Wasted Years.

When I first got into higher-quality audio equipment 5.5 years ago, it was after my last girlfriend broke up with me and I decided to invest in more expensive and physically intrusive audio equipment that my gf likely would not have wanted.  So, free of interference, I started looking about.  I joined this audio community to try to get a better bearing on what was out there. 
 

What a shock and revelation.  I had no idea that the range of audiophiles would stretch from people like me, just wanting an upgrade, to people that spend more on a cable than I did for all my equipment!  😳.  I thought “Is this the place?  What am I getting myself into?”  I initially posted more here, adding my observations and asking questions.  I eventually decided that Audiogon is good for its entertainment value, but I have little to add here that is of value.  I still come to read, but I seldom post because — what’s the use?  A lot of members here have experience with equipment I have never heard of, let alone heard.  
 

I used to want to post my suggestions when someone asked for recommendations for a new, upgrade piece of equipment.  But I learned I’m in the dark on these things.  I don’t have any relevant knowledge compared to others, and I likely never will.  But I do notice that Mahgeister has very modest equipment and has still amassed over 13,000 posts!   Maybe there is hope for me after all?  
 

Often the learning process takes longer than we'd like. Sometimes waaaay longer...but on the flip side, those tend to be the lessons we REALLY learn. It's part of the process nonetheless, so I'd hesitate to call it "wasted" time.

This hobby shoehorns many disparate pursuits into one box: musical appreciation, music library building, system building, community building & participation, wife/girlfriend management, technical know-how, gear lust, budgeting (or lack of), and the addictive dopamine hits from new acquisitions. It can definitely be hard to find a good balance here!

Started upgrading my system shortly after I started on Audiogon (coincidence?).  Over 25 years later now, I sometimes sit back and ask myself, "what rainbow are you still chasing?"  The vast variety of new music available through the addition of digital streaming has been a great impetus for me to refocus on the music instead of the gear.  The only meaningful changes to my system in the past 5 years have been in the digital realm, which is not surprising.  

They are both relevant and can be exclusive or inclusive. 

@mulveling 

Often the learning process takes longer than we'd like. Sometimes waaaay longer...but on the flip side, those tend to be the lessons we REALLY learn. It's part of the process nonetheless, so I'd hesitate to call it "wasted" time.

The same could be said for many pursuits in life. It's certainly true of the arts.