Over the years, I've bought lots of music, I'm now 35 and have a bit more cash. So I started to consider listening to all my music on some decent hi-fi equipment. Little did I realise the depth and expense others put into this!

After a couple of issues of What Hi-Fi I spent about £600 on some stuff. A bit pissed that the guy in the shop told me that I was getting the 'budget' selection. Anyway, it all sounds great, better? Not sure, but, I really think I listen to the content rather than how well it sounds. It was only when I needed a new needle for my good old Technics SL 1200 vinyl deck, that I started to get really amazed at the cost people pay. Look at this:

http://www.soundhifi.com/sl1200/index.htm

and

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=8486

Basically the guy in the shop I phoned, laughed at me when I was considering a cartridge and headshell for under £100.

My Technics sounded fine to me and apparently I was committing the sin of using a DJ designed cartridge.

Anyway, anyone on here consider themselves an audiophile? or are these people into 'sound' rather than music? £3000 to upgrade a £400 record player is just another world. Who can really afford more than say, £500 for a hi-fi?