Welcome. In similar situations. Retired from full time job in 2015, then did part time consulting for 3 years, still volunteer a few hours a week.
Have been in/around stereo/audio for 50 years. Discovered the internet 20 years ago and tried to like SET amps but couldn't find matching speakers I liked. Compared Paradigm Studio 20s ($800/pair 2-way monitors) versus Paradigm Active 20s ($1600/pair same drivers/cabinet) 18 years ago and it was no contest, period. My looking into small amps did lead me to commission a pair of less efficient nice single driver floor standers 15 years ago, which are active by default. Then about 3 years broke down and bought my first pair of active monitors (Dynaudio BM5 Mk3, $1400/pair MSRP) and last summer moved up to a pair of JBL 708Ps ($4000/pair MSRP).
Finally got out of the kiddy end of the pool with the JBLs and followed up with a PS Audio DirectStream Junior DAC/preamp/streamer ($4000 MSRP). Currently use my MacBook Air/iTunes & Tidal/10ft USB cable. Makes for a very simple system, but would like to find a (very) friendly, better sounding music server. Value the room more than most, my well insulated/treated dedicated room follows Cardas Golden Cuboid (Fibonacci) ratios (8ft x 13ft x 21ft) and I use a mid-field setup with 3 subs as per Toole, Geddes, and LeJeune. Still have a couple pair of speakers to sell along.
