Has it all been worth it?

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

After a lot of thoughtfulness and soul searching, I can say that I have come to the end of this - affliction. Over the years I've invested far too much money, time, effort, belief, emotion etc. into this hobby, just to end up dissatisfied and disillusioned. Chasing after the illusion purported in reviews and discussions and never feeling satisfied with the gear I coveted. I took out a cheap ChiFi amp & hooked it up to a very pedestrian pair of speakers, which freed me from the expectations I never realized with any of the more expensive and well regarded gear. And I've never been more happy and satisfied. All the other stuff is for sale locally, and when it's gone, I won't miss it at all. So, no, it's not been worth it - to me. 

This is not meant to fly in the face of those enjoying this hobby - I'm glad for you. But for anyone who may find themself in my position, I say let it go & be happy.