What do you say to your audiophile friends who say you just listen to your equipment more

My friends are smarter than that. If anyone did say that more than once, they likely wouldn't be invited back. I don't need mindless negativity. :)

I listen to the music because of the way a piece can move me. The gear exposes all new layers I never fully appreciated until now. Whether it's an SG, French Horn, voice, or the decay of a cymbal, I'm hearing old favorites in a completely new way. Attention to the gear has provided me with a sonic kaleidoscope to examine. Wouldn't trade it for anything.

I tell people that I not only listen to the music, I listen to the "sound of the music" and the equipment facilitates this.

I was told by my mentor at least 20 times, now He stops after 20 yrs.I just kept quite whenever he tells me I only listen to my cables and gear.I learned a lot from Him.

No shortage of Equipment Whisperers, in these environs...