How much do you spend on audio gear (or other hobbies)?

I have made only small, incremental investments into hi-if audio by strictly subsidizing each purchase with the sale of other equipment before upgrading. I also have never paid full price for any equipment either by remaining loyal to one independent dealer (another reason to support small businesses) or by buying secondhand. This approach has allowed me to minimize the steep depreciation curve of electronics. I have also decided to focus more on CD and LP based audio, because those technologies and formats are mature whereas streaming audio is being rapidly developed and its a slippery slope in terms of a never ending upgrade cycle. I also tend to make purchases of only proven, timeless classics which helps reduce my annual spending and maximize resale.

 

Having been married for 34 years, I agree with your methods. Never hide purchases from your spouse. Unless you would like to be married for a second time. I’ve seen so many marriages fail because of money issues. Live within your means. We are living in a great time for high quality audio at reasonable prices. You can get a really good sounding set-up at a really good price, especially if you buy second hand or B stock. When you can afford it, like just before retiring, or you get that great paying job, then go for the big boy stuff. But take care of paying off your house, sending your kids to college (no bribes allowed) and saving for healthcare and retirement first. I’m still looking for my end game, and I’m retiring in a few months. I have almost always purchased used equipment for my speaker rig. Saved a lot of money and haven’t the need to constantly upgrade. Really only have my big boy amp for headphones left on the list.

Just my two cents.

 

Took Mrsdegraded out for dinner last night before telling her I was thinking of making a purchase

 

My wife is the primary earner and handles all of the money, so it would actually be impossible to hide anything from her. Thankfully she is very reasonable and I am very persuasive.

I admit that after working since I was 14, the last 8 months of not having "my own" money and having to discuss large purchases has been hard but I'm getting used to it. I'm definitely looking forward to going back to work once my health and education is sorted.

Edit: As far as money specifically for audio, I spend very little on average, although I did just spend a bit over $2000 on a complete 2 channel setup. Before that I spent less than $500 per year for a few years.

 

Too much but f*** it. I'm youngish with no school, house or car payments or kids. Been taking care of my hearing and have solid hearing up 16k (gets sketchy between 16k and 18k). So the way I think about it, now will be the most I get my moneys worth our of my equipment. Therefore, I spend about a quarter of my yearly income (post tax) on my two big hobbies, audio and exercising my second amendment rights (cuz its never going to be better than the present).

But if you have any level of responsibility both can be investments or atleast get away even if you decide to jump ship. Sadly I have none because the audio community has been generous to me and one way I can give back is by giving someone the opportunity to purchase a piece of equipment that they normally wouldnt be able to afford.

Edit: and for the discussion of money and relationship. This only applies if you have a partner that also has a source of income. After bills, savings and other financial obligations (like kids and vacations), whatever is left is your hard earned money and as long as you stay within your means its for whatever you want. No questions asked. Last bastion of independence and sanity, lol.

 

@zonto Understand your point. But I think every couple has their own ways of doing things. What works with one couple, might not work with another.

I do tell my wife that I will be taking a little portion of my salary for my "toys". I also give her a portion for her discretionary spending as well. So she knows. But she doesnt know how much I have accumulated, nor does she know the price of my "toys". This prevents potential conflict with her. She thinks audio is silly.

Agree with your other point. My fixed cost dont change much over the years as my salaries increased. I try to save as much as I can. But I am the only breadwinner and I gotta pay for her and her parents. So when I like an audio gear, I save for quite some time to purchase one. A habit since childhood. All the more pleasure when I buy it, after having worked for it.

 

I spend money in waves. I probably spent <$500 last year. This year might be up to $3-4k since I have a speaker project in progress, and might go for a Ragnarok 2 once it comes out.

I have my own mad money account. I feel guilty spending money from the general budget on audio stuff, shop tools, and Jeep parts, so I donate plasma which can bring in about $4k a year. Sometimes my wife feels guilty about me being too responsible with my spending and drops some bucks in my account after she sells a house.

 

That's very generous of her, mate.

 

When I finished undergraduate studies I didn't really care to save up and spent on basically anything I wanted (wasn't audio at the time). Now that I am married and have a young kiddo, its much harder to save up.
If I were to do it again, I wish I were more frugal when I had "no school, house, car or kids payments"

 

About 20% of my after tax, after bills, after everything else income during this past year. But, I've bought probably over $30k worth of equipment during the past decade. And, I've sold maybe $25k of it without much loss except shipping and repairs. Needless to say, I hardly buy new.

I spend a lot less on my other hobbies such as bicycles, cameras and fresh water fish. But, I can't resell those after I purchase without a large loss. So, audio is probably cheaper in the long run... if I don't include dacs.

 

Hobbies in general? Maybe 20%. Audio, specifically, has been winding down. I have gear that I like with no real incentive to change. Ragnarok2 may be an exception.

In general, my rule of thumb is that if I'm spending more on gear than music, I'm doing things wrong. I've upped my music collection significantly over the last few years.

My wife rolls her eyes at my audio obsession; but the bills are paid and we are debt free. Spending money on audio gear is better than spending it on hookers and coke.

 

Between 2 and 5% of net income per year or so, including buying music.