What is $5,000 worth today, and is it better than 1,600 in the 80's?

Thank you rwortman. I could not have said it better.
millercarbon, the only reason wars last longer is because we have become more concerned about "innocent" bystanders. In WWII we just blew up everything.

You said it rwortman, tin foil hat fiat currency nonsense  is about as rational as putting magic mats in your breaker box for electric conservation or better sound stage or some such lunacy.

And yes, in general equipment is much better today than it was in 1980 and collecting music is way better including vinyl. I also think in general mastering has improved. So, overall we are in much better shape and I think get more value for what we spend until you get to the "luxury audio"
stuff. I don't even wish I had the money. Most of it I would not buy if I did.

Equipment is all about fun.  Infinity ...

1980 -- $1,600.00 vs 2019 -- $5,000.00.

What I would've bought then vs What I would buy today?

1984 System....

.  Vandersteen 2C Speaker System -- $650.00

.  Yamaha A-1000 Integrated Amplifier (120 WPC @ 8 Ohms) -- $600.00

.  Technics SL-1800 MkII Turntable -- $380.00

Price:  $1,630.00 + Phono Cartridge (About $2,000.00 Total (1984))



2019 System (Today)*....

.  Vandersteen 2Ce Signature Speaker System -- $1,600.00 (Pre Owned)

.  Cambridge Audio AZUR 851A Integrated Amplifier/DAC (120 WPC @ 8 Ohms/200 WPC @ 4 Ohms)  -- $1,500.00

.  PS Audio GCPH Phono Preamplifier -- $500.00 (Used)

.  Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (Black) -- $600.00

.  Nagaoka PM-200 Phono Cartridge -- $400.00

.  BlueSound NODE 2i Music Streamer -- $550.00

* = If I had the money....

Price:  $5,150.00 + Digital, Interconnect, and Speaker Cables (About $6,500.00 Total (2019))

--Charles--