Audiophile slang
Sidegrade
Also called lateral move, side-grade
A sidegrade is a purchase that changes the sound without improving it: a different flavor at the same level. The word is a gentle self-criticism from people who bought something new and got something different.
Past a certain point, most products in a class are good, and swapping a Warm headphone for a Bright one, or one 300 Ω dynamic for another, is a sidegrade however the reviews read. Recognizing one is part of learning the hobby.
Sidegrades are not wasted money if variety is the goal, and many collections are built from them on purpose. They become a problem when Upgraditis disguises them as progress toward an Endgame.