Infinite? That's a pretty big concept. What hobbies have "infinite" variables? None, and imo not even close. I believe we are on the very, very low side of "infinite" variables (unless one wishes to play fantasy games intellectually). Of course, I do believe the OP was using the term loosely, not technically.
When you begin to gain appreciation of the vast spectrum of performance, even when aggressively experiencing a wide variety of systems, it's a humbling experience. You realize that though the variables are not infinite, they may as well be when it comes to the various outcomes in systems and their performance. I build dozens of systems a year, and the spectrum of performance does not narrow, it widens.
But, and this is critical to me, the enjoyment of variety is endlessly fascinating and rewarding. I spent an hour last night discussing with a manufacturer one Dip Switch inside a DAC that alters the entire performance of the DAC in several ways. It's another whole "infinite" field of variables inside the machines, as our DIY and manufacturer sector knows!
