What do/did you do for a living?

Software Engineer.

My first stereo system I owned was after the summer of my junior year in high school. Used my hard earned summer job money to buy a 3 pieces stereo system consisting of a receiver, turntable, and a pair of speakers for around $500+. It was all Pioneer gears. I later added a top of the line Pioneer cassette deck for close to $500. Looking back, I wish I didn’t throw them all away. Would love to have my Pioneer cassette deck.

Since then, I’ve gone through quite a few Home Theatre "do it all" systems, including music in stereo. Like receivers from Yamaha, Sony, and finally Maranzt.

I never considered myself a hobbyist until the beginning of the COVID pandemic. Since then, I’ve spent probably around $50K for speakers, stereo pre-amp, amps, home theatre processor, network streamer/DAC, turntable, cartridges, subwoofer etc... A lot of them were purchased from reading and recommendation of this forum.  They were paid mostly out of my vacation budges since we haven’t travelled since the pandemic.

This is no doubt an expensive hobby, but I guess cheaper than collecting cars 😀

Cheers!

Electronics engineer and software designer now retired, former designer/manufacturer of audiophile cables. An audiophile for more than 40 years.

I'm a lawyer and have spent a lot of time in private practice as well as in government. Served as a state prosecutor and US Attorney for seven years. I currently run the agency that houses the prison system, state police and other criminal justice agencies in my state. I'm 66 and at least semi retirement is on the horizon 

Bought a decent system many years ago when I was young and single. Just standard (cheap) consumer stuff during the kid years. Got back into hifi a few years ago- kids raised and house to myself. I've put together a system that I enjoy and make it a point to spend time with it every day.

Retired Dental Technician found work all over the world quite easily and ended up in SE Asia where I was General Director of a large 1200 man dental lab in Vietnam.  I retired at 55 and do part time baking for the local expat community. 
I’ve been into Audio since late 80,s my first real system was Pass X350, AR Ref 1, Accuphase A75 and Dunlavy SC 4 . 

I have two daughter 5 & 6 and I take and pick them up from school daily with English classes on weekends. 

@mammothguy54 

"I then went to work directly for Alpine and climbed the corporate ladder.  I managed the Western states for sales & distribution and the sales force."

I still have my Car Audio Nationals jacket.  And, the trophy.