Music lover or audiophile?

Thanks for the post. Here's my criteria. If you prefer live over recordings. If you'll listen to bootlegs to get the knowledge of the band. I've given copies of shows that were great performances or shows that person was at and they wouldn't listen to them because of the sound quality. Listening to a recording for a minute and deciding that it's no good just because of the sound quality. That's when I know where their heart is. Music's the best!

It's about the music first, then the system. The music is foundational, but hearing it better increases the enjoyment.
If I were to go broke tomorrow, I'd find a way to listen to music. The fidelity of my sound system would be missed, but having experienced quality sound, my mind would fill in the gaps.

Im thinking about that will let you know asap.

What in the world could be wrong with either audiophile or music lover? It’s what people want and enjoy, and both seem pretty harmless at worst, and arguably pretty beneficial overall.

That being said, I have too many symptoms to deny being an audiophile, all the while telling people (and myself), honestly, that my audio pursuit is because I love the music. But, as others have observed, one does get to the end of the audiophile system-improving obsession (word chosen after careful deliberation and self-observation), where I am now. It’s been a productive pursuit--my system now makes the music sound beautiful and I love it. I’ve always envied those advanced souls (meant sincerely, not sarcastically) who’d enjoy the music if it was played on a transistor radio, feeling, honestly, that they know something I don’t. But I’m not one of ’em.

Let’s everybody keep enjoying.
Jim Heckman

I’d like to modify my original post and concur with several of the contributors, including hifiman5 and the learned Prof, that seeking good sound and music are not mutually exclusive. Just as long as one doesn’t don’t get caught up in the addictive trap.  I have to admit that I still listen for the sound at least as much as the music.  Maybe it’s because my thoroughgoing search is over and I’ve found equipment that really does both well.