After fifty years… amazing. What high end audio can be.

Yeah.  My 2022 system is pretty good.

But I didn''t mind my 1972 system and the music was much better then.

So were my ears!

Glad we're both still loving it @ghdprentice 

Only 68 here but same realization. Amazed at my system everyday. Retirement life is pretty rewarding in my case, but I'm not 70 yet lol.

Not yet 70 (but close), been into hifi and music since 1969. Many aspects have led to massive improvements. Of course design and technology but also quality control. God some 1970's stuff was abject rubbish? Current system built around Cayin tube amp and Audio Physic speakers is quite incredible compared to system costing many times more even 20 years ago. Of course real cost has decreased but in my case the internet means each of these items were purchased at 40+% off retail. So even supply chains, retail and media have played a part in the  transformation. Anyway guys merry Christmas and a happy new year and enjoy what you have, it's never been a better time to be an audiophile.

@clearthinker +1

What’s cool is than I have less than 30% [12% in mid 80’s dollars] invested today.

Back then

"On well recorded material, this system could raise the hair on the back of your neck. One felt as though one could walk up and join the band playing in the room, be it a Ben Webster trio, Queen or the London Phil... some said it sounded too good..."

Ditto today

I’m 79 (but only look 78) and I’ve been interested in hi end audio since 1969.  I have progressed in spurts, however, not as a steady pursuit but as I head into retirement I went and splurged big time (for me). I now have my “forever system” with which I’m totally happy. The challenge now is to continue to get The Absolute Sound, attend Axpona  and check in with this forum and still resist the temptation to buy anything more.