Changing audio beliefs

"Are there any audio beliefs you once held to firmly that you no longer subscribe to?"

Much of what has already been said here applies to my journey as well such as, the limited importance of cables and tweaks; decoupling speakers; listening to a wider range of musical genres; aversion to marketing hype, reviews, peer pressure and overstated claims of performance; and while this hobby is enjoyable and helpful for one's well-being it is not overly important in the overall scheme of one's life where family, friends, adding value, giving back, and good health are paramount. 

One belief that has changed over time from the early days is that the vehement recommendations of internet posters often have little association with what works best and sounds best to my ears in my system.

Well, I was raised a "Linnie" back in the 80's. I was taught, and believed, a number of quasi-religious lessons: Direct Drive and Idler turntables were the Devil's tool. CDs were worse sounding than cassettes, and way, way worse sounding than vinyl. Tube amps were soft and wooly and did not serve music. Horn speakers would deafen and sterilize you with their strident drivers and silly dynamic range. You don't clean vinyl - you play the record, and then clean the stylus. God knows you don't use things like vacuums and ultrasonic doo-dads. Speakers almost don't matter - they are the least important link on the sonic chain. Getting the info off the records, and you were basically done.

And now, 45 years later, I have an idler drive turntable, tube amps and horn speakers. And, I'm happy. But I've strayed, dear lord. I've strayed...

Once I got into this hobby I fell for imaging, clarity, and black background. The first setup I had that I really loved was around Martin Logan CLS's (the original ones).  I knew bass was lacking but the other things overrode that.  Through the decades I've bought and built a plethora of systems along with aging and some upper frequency hearing loss.  Interestingly, the same preferences are still my overall goal.  I realize I'm not hearing the same things I did earlier, but my appreciation level has, if anything, gotten higher. I can still hear, what is for me, anyway, deep into the soundstage. I still hear equipment differences, even minor ones. I still have to watch myself when evaluating a turntable mat or weight, not to mention (please help me) cable differences. I've got my setup set up, so to speak, and  I'm sticking to it.  I'm happier that way, and life is good when you are not crazy.  

Comparing physical and mental well-being to a hobby is a ludicrous analogy!

@dayglow ,

I don’t know who that was meant for, please elaborate.

Because frankly, it doesn’t make a lick of sense.