Respectfully submitted, and really not looking to argue, but I think that one large impediment to advancing an audiophile system is having something more important to ones life to allocate money on.
Also, I just watched the zero fidelity you tube video where he makes the point that before you can decide where you want to be on the audio system level spectrum, one needs to realize that it is impossible to create the sound of a live event. Once you realize that, you pick the "fake sound" (his words) and equipment level that caters to your taste. It will always be the reproduction of music, not the creation.
If one wants to dedicate "x" amount of time and money to achieve his/her brand of the best sound possible, that is his/her decision, but to judge others who can be satisfied with the tone they have achieved is IMHO misguided.
That said, I do have seven amps (LOL).