It's hard to disagree with a lot of what you have said there.
All I can say is that the bits I have bought have definitely increased my listening pleasure - so much so that at times I find myself literally grinning due to the SQ I now have (IMHO of course).
Portable suits me - I wouldn't have chance to listen to a home specific set up
too much, I need to have my gear with me when I am mobile.
I totally accept that a home rig will trounce a portable for SQ, as a general rule, - but then they aren't as compromised as a quality portable rig has to be (power source/size/weight/durability etc).
Most quality portable equipment retains its value pretty well - when you sell it, compare what you paid for it and the length of time you have enjoyed it and I believe in this sense it's not all that expensive.
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