^^^ Geoff ...
I believe that there exists a certain percentage of "audiophiles" who really don't care so much about the music, but more about equipment and bling.
Have you ever met the type that has a system that may have cost upwards of 200k, and owns a total of maybe 50 recordings, all special "audiophile" editions?
Then, there are those who were relaxed while listening to music all along, and still want that extra 7% in order to get closer to the music/performance. They may have average systems, but they usually have a vast collection of recordings, some rare dating back to the '30s and '40s.
In a lot of cases, these folks try in some way to make their own music. They are the true music lovers.
As H.L. Mencken once said ... "You can always tell a true music lover because they will always try to make their own music. They may be atrocious at it, but they do try."
I wonder how many members here at A'gon play an instrument themselves. With me, its the harmonica and chromonica. Been playing the things since I was nine years old ... and yes, I'm atrocious at it. :-)
Frank