If there’s an audiophile exit ramp, this ain’t it…

The only think I can see you possibly purchasing 
is advancing digital technologies which keep advancing 
and is modular for future advances . Briscasti has been a front runnner l and having a streamer board built in is a solid bonus ,
lower noise better isolation and 2 less cables.
i have the M3 with streamer board, but m trying to save for 
their flagship M21 , this-is a valid point to consider , 
and the upper models M1 and M21 ,which both have a R2R dac as well as classic multi bit Analog devises dual mono 1955 dacs and many other advancements. There are more and more high end companies making excellent dac -Streamer combinations and Being Modular  is a must for low cost future upgrades.

@kennyc, @surfmuz, @raysmtb1 —yes, there is an addictive component in this hobby and I’m starting to realize I need to take a step back before I ruin it for myself.

the rushes came with the anticipation of new gear and a few times with marvelous improvements to my system that gear unleashed. I can’t afford to chase new rushes like that now, given where my new baseline is at. And I like where im at, which is cool.  But these forums serve the temptations up fast and steady.  Kudos to those of you who can keep a cool head about it.

It’s interesting that even in this thread created specifically to be NOT about gear options and upgrades, several posts have gone there anyway. Not judging anyone, just observing. And since some of my thoughts here are counter to the prevailing culture of this hobby, some negative reactions happening too. Overall positive, though, and that’s encouraging.

Thanks all.

There is always a more expensive hobby to sober ya up….

I've let audiophilia consume so much of my brainspace, I'm nervous to see how often I reach for audio stuff as a reflex. I'm anticipating some withdrawal effects.

...can I interest you in some 'vintage heroin'....?  *L*  Sometimes a cure can do more drain bamage.... ;)

Actually, it can be painless to ignore the siren song of 'better this over the junque you have'...being facetious about that, but that used to be the greener grass over the fence of doubt and envy.

There will always be a something that is (or purports to be) so much more significant in some fashion....employing the 'vehicle analogy', a Smart Car will get you somewhere just as surely as a Lotus Evija can...

Those who can and feel they must will opt for the latter...and will have the fund$ to support their auto mistress....*S*

Knew a young man who bought a used Alfa Spyder.....a start of the classic 'love/despise' relationship....always chasing mechanical demons between lost weekends chasing curves, both asphalt and the femmes'.

Audio equipment has similar traits. Mho, one can OCD self into fits over it, chasing the dragon.

Or....one can just chill, and employ it just as it is for the time being.

The 'new' will always be out there....and 'used' isn't a dirty word, either.

Enjoy.  Stop fretting (unless you take up guitar or something else with strings attached). ;)

Oh, soldering and the means of doing so...

Don't buy a Home Despot cheapie (or not so much), Parts Express has decent ones that have a handy stand for a hot iron.

Chasing one that's threatening to roll off the desk can cure that impulse if you snag the wrong end.... ;)