are any of your friends audiophiles?

I tend to share music and DVD's and discuss artists and genre's with friends. Sometimes I end up helping with technical issues. Friends are absolutely amazed when they visit and listen but they don't rush to spend a small fortune like I have done. Some have nice impractical sports cars. Some have a holiday time share home in a nice place. Some live in a small place but are heavily into sports, cycle to work, and are out every weekend (no time to listen to music).

But lets face it - you don't tell friends which car to buy or start comparing your car to their car, your house t otheir house.... so why should you start telling them what gear to buy. I don't go there!

None here, I have one friend who really enjoys music and has a nice collection, but even he cant sit and just listen when here, I suppose it has to be on his terms.
I have made several great Audiophile and music loving friends from being here and at shows and gatherings so that is good enough for me, I bet I could find more but I dont talk about my stuff unless asked, you either come off like a nerd or a snob so I dont bother.

I'm just a guy who loves music, it's my love of shiny things that gets me in trouble! I have several friends who love music as much as me, but they seem totally indifferent to sound quality. It really boggles my mind, since a rather modest investment can heighten your enjoyment exponentially. Maybe one day they'll get it.

Yes, my brother and best friend, who unfortunately live on the other side of the country, are both into this, too bad I moved out to Reno, can't seem to get people here together, and I think there are a few.

A lot of people dine out on a regular basis, but very few have a trained palette. Also, a lot of people drink wine, but again, very few have a trained palette. So, following that train of thought, a lot of people listen to music, but very few have a trained ear. Over and over, both here, on AC and other forums, many people admit that they just can not hear a difference. Others do hear some difference but can not justify the cost or other things are more important.

When I was in grade school we were required to take a music class and learn how to play an instrument. The school even provided less privileged students with basic instruments. I learned how to play the flute. Eventually I took some guitar and piano lessons. In college, to satisfy elective requirements, I took some music appreciation courses. These days, most grade schools don't even have music programs. Fewer and fewer high schools even have bands. So, know wonder there are less people with trained ears and an appreciation of good music performances; just look at all the millions that are content to listen to compressed formula music on their Ipods.

As far as audiophile friends go, I'm down to just two. In addition, most "high-end" stores in my area are out of business or only doing custom install.