A different type of answer
//////////////////////////////////////////////////
I strive for greatness all the while knowing I can never reach it. That is how I and many people here got started and why we are forever hooked. Let me explain.
Very rarely do we have the privilege to be "touched" by greatness. Meaning that it is a rare occassion that we meet someone who we unabashadly admire that we know has unique and special talents beyond those of the "ordinary". It is by being exposed to great people that we can better ourselves and learn. It is for this reason that I have, indeed MUST have, a high end system.
A high end system allows me to experience greatness almost at will, bettering myself and those around me by listening to the great ones who have recorded excellent music. When I feel bad, experiencing the great ones allows me to envy the enthausiam and foresight that those playing express in music. Hate the world? Put on something distracting, with detail, complexity and rhythm and you are lost and rejuvinated. Need a boost, crank up something with speed, bass and low vocals and you will be energized. Feel unattentive, listful or lethargic, put on something with detail, rhythm and revel in the nuances. Need to express your intellect? Attempt to decipher the cryptic lyrics of a misunderstood artist and your horizons will expand. Selfish? You will be creating "demo" tapes or CD's to share with your friends after experiences as listed above.
Listen to the "masters" (you know who they are, and they can change depending on your mood- Bach to RATT, Tori Amos to Rage Against the Machine) faithfully and FORCEFULLY and you will feel better about yourself and desire to keep changing for the better. Marvel at the musical accomplishments of others and you will be fulfilled. "Experience" the music and you will be replenished. Music will heal you emotionally and gratify you if it is faithfully reproduced with a physical presence and emotion.
I have found that focused listening on my high end system with what I call "physical presence" (when it appears that some one is there with you in the room, ususally at high volumes but not always) makes me feel much better about myself, gets me motivated, gives me personal fulfilment and enjoyment beyond normal boundries. However, you must be humble and willing to surrender to the CD/LP, you must look up to the artists, composers and musicians, not focus on yourself. Those among us who are unable to be humble don't really enjoy the "high end". Yes, even after $100K or so of investment, we are still humbled by a CD of teenagers (now or then) who don't play well with others and have overactive hormones
Whatever I pay for new equipment I consider a wise investment in my future and I know that I will be better off if I take a step closer to those hidden people on the LPs and CDs.