When I compare what’s available now (streaming Quboz hi res files) compared to what I did in the 1970’s (vinyl over an Ariston RD11s with Grace 707 arm and a hsnd-picked Sonus Blue cartridge), it’s clear that NOW is the golden time! My Aurender N100H/Yggdrassil combo wipes the analog gear in sound quality. My Schiit Saga with an old Sylvania JAN 6SN7GT sounds better than my Audio Research SP6B and Marantz 7C preamps ever did. And the music selection now is so amazing, the old stuff more available than ever at higher resolution (think Grateful Dead Betty Boards!) as well as a ton of superb bands. I would put up Tedeschi Trucks (their version of Layla beats the original IMHO and FAR better recorded), Phish, Goose, etc etc against any 60’s band. I learn about new music from people decades younger than me, and revel in companies like Schiit who make such great products at low prices.
Thus, I don’t lament. I just enjoy!