Retired audiophile?

For me, I too am extemely happy with my system, at leas the electronics, and my new passion has become learning as much as possible about loudspeakers, and DIY, while applying that to learning about 'sound' that way.  I am very much done with the crazy prices for more equipment, unless I build it myself.  I am just finishing up a 125 liter 12" SB Acoustics woofer cabinet, taking my time and doing it as perfectly as possible.  Gonna use it with my Volti Audio horns and upgraded crossovers.  This is extremely rewarding for me, especially since I am near retirement also. I guess I am not downsizing at all, 'cuz two 125 liter (4.5 cubic feet cabinets) is a large affair.  This is fun, and if you have the inclination, I would heartily suggest that you give it a go.  Too fun. 

I am retired and content that my humble system provides satisfactory enjoyment (transporting). However,I enjoy reading and the pace of technical advancement is so interesting I can't help having curiosity about the effect of new materials and new technology. My experience with the extraordinary benefits,to my Spectral based system,of Martin Glasband's balanced power was a revelation,likewise some of MIT's simple technologies;compels me to follow present tech advances due to materials,both magnetic and fabric (perhaps both in one in the event of graphene / nanotubes). I find it natural to be intrigued with the potential for improvements for all aspects of music recording and reproduction. I'm glad tech is moving at such a speed and hope to hear the benefits.

Yes, I am retired.  Your original post rings true for me. I retired last May, yet I've been done with my main system for a few years.  These days it's maintenance and listening.  

A friend introduced me to Stereophile magazine some 25 years ago, partially to draw attention to the absurdities of expensive cables (he worked on electronic equipment for a living).  But of course this only INCREASED my interest in high-end audio, and soon afterwards i traded in my ADS speakers for B&W-801's.  Then came the inevitable upgrades costing more and more money.  But now this enthusiasm has mostly run its course.  A local audio store recently wanted me to give a new $20,000 digital preamp a try, along with extremely expensive "footers".  Also, my cables, already having been upgraded four or more times, have now been improved upon yet again.  Oddly enough is the fact that i listen to my Tivoli radio/subwoofer system in bed for more hours a week than my big stereo. Since i enjoy BOTH as much as i do indicates that the human ear "can" learn to be happy in either case.  
     Thus, while the Boulder 3000 series mono blocks are one good example of the current audio "end of the road" (1500W/ea.),
i just can't get excited about what they can do that my "miserable" 500W mono blocks aren't able.  So maybe you can see the point I'm making...

I have retired. Maybe too early, but my hearing isn't best by far. Often have to ask "can you repeat" when talking on the phone and often same music day by day isn't sounding same and it's getting kinda worse as well. Quit upgrading for good -- No point. Getting new music or some super-rare desirable titles on vinyl is my current passion.