I've been on since '03, and my usage have ebbed and flowed quite a bit, depending on what's going on at home. Our last child was born in 03 so I had lot of late nights reading the forums trying to find out what Audiophilia was all about, didn't post much then.
I spent a long time just reading, then started posting for advice about the new rage in '04 - '05 surround music (DVD-Audio & SACD), as the kids got more active, I got less so on the forums.
As they have grown, I've gotten a bit more time, and started posting again.
I use them for advice on gear and software. I love to change out, and try other gear to see how it sounds in my system. I use the classifieds quite a bit to buy and sell, for the reason given.
Also, I have a ton of respect for a lot of the Old-Timers:
Analog - You ask Albert Porter
New Music - check in and read the posts by Darkmobias
Good Digital and new gear - Grumpy and funny AudioFeil (Bill), very good and darkly colored advice here
BTW - I'm the guy who had 11 different DAC's, and sold the last one. I have a new one too (Wyred4Sound DAC2, still like the Bryston better though) don't worry Shardone I took a picture.
Who would you trust for opinions; someone who has tried many items, or someone who is stuck in 2004 with his one item?
I am primarily into vinyl now, with digital being a very distant second due to my preference, but it started here just the other way around. After so many people told me to try vinyl, I finally did and was blown away, but I keep trying to find comparable digital setup, but just can't quite get past the glare.
Anyway, some of us come and go with how busy we are.
Excellent string.