Do Audio Hobbyists Commonly Fail to Fully Utilize Their Systems?

Hard to generalize. I have been a very committed since I seriously began pursuing the high end in the late 70's. I would read, and continually experiment, and listen to other systems. I met few audiophiles along the way. But those that I did were very knowledgable and committed. While there was always much I did not know. I always would work diligently during each upgrade cycle until all components were balanced and optimized to the extent of my knowledge and financial ability. Then I would enjoy if for five years or more until I got the urge again. So I'd have to say... by and large I have always got the most out of my system and the few other audiophiles I have known did as well. 

There were lots of other folks around. 

(To Artemus_5) Did I enjoy my system for the past year even with those filters fighting each other? Yes but....I was looking for an upgrade (always) feeling there was a "hole" in the sound somehow. (Lack of cohesion, maybe) Its hard to describe when you sense something is off. I realize that may be the case no matter the condition of the music. However, I do listen quite a lot. And, after a while one can perceive various nuances that if engaged repeatedly and on a daily basis begin to stand out. I guess what I'm getting at is this...if I describe every detail of my system down to the room acoustical factors, cables, components, the potential synchrony between these items, etc...could the perceptive amongst us identify potential "weak links" in this collection? Yes, it could be done. In fact. I hear samples of this threading its way through many posts here on Audiogon. A journey? Yes, indeed but I'm actually trying to go somewhere! Maybe I'm searching for a musical mirage just over that sand dune ahead.

I regularly do the adjustments, correct my mistakes...it always helps, then I reach a point where "enough is enough" and  let it be for a while, then do some more at another time...

I've had decent gear for a while, but there were always albums that didn't sound great. I would blame it on bad recordings.  This past year, I bought a new preamp, dac, and several cables. A lot of the albums that I thought were poor recordings really aren't. It was my choice of gear and cables that had been the problem. I'm sure there is still room for improvement, but I'm happy with where I'm at. 

@sls883 

+1