Rig building - When or Why, do you change devices?

I have not got the budget needed to purchase anything like the very best components. I have to look for the best value gear and this can be found at several different price points, each offering a step up in sound quality. So I study a lot to find out what is good value.

I learn from other audiophiles, from listening to their systems, finding out about their own upgrades, from talking to technicians, from online exchanges and reading, from dealers and from reviews. This, plus listening to music on my own gear, helps me to form an impression of my system's weaknesses and make a short list of worthwhile upgrades. Sometimes the list is a single item long.

I keep an eye on the gear for sale sites and when I see one of the pieces I've noted I go for it.

Word for word what Tvad said. For the three years though there have been no replacements to the basic setup. Wow that seems like a long time after all the changing I did to get here.
Could there be improvements? Most definitely. Not sure I'm interested in paying for them.

Philjolet
Thanks. You're onto something there...

If by 'problem' you mean "adjustment", you're so right!

I believe a system is just that, a 'system', a whole and singular thing, comprised of many parts. Exchanging out one of those parts even though quite similar in fact, it will change more than just the esthetic!

Perhaps that power cord which ran so well with the previous yadayada, doesn't play so well with the new entrant... or the ICs, or different isolation needs should be addressed.

Making changes in a system if the changed in item is to be optimized for the system, requires more than just plug and play.

A positive attitude too is a great thing to have on hand. Finding happiness in what you have is key. If happiness revolves around that next 'whatsit', you'r in trouble. Of that, I'm positive.

Tobias
Thanks. There's a good bit of wisdom in your thoughts. Keep on keeping on...

Tvad
What's driving the speakers is more important than the speakers themselves. Always. IMHO.

What I'm finding in my limited experience is that there aren't any free lunches in audio gear. A $5000 CDP is better than a $2500 CDP etc.. I choose a retail level than search for the best used deals I can find . I decided $ 5500 was a decent level for a CDP and figured to spend $2500-3500 used to enter that level. As you all know than the pre needs to be upgraded than the amp/amps than the cables and P/C's then my chair etc... The amount I'll spend on a piece of gear just keeps getting larger and larger and somehow the larger amounts always become reasonable!!!! Hopefully I'm approaching my point of diminishing returns!!