Isn't a wondeful time to be an audiophile?


With all the new lower or intro priced vs. performance gear coming out recently. And with choices of sources, CD/ Streaming. I'm just thinking of how it must be for the newly converted. I started out back in the mid seventies. Let's see,if I remember correctly - Phono, Linn. Ortophon Dynevector Audio Technica?  Reel to Reel, Cassette. Dolby filters. Ohm's F, Snell, JBL speakers. Just to name a few. But I am impressed with the performance vs. price ratio of some of the new gear I've heard. For which ever reason, technical, marketing, production. There are certainly I believe not only more products to choose from but the choices are more affordable as well.
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I have collected quite a bit of gear and enjoy the newer and legacy formats. I still love my turntables and CD/SACD players! I also enjoy Tidal streamed over my Sonos Connects (CD Quality). I have several upgraded iPod classics that I play (IAFF lossless) through Wadia and Arcam docks. I know that I am way behind the digital/streaming curve, but enjoy my music nonetheless. It is a great time to be an audiophile, but I miss many of the stores that are no longer with us. When traveling, I used to visit so many stores around the country. I always tried to find something to buy. While I still enjoy my favorite local stores (few and far between), It has become difficult to see and hear the wide variety of equipment that used to be available.
OP:

Yes, yes it is.  When I also consider the quantity, quality, value and ease of transaction in the used, on-line market, I am like a kid in the candy store.
The biggest downside to sensitizing your ears via music is ambient noise. For example, diesel-powered street plows, coffee shops with bad acoustics, people speaking in shrill voices, etc. For these, there ought to be a law.