Mr Tennis-
Thanks for the kind words.
Regarding the question of how to stick with gear for the long term, my solution has been to buy quality on the used market, or if a new piece, buy new and then wait for warranty to lapse, then modify the product with the newest cutting edge parts available. Reference Audio Mods has great parts, and Electronic Visionary Systems will take the parts and mod the heck out of your stuff relatively inexpensively (as compared to RAM, which charges a lot for the work of installing the parts they sell. Both do fine work; EVS is a little cheaper, that's all.)
But most importantly, don't get hooked by the unending onslaught of great reviews or slick advertising. Arrange for home demos of LOTS of gear and then buy (either new or used) what you really love. Go for it! Then, modify the gear when the time is right for you. You'll really be pleased that you did.
I have had the same amps for 17 years, the same DAC/Transport for over 15 years (before it recently died, sadly), and the same speakers for four years, with no intention of selling or replacing anything. By occasionally modifying the gear, I keep it cutting edge. As long as you have a great tweaker to work on the gear (two noted above), the cost-benefit analysis reveals that tweaking is, dollar-for-dollar, the most effective way to get the most bang for your bucks. Further, it allows you to keep the same gear for years and years, not having to chase that nasty, elusive white rabbit of stereo bliss down the financial rabbit hole of keeping up with SOTA.
HAPPY LISTENING! and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
