Sanity test before you start this hobby

I virtually stopped on-line explorations of my possible future upgrades. Unless suddenly I become a rich man, it is quite clear what I would like to do in the next five/seven years. And after that - it's too premature to even think. Except for cartridge and probably couple of cables, everything is going to be used so I can look at it now. I would get cables used too but suspect I won't find them.

is this just for philosophical fun? or is it just that you guys don't have a good sounding audio system? the never ending journey can end just there. Sell it and forget about it. Or maybe you can learn to separate the often more expensive but worthless commercial stuff from the real brain and hand manufactured audio gear, and start some serious joyful listening...

The thread was in jest...

My sanity always rates higher when there is good sounding music. 

oleschool, that's how I related to it...

In my case, I've got 'champagne taste' with a 'cool water' budget.  So I fart about with what amuses me, rather than chasing the diminishing zeros behind the decimal point or perceptual differences 'twixt this 'n that...because it All sounds different to me...

...and I get gifted with 'orphans'...I returned Monday from a 3 month installation 600 mi. away to find a receiver, 2 bookshelf and a center channel speakers outside my abode without a clue as to who, why, or when.  Those questions have been answered....and I'm now the owner of 5 discrete audio systems...and limited square footage to put between them...
None of which would put the gathered audience here in any sort of state of envy, nor are any of any great worth.  I'm tempted to treat one or the other shamelessly, driving them to heat death or protracted clipping just for the demented amusement of it....much like the YT vids of cinder blocks flung into washing machines on a spin cycle.

Now....when queries of sanity arise, well....I gave up on the concept a long time ago.  I've wanted off the planet not long afterwards, but the saucer's broke.  The part itself is cheap, but the service charge to come out here on the periphery is astounding...;)