Critical listening or a reason to keep tinkering?

Just accept that there will always be a faster gun, a prettier woman than your current or another war to be fought.  Stop when it feels good to you and you'll probably realize you should have stopped a few years earlier.

Thanks for acknowledging my knowledgeablenessosity.

If you can let us know what gear you own, we may be more helpful.

I have reached the point where I'm happy with my main equipment, because I can now hear real differences with just about anything I try, and I like what I hear. I may explore adding subs, but that's kinda fading as time passes. The one thing that I do have left, is to upgrade my cables that are twenty years old. BTW - My new mono blocks were the component that made the most difference.
Kenny

Everyone's situation is unique to them. I have optimized every aspect of my system, such as I can afford, without going overboard. I have reached the point where to make worthwhile improvements, a considerable amount of money would need to be spent, money I just don't have, now that I'm retired.

Other necessities come into play, a new roof, heating system, etc. You have to work within your own set of priorities, but, if you're lucky, or careful, you may find exactly what you need before running out of money or WAF.

Good luck on that last one.

Regards,
Dan 

Dan presented a very good and wise perspective that based on genuine experience. Is your goal realistic and emotionally involving music listening experience or is it the quest for "perfect " sound?  This is what must be determined as the pathways are very distinct. If you become obsess with achieving perfect sound you risk the possibility of never being fully satisfied with what you have. In my opinion there is no such thing as perfect sound regardless of how much you spend or how devoted your search may be. 

On the other hand seeking a system that provides pure  listening joy, emotion with an emphasis on your music is very obtainable. You can do this with the realization that "best" component or perfect sound isn't the objective, just deep lisstening satisfaction and appreciation of music you love. Two different routes. My 2 cents worth. 
Charles,