Is it time to just quit?

Elizabeth as I understand it you have a love of music, time available to enjoy it, , a huge music library and a great setup to do it with.   I envy you!   Just take time stop and smell the roses.   Maybe try to gear down on the spending if that is causing stress.   If not, then have at it.  Downsizing is always an option as well.  You've accumulated a lot of knowledge on these things.  You might even be surprised at how good things might sound for less if needed.

   Cheers!

Not quite what it is that you want or expect from these forums?

Still some great members posting pretty regular and a good mix of useful threads for educational purposes. ... Lol.

As far as equipment, I sure as heck wish I could stop the spending!

But it is all too easy to get sucked in to the next big thing especially while perusing these forums!

Was reading a tuner thread and had to slap my face to prevent me looking for ones for sale!

So just relax and enjoy the music on your very nice system.

And keep on trucking here, not much is occurring on the "insider" forums trust me!

Liz... while we don't always agree, you bring a true, sincere, "real world" perspective to many threads that otherwise threaten to veer off into mushroom-stoked la-la land.  Keep on posting.  I've found shopping therapy is quite effective until the c.c. puts on the brakes.  My own theory about inexpensive tweaks is that they keep the endorphins hopping in those lulls between bigger purchases.  Right now I've fallen back on lurking around Amazon and buying good condition used CDs. 

Don't despair Elizabeth, we all go through something similar though most don't want to admit it. There's been a few times when the idea of selling everything had me rethinking this hobby and the costs and efforts to maintain it. 

I think too much emphasis is on buying and not listening, backed by the never ending sales and peer pressures. You have to keep in mind this is one of the most hyped niche industries around. 

I've had a few moments when I thought I was satisfied, and I was, only to read up on what was shiny and new and it provoked that demon inside to "just read up on it" and check it out and then wait and see what some of the respected reviewers had to say and then, bingo! Another sale. More used gear to sell. Now which cables work best with the new set up, and so on.

You have a lot of insight that we all like to hear as well as a great sense of humor. Your posting here is appreciated. The doldrums will pass.

All the best,
Nonoise

If this hobby starts to become unfun I’d day it’s time to quit. Think about your stress level! You don’t want to have a heart attack...