I have lived in apartment buildings all my life as well (until my own home, now) and, gotta say, my apartment was MY CASTLE and I have the absolute right to enjoy my property - provided I do not disturb others. Apartment bldgs don't have house rules (as do condos or coops - house rules is a legal document and part of a contact, not it a sheet you type up and past in the hall for everyone to obey) so what applies is your city's (or town) ordinance against noise, usually of which is it 11 PM. Observe it and the common law cant touch you.
so, if you don 't mind your neighbors not liking you, if you don't mind investing in a new steel door with incredible deadbolts (because they will try breaking in the door during Sabbaths "Fairies Wear Boots", if you don't mind petitions being circulated about evicting you - you can enjoy your music as loud as you wish without breaking the law (you MUST be CERTAIN of what the law is, and be certain that the cops who come to your home know what it is - and yes, an apartment is STILL YOUR HOME!). Then, you need to be aware of any particulars (I would not want to be sued by the parents of a handicapped 3 year old). So, once you have all of this, you are not penalized in AMERICA for liking music, having big amps (and speakers) but not buying a house.
Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness does not require ownership of real property.
where is my manifesto?