I'm 79 and I've had a stereo since I was 15. A Sears Silvertone suitcase stereo that cost $100. I took it to college and loved it, as did my friends who had no stereo.
I rue the day I moved next door to another audiophile who had me compare wires. I told him I couldn't hear the difference, but afte a while I could hear the difference. I can hear small differences unfortunately clearly. And I now have what most audiophiles would call a decent system. No huge Boulder mono amps. My listening room is only 18 x 22. My Sonus Faber Olympica Nova V speakers are about as big as this room can comfortably handle. My audiophile neighbor bought speakers so large they shook his windows and made me laugh. Outloud!
Seriously, though, I think there are two parts to this hobby. First, I do believe, it begins with loving music. Second, has to do with your wallet and budget setting abilities. A sub section to the second part is whether you live with a partner who shares money with you.
At one point or another in an audiophile's life, I think we're all going to be stupid. Mid audiophile career, I was very seduced by boated midrange and bass. Thus, I bought an ARC LS 22 whose voluptous midrange got me. It took me about a year to realize that it had a bloated bass and crispy treble. I think mistakes are what teach us the most.
So, cheers to @audphile1 sitting on his deck with a cigar and a $60 speaker. I also enjoy music wherever I can find it. Not to say that I don't from time to time sit back and luxuriate in this fine stereo that it's taken me so long to assemble.
