HOW DID YOU END UP WITH YOUR DREAM SYSTEM?

If I ever stop dreaming, you will know that I have died.

Or put another way, what are the odds of a newbee getting it right the first try?

and

If not, how many years will it take to achieve satisfaction?

@cdc its a journey. Depending on why you like and are exposed to.  Early I heard some really great gear. Kind of set my idea of what was possible.