Do you think audiophiles are the most gullible hobbyists

OP: With that initial post, looks you are strictly speaking about yourself .

I think there is some truth in that, music is among the most powerful of human triggers.
Nobody ever spent a grand for a new book cover that would make Shakespeare better .

Schubert's comment made me think. 

Maybe not with equipment, but as I consider some of the music purchase choices I've made, I must confess there's some real turds in this music lover's "collection".

Sophmore albums that follow a dynamite premiere and got purchased unheard because I knew (gullible) it would be great.  Albums by aging rockers purchased out of a (gullible) sense of loyalty. Albums purchased based upon a glowing review by a reviewer whose taste I like. (Gullible.) Solo albums by bandmembers that make you wonder how they they were in the band in the first place. Gullible.

Worse, I can't resist rummaging through the bargain CD/LP bins in brick & mortar stores thinking (gullible) I will find a treasure. 

Gullible?

Guilty!

If a person has the time to research, thoroughly, you can avoid much of the snake oil. I haven't been involved in this hobby for too long, but it has been my experience that this seems to be the case. I spent 100's of hours on line, many of them on this site, and I'm quite happy with the sound I'm getting in my starter system. There is always room for improvement, but to me, that's what the hobby is about.

I don't know that audiophiles are any more gullible than fans of jewelry, cars, homes, pets. etc.

In a world where there exists $1.8 diamond studded dog collars, it seems silly to question the cost of $10K cables etc.

http://www.incrediblethings.com/lists/14-ridiculously-expensive-pet-products/