Is using streaming services worthy of an audiophile?

if it's not worthy of audiophile, it's definitely worthy of music lover regardless of quality.

It’s certainly has a respectable position on the audiophile spectrum if you ask me when you consider what modern technology components can do these days. Use your high dollar transport, TT and a fine bottle of scotch to deliver the full on pleasure palace.

Don’t let people tell you that Tidal is inferior to vinyl. Not all vinyl is perfect or always sound the best. I have heard Tidal MQA 192 that sounds better that the vinyl equivalent and I have some vinyl that sounds better than MQA. 

Also, if you like newer releases music, you are more likely to find it on Tidal than on vinyl. For example, there are only a couple of Joe Bonamassa on vinyl and if you like Fourplay, nothing is vinyl.

@czarivey 

Audiophiles and music lovers have almost nothing in common. Ordinary music lovers usually find despicable Apple earbuds perfectly acceptable, for example. I am 100% certain that audiogon members enjoy music on a much deeper level than music lovers.

there are only a couple of Joe Bonamassa on vinyl

Not true. The label Provogue released almost all of his albums on LP a few years ago.. I have at least 6 or 7. 

A quick look on Discogs, shows that they are still for sale with pretty decent prices.