Having fun now.
Thanks, Eric, for the topic. Been there. Done (and, still doing) that.
I’d like to mention that there are varous levels of engagement for DIYr’s. Not everybody has access to a woodshop, or the finese to navigate their way around component level architecture. While making something from a stack of wood or zip lock bags full of parts may be the most rewarding (emotionally and sonically) available kits do offer a "doable" option where the heavy lifting has already been done by others. Yes, Eric, some of them take a (much) different approach than I would, but generally speaking do produce a good result overall.
@elliottbnewcombjr Thanks for bringing up the topic of improving the performance of existing gear. I think it is important to bring this up. "Newer thinking" applied to older designs can produce ... modern sounding gear while maintaining the esthetics (and emotional attachment) to older gear. The equipment doesn’t have to be part of your reference system. Just stuff you care about and enjoy spending quality time with. We recently upgraded a pair of Bose 201s that are being used as outdoor background music in a boat house (under a canopy). After a throrough cleaning (including removal of hornet’s nests) and installing "good stuff" on the inside, they are far more musical and easier to listen to for long periods of time. $50 worth of parts and a soldering gun in your hand can make a big difference.
The point here is that ANY engagement at ANY level on ANY equipment can be fun, and rewarding.