I started my latest system in 2013 - committing to tubes and all separate components. I just finished a major upgrade to it - speakers, isolators, rack, conditioner, duplex socket, power cords, & new transport (CD, SACD, Memory Stick). I like the way it sounds now, especially better at low volume. I buy everything used (except the rack, IPAD), so, that really helps the pocket book. Since I am committed to tubes, I doubt I will upgrade much in the coming decade. If I decide to pay for true high res steaming instead of exclusively using my transport for my many personal high res songs, I may upgrade the DAC and my IPAD streaming setup. As the streaming technology continues to improve, that is where I see my future money going... Currently, I am only streaming "low/medium" res.
Have you reached your end point with this addictive hobby?
I wonder if out there somewhere there’s a support group called Audiophile Anonymous 😂 that addresses Audiophiles constant need for perfection. For my self I would probably benefit from a couple of these group sessions. Putting humor aside there’s some truth to this hobby being addictive and at some point there has to be an end point where you are there and the need to upgrade serves no useful purpose. I can’t say I’m 100% there yet, but something inside me tells me I’m getting close to hitting rock bottom and when I do maybe I’ll see the light, or maybe not 😂!