Many seem to be talking about their last system .

two other issues often, and correctly mentioned,  just can’t be completely overcome by even the best of equipment: 1) recording quality, and 2) room acoustics 

room acoustics can be modified to an extent but recording quality just can’t, and most music collections are compromised of recordings ranging from truly awful to excellent, but rarely all ‘excellent’ 

chasing nirvana, spending copious amounts of $$$, when the deck is stacked, after a while begins to feel like a ‘no win’, so an adjustment of priorities takes place, at least that’s what’s happening to me 

Mark, you are right of course. But people are both rational and irrational, and I like both sides, unless it gets out of control.

One thing to be aware of is that buying and selling may not work very well because you may never have a complete system that truly synergizes together all at one time. "Endless upgrading" as the topic discusses, may not be an upgrade at all but a bunch of sideways moves. That is why when I bought my most recent system I bought from a dealer that had not only the ability to match gear well, but was more than happy to work with me until we found what made me not only feel, but know, what worked well together and made the sound I wanted; note in particular it was about the sound I wanted because we don't all want the same sound. I've spent the last five or six years going to shows and dealers and I knew when I heard the speakers that I bought, if there was any way I could afford them, I'd bring them home. I brought them home with electronics including a server source that just sing together. I do realize that not everybody has local dealers they can visit and so not everyone can take this route to design a system. But if you don't have local dealers, going to a show can get you pretty close or at least push you in the right direction. Forums like this can help too, but in the end it is about what YOU think sounds good and so taking someone's word for granted may not get you what you want. The proof is always in the listening and of course if you can hear a system in your own listening room that is even better yet.

One more comment. I'm maybe five years away from retirement and thought I'd purchase my last system after I'd crossed that line and had even more time to research and go hear equipment. But then I heard the speaker that wouldn't let me stop thinking about it. I'm glad I decided to make it happen now as who knows, hearing could be worse in five years, I could get killed on the way to the gas station, whatever. We all have different goals; I've been a pretty frugal guy all my life and this was my one bid splash out. It brings me joy everyday, even if just using it in conjunction with my TV.

Most of us can't afford or/and don't have enough will to jump from one system to another, so in reality it is almost always in a state of flux. Also, when you are after used equipment, certain pieces show up very rarely, and if that's what you really want for your future set up you are presented with a dilemma of whether to get it now and potentially screw up the sound you have or maybe never be able to find it again.

Few facts, 1) I love music, 2) I like to hear it at what others call "high end" level, 3) I’m nearly 62 now. 4) I had some money in an old sock. 5) I enjoy life, enjoy a good health.
Two years ago I thought of buying myself some new equipment, had been dreaming for a while, remembering the days that I enjoyed my Apogee Grands, but had to sell those due to my work being away from home, not being able to enjoy them. One day I met a friend of mine, we spoke about life in general, and about enjoying life to the fullest as long as we can. We all realize that one of these days it will all be over and gone, so why not to enjoy it whilst you are still in a position/condition to enjoy it. That made me think, and made me decide to simply go for it, make the investments necessary, and enjoy it from the next day I had the equipment at home. I now can tell that a good year later, I have no regrets, even though that old sock is about empty now. I also already know that next year I’ll invest some more. The moment you have no dreams anymore, you may as well stop and depart from this world anyway. Good thing is that my son loves music as well, so most likely after I move on, he will be more than happy with it. On the other hand, he may have to wait a little longer, the equipment may be a bit outdated by that time...you never know ;) (but then again, what sounds good today will most likely still sound good for a long time to go....)

Cheers,