How long did it take to get your dream system?

There really is no end to the hobby where you achieve some dream sound and come to an end. Like any hobby it's ongoing - been at it for over 30 yrs, but only in the "high end" for about 10. The journey along the way is more fun than achieving some dream sound or system -- lots of equipment-- some better, some worse -- much enjoyment. I think most A'philes drop out or cut back mostly cause of $$ or waning interest.

The true definition of an audiophile has a disclaimer attached in fine print: I will never be content,and will always feel a need to pursue better sound at any cost. Signed-Whatever your name is...........

Almost 40 years.....!

I have been "playing" with audio equiptment for about 35 years. The dream system has come true, but now I have raised the bar... so the journey continues. PS it's an expensive trip to audio nirvana!

I put together the best system I've ever had, including dedicated circuits in my listening room, about 6 years ago, which was when I was about 30 years into this hobby. The speakers (Genesis 500), amp (ARC VT100 MkIII), turntable (Linn), and CD player (Marantz SACD-1) remain unchanged since that time. I changed the ARC LS-15 preamp to the BAT VK30SE about 2 years ago. I got a vintage Mac 67 tuner about 2 years ago too. I think this system will stay with me until I get too old and arthritic to bend over to turn everything on and off.
BUT--I have two other systems (living room with ARC tube integrated, ProAc 1SC monitors, and Ayre CX-7 CD player; and bedroom with HT setup--Aragon and Acurus, and ATC monitors) that I experiment with and change cables, etc. It's silly, I know, and when it comes time to move it will take me months to disconnect and box up all my equipment and CDs and LPs, but trying new things is all a part of this hobby. At least I leave my main system alone. I don't want to mess up a good thing, which is easily done if you read reviews and classified ads, which I unfortunately do.