This is the emotional response that only music can deliver. It can take you to multiple happy places, many sad places, and when you get to either you know. I think music is way underestimated for its impact. I have songs that within seconds of hearing them take me to a specific time and place in my life. It is equal to life events where you remember exactly where you were and what you were doing when you heard or saw the news. Certain songs and particular bands can transport me to an altered state of joy where I am able to remove the rest of the world from my thoughts. In summary I will say this journey you are on is and always should be about the music. Too many people in this hobby cross the Rubicam where they go from the music to their “system” . System love is the rabbit hole to avoid keep it about the music and enjoy the ride it can be fantastic.
Becoming an audiophile has been like a second... No, third childhood.
Having children and raising them is the most important thing I've ever done with my life. When my son was born, there was the anticipation of buying him all of the cool toys I remembered as a kid and the really cool ones that I always wished I had. That was my second childhood. It was really great! I'd buy the toys and be so excited! Excited for him to play with them but also excited for me to share in playing with him and them. To the world I could always say "they're for my son" and maintain my adult status.
Becoming an audiophile has definitely been a third childhood for me. However, this time I'm exposed to the world, out there in the open. No more hiding behind my son.
I could say something like "I'm buying a record for his birthday" but honestly, I wouldn't be researching pressings, or ordering expensive releases off Discogs. If another adult I know sees me carrying a bag of records, I'm not embarrassed to admit they're for me.
I've had similar emotions to opening up incredible Christmas presents as a kid when getting the gear except there isn't the shock of receiving them. Although, unwrapping my speakers in late December a couple of years ago was pretty sweet!
Yes, I've embraced my latest childhood renaissance!