For me, first and foremost, it's always been about the simple joy of listening to music. Broadening my tastes over the decades, listening to what was the 'thang' of that era....symphonies, live concerts, rock as it's rolling along, oddities and audities, dipping ears and mind repeatedly into the seas of sounds and songs.
Not always with SOTA; 'ell, it's been a stretch at times to acquire that 'tad better than adequate' with only the regret of letting some things slip from my hands.
Became a bit of a gearhead when I opted to 'give it a go' to emulate and revise an old legend with a nil budget with reasonable success at it.
That in itself gives me significant satisfaction, if only for my own sake and the time spent in the pursuit. That I may have inspired others to take up the tools to follow their muse and make the attempt to DIY a Walsh, a ribbon, an amt made by their own hands and efforts has been a boost and a challenge to carry on....
Experienced at various means of manufacture and the materials involved, some talent at 'making it work' beyond mere noise, and gumption enough to ignore a lack of the sheer mountain of 'details' cited in the glowing reviews of Object X vs. my crude ("...not ready for Prime Time....") 'retro-punk' drivers that still cause a pause.
...and have to be tested with music, yet again, at the end of the day...or night, in my case... ;)
I've found Mine.
If you haven't found yours yet.....the rabbit will always outrun you.
Your budget. or lack of, will always never quite be 'enough' even when considered cost no object....
It's reproduction. It's not R/T. There will Always be 'that' which will itch....
If it's not fun...Why? 🤷♂️