Restrictions, behind the 8 ball.

Thanks Joe, Interesting thoughts. I like your methodology. I think we weigh all those factors when we look at upgrades, but certainly some overrule others.

I felt the original post was interesting and thoughtful. For me, the post describes exactly why there are so few people who pursue this hobby. It's expensive, it's technical is an unfriendly way (experienced people can't agree on what designs sound good), it takes up a lot of room, and it requires a tolerant spouse (unless you've got a dedicated room your partner can't watch TV when you're playing loud music). The one thing that Joe didn't mention is that there are a lot of people in this hobby who are assholes. If one is going to dive into this hobby one must have a high tolerance for jerky behavior. I think that partly explains the dearth of women audiophiles.

I wouldn't call the choices issue a restriction, however. It's more an issue of philosophy. In my case I seem to prefer the sound of less sensitive conventional speakers and I have a 185 lb. Krell amp (1200 watts @ 2 ohms) to drive them. A friend offered to sell me his hard-to-drive Thiel CS6 speakers and because I had the power to run them I jumped at the chance. I will never be an 8 watt SET guy.

Anyway, if Joe remains as introspective as his post indicates high-end audio will be a rewarding adventure. Coming into this hobby with a philosophical curiosity plus an appreciation of the trade-offs we weigh with every decision is a large part of the fun, at least for me.

Thanks 8th note,
I am a veteran of some tough forums...boating, fishing, pipes....yes tobacco pipes. I try not to rise to the bait. 
My system journey is just beginning. I have realized two things so far...one, the spouse is there and none too tolerant.
Second, Murphy has been my constant companion since birth so....no tubes for me!
Joe

Some of the tubes in my amplifier are nearly as old as me, and I’m 65. Murphy hasn’t even knocked on the door.  Besides, I can much more easily replace a tube than an integrated circuit or some other ss device.

BSMG,
If you gave me a toy block set, I could not get the square peg in the square hole. Furthermore I would damage both the hole and the peg. And on top of that if I went to purchase you a replacement set and given two new sets to choose from, I would choose wrongly.
Joe