I have really enjoyed reading everyone's responses. Just as a follow-up: I have been in "the high-end game" for almost 15 years now. My system has slowly evolved, with each evolution getting better in quality. My most recent change was from an all-tube system (from CD player to power amp) to an all solid-state system. It was probably more of a lateral move than a class change.
I would not rule-out, in any way, my life circumstances and the way my taste in music has changed as I age (im now 33). I listen to all differnt kinds ofmusic from classical to rock, to international. I have certainly come to appreciate the fact that good recordings are just more enjoyable. But I definitely sense that my current system synergy has played a part in my personal discovery of jazz music.
I would not rule-out, in any way, my life circumstances and the way my taste in music has changed as I age (im now 33). I listen to all differnt kinds ofmusic from classical to rock, to international. I have certainly come to appreciate the fact that good recordings are just more enjoyable. But I definitely sense that my current system synergy has played a part in my personal discovery of jazz music.