-cone Wharfedale center. Total dead dollars: $1k.

Sounds goddamn glorious. It's actually creepy when someone in a movie whispers - sometimes my brain makes me feel their breath on my ear.

The ROI is having equipment that allows you to enjoy music you'd otherwise meh. The downsides include a temptation to waste time/health, attachment to manufactured objects, snobbery, and being annoyed by lower-quality sound forevermore.

Just hold out for an absolute deal. Craigslist might even offer you the opportunity to hear a system before you buy it. E.g. I learned that, to my ears, Klipsch seems to overemphasize the "sss" sound and Infinities tend to overemphasize snare drums. I discovered my ear for British speakers in a fancy shop selling each bookshelf speaker for more than I ended up spending on the whole system.

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #33 on: October 19, 2017, 02:07:59 PM »
Everyone, thanks for all the feedback. After reading all the justifications and reasoning, I have given up on the idea of going with a 5.1.4 setup. That extra 0.4 setup costs me $1200. Instead I will stick to a 5.1 and buy a HTiB solution that are cheaper than audiophile equipment. I am hoping to find one during thanksgiving either used or new. Now, the whole idea of giving up entirely on this? I seriously considered it after reading each and every comment here. I am convinced that $3500 is ridiculous amount of money. But I'd totally enjoy this system based on my past ownership. I will try to find ways to save and go cheaper.


Used!  Go used man.  You're looking for six pairs of speakers (best quality, good quality, meh quality) and a woofer.  You take the best quality speaker and use it as your center channel, the good quality speakers and use them as L/R, and use the crappy ones as rears.  Then hook up the woofer.  It will blow away any HTIB stuff and usually come in at around the same price.

Yep. I will hold out until I find one used.

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Re: Please face punch me
« Reply #34 on: October 19, 2017, 02:51:42 PM »
Look, if this is your big "thing," and you are ok with how it will impact your FIRE date*, then your choice.  But, damn, that is a shit-ton of money for sound.  What about trying cheaper options first?  Or, you know, find another guy who is about to have a kid and take his system off his hands for a song.**  :-)

I'd vote with Laura33.

FWIW, my "home theatre" is 2.0. The built in wall speakers the last owners of my home paid to have installed with the room addition to the house. I've thought of adding a sub ( .1 ) and concluded "meh".

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!