Have you reached your end point with this addictive hobby?

If inflation were the concern, the obvious move would be to buy now before prices rise. Economic instability is an entirely different worry. But the penny candy conceit sure sounded clever.

Done until the next purchase. That's the only constant in this hobby.

Getting off the gear treadmill is mostly about finding the right synergy. Even six-figure systems can be surprisingly disappointing when the synergy is off. Conversely, a six hundred dollar system can sound great with the correct synergy.

Some listeners are better off sticking with tried and true pairings rather than the aimless trial and error most of us seem to do. For example, pairing BBC monitors with LFD amps, B&W with McIntosh, Creek with Epos, etc. 

Most importantly, find a combo of components that's emotionally engaging. Trying to achieve the perfect “audiophile” system or mimic a live performance is a fool’s errand. 

I could easily stay with what I have, but it's not likely! :)

" Done until the next purchase ".

Precisely.

Right now I am busy getting some spare vintage tubes.