Types of Audiophiles

Not really a ladder, as I seem to be:

1) A PURIST

and 

2) A BRAND LOYALIST

I’m a combo Bean Counter, Live & Let Live, and Nostalgic.  My favorite era is the 80’s for audio gear, for that is when I started this journey and that is when I had so many hi end audio magazines and read so many reviews of gear.  I sold audio for a few years in the early 90’s too.

I also love trying out different gear as well, like trying different flavors of ice cream.  I’m more content to keep what I have whenever I own tube gear though.  I enjoy the idea of finding that rare piece that just exceeds my expectations, and that happens quite often.  Rarely do I ever regret a purchase & used gear rules.

I really think there are only two types of audiophiles.  Those who use music to enjoy their equipment, and those who use equipment to enjoy their music.  I don’t think either is wrong, just different.  Wholly different.   That’s the nice thing about any hobby.  The source and path to said enjoyment belongs solely to the individual. 

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.

The sad part is that to many an audiophile being presented to a dynamically capable setup (just by the mere look of it or otherwise knowing about the components used) is that they assume it's all there is to it. Dynamics as a "thrill ride" (at a carnival, no less, just to leave out any doubt); something funny, easy to impress, calorie light, entertainment for the masses, etc. Myself I value great dynamics as a vital part of a more authentic presentation (oh wait, there is no attaining "authenticity" in audiophilia and all that jazz, I just forgot - my bad), just as a relatively unrestricted size of presentation, full-range ability, ease, tonality, resolution, coherency and so on. Dynamics have more or less become the word and trait verboten in hi-fi, because coming down to it most hi-fi systems aren't capable of delivering anywhere near realistic dynamics, in fact lack of dynamics has become a habitual mode in domestic sound reproduction, so much so that when being presented to very good dynamics (or the prospect of it is being implied) it's really subtly ridiculed into something being an effect or exaggeration, and one that doesn't sit welcomed in hi-fi "sophisticato." What a shame. Labeling and reductive takeaway is easy and even defensive, but so much is left by its wayside. 

Dynamics have more or less become the word and trait verboten in hi-fi, because coming down to it most hi-fi systems aren’t capable of delivering anywhere near realistic dynamics,

My point in highlighting this listener was that while there are systems that can produce great dynamics, there are also those who exaggerate everything. Imagine a HT system where the subwoofer is so high that a human footstep sounds like a T-Rex. Music in real life never makes me jump. If a system is making me jump on every track it’s probably not realistic. Of course some of this is a matter of perspective, literally. As a listener at a jazz club I will probably never hear the sound of the reeds vibrating the same way as a player on stage will. Same for drums and cymbals. If you are used to being on the stage your view of normal is going to be different than a listener.

There are also systems which always make their presence known.  Others that vanish and get out of the way.

Personally I am not a musician, my perspective and system choices are for the back of the hall, closer to the bar. 😁