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Upgrade-itis....overcompensating?

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  • #16
    Re: Upgrade-itis....overcompensating?

    Originally posted by mattyj link=1134470131/0#13 date=1135295456
    like something old and classic to restore one day, and run in the garage/mad scientist lab.

    Have to say that I like the idea of that. I think Id also like a classic Merc, too, if cars were my thing, rather than a new one - but nothing fancy, just a 300SL Gullwing.

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    • #17
      Re: Upgrade-itis....overcompensating?

      Originally posted by Avi link=1134470131/0#14 date=1135312161

      What I am saying is this - Upgrade-itis Syndrome is not inevitable for all, but is an individual thing.  For those who are trying to decide what to buy, I would suggest that you examine your own individual style and preference.  If you are given to Upgrade-itis in other aspects of your life, then a semi-commercial machine is the one for you.  If you are pragmatic (as I am), then the only determinant for the buying decision is the quality of the end result - the coffee.

      Avi -
      I think, really that youre agreeing with me here.  I certainly agree wholeheartedly with you.  It comes down to the type of person you are - and the brain goes out the window for a lot of us when it comes to purchasing (what some see as) luxury items or (in the case of espresso machines) utilitarian appliances.  I happen to be a great fan of good industrial design - and that has often lead to some cash flow "issues" in the past.  Thats why these days I acknowledge my failings and get what I know Ill ultimately end up getting anyway, and skipping a few steps.
      The happiest people are probably  those who can be pragmatic to the point making smart, sensible decisions all the time when it comes to parting with cash.  Too many people buy stuff to impress others.  If you want a laugh, go to a DJs or Myer or HN. whatever - and watch people looking at and lusting after 4:3 images stretched out to 16:9 on plasma TVs alongside obviously superior (good quality) CRT Tvs - without any negative comment at all.  I would expect that thered be many an expert Silvia owner who can consistently pump out vastly superior shots than a poor HX operator.  But those people would probably make equally medicore shots on a Silvia.  The point is to acknowledge that just because you have a particular machine doesnt make you an expert operator, but to admit to liking some of the more esoteric dimensions of consumerism.  If a person can reconcile guilt with pride of ownership, theyre probably half way to contentment.  In a coffees sense, the remaining half can be gleaned from the amazing knowledge that CSers can share.

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      • #18
        Re: Upgrade-itis....overcompensating?

        Hi el espressio,

        I think that we are in agreement too

        I guess I was trying to make a counterpoint to the sometimes one-sided recommendations that get made to prospective buyers of espresso equipment. Given that the price hike up from a Silvia to the cheapest HX machine is $1,000, I think that it is reasonable to carefully balance pros and cons.

        Just as an aside, heres a salient article from Alan Frew, a man with a legendary palate, as far as I can tell. He did an ad hoc (taste) comparison between the Silvia and 3 other higher-end machines, and he couldnt find a difference - http://www.coffeegeek.com/opinions/alanfrew/05-24-2003

        Cheers,
        Avi

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        • #19
          Re: Upgrade-itis....overcompensating?

          Originally posted by Avi link=1134470131/0#14 date=1135312161
          I should state that I offer this post in only the most respectful manner, and I wish only to offer an alternate view to prospective buyers of espresso equipment.
          Avi old mate,

          I dont think Ive ever read a post or topic from you that doesnt fit the bill youve described above [smiley=tekst-toppie.gif]..... also, almost always very informative and thinking outside the box. Keep up the good work Avi,

          Mal.

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          • #20
            Re: Upgrade-itis....overcompensating?

            Thank you very much Mal. Your kind words mean a lot to me, and I appreciate it.

            I should say that I equally appreciate your posts, and always pay close attention to the content whenever I see your name

            Cheers,
            Avi

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            • #21
              Re: Upgrade-itis....overcompensating?

              Avi:

              I just read back through all the posts.

              It certainly proves just what most salesmen are taught and that is people buy what they WANT not what they NEED. The two are quite separate. If people bought what they needed for home use, we would all have Silvias or Mokitas as they meet the needs of 99% of home users.

              Now what we want is a nice impressive, shiny unit that proves to others just how f..g clever we are. It is like having a big wanger except that most of us dont have that on public display for visitors. The espresso machine though is a different story.

              It is all in the mind. The first month I had the Bezzera I enjoyed it but thought it was overkill and took up a lot of room and used a lot of electricity.

              Six months later, it still takes up a lot of room and uses a lot of electricity but not a day goes by that I dont congratulate myself on buying it (and fixing it up).

              I guess if you can feel that way about any toy that you have bought then you have reached gadget Nirvana and are truly blessed!

              Thanks to Mal and other avatars for guiding CSers in their journey to gadget Nirvana.

              ;D

              Grant

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              • #22
                Re: Upgrade-itis....overcompensating?

                Originally posted by wattgn link=1134470131/15#20 date=1135740461
                 It is like having a big wanger except that most of us dont have that on public display for visitors.
                Grant
                Grant,

                Your manifesto fascinates and appeals to me and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter.

