Why Don't More People Love Audio?

It is certainly puzzling, to say the least. I have a friend who I grew up with. We both love music in the recorded and live form. On a couple of occasions I have offered to do a demo at my house with a couple of speaker and amps types, but to no avail. He is fine plugging his iPod into his car stereo and listening to that. The same thing at home, Ipod into a tiny little planar speaker, and I mean tiny. We both started out on the same road in high school and college, with similar systems. Puzzling, especially as he is highly intelligent and makes exceptional money. I dunno, I just gave up. :)

'Why Don't More People Love Audio?'

Do you really have to ask? Just read this forum for a few days and then try to imagine what a newbie to audio would think.

A more precise question would be; why aren't more people obsessed with audio EQUIPMENT, TWEAKS and Accessories?

I love to watch sports, both in person and (mostly) on TV. But I could care less if it's on a big screen, Hi Def, etc. My friend has a big screen Hi Def surround system and now that I think of it he chides me because I have, and am perfectly happy with, my lo def 20" screen or whatever it is with the TV speakers. His super system really does nothing to enhance my experience.
Never really thought of it before, but I guess it's similar to what Dalecrommie describes about his friend (except for the highly intelligent and exceptional money parts).

Sebrof:

Yours is most likely the correct explanation. Your comparison about the televisons was right on target. I have a 20+ year old TV because there is not a lot on the tube I want to see.

hi stthomas:

being able to hear the difference does not imply one will care, or spend money on audio equipment.

the issue is how important is availing oneself of excellence of sound or other aesthetic endeavors.

let me make an analogy.

suppose one has powers of discrimination when it comes to wine tasting. there is no guarantee that such a person will buy the "better" wine or even drink wine.