One of the fun parts about getting into a new hobby is being able to take a new look at established trends and question the need. Case in point, I decided to build a small #hifi system for myself while keeping to a minimum budget. I believe I've done so as it sounds amazing to me, but I do have a few upgrades that I'm waiting on. I attribute this to me being a bit rushed to build something for the holidays and not thinking things through, due to not understanding fully. But I'm satisfied with my last purchases and honestly can't see much more being added on afterwards.
But I have looked at what else I can add and decided it's just not worth it. Specifically a CD player (or CD Transport as some "audiophiles" call them) as well as a tape deck. First, I don't have enough media to warrant either one. Secondly, I already have a record player that I'll eventually upgrade once I build up a proper vinyl collection, so why spend more money on yet more media? I have a dedicated media player, a TIDAL subscription, and I'm quite pleased.
So yeah, I've built up a system from components from AliExpress and Amazon, but it sounds amazing to me and I don't care if I'm not "audiophile" enough for some folks. I do still need a sub just to round things out, and maybe one last amp if I really want to worry about cross-channel contamination, but I don't see that as an issue right now. I think once the new amp and DAC arrive, the next upgrade is some op amps and the sub, but then I'm done. I don't need a 7.1 or Atmos system, nor do I care. I want to be able to disconnect and listen to Bowie, Miles Davis, Florence and the Machine and The Hu when I want to relax. I can stream whatever I don't own, and I don't need to get a new shelving system to hold a bunch of CDs or tapes for bands I may only listen to a few songs from.
Sorry for the novel, I just needed to justify my own thoughts to myself.