Another aspect - When I got started in the 60s, there was very little used equipment and no good way to become aware of any. You were forced to buy new. Today we have the internet and sales forums everywhere, as well as Ebay. So much great equipment at reasonable prices (especially speakers.) It is almost an embarrassment of riches.
Isn't a wondeful time to be an audiophile?
With all the new lower or intro priced vs. performance gear coming out recently. And with choices of sources, CD/ Streaming. I'm just thinking of how it must be for the newly converted. I started out back in the mid seventies. Let's see,if I remember correctly - Phono, Linn. Ortophon Dynevector Audio Technica? Reel to Reel, Cassette. Dolby filters. Ohm's F, Snell, JBL speakers. Just to name a few. But I am impressed with the performance vs. price ratio of some of the new gear I've heard. For which ever reason, technical, marketing, production. There are certainly I believe not only more products to choose from but the choices are more affordable as well.