Welcome!
Everyone has a different definition of "expensive". Would you compare to net worth, annual income, percentage of discretionary income, sacrificial spending of necessities/other luxuries, how much the average person on the planet has to live on, or just spending to a level of ethnical "discomfort"?
I find expensive gear is rarely enjoyable due to buyer's remorse looming over my personal upbringing as reflected in the above objections. And what makes up most of the expense has little to do with sound quality (like thick machined faceplates, fancy veneers, or elaborate marketing). OTOH there is a surprising number who have deep pockets versus those of us living in the "real" western world. And then there's the lack of a fantastic room. I put importance on the room (and feel that the large majority overspend on gear for the given room). I'd say my room is better than what 99% of audiophiles have but it's not close to the ultimate.
A couple of years ago came into some unexpected money, so did a controlled splurge on audio gear. Found the diminishing return on sound quality, extra complexity, and those nagging objections not satisfying. So bailed out and returned to simpler roots where I'm much more comfortable and better informed, although the lesson wasn't cheap.
