An upgrade is quite different from a tweak.
You should at least try something new (I do not mean hardware change) but a tweak once in a while which for me is typically every six months sometimes sooner. I am one of those who believe that if you have done nothing to your system in a year, you have become complacent unless of course its already perfect.
You are right of course, I did not describe a tweak but rather an upgrade. I suppose there is always something 'better' just around the corner, be it from a tweak, or an upgrade. But, as your system gets better and better sounding, those improvements come in smaller and smaller increments. I think each person has their own idea of what 'perfect' is when it comes to audio reproduction, and only they know how close they are to it. So, I actually do think it is possible to reach a certain point and be fully content and quilt free for being so
. For years I was in this critical listening phase and not happy with anything. It took a lot of hard work to achieve my 'happy place'.
You are also right by suggesting that tweaks are a part of the hobby. I suppose that for me, I try something different such as new interconnects, or a tube change every few weeks or so.
