is "audiophilia" another form of conspicuous consu

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.

It happens all the time. This can apply to someone with a huge ego as well as someone with a deflated ego. Both want to impress, one feels inferior, one feels superior, both hide in the material world. Maybe they will get bored and sell the stuff to one of us at a deep dicount!!

I'm a low level one....