Getting into the music

Thanks. No, I don’t think high cost is the only way to get there… but for me… I always want upgrades to be better in all aspects while closing in on the sound I want. You can put together a musical system at most levels. It is about the choices you make… and knowing what you want. 
 

Over the decades in this pursuit I would occasionally hear a system that would really grab my emotions. I can think back to seemingly random systems that just stuck in my mind. When I listened to my 300b headphone systtem, then my main system… it all fell together. All those seemingly random experiences just came together and I completely understood rhythm and pace, the out of proportion details, and what those systems had in common. 
 

Take for instance the Audio research I-50 integrated amp. It cost $6K. So building your system around that does not require a fortune. If you don’t mind ferreting, I am sure you could find some less expensive. 

@rvpiano

"As a former musician, this would have been unthinkable years ago. Music was everything to me."

Not good! Let’s hope some forum members can suggest possible ways to restore the simple joy of listening.

Have you been at this long enough and heard enough gear to know for certain this problem is solely "in your head" and not a function of gear?

No doubt good seats at the symphony is one of the best references to have. 

@rvpiano Dude, you need to get into better music. Or get a well-fettled idler and a Decca cartridge, lots of vintage tubes and er, ESLs. I love my system. Didn't cost that much but I prefer it to most everything I've heard at shows and demos. Remember,  damping kills the 🎶 music!

@stuartk 

 I’m not sure what you mean by “a function of gear.”    
 I think I replaced my passion for music with a passion for sound.  Something I never thought possible.   
I’ve been a music lover since I was a child.
As a musician, I performed in many concert halls and soloed with orchestras. 
 I suppose that after I stopped performing I placed my creativity in the building of an exemplary stereo system. 
 I succeeded so successfully that it became a primary force in my life.  
 Of course I still love music and can be transported by it, but this audiophilia is powerful.