WHY IS THERE SO MUCH HATE FOR THE HIGH END GEAR ON AUDIO GEAR?

I got back into audio almost 4 years ago, and found and joined this forum shortly after in hopes of learning about all the new things that have come out in the last 40 years.  It has been interesting, but I also found that I am not going to be at the level in this hobby that many others here are.  First, because I only have so much money. Second, because I found long ago that when you are beginning any new hobby that requires expenditures, it is better to balance one’s level of purchases rather than spend a lot on one piece of equipment and skimp on the rest.  My choices are “good enough for me” though less-than for others.

I have been impressed to find all the different brands of equipment, designed in various countries.  I had no idea before that any of these things existed beyond the mass market name brands.  I thought, “I wonder how they knew about that . . to buy that?”   I don’t go to audio stores to sample equipment, and I don’t live in a big city that has much variety.  I assume that some members here learn about these esoteric brands from audio shop owners and by going to audio fests where such equipment is previewed.  

Lastly, I’m practical (and old) enough to know that the things I have enthusiasm for will be different than those interests of loved ones I might leave my equipment to when I die.  They might not care at all about my stereo system — might prefer to listen to their phone and earbuds.  They likely wouldn’t know (or care) what my equipment cost or what they should sell it for when settling my estate.  Thus, even if I could afford to buy some very expensive and exotic equipment, I don’t want to leave the burden to my survivors to try to get the value back out of it.  It would be easy enough for you, or even me, to find out what something is worth and where to list it, but for most people they probably wouldn’t know where to start.  They will already be grieving, I don’t want to add to their burden by having to decide if an offer they receive is fair or a ripoff.

@bob540 all great points.  I started in the hobby as a hobbyist. I actually sell gear now but I enjoy the music more than anything else. I looked at some of the responses and some of them are on the nasty side.  I’m ok with that and I’m not complaining about that.  Those that have nasty comments about or think I’m schilling or just trolling I don’t want anything to do with.  I’m past all of that. I’m going to be happy and enjoy the wonderful system I have been blessed with.  

I have no problem with high end gear. I do, however, have a problem with some of the explanations that are given for why the stuff sounds better, and how the fact that it does sound better is determined. It’s OK to say nobody has a clue, which seems to be the case much of the time. Maybe it’s a trade secret. Maybe it’s some unknown physics. Maybe it really doesn’t sound better in a blind test but works on the mind somehow when you see it and know the story behind it. I’m of the mind that if there’s an audible difference it will be easy to measure if someone gives it a decent effort. Stuff that sounds different measures different. I’ve never experienced anything contrary to that. I'm not talking about how an individual component  measures on a test bench, but the actual results that come out of the speaker from the entire component chain. I'm pretty sure that some components like DACs might measure perfect on the test bench but then do something "interesