is "audiophilia" another form of conspicuous consu

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.

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.