Types of Audiophiles


The Purist

A good stereo should be a transparent window into the recording session with no opinion or distortion of it’s own

 

The Dynamics Fanatics

A good stereo is like a thrill ride at a carnival. If I’m not jumping it isn’t worth listening to.

 

Live and Let Live

It’s all good man, put your money where your heart lies.

 

The Bean Counter

Buys gear like he’s stocking a used stereo store. Purchase price and retail value determine what comes and goes out.

 

The Canners

I bought my balanced headphones specifically so you wouldn’t ask me questions while I’m listening to dub step.

 

The Scientist

You can’t prove you have a soul so all your opinions are meaningless.

 

The Blind Follower

Can’t hear a difference between amp A and B so he wants to know if he should spend 5x more on B and will wait to be told which to get.

 

The Brand Loyalist

Falls in love with the idea of a brand or designer and changes his job to accommodate the demands of his audio jewelry

erik_squires

I believe an audiophile is one who can truly discern the difference between and capabilities of amps, speakers, sources and recordings and have the innate ability to create an exceptional listening environment within any budget.  Since I don't have these abilities, I consider myself an Audio Enthusiast... a Dynamics Fanatic Audio Enthusiast !

@gruvjet I believe there is one test for an audiophile. 

You tell him/her: "I bought this cable for $3600"

If his/her eyes light up or just widen in anticipation ("ok, go on, what difference did it make") - he is an audiophile.")

We know all the other non-audiophile reactions

Now we are getting off track.  My list was diverse and inclusive but not meant to be exhaustive.

The last thing I want to do is to make claims about who is or is not an audiophile.  We all are. :)

@bsmith

Good one.

Can an audiophile be a music lover? Puts music ahead of equipment?

Think about the hardest category is Good Enough is Good Enough.

I have touched that state several times and also felt How Could it Get Better?

Then kept discovering the SQ, in fact, getting better… mostly much better.

Inspiring The Endless Search!