Music lover or audiophile?

My audio dealer, Jeff Harris of Reference Analog in Oklahoma, has summed it well, imho:

"I really like experimenting with different playback equipment and setups. The gear does bring me as much joy as the music. I don’t own the gear simply to recreate the music, but I don’t play music simply to test gear either. My passion for the gear has opened up a lot of music and my passion for music has opened me up to a lot of different gear. I can’t say I would be as into either without the other."

I agree with OP on that it is difficult to be both audiophile and music lover.

After finishing renovation of audio hardware, I will go back to music lover by not spending on major change of audio equipment.

I had bought 1000 redbook CDs at 2,500$ during last 6 months.

I will try to enjoy new collections of music.

From 2013 to June 2018, I had not changed any major components except inexpensive music server (Cocktail Audio X12)

During the period, I could enjoy music without paying attention to its sound.


Thomas

Music lover first and always. The equipment is a means of enhancing and magnifying the experience. I mainly use 4 different systems for specific types of media and musical genre and listening styles (passive or active).

If I didn’t have a great audio system, I would still need music.  If I couldn’t hear music, I wouldn’t need a great audio system.  So, musicophile first.

An audio system is somewhat similar to my guitars.  At a basic level, they allow me to hear the music that stirs my soul.  But in addition, I love the craftsmanship of a fine guitar, the way it feels in my hands, the way it looks, the way the carefully selected woods work together to make it respond just so.  They have even expanded my social network.   So I guess I’m a guitarophile, second.

 I have developed similar appreciation and fondness for audio equipment.  It gives me a great musical thrill, but I also enjoy learning about it, experiencing it aesthetically in its own right, and even the people I meet here and elsewhere who share my enjoyment.  Audiophile, third.

its not a pejorative term to me, just describes a hobby.  And it’s no crazier than collecting plates with heads of Indian chiefs painted on them.

For me it's all about the music...but the music must be well presented.