How does one get off the merry-go-round?

Hello Foster, Never said upgrading was cheap and I guess affordable would depend on your financial position. I do enjoy spending time with the family, spending time at the lake and listening to our smaller audio system there.
But my real passion is music and hearing it reproduced as well as I can make it, and I honestly can't recall ever regretting making a purchase.
A few years back I sold my business and retired, I now work just enough to purchase some of the finer things in life that I couldn't afford before, audio is one of them. Here in western Canada the economy has been extremely strong, so getting a good paying part time job three blocks from home was not difficult. Yes I no I'm lucky, but after a lifetime of hard work maybe I've earned it.
As far as the merry-go-round, I do enjoy the ride, but that being said, all my audio purchases have been well thought out, well listened out, and have been a true step up and those components stay long term. I have no use for people that chase there tail with the flavor of the month.

Best regards Tim

the question:

"how does one get off the marry-go-round" has a simple answer.

don't enter the merry-go-round--problem solved.

Mrtennis,, your right , who wants to have a bunch of fun anyway, when you can sit back and complain and save money doing it. Glad you've sorted that out for us.

Mr. Tennis sez: Just Say No and, while you're at it, Abstinence Only

Don't make mistakes...Buy the right equipment the first time, and you won't fall into the upgrade trap. I have all the money I want for this hobby, but spending it foolishly just isn't for me. Quality doesn't cost, it pays. Happy listening.