When I was a young lad, I saved up money from my part-time job and put my hifi equipment on layaway (from a high end store) and paid for everything in cash. Sometimes, it took the full 90-days to pay it off, but I did it. I don't think stores do layaways now, The equipment was a little above my league, but I made it work. I never went into credit card debt---I was so proud of my system (still am).
WHY IS THERE SO MUCH HATE FOR THE HIGH END GEAR ON AUDIO GEAR?
It seems like when I see comments on high end gear there is a lot of negativity. I have been an audiophile for the last 20 years. Honestly, if you know how to choose gear and match gear a lot of the high end gear is just better. When it comes to price people can charge what they want for what they create. If you don’t want it. Don’t pay for it. Look if you are blessed to afford the best bear and you can get it. It can be very sonically pleasing. Then do it. Now if you are also smart and knowledgeable you can get high end sound at mid-fi prices then do it. It’s the beauty of our our hobby. To build a system that competes with the better more expensive sounding systems out there. THOUGHTS?