IMO, I was not in competition, but rather trying to learn what is this high end audio really mean to me, just me. All this just started during covid lock down. How does a certain bracket of $$ affect the sound. As i journey to this hobby, i heard what replacing a component (from amps to source to cables) do. After getting what i can afford and attending recent Audio Shows, making changes, I feel/think (based on my wallet :) ) i have reached a level wherein I am happy now.
Another thing that was on side was I was able to travel outside the US and purchased gear from other countries and took it back home.
I know that in this hobby, everyone has their opinion and believe that we all have what got to make our system the best. And, I truly respect that because we all hear music differently. so no competition..