Pacific Stereo is where I cut my teeth for working in the CE industry. I sold a ton of Quadraflex speakers. My favorite system for $1K was a Concept 5.5 receiver (I still have one for my garage system) with a Philips GA-212 turntable and an Audio Technica AT-96E cartridge and a pair of Quadraflex ST-19 12" 3-way speakers. I went on to manage 5 Pacific Stereo stores and then on to be a sales rep for some nice brands such as Ortofon, Dual, Luxman, Triad, and Alpine. I then went on to work directly for Alpine (car audio and navigation systems) and quickly moved up the ladder, ultimately managing the Western sates sales force and all distribution. What a fun ride.
More importantly, even though I was working for Alpine for 30 years (and recently retired) I never lost site of owning quality home audio gear and understanding what great sound quality can do for enjoying the music. I have gone through several very nice systems (beginning in 1973, just out of high school) and have presently been building my latest. This one is probably the best I have ever had. I have been working on building for close to 2 years now. Balanced Audio Technology and Manley are my main electronics and the recently released Rega Planar 10 with a Lyra Delos as the main source. I have on order the newly updated Dynaudio Contour 60i speakers, due in by around late August. All signal cables and AC cables & conditioner are Audioquest. Next year I'll be adding a CD source and likely that will be a Luxman D-05U.
So, as the OP questioned, my answer it that it's truly a journey. It's fun, it's awesome, it's a way of life. I doubt this system will be my end-all. The major components, maybe, but there is always something to tweak up a bit. Bottom line is to have fun, enjoy the hobby, and most importantly is to enjoy the music.
More importantly, even though I was working for Alpine for 30 years (and recently retired) I never lost site of owning quality home audio gear and understanding what great sound quality can do for enjoying the music. I have gone through several very nice systems (beginning in 1973, just out of high school) and have presently been building my latest. This one is probably the best I have ever had. I have been working on building for close to 2 years now. Balanced Audio Technology and Manley are my main electronics and the recently released Rega Planar 10 with a Lyra Delos as the main source. I have on order the newly updated Dynaudio Contour 60i speakers, due in by around late August. All signal cables and AC cables & conditioner are Audioquest. Next year I'll be adding a CD source and likely that will be a Luxman D-05U.
So, as the OP questioned, my answer it that it's truly a journey. It's fun, it's awesome, it's a way of life. I doubt this system will be my end-all. The major components, maybe, but there is always something to tweak up a bit. Bottom line is to have fun, enjoy the hobby, and most importantly is to enjoy the music.