Balancing time for music: Discovery/acquisition vs. listening


I have limited time to devote to my music/audio hobby.  I love listening to music on my server whenever I get a chance (and this is listening as a destination activity).  But I am also aware there is an incredible amount of music out there to be discovered.  Liking many different genres only expands the music I want to discover.  So, I have to decide how best to use my time:  Listening, or discovery/acquisition.  I discover music largely via internet radio (nearly infinite choices).  I acquire it through a variety of means, from recording music from various sources to buying CDs on line or visiting record shows.  But every minute spent adding music to my collection is a minute spent not listening to music on my system.  What to do?  What do you do?  I know many will suggest Tidal as a way to eliminate the acquisition phase, but I am reluctant to pay a monthly fee, and I have been able to stump Tidal when I have had access to it (stump it, meaning I was able to find music not offered on Tidal - mostly obscure stuff, but, there you go).  I'd appreciate any input you can give me on how you handle this dilemma.  TIA!
bondmanp
I tend to go in streaks of a few weeks; exploring new music, then listening to a lot of it, returning to older music I know...I wish I could hear everything and read every book and see every movie I want...not sure I understand your reluctance for Tidal; I hear lots of music there I would never hear anywhere else. Sometimes I buy the CD, mostly not. Yes, there is plenty they do not have, but they have so many albums I want to hear but not buy...
Bondman (and everyone else, I suppose):

I recently discovered a new "secret" that resolves the discovery and acquisition problem.

I've been buying used 7th generation iPod Classics (160gb) on eBay lately - Around $200 a pop if in good condition and only go after those that have thousands of songs pre-loaded.

In one case I scored a unit that had over 12,000 songs on it (imagine if you had to pay $.99 a piece?).

I have a dock and connect them directly via USB to my DAC.

I realize that it's a crap shoot but that's part of the fun.

:)