You're not a true audiophile unless...

Unfortunately it is a bit like a black and white cookie. A very two-sided term: it can certainly mean one who loves audio, but it also carries a pejorative connotation of elitism, conspicuous consumption, and in some cases scientific rejection.

I suppose that is just due to the various personality types that make up the group, and the dynamics of paying a lot for something and then feeling the need to defend it.

I always love to see nests of cables and stacks of components next to records and CDs strewn about as indicating a true music lover who doesn’t think of the pristine equipment aesthetic, and the image it projects, as the highest priority.

While I am very interested in audio quality, I always try to distance myself from the audiophilia characterization because of those connotations. I am a music lover who is secondarily interested in how different gear works and interacts. More of a gearhead concept.

Either way, it’s all a tempest in a teacup. 99.999% of the world doesn’t give a hoot.  And I may be a few 9s short. 

The question strikes me as an invitation to a "no true Scotsman" fallacy.

(No "true Scotsman" puts sugar in his porridge, wears anything under his kilt, etc.)

Just be who you are and stop worrying about what others do, assuming they don't mean to kill you or forbid you and yours from living your life.

In general the world would be a better place.

Not sure without reading all posts above... but IMHO an audiophile is someone who relentlessly pursues the best sound of their favorite musical genre/s they can attain.

@bolong 

""Audiophile" is now similar to terms such as "conservative" or "liberal." it means so many different things to so many different people that it has become a throwaway expression."

Pompous: Having or showing the attitude of people who speak and behave in a very formal and serious way because they believe that they are better, smarter, or more important than other people.

Unless you have tubes and a turntable! :)