Many seem to be talking about their last system .

Generally speaking, behind us is a lost generation. The hope is for the next one after them.

No, she might think that you are a good influence but refuses to say it. Women are different..

I am not exactly thinking about upgrades any more, the system is well-balanced and I consider it complete. I am thinking about a totally new system. Sure, for a few years it is going to be a transition because I can't afford or/and can't find what I might want, but it will be a new system building process that will take some time.

I understand what you all are saying but I protest. Personally, I am not going to stop, not only to improve the sound but also to maintain the audiophile tradition and connection to the roots.
As for the availability of funds, well, it is always a factor but rarely the most significant one unless you accept nothing but the very best and new. Yeah, source material is what it is, even more motivation to get the most out of it.
However, younger generation doesn’t appear to be interested in all this. We have no-one to pass it on to - that’s bad. Better exploding universe than shrinking.

Right. But not backward, that wouldn't be the worst because you could reverse, theoretically, it is simply nowhere.

It is much more than funds. First, I have to 'see' this new system. In other words, formula first numbers will follow. See the sound then find the components to make it. Second, availability. And finally, it must be 'politically' right, including the timing. There are other projects and expenses.

I am over 50, this has nothing to do with the answer. Until perhaps you are 95.
Brayeagle, your dedication to music and sound is admirable.

We can die at any moment, probability unknown. What is the point of taking it into consideration ?

With your Lansche you are already quite far so yes it would require big funds to improve. Most audiophiles will never be where you are now, as sad as it is.
If it was me I would first take amp/cables/speakers unit to its full potential and then attend to the rest. It would also be easier to compare source components and other cables and cords.

Unlike Bill I am becoming more 'dogmatic', even thinking about reel to reel deck, in fact already decided, it is just a matter of timing. I'll get half track Otari, Studer is just too expensive for me. But I like tape, I'll put everything I need on tape and will keep turntable and records as archive. Besides, very often I don't listen to entire record and I am tired of moving the needle. And if I manage to get some master tape dubs that will be great.

pokey77, thank you for your words.

I don't really, it is more of a warning, things are not going particularly well.

Brayeagle, you are absolutely right. I try when I have an opportunity, I seek the opportunity as well.

Mark, good post. Finding right balance in expenses is not easy but always important. I can't even remotely afford what I might want yet I spend on the equipment much less than I theoretically could.
We, audiophiles, value both music and sound. I listen to whatever I like regardless of the recording quality but of course try to make any recording sound as good as possible. I don't feel there is always a conflict here.

Mark, you are right of course. But people are both rational and irrational, and I like both sides, unless it gets out of control.

Most of us can't afford or/and don't have enough will to jump from one system to another, so in reality it is almost always in a state of flux. Also, when you are after used equipment, certain pieces show up very rarely, and if that's what you really want for your future set up you are presented with a dilemma of whether to get it now and potentially screw up the sound you have or maybe never be able to find it again.

It will always sound good. I don't anticipate any breakthrough in sound reproduction. In fact, I think that attention should be on the recording and mastering. Analog recordings of the past will probably never sound significantly better than they do now. Digital source will improve.
In other words, we will not become obsolete.

I have been preparing my resources for R2R project. In a few years, I think. As for digital, I have my old decent sounding CEC belt drive player, I'll see the direction digital goes. Unfortunately, for me at least, all the new music is digital, I spend some time on youtube with headphones.