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I photograph Architectural for a living. I photograph many luxury ($1,000,000 homes which is really expensive in midwest) every year. I have only seen uber expensive, TAS level systems only a couple of times. One was a Steinway system (yes the Piano company) in a large home theatre. 
Generally, when I photograph a HT, even the expensive installs, It's still usually a hi end A/V receiver. Lots of ROTEL systems in my area (probably due to A/V installers in area).

I do run into quite a few audiophiles and most are still using older 2 channel gear. Every now and then I will see a nice McIntosh set up.

I did recently run into a ZU/Yamaha A-s3000 set up that blew me away (it was playing while I was there). 

I really do miss the old Stereo Review Julian Hirsch style reviews from days past (Hirsch was a little reluctant to "knock" a product, however, I enjoyed reading his reviews).

S&V is a little too "consumer product" heavy, TAS, SP is a little too "over the top premium" heavy. I really like TONE AUDIO 
http://www.tonepublications.com/

I know some great high end interior designers, and some people with too much money and amazing homes (I’m not one of those people by the way…but we get along somehow). As with the general public, wealthy people mostly don’t give a damn about great hifi, and stick unobtrusive ceiling speakers all over their McMansions and control the stuff with iPhones…I’ve been an Arcitectural Digest reader off and on for nearly 5 decades and I’ve seen maybe 2 places featured in that mag with dedicated hifi systems that weren’t part of a large screen media room. A relatively tiny number of wealthy hifi freaks somehow keep the high end ball rolling, and that's simply amazing…Naim Statement amps? (just read a review)…gotta get me some! HA!

Some spend their money on homes, some on audio systems, some on cars, boats, travel, jewelry, etc.
I do have wealthier friends who have larger homes and little interest in audio. I also have some friends in smaller homes who spend a lot more money on cars, (brand new Jaguar XJ), jewelry, and/or travel than I would.

Point is, who cares how folks spend their money?
If you enjoy audio gear, great! If you don't, great!

Exactly jmc !!! 

TAS and stereophile were great for the photos, to know what was out there and descriptions of the equipment. Reviews, taken with grain of salt(never really understood that expression). I mean you did not view playboy mag to see the unattractive women you had a chance of meeting, did you? No that is why you read national geographic. Besides with out them we would not have extremely high price ic and spk cables. Then where would we be?
I'm just say'in ✌️🖖