How Do You Live The Audiophile Life


I don’t really have the credentials to be on Audiogon. Kef Q150s and new NAD equipment that replaced my stalwart Arcam Solo. Maybe I can peek over the fence.
So I’ve have a question about the new equipment. I’m browsing the forums, looking for an answer. I know as much as about audio as anyone who isn’t an audiophile. But I was astonished at the number of brands I’d never heard of. And I know the price of the stuff I have heard of.
I’m in NYC. Maybe there’s five high-end dealers here. I’m guessing that number drops off quickly once you cross the Hudson.
This is a long winded way to ask how you live the audiophile life? How do you get access to this stuff? I’d want to hear something before dropping a car-like sum on it. Do you buy blind? Do you travel? Go to the industry shows? Help me, teach me, inform me.
I guess this question applies to speakers as well. Maybe more so. But I was in the amplifier section so . . .
paul6001
"If these people aren't buying stereos, who is?"
Malaysians? Japanese? They seem to be involved.
"What is Estoril Blue?"
Metallic (ish) blue color on some cars. I think BMW has it the most.
"To live the "audiophile life" you must own a smoking jacket and those Gucci loafers, at least two sporty cars, a stash of various whiskeys, and be prepared to spend hours alone admiring your belongings and understanding what Estoril Blue is."
Time for me to move to Better Home and Gardens forum.

How many here qualify at least partially and with how many entries? For me, I only know Estoril Blue but I doubt I have deeper understanding of it.
What is Estoril Blue?
Search and find out.
I did.
It's the BMW M sports car color. Dark sky blue. 

Counterpoint to the music much more important than sound is if just music you’re after then you can do that with mp3, iPod and earbuds, or a 1980s cassette Walkman.
The former is what 95% of population does, but nobody here probably okay with that level of quality.
Both important but I think most here need the sound quality to even be able to enjoy the music. What level of sq beyond mp3/iPhone each needs on that regard will vary of course