Different parts of my system have evolved at different paces and have reached varying degrees of completeness in the sense that you are asking about. For example, over the past 20 years, I went from moderately inexpensive monitor speakers to moderately inexpensive floor standing full range speakers to high end expensive monitors paired with a high end sub to finally a pair of high end expensive floor standing full range speakers. The loud speakers in my system are now where I want them to be, there is nothing missing, they leave me wanting for nothing more. Audio happiness! Ok sure, if I find myself with a winning lotto ticket, I may move up the line in the speaker I have now, but for all practical purposes (even audiophile purposes), there is no reason for me to change my speakers. I feel that they have reached that sweet spot in my auditory expectations and their place on the diminishing returns price ladder. I have a similar story and similar feeling with my power conditioner, power cables, phono cartridge, and amplifiers. There are a few areas of the system where I feel less of this level of completeness. My speaker and interconnect cables for example, have evolved, but still seem to be holding me back. I feel the same about my tonearm and to a limited degree (compounded by its technological nature) my DAC.
My suggestion is to try to tap into this feeling of completeness, a philosophical appreciation of what your system does and doesn't do. If you can get a handle on that, hopefully you will change a component when it needs changing and be satisfied with the components that do so much to bring that sonic smile to your lips. Good luck and enjoy the journey!
My suggestion is to try to tap into this feeling of completeness, a philosophical appreciation of what your system does and doesn't do. If you can get a handle on that, hopefully you will change a component when it needs changing and be satisfied with the components that do so much to bring that sonic smile to your lips. Good luck and enjoy the journey!