Is live reproduction the goal of audio?

So, we have the real definition of an audiophile;

No, actually the definition you proposed doesn't even come close. But if you did look up the actual definition you may find a more cut and dry answer to your question.

The definition in Meriam-Webster doesn't say anyting about iPods, posting pictures, the price paid for any systems, or whether or not there is a predisposition to disrespect Bose or any other manufacturer. Their definition doesn't even require the individual own an audio system...

Main Entry: au·dio·phile
Pronunciation: 'o-dE-O-"fIl
Function: noun
: a person who is enthusiastic about high-fidelity sound reproduction

Investigate that a little bit further and check out the definition of High-Fidelity:

Main Entry: high fidelity
Function: noun
: the reproduction of an effect (as sound or an image) that is very faithful to the original

So, there you have it. By definition the answer to your question is yes. In actual practice it once again comes down to more relative terms, determined by who's judging what qualifies as "faithful to the original", and we've already been there so I won't digress any further.

Marco

Live reproduction is my goal, but unfortunately it isn't for the producers of the software, i.e. the recordings.
Bob P.

C5150 what is your system? What is your idea of a reference system.

Cdc - I enjoyed reading your System description and evolution! A great illustration of how the actual range of what can provide enjoyment in this hobby is vast, and that the magic is in the enjoyment itself, and not in how well it fits within someone's objective definitions and parameters.

Marco