My primary systems are pretty stable now but when I started building them (ie in their current form) I did so by buying used gear primarily, and went through a lot of what I call "in home demos". That is, I would buy a new (to me, but usually used) component to improve on what I had. I would play it in my systems and decide if to keep it or the previous one, and sell the loser.
Also, there were many years that I "sat out" because of the demands of raising kids and pursuing a career. Once I started "playing" with my system again I think had an insatiable appetite for trying various brand/components. When I was in college and had more more time than money, I spent my time in Audio stores wearing out my welcome. Now I lack the time for that, and doing in home trials of gear really isn't that expensive.
I am still trying and trading gear, but not nearly as much as 2 years ago. The components in my systems have been here for at least 2 years. I've moved on to trying and trading guitars and guitar amps now . . .
Also, there were many years that I "sat out" because of the demands of raising kids and pursuing a career. Once I started "playing" with my system again I think had an insatiable appetite for trying various brand/components. When I was in college and had more more time than money, I spent my time in Audio stores wearing out my welcome. Now I lack the time for that, and doing in home trials of gear really isn't that expensive.
I am still trying and trading gear, but not nearly as much as 2 years ago. The components in my systems have been here for at least 2 years. I've moved on to trying and trading guitars and guitar amps now . . .