Has it all been worth it?

Because most people have nothing better to do with their time.

Maybe Learning how to be a better cook might be a more worthwhile and cheaper thing to do and just a satisfying clearly.

It's all about improving the quality of what you're listening to and I think it's dumb to refer to it as a hobby, it cheapens the effort.

Why don't you collect coins or stamps or learn pottery.

What else are you going to do in life?  Live, overcome obstacles in life, take care of yourself and your family.  Enjoy life.  what does that mean?  If you love music, then by all means, listen to music.  If certain electrical equipment or systems drive you out of the room, then the upgrade path it there to fix that until the sound is wonderful. That is not or should not be the only enjoyable thing in life.  Art, music, traveling, cooking, spending time with friends and family, helping others, bettering yourself, etc. Here we go.  Now you are talking.  If it makes you happy and doesn't hurt anyone and you can afford it (that's the hard part), then it really shouldn't be anyone else's business.

Enjoy your system, music and life.  If you love watches or cars, either collect them or go to car shows and enjoy.  Worrying about what other's think is not cool.  There will always be something that others think you are doing that is stupid.  It is not their life.

Is it worth it?  only you can answer that about you.  Did listening to music and upgrading to get "there" with my system hurt others? or prevent me from taking care of my family?  Nope.  Do I enjoy coming home, turning on my system, getting a good book and a good glass of wine and listening to old and new music. You betcha.  

enjoy

For me it has always been music first. My hardware is the best that I can fit into my budget without affecting my media purchases (vinyl, CD, cassette) or performances. I've been buying records since I was in grade school, and I just turned 70. My feeling is that the auctioneer can sort it out, and if my R. Stevie Moore, or other cassette only releases sell for pennies, I won't be disturbed (I'll be dead). I have regrets, but not about the things that have brought me JOY.

I started this hobby at age 12. I am now 70. I listen 3 to 5 hrs everyday. I can’t think of anything else I enjoy doing more. Money well spent for me. 

I sold my rig last year primarily because I had nobody to leave is too, and the thought of it being sold off for peanuts after I'm gone was bothersome.

So I used the funds on my other passion - photography.

But I still have my vinyl and just purchased a budget TT to use with my Bluesound Pulse Mini and it's sounding pretty good so far.

The other factor i considered...

• today's more affordable product sound very good provided you use good cables
• I make my own cables that sound amazing and they work extremely well with the new, more affordable rig.

Do I  miss the old system? Sometimes, but I  find as time goes by I  am missing it less

I have chased perfection and came pretty close I  think, but I  no longer have the desire.

So now I  am content with my more modest rig

Regards, Steve