Exactly where you want it to end. There is no time like now to start emphasizing the music itself. In fact, I think you probably lost a lot of time fretting over distinctions without a difference equipment-wise. My suggestion: the next time you think of spending money on hardware, stop and look at the recordings you could get for that money instead and blow a bunch of it on cds or lps. Seems strange to me that audiophiles hardly count their money when it comes to purchasing hardware, and then, suddenly, become more tight-fisted in buying music.
where does it end? when can i start listening?
don't get me wrong i am a mid 50's audio nut and i have been that way for 30 years within a limited budget. now i am into power cords and they do make a huge difference.i love the sound i am currently getting from my system but when does it end. i have hospital grade outlets - now there are ps audio outlets. what about the line to my fuse box? then one can fret about the power line to the house. we can go on and on til we upgrade the lines all the way to power plants but after 9/11 i don't think that will work, to much security. i guess that is the hobby but one must stop and listen and not not worry about what is next.