Isn't a wondeful time to be an audiophile?

I think that for the princely  sum of $500ish  even much less for any component can yield excellent results. Such as Elac, Schiit, Bluesound, Rega, Pro-ject, Audioquest, even the Magnepan MMGi's at  just $660 are seriously good value of the coin. Need more bass? get a Rythmic sub, or SVS etc.
Hyperbole systems? ya can stick 'em, up yer jacksie.......lol
 

New technologies and circuit advancements have really empowered gifted designers to create equipment that enables our music. A new technology such as the concepts employed by Tim Mrock at PerfectPath Technologies are revealing a new, previously obscured detail in music for those using TC contact enhancer, E Mats and E Cards.  "The Gate" is coming soon.  Anticipation! 😮 Yes, these are good times to be an audiophile!

Joe, after a number of parties over the years, some of those albums were not in the best shape; I'm still replacing old albums with new ones, plus, older audiophiles are well aware of the fact that only a "hi-end" analog rig can beat their digital, and they also know how much that can cost.

We're not talking about new kids on the block.

It is an amazing time to be into audio.  I am not certain what makes an audiophile, but I bought my first system with separate amp, tuner, 3 way speakers, reel to reel about 50 years ago.

That was the move from the record player with cheap cheesy speakers to what I considered serious audio.

It has bee a long journey since, and about 15 years ago I had some success with my rare coin hobby and some real estate that turned out well and I got back into quality audio gear.

The choices available today are amazing.  While the highest end has gone crazy in terms of cost, serious stuff is out there that can make Eva Cassidy sound like she is standing in the room singing to you and it can be acquired over time.  Used equipment is a great value if you know what you are buying.   

And the great part is that you can upgrade one piece at a time as funds permit.  I ran thru a number of amps before getting my “keeper” pair of mono blocks.

My only regret is too many live concerts and the high end of my hearing is shot - hint, ear protection when it is LOUD.

To already be into audio reproduction of recordings is wonderful right now for certain! However to be interested and a newbie? not so great.
For the in the know person, the fact of sites like Audiogon, and others for gear, plus the internet in general allow a vast knowledge base to be accessed. Tons of gear one can find in a few minutes browsing!Reviews, old reviews too, at the click of a mouse. Amazing and wonderful.
On the other hand .. for a newbie. way to much information. just a torrent of competing claims. half truths,endless arguments with each side basically calling the other deluded.. Nearly every thread filled with bitter cat fights. Then the halo threads. where it seems the Holy Grail has been found if only you spend $599 on a piece of paper you lay on your devices.
Or being told (every time, I mean every time) spend another $xxxx to ’fix your problem'. It is so rare to read a fix that does not cost a pile more of money. A newbie asks what should I buy, and out of the blue a hundred different answers from a hundred posters, each claiming they found the magic one thing you MUST own to be happy.
This part of it SUCKS. Any new person reading all this stuff needs to be very careful. And I think it is a major turn off for folks who are not committed, but just looking around.
Otherwise, for the likes of me.. wonderful. Now IS the best time to be an audiophile, aside from most of us getting really way too old. LOL