                Where can we purchase this "big wanger" you mention?

                Brett.

                Comment


                • #23
                  Re: Upgrade-itis....overcompensating?

                  He/She/It who dies with the most gadgets wins! [smiley=engel017.gif]

                  Java "Its all about the gadgets!" phile
                  Toys! I must have new toys!!!

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                  • #24
                    Re: Upgrade-itis....overcompensating?

                    Brett:

                    ;D

                    Id like to say get down to your local news agent and get your copy of the Big Wanger...

                    It would be fun to pull out at parties for sure.

                    I think we should have a separate category on CS called the Big Wanger where we can brag about the size of our coffee producing apparatus.

                    Grant

                    Comment


                    • #25
                      Re: Upgrade-itis....overcompensating?

                      Originally posted by Avi link=1134470131/0#14 date=1135312161

                      I would only recommend an HX machine under two conditions:
                      1. You drink mainly milk-based drinks, in which case it is really handy to be able to steam milk and brew coffee at the same time.
                      2. You often prepare multiple coffees within a short span of time.  Boiler based machines are best suited for the occassional coffee or two, rather than frequent use.

                      Well that is me entirely. I make mainly milk based coffee and have a flood of them to make in a short time. As I have mentioned to another CS member, I didnt want a machine to "wank on" about in the forums, I wanted the cheapest machine with reasonable quality. Thats the easiest way to say it. Also, to those who dont have a "big wanger", get one and keep it near the coffee machine..... ;D

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                      • #26
                        Re: Upgrade-itis....overcompensating?

                        Originally posted by wattgn link=1134470131/15#20 date=1135740461
                        It is all in the mind. The first month I had the Bezzera I enjoyed it but thought it was overkill and took up a lot of room and used a lot of electricity.

                        Six months later, it still takes up a lot of room and uses a lot of electricity but not a day goes by that I dont congratulate myself on buying it (and fixing it up).
                        Im sure it doesnt use that much electricity. My power bills have gone down since I bought the Techno (nothing to do with the mild weather were having Im sure).

                        Upgraditis, in my view, is caused by spending too much time on the forums on CoffeeGeek and to a lesser extent HB and alt.coffee. You just get sucked in by all the machine talk on CoffeeGeek and stupid upgrades and reports on new buys not yet out of the box or only used for 1 day.

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                        • #27
                          Re: Upgrade-itis....overcompensating?

                          my upgrade-itis came out of complete frustration with my sunbeam machine.

                          But I guess that happens when, to brew a shot, you use one hand holding the portafilter into the grouphead, and the other hand stopping the machine from sliding around on the bench, from the pressure buildup. If you dont do that, the portafilter just pops out, breaks your cup and paints you walls in a really trendy espresso colour (I called it my feature wall).

                          Not all upgrade-itis is caused by reading forums and stressing about intra and inter shot stability and recovery times.

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                          • #28
                            Re: Upgrade-itis....overcompensating?

                            Hows this for a petty upgrade excuse.  

                            As most of you know I have a Bezzera HX machine any before that a PID Classic.

                            The vibe pumps in both of these machines drive my wife nuts!
                            She can live with the grinder noise and steaming but not the pump...?

                            The Bezzera also scares her occasionally when the pump operates to top up the boiler out of the blue when I leave it on for extended periods)

                            Well it reached a climax last night.

                            To Quote her (Angry voice)" Cant you get a quiter machine" (Glare)

                            My response" Well..yes I can but.." she cuts me off "well DO IT!".

                            So I guess Im now looking for a Rotary pump machine 8-) (I have a witness to her direct order)

                            mmmm....maybe a 2grp......one or 2 boilers....mmmm......LOL

                            Funny I dont get upset when she starts using her kitchen aid to mixup a stuff in the middle of my Sunday afternoon Motorsport TV fests.....grrrrr....

                            CHeers
                            Craig A

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                            • #29
                              Re: Upgrade-itis....overcompensating?

                              Craig,

                              You could try rubber mounting the pump or even wrapping the pump in plastic bubble wrap.

                              I have the BZ-40P with the rotary pump. Very nice although it still makes some noise although quite a deep throaty sort of noise in keeping the the size of the pump. I have heard that shops sometimes bubble wrap the rotary pumps to quieten them down.

                              Grant

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                              • #30
                                Re: Upgrade-itis....overcompensating?

                                Hi Grant
                                The pump is already rubber mounted etc but its still noisy as far as the missus is concerned.
                                Most of the vibration is transmitted via the copper lines etc
                                IMO its as noisy as most vibes Ive heard, the ratteling on the cups and SS tray also does not help.
                                Its a pretty small petty reason but if it gets me a new/old up specd machine without have to plead with her for the $$ I go for it.
                                Im sure shell bork at the $$.

                                Any one got any details or a view on Conti machines particular the twin star 2 group?
                                Web site is very lean on info....

                                Says it has one boiler per each group + a steam boiler!

                                check it out http://www.conti-espresso.com/en/twin.shtml

                                Craig A

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