The two stages of audiophilia

Stage 2 is the Honeymoon after finding Miss Bitchin'.

Stage 3 is.... well its after the honeymoon and when maybe a wandering eye catches hold of something you wish you had in stage 1.

Temptation is the root of all evil......

touchy subject!

my pareto:

1) music
2) quality of analog and digital source
3) room speaker integration
4) speakers or earphones
5) power amp + pre amp

price of gears does not always connected directly to quality of sound reproduction! there are many different analog and digital sound design philosophies to consider, in many cases accomplishing similar audio results. many ultra-expensive gears have “chic looking front panel”, and accomplish only Dr. FeelGood goals!

What's the matter with Audiophiles there never happy with there system....me included...Most of us listen with our Eyes....which is s situation where your never happy even when you have a killer system....

I’ve been in separates for 50 years! I just went to an integrated amplifier and love it!
it sounds great 
great sound stage 
great clarity 
and it’s class D!!!!- lots of power!
no heat either
my bookshelf speakers sound so deep that a sub would be an overkill! So happy!
now the problem- the amp
Is so  revealing , that a poor recording sounds awful!
I need to go to AA (audiophiles annon) for the twelve step program! 

Stage 3
pack up the lot, sell it, and move to something else…