Are you an Audiophile?

I have been an audiophile wannabe for last >25 years. I think I am not a wannabe anymore. I am truly enjoying my sound system. I had never thought I was the audiophile when I was not confident with my sound system or looking for upgrade gears in last >25 years of journey. I am truly happy with my sound system nowadays. There is no more itch for upgrade or changing components. I know what are shortcomings of my sound system. I'll change them when the time is right. I am in control. I am satisfied sonically and musically with my sound system.

I know the good sound when I hear it because I know what is the good sound like. many wannabes haven't heard the good sound. May be they've heard audiophile sounds. But they have not heard a good musical sound. If they did, they would become audiophiles. I know I was in a same boat. I went so many shows and audio stores to find that sound. There are some audiophile sounds. I couldn't find what I need. Always, I was fooled by audiophile sounds. Even I wondered around with my wife to be sure we don't miss it. We couldn't find that sound which will satisfy me sonically and musically.

Not anymore! My wife hears it and I hear it in my home. I have a right system now. I can hear what is wrong with other people's sound system because I clearly know good sounds. My ears are trained with a good sound. Every wannabes know audiophile sounds and looking for it, but what they want is actually musical sounds which is hard to find. They will never satisfied with only audiophile sounds. For me, I just want/need more listening time and good recordings to appreciate. I am not an audiophile wannabe anymore. I am the audiophile.

All of this is like watching a snake eat its tail. I started out as an audiophile who quickly learned to love the music but came to the realization that I had to be an audiophile to achieve that objective.

All the best,
Nonoise

"All of this is like watching a snake eat its tail. I started out as an audiophile who quickly learned to love the music but came to the realization that I had to be an audiophile to achieve that objective."

OR

I started out as a music lover who through frustration of not hearing music sound like it oughta discovered the "gear" that made it sound like it shoulda, and through further exploration coulda and finally....that chapter can't be written because really, does quest and desire in the pursuit of an ideal have an end?

Yes one can fine contentment and real satisfaction but...to those that protest that they are not audiophiles I only ask, do you at times lust for what you have not but would if you could?

I think I've officially joined the audiophile club, if I hadn't before, with the purchase of a tube amplifier. I didn't build it so I can be excluded due to nerdism.

does it matter ? its only a word.

are we defined by words or actions?

if our behavior defines us, then adjectives are unnecessary.