is "audiophilia" another form of conspicuous consu

I think it's insufficiently inconspicuous to qualify. As opposed to say, a Porsche 911 that everyone sees you pulling in and out of your driveway all the time.

Too few people if any would be impressed with my system, simply because they really don't care or understand and my system is not bad. However, pride of ownership is a factor with myself. I appreciate good sound coming from components that are well made. I can enjoy my system just from looking at it. Which is one reason I enjoy viewing others posted systems, which I will never be able to listen too. The joy of my system is for me alone.

I just looked at my last post, and I think that I need to start proofing them again. Sorry.
Anyway, I agree with Elizabeth in part. I would have multiple systems if funds were unlimited, but it would be for my own satisfaction, not to impess others who probably wouldn't know or care what they were looking at anyway.

I had 4 complete systems worth of components in a 15' X13' room at one time. The last thing I wanted was someone to see that mess. Conspicuous? I think not. I worked hard to keep people out of that room....

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.