How Long Did It Take You To Build Your Dream Setup?

Hi,
run for what, by walking you have better self control and learn more.
I set up my first system in 1975 and since then iam enjoyng both music and gear. A dream system will always be a dream. I am happy with what i have now but my ears are open for any next wake up call.

As I'm blasting out Elvis Costello and the Attractions' brilliant Get Happy! CD there's a part of me thinking maybe the drum strikes just don't have enough impact and snap, maybe there should be a hint more clarity to the soundstage.

Love the bass though. 

After 35 years or so I'm nowhere near my dream system. If my system could somehow disappear and - (Wow, that harmonica on I Stand Accused sounded real!) - just leave Elvis and the band before me, I'll have arrived at my goal.

I'm close, but let's face it, it's not going to happen is it?

Way too long

Been at it since my first rat shack system at age 14 & just last year got my dream speakers(Harbeth M30.1) hahahaha..Now I’m stuck for my dream front end(amp/dac all in 1)...

I may have gone at it way too fast. I started with a set of Kef Q550s and a Marantz receiver around my 21st birthday. I've been thru 3 front end setups and 4 pairs of speakers before I finally found what I was looking for last month, Jeff Rowland front end with Avalon Eclipses. Started this hobby last August and now I think I'm finally happy (for now at least ;).