Retired audiophile?

Zd,
Honestly, money is certainly always part of the equation . When isn't it? However, the last two years have been transformative in terms of equipment. Digital front end (Esoteric K-03) amp (BorderPatrol P21) and speakers (Volti Alura) have all been upgraded along with cabling. So the level of performance and investment has become very satisfying. I have the good fortune of having a friend who is an audio reviewer, and so I have been able to hear multiple high end systems through the years. My ear and heart are educated. My contentment then, is real.
Jayant,
I frequently tell my audio buddies that I am a committed luddite when it comes to new technology. I was recently forced to source digital (CD, iTunes, TIDAL) while I solved an analog problem. Although I enjoyed revisiting music in my library, I continue to prefer vinyl. New technology? Not so much: source - vinyl, preamp - tubed, amp - tubed 300b, speaker - horn hybrid. Done artfully, old technology is my preference.
Do I continue to consider myself an audiophile by its varied definitions? Yes. Retired.

Dopogue,
Glad to know you and I'm sure many others who in the retirement years, continue to be active in our hobby!

B_limo
Double entendre.
As I composed this forum subject, I realized that I was speaking on parallel levels of audio and "life". Unintentional at first, but clearly my dual path might also be shared by other members. Professional retirement, honestly, is a few years away, but audio retirement seems to have arrived. My audio buddies tell me I'm going through a phase which ultimately will have me rejoin the "madness". We shall see. But yes, the rig I have assembled continues to serve my music enjoyment with really no yearning to correct or enhance the sound - for two years! Acceptance is quite rewarding.
Ptm.
Agreed.
Mapman.
Your audio journey continues !
I also went the inefficient, high power route for many years. The ultimate attraction for me of efficient horn hybrid, 300b has been the utter ease, organic and musical presentation of music. I'm not very good at discussing audiophile terminologies so I won't attempt. Suffice to say, the hobby has been all those things that we all have experienced. Frustration, Consternation. Excitement. Anticipation. Joy. And now satisfaction.
Happy listening !

Norman,
No, your not nuts. Very interesting development. I wonder what life-elements are playing out for you and for those of us who fancy ourselves retired, adjusting/modifying on how we enjoy our music as audiophiles.  
czarivey,
I'm with you and Norman. Just paid significant $$ for a sealed Gentle Giant "Playing the Fool".  Haven't  played any digital in quite awhile ...
I wonder.
Reverting to analog has something to do with needing to unplug from the ever-present world of techno devices. They have invaded the audiophile world big-time with streaming, digital music files and all the digital manipulations requiring a "video screen". I found myself having to "sign-in"on the iPad and the music server, just to play my music, staring at a screen to capture metadata or playlists -  finding the process to be, for me, ultimately a bit disconcerting. Geez. Music, reproduced on vinyl, and ink on paper, just seems to be naturally "human". And analog remains better sounding, engaging and enjoyable. Being a retired audiophile (or music lover) ain't bad.