Has it all been worth it?

Just got back into 2ch 3 years ago. Before that I was a teen working as a dishwasher at a local restaurant. All my disposable income went into my stereo. It made a lot of noise, but not sure it was quality, at the time it didn't matter. 

Went into the Navy, somehow my middle sister owned my system. 

Got into home theater in the late 90's when DVD's came out. Lots of speakers, lots of dvd's. Still had a 200 disk CD changer, still purchased CD's. 

Then iTunes came out, most of my listening was on headphones, or in the car. adapters came out for the home system. 

Fast forward to 3 years ago, got back into vinyl, got a cheap TT, some vintage separates, and some KLH Model 5 speakers. I was hooked!!! The only piece left from that very modest system is my Cambridge Audio streamer. 

It's been fun searching everywhere for that one piece that was missing. Going to every record store in 100miles, my collection has gone from 0-3000 records. Have rebuilt my speakers, did a full restore on my pre & power amps, changed all my cables, got new stylus, new cartridges, done so many tweaks. Moved my speakers around 3000 times. 

Now it's the best sounding system I have ever had, it brings me joy everyday! A lot of time, I just look for a reason to turn it on. Now I'm just focusing on more records, some tweaks here and there. My new search is for a better cable for the TT.

Yes, it’s been worth it.

I've got 10 years on you....and was it worth it .probably not ,but what the heck...The money gone now....so enjoy what you have ,my friend. 

There may be those that would think that I'm trying to squeeze blood from a rock with my activities....to which I say:

It's more engrossing than trying to make a new item in the mix sound like you wanted, but still can't quite get 'There'....

Short of a major lotto win, I'm unlikely to spend what the lucky of you are willing to expend on the rabbit hole pursuit.  I've spent less on my current activities than what some have spent on a particular component, and could care less that you might think it's laughable.  To which....refer to Marx. and not Groucho....

To be sure and realistic about it, I may not be able to achieve 'what' you may be able to.  That's fine.

As a legend upon a shirt seen long ago:

"Today, we'll try to do the impossible...with Nothing."

Referencing a line from a song from The Waitresses:

"I'm just trying to find a cure for irony and make a fool out of God..."

Making progress on that, thanks.... ;)

If seen at an APOXNIA, or the equivalent, I’ll be obvious....and your 10’ pole will be useless.... ;)