Is high end audio to snooty for its own good?


I think it has become that way. Some people flaunt that they have high end systems and they listen to certain kinds of music and I think it puts the hobby in a negative light at times.
calvinj
Yes......for instance ; David Michael Audio as I had called him  4 times, 4 times on a $20,000 retail pre-map I was very interested in and he didn't even have the common courtesy to even call me back. I went to Anthony Perrotta Consulting who I have done business with in the past, and was able to work out a deal. He does not have the audio arrogance as some. Great guy to work with. Todd at ;  Todd the Vinyl Junkie is another one of the '' few '' straight shooters in this business.  I have been in this hobby for 42 years and yes I have met some real jerks and we all know who they are.    
many are the paths to musical nirvana, plenty of gear to go around
+1 rackon- My choice for tag line of the year!

There are pretentious people in almost every category.

Church, cars, clothes, watches, property, interior/exterior design, engineering, science, etc.  you name it, you won't get away from that 100%.

People are people, some like to rub into your face how what they have is better than what you have.

My definition of a snob is "a snob is a person that tells you what you like".

Walk into a high end watch store not dressed to kill and see how they treat you initially.  Try to ask about high end pens.  yes pens.  If you don't know what you are talking about, they will laugh you out of the store. 

most everything is a science.

Many audiophiles don't really discuss their systems with many others, because some people don't and won't try to understand and feel you are being elitist.  However, they understand high end cars vs Toyotas. 

Ask some Women about high end $2000 shoes vs pay for less.  They know about high end clothes and shoes.

But for some reason they can't or won't understand high end audio.  They listen as background music only and space, dimensionality, depth, tonal balance, etc. is a different language from a different plant to them.

The real test of whether you are a snob or not is your reaction to when they ask you about Bose products. 

this really is a test they are putting you through and you're response is a clear indication to them about you.

enjoy 

One thing that keeps many potential music lovers from advancing into the audiophile world is that our endeavor is in many ways, a solitary one.  In many set-ups (mine for example) there is only room for one person in the sweet spot.  Even more (my case again) my system is in a separate dedicated room.  The lack of social involvement repels many folks.

Second thing that discourages many potential audiophiles is the cost of the gear and the pretentious crews that often sell the components.  Agree with others that this elitism is in other endeavors as well.  As I am thinking about what to write hear I am taking a mental inventory of who I've done business with and they are many of the really good folks in audiodom.

Richard Vandersteen (can be a bit snippy on the phone), Steve McCormack, Bob Backert, the PS Audio crew, Paul Laudati are all total gentlemen and great to talk to and work with.  Interesting thing is that in most of my experiences, the people who work with them are very polite, appreciative and unpretentious.  The culture at these establishments is positive and welcoming.

Pleased to see the less expensive lines/gear many of the audio good guys are coming out with.  Sincerely hoping that they can lure in young people and shepherd them into the appreciation of well reproduced music loving.