Music lover or audiophile?


I think you have to decide, are you a music lover or audiophile?  I know the majority will say, both.
 I’m not so sure though. The nature of audiophilia is to get in there and fiddle with the tools, like any other hobbyist.  The difference in our hobby though is that presumably, our ultimate goal is to have the best musical experience we can get. The hobbyist is never really finished. The manipulation of the materials is the fun. The music lover, however, wants to get the most out of that esthetic experience.  
By continually plying materials, the audiophile is on an endless quest for better sound.
 After years of this quest, I’ve decided I can be a music lover or an audiophile.  I’m happy listening to my system now the way it is.  So, I’ve decided to be a music lover once again.
rvpiano
i think the problem is in our view of “audiophelia.”
I agree mine is a  negative one. To me, it carries with it an addictive quality, as is evidenced by the submissions of so many Audiogoners.
 But you are right in pointing out that not everyone may be so afflicted.
I just suspect it is endemic in the audiophile community. 
Yeah...the serious gearhead will sometimes smirk at the audiophile label to imply they're too hip for that sort of thing, and I call bull****. You enjoy your gear? Try new things from time to time? Roll tubes? Listen actively without the blue glow of that phone in your face? Music is important to you?...if you're obsessed with audio that at least keeps you off the road...maybe...
i think the problem is in our view of “audiophelia.”

SIC [My View]  Or specifically, Your View...which happens to be negative as you have proclaimed above.

Nothing 'wrong' about that because it is your view.

+1 @prof  Great post. Thank you.
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Lol,Elizabeth!Nobody else except other audiophiles care about our trials and tribulations:)