OP
you are feeling guilty about spending that kind of $ on a component and looking for validation from other audiophiles to assuage that guilt.
It reminds me of an alcoholic who seeks justification for their behavior from cronies in a tavern.
Just be upfront with yourself. You can’t justify the binge as a value proposition. You wanted the component, had the means ( hopefully) to spend into the stratosphere and you pulled the trigger. Now enjoy it and don’t let the guilt inhibit the fun

