It depends on your budget and sensitivity of your ear and experience of gear.
I will say that yes, I love good gear but at the same time, these kinds of internet forums can be counterproductive in the psychology of the love of music. Yes I Love what great gear does but at the same time, appreciating the art of good music should not be lost. The internet is both good and bad. You can learn a lot but theres a lot of distraction to good music as well. Use these these forums wisely. If you can get into the hobby of gear and afford it, that's fun and great but your own experience is what is more important than a bunch of reviews. Let's not kid ourselves, in the deep in the woods of gear heads, you need money. So rethink you values.
For me, I love high end digital stuff and great amps and people can bicker at what's the best stuff but IMO simple put: A big amp and good turntable with vinyl has the best sound IMO. Analog is king but the down side is that it is not convenient.
Don't worry about it too much. Relax, be a normal civilian and turn on your iPod and dance to the music. Enjoy and have a beer.
