@jundaku - I think you're on the right track. It's hard to really get into the true audiophile level gear until later in life when you hopefully have more disposable income. I'm a 43 year old family man and over the last 15ish years have purchased more audio gear that I should have and I'm still playing on the low end of things. I'm currently into the game about $10,000 in round numbers including a home theater receiver and two stereo integrated amplifiers. I think that the audiophile world is likely always going to be primarily supported and "financed" by the older generation.
Where are the young audiophiles?
I find it alarming that 95% of all audiophiles are seniors.According to a consultant at my local HI-FI store,young people don't seem interested in high-end equipment.They listen to music on their phone.Sooner or later, all the great neighborhood HI-FI stores will not be able to remain open. Kind of sad,don't you think?