Are you in the over 30 K club??

30K?... is this the price paid or the retail price of the gear if retail price is paid to replace it??? I try for the 50% of retail on purchases due to the rapid decline in value once gear is used. Sometimes I pay more or retail if needed, but the hobby is only fun if a financial bath is not routinely engaged in. Too often, one bad review and the gear is doomed to sub 50% status. jallen

Now I know why I always felt out of step with Stereophile.

I enjoy my music system just fine but doubt that this hobby could ever deliver 30k of enjoyment. Even though I could afford it I choose not to.

Unfortunately, yes, and a bit more.

If I also count all the upgrades over the past 30 years, it might be enough to buy a house in California.

Being an audiophile is expensive. But one thing I learn after spending all those money is that I don't have to spend a lot to get great sound.

If I counted retail, and included to AV system.. then yes. If I only count what I paid... sadly, I am a pauper.
My take was that a stereo for a hi-end system cost as much as your car. So if you have a $30,000 dollar car, then a 30K stereo was for you. (So, if you have a $70,000. car... you better go out and spend some more money!!)
Or, a percentage of gross income. If I have a system equal to my yearly after tax income, Am I more dedicated than the guy who has a 100K system, but earns 700K a year?
Folks who drive a $2K car, (or even just ride the bus!!!)and have a 25K stereo, are "TRUE AUDIOPHILES" in my book. Sacrificing all else for musical pleasure.

Not even close - slightly less than 1/3 of that