I grew up wanting to get a job as soon as possible, getting a Marantz receiver in my room, getting an affordable car, and installing a nice car stereo. Through the decades that has not changed much for me. However, after a lot of research, once I decide on a home stereo system, I usually keep it for decades. My journey has mostly been going from receivers, to amp/preamp separates, to tube amps/preamps. It has been fun, but, hobby money has always been an issue for me, so, I almost always buy my equipment used. I have also found that most people do not understand the logic for this hobby.
Has it all been worth it?
I recently turned 63, and I've been into all things audio since the mid 70's. In that time I've spent countless thousands of dollars chasing that damn rabbit down the hole. Solid state, vinyl, cassette, CD, tubes, big speakers, small speakers, pricy gear, cheap gear...been there, done that. Sitting here in my less than acoustically friendly office listening to a Hi-Res version of Angie by TRS this is probably the nicest stereo I've ever had. And even with my compromised hearing (bouts of tinnitus, and a stroke) I know the music sounds as good as it ever has, but yet I can't help but ask myself - has this journey all been worth it? The money, soul searching, reviews, disappointment in the review when it didn't live up to the hype, "am I missing out by not owning _____" etc. Sometimes I wish I were more like my wife who just bought a cheap shelf unit to listen to her CD's and is perfectly pleased with what she hears.
Anyone else find themself at this point sometimes?