I believe I was seriously restricting my opportunities to build a good sounding audio system, when I was a stut myself away in a room listener to music produced from a dedicated audio system.
As good as 20 + years ago this changed.
I chose to be much more interactive and social in audio related activities.
It is the social activity that introduced me to mentors, fellow enthusiasts showed to me systems I was in awe of, I learnt of the dream that some very respected individuals had designs for in their own set ups.
I am not upset with decisions made in the Company of others, they have proved to be economical and very very attractive for their meeting my needs.