Eternal upgrades that plight us & perfection quest

Good morning all..

I'm not for one second saying that I have achieved audio perfection with the system I have currently hobbled together but to my ears I'm extremely happy. Since the start of my pursuit I have tried to keep an open budget as much as actually possible (I don't mind paying £150+ for a cable) providing my ears can justify it. I'm not for one second saying price brings greatness, I'm just giving you an example of budget and justification..

So I have my headphones 701s to me my idea of an audio dream, my three headphone amps (one Slee, one other manufacturer which I've upgraded components on and one DIY build from my uni days), my cable I love very much (yes I said love) and my beautiful source, the apollo. They reside also on an a nicely isolated granite plinth.

I adore the sound produced and Mr Cohens voice is delivered with real depth and texture, there is real emphasis in the notes he delivers and real emotion. The notes also have beautiful decay... Hearing Tori's gasps of breath is something really to hear.

So what's the problem?

I'm stuck in a condition I call APL (audiophiles perpetual loop). It's been a good week here in tattoo land without sounding brash and I'm looking to buy an upgrade to my system but where to go next? I'm thinking the most noticeable leap would be DAC but I'm scratching my head..

Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated, I mean other than the dac route, what other directions can I go.. Any ways any idea no matter how whacky (so long as its not snake oil) is greatly appreciated.

I know no matter what I buy, the following week/month I will be researching something new to add. So whilst asking the genuine question that I'd like help with. I'm also looking for other addicts to say, you know what.. Don't worry we are all in the same boat. I guess it's just an audiophiles way. (I do hate that word audiophile) I just used it for descriptive purposes.

So yip, any thoughts, opinions would be great..

The founding member of AA (Audiophiles Anonymous).

Peace all take care :p

Hmm.. guess it's only a matter of time before I throw a greater interest in vinyl.. Hmm! Arghh see I'm at it again :p

Edited by 11rushgarrick11 - 13 Mar 2013 at 1:30pm

Going on the spectacular performance of the Bitzie, Graham's Big DAC should be well worth waiting for!

GSP - one day all hi-fi will be hand built this way.

lol (I did say upgrade) JOKE!!

I've had the pleasure of auditioning many headphones including the Senn 800s and Grados second from flagship and I will always return to the 701s. I'm not saying they are better, it's just my ears find them more pleasurable. That's what makes audio so subjective and difficult to review.