There are countless "budget" components out there (some are truly excellent) & excellent systems can be assembled from them.
I've subscribed to T.A.S. & Stereophile for ~35 years, also some other publications that came & went. Generally print media focus on larger/more expensive gear, multi-channel & audio/video, or both. Neither really helps me much.
But that's OK. I found many other sources for information online. Besides, I love music, always have--that's a constant motivator to maintain at least one audio system that really works for my ears. This is my life & I'm living it, no matter how crazy expensive things get out there...
I've subscribed to T.A.S. & Stereophile for ~35 years, also some other publications that came & went. Generally print media focus on larger/more expensive gear, multi-channel & audio/video, or both. Neither really helps me much.
But that's OK. I found many other sources for information online. Besides, I love music, always have--that's a constant motivator to maintain at least one audio system that really works for my ears. This is my life & I'm living it, no matter how crazy expensive things get out there...