Is This the Essence of "The Audiophile Dilemma?

Factor 1 - Audiophile equipment ranges from relatively affordable to stuff that's very few could even consider as a possibility, so there's always something bigger and better available.

Factor 2 - Every audiophile has different references and unique listening spaces, so the only way to really know is by trying gear in your own listening space.

Factor 3 - Many audiophiles are in it for the hobby as much as for the music so upgrading and trying different gear is part of the fun.

Factor 4 - In my opinion, most people struggle to separate something sounding "different" with it sounding "better" unquestionable better.

At this point my system is reasonably on the audiophile scale of possibilities, but exceeds anything that I ever had as a goal, so I'm satisfied...for now.

I think that most audiophiles that have embraced this hobby for a fairly significant length of time will admit it's not just about the music. Technology always keeps moving forward and with it the hope of gaining a little more satisfaction with change. I know for me, the 'streaming thing' has opened up a whole new world of listening options that have reenergized my interest across the board and I find myself spending more time with my system(s) than say a year or two ago. 

@mceljo

Well-stated, sir. (BTW, I wish I hadn't sold my Pathos Classic III. :) )

@brauser

+1000 on "the streaming thing"

Dilemma? How about "fun." Great audio is FUN, and if you're too tightly wound to have fun since you may be worried about your subs or "early reflections" (good name for a book) or toe-in...you should do something else. I look for new music frequently, and sometimes get curious about some new amp or something and when I try something and it's good, it's MO FUN. Bloviating hobby extremists who are utterly obsessed about sharing their self inflicted audio issues are clearly tedious and unhappy people needing therapy...and maybe another hobby.

the path is the goal :-)