Having been an audiophile for many decades there's been many ups and downs. Failures certainly frustrating but I never recall longer term regret, perhaps short term, eventually I'd come back to the realization building audio systems is as much about process and learning as it is an end goal. I thoroughly enjoyed the discovery phase of audio, so much to learn, so many variables, so much complexity! Lately I've been looking through my old audiophile magazines, brings back memories of those days, going to shows, dealers, having in depth discussions with other audiophiles along the way, just completely immersed in the learning process. What an adventure it was!
Also, in regard to goals, the greater the goal the more one strives to reach it, desire is a great motivator.
Over the past few years I feel as though I'm in a perfect place, I both admire the sound quality of my system and effortlessly become fully immersed in the illusion of real live artists performing great music in my room. This has all been totally worth it, having been OCD for so many years paid off big time!
As for ends, I'm still an audiophile, my interest in adding possible new gear remains But more relaxed times, not always feeling the need to fix some weak link allows this. Now I'm simply curious as to what some new item could bring to the table, perhaps another accent on what I already have.
