When people listen to our systems and either sit in amazement or at least great pleasure, not realizing that it could be this good. Gives you that warm fuzzy feeling. I have no problem with not pretty to look at, the beauty is in the sound and this is where it belongs. I made the comment that I would buy the ugliest speaker in the world if it sounded great and the same is true for any component. If it looks good or interesting as well, that's just a bonus.
An acquaintence of mine has 3k or so in his entire system and is able to accomplish the same thing. He uses the same cartridge that I use, prefers vinyl and has access to master tapes. Of course, master tapes would be preferred over anything except live but you can't get all of them. He travels the world and is an amazing bargain hunter finding components in pawn shops, yard sales and NASA scrap yards. Combine this with the ability to rebuild or build his own components and he has built a system for much less than most of us are able to.
Happy listening,
Bill