@sns Very well said.
Here's my quick take — audiophiles do contribute to the artistry by making their systems. They feel power in making the sound immersive, in bringing music and bodily feeling into synergy with the room.
What was once a cold piece of machinery is embedded (agree, Mahgister) into the larger space of their home thanks to their actions: knowledgeable care in selection, arrangement, positioning, adjusting of all in the environment.
Pride and self satisfaction is warranted. I like nothing more than to experience what another audiophile has created and talk to them about how and why they did things in that unique way. In effect, I'm asking for their spirit to sing its song to me.
Pet psychological theory about when audiophiles go too far — over-consume or are dogmatic about the gear: we need to make our own music, too. Too many of us, me included, don't play an instrument anymore. We "make" music by playing the music of others. If more of us were at least singing, playing music with others from time to time, we'd be less frustrated. That frustration comes from trying to fulfill deeply creative urges with audiophile pursuits *alone*. That's not enough to satisfy a lot of us.