Who else here is frugal?

@glupson...and I didn't respond to your query re 'homes', which I meant as a 'owned residence'; a single-family house.  As opposed to an apartment, condo, or that which one can't 'enhance' without raising ire or some similar crop of irritance..;)

Yes, "things" in specific (audio)....I drifted off into generalities, which given the 'frugal' topic effected my comments. It most certainly does so in my overall existence.  A small portion of that 'overall' is my audio enhancements to it and within it.

Not having a larger portion of 'net income' to devote to 'better' equipment, I could kvetch and be surly about it.  Instead, I take it as an challenge.

One can start with a raw diamond, and begin to polish it.  If you're skilled at such, you end up with...a diamond.

Now, if all one has is a more 'common' gemstone....a 'pigs ear' rock, to 'push' the analogy...

I think you get my drift. *S*  It's more of a feat to actually make the silk purse.  Or a lovely stone, desirable for itself rather than 'market value'....

Even stepping aside from the $ dimension, I'll wager that I like my system just as much as you do yours.  The  'enhancement' that I pursue is quite different than cables, power conditioners, and other exotica (to me, anyway).  The enjoyment is in the pursuit, as it is for pretty much everyone who posts here.

And I'm at a point that even the DIY forums I've haunted can't really advise me much further than they have.  I thank all who have made observations and suggestions, but I'm now free to follow my muse.
And to apply what I've gleaned from there...and what I see here, reading between the lines...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tzf3FHO_Cx0

(wait for it....*S*  I like to work to this...)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ijd_iN9Blk

One of his more 'accessible' pieces....and a good woofer workout...;)

Interesting  perspectives. I worry some are what chases newbies away from the hobby- not arguing anyone’s right to hold whatever opinion they wish- only that these things are situational. If your reference is an am radio in the garage a simple $100 receiver and modest speakers could sound like nirvana. The other extreme is if you have $300K in a system, chances are an additional $50K isn’t putting you on the soup lines and may take your breath away. Good for both of those. Although I have some much better quality components- a beat up set of Bose 901’s still bring a smile due to the memories attached to them. Those speakers, along with Malcolm and Angus turned my dorm room into party central 35 years ago. So whatever your budget and situation- enjoy the music and whatever upgrades avail themselves. 

 Eddie,  its a lot of work to be  frugal when audio is a hobby 

Frugal audiophiles have better hearing than those who don't. 

Fact.

The more time I spend on A'gon, but more I appreciate  Mahgister's posts. 

Frank