How many of us are truly satisfied with their systems?

You know me too well. I whisper your posts and dim the lights.

The key is to not go to audio shows.  Once you hear better you want it and have to buy it.

I agree, don’t go to audio shows. But for a different reason. Because the sound generally sucks, very generic at best, so you’ll be disappointed and get a false idea of what’s possible. ☹️

Prior to my move in 2018 I hadn't changed anything for many years.  I had the same speakers for over 25 years and I've had the same Amp for 21 yrs (one repair/recap).  DIgital sources having evolved somewhat over that time, I went through three iterations on the front end.  Now that I've settled on replacement speakers, and once again look forward to listening each night, perhaps I will retreat back into that happy stasis.

The amp does run a little hot... :)

If someone has been satisfied for 10 or 20 years, I may start to believe him.

If an audiophile says "I recently introduced X in to my system and it's so wonderful I'm totally satisfied and I'm 'done.'"

Then this means nothing.