Finally, just recently I am satisfied (if not exactly done). I can envision potential technology induced upgrades, especially related to source components such as server based sources or higher resolution digital products such as Blu-ray, etc. When I got back into this hobby about 8 years ago, I started down the wrong path by purchasing a variety of well-reviewed equipment that I could afford used, without really considering the characteristics of the components and speakers I purchased, or the synergy between them. Just over a year ago, I started over with an amp and speakers having the sonic characteristics I was looking for, a "good" redbook-only CD player, and knew I was almost "done." Finding a suitable preamp was hardest. Through a lot of trial and error, I determined I liked the sound of tube preamps, but didn't want tubes. I finally found some SS preamps I could live with, then recently settled on the very excellent Tom Evans Vibe/Pulse preamp. So, over the past 8 years I have learned a lot, had some fun, and assembled a great sounding system at a fraction of the cost of buying new, with the trade-off being that I have invested a lot of time (on tweaks, upgrades, rebuilding speakers, etc.) that could have been better spent. In retrospect, I am not sure the time I have spent purchasing equipment used, and unheard, was worth it compared to 25 years ago when I frequented a brick and mortar audio dealer, determined what I wanted by listening (not reading), then purchased my ADS L810's and NAD system that served me with great music for almost 20 years!
