The first major purchase I made after college (in '79) was a stereo, and it took months to select the right components. In those days I had plenty of time to listen to my vinyl collection for hours at a time, with the best setup I could afford. Years later, I'm over 50, my hearing isn't what it used to be, time is a precious commodity, and I haven't listened to a recording without multitasking in years. The last stereo I bought had to meet the following specs : less than 13" high. When I do listen, it's on a bus, train, or walking down the street. Sadly, I don't need high fidelity. But I wish I could go back to the days when its importance was paramount.