is "audiophilia" another form of conspicuous consu

In the past thirty years I've had many different systems. People from work would come by and tell me how great my system sounded. But I think only one or two people over so many years actually became audiophiles/fools?

About 5 years ago I started doing my own builds and not just modding other equipment. When people do come by, they don't care about my pricey CD player or where my speakers come from. But when they learn that I actually built my preamp. They are really impressed. Next-up tube mono blocks.

Do I do it for them? No! But it's nice to finally get some genuine appreciation for something I have loved for so long.

Only buy the best for best sound dont care to impress.

A kick butt "stereo" does impress many.

However, quite often high-end audio represents less, not more. That being the case, I find a lot of people not involved in this hobby, come away impressed in the worst of ways. Think about trying to explain phono cartridges, under ten watt per channel amplifiers, minimonitors, and wire, all with four and five digit price tags to the average person.

But, conspicuous consumption? Yes, absolutely. Far more audiophiles are engaged in that then they would admit or even believe.

i think cosmetics/appearances of the components, especially a "big" tube amp when on may impress some people. perhaps, a shiny chrome preamp, with a lot of buttons and large speakers are impressive as well.

finally, telling someone that the stereo system cost over 6 figures, may also impress some people.

Never! Not for me. Every purchase has been an important piece of the puzzle working towards a perfectly (for me) satisfying sound. If I could get that from an ugly $35 boom box I'd get it and have lots of $$ to spend otherwise.