What is an audiophile? Are you an audiophile?

@sheps nailed it: "It’s about appreciating that sound can be something that has qualities that can be pleasingly improved."

For those who say "who cares" or "it’s just a label," they need to explain why others are debating it or why they bothered to post on this thread at all. Obviously, it matters. Labels matter because they are like moves in a game made by others -- ways which may wind up in action.  Anyone who’s gotten upset at being called a name or being categorized unfairly knows that labels matter, a lot. (Anyone who disagrees with that, please step forward and accept the label of "socialist" or whatever. You'll hesitate because, well, labels matter. And if you're on this forum, the label audiophile matters.)

Whatcha gonna do? Fight for the definitions which you think are best.

the people who don't get into discussions about
do speakers need to break in
do speaker wires matter
do speakers stands matter
does room treatment matter

if you hear a story of someone paying the price of a new car for a component and you are waiting for the storyteller to finish it, make a point

@william53b:

"No. I have thought a lot about this, and I love music more than the gear.
I want the best music presentation I can afford, both precision and dynamic range, it greatly enhances the listening experience. But when I compare my thoughts on the hardware with an audiophiles I see where I fall short of the pursuit of perfection they have towards their equipment".

My thoughts, exactly !  

If, we want to listen to music in our home, and we are unable to bring in people to perform, then we require a system of some kind to be able to do that. 

Some, don't give a flying what that is played on - iPhone speaker.

Some, care what that is played on and how it sounds. There is a secondary enjoyment, the beautiful tones, the timbre and contrast, the presence of the sound of the music.

Music only exists if there is sound. Why not have that sound be as pleasant to your ears as possible so as to maximize your enjoyment of the music.

Or perhaps the holier than thou  lecturers of "Audiophiles listen to their system" BS spewers would be perfectly happy standing outside of Home Depot listening to their favourite artist coming out of the announcement speaker while they wait in line to get in...

It is possible, for those who are capable of parallel paths of enjoyment to be able to listen to the music as well as the sound quality of it as it's being presented.

If you are on this site, you are an audiophile. And if you're not, and you are posting on equipment threads, then you are either lying to yourself, or, you are in fact not an audiophile and are just trying to stir the pot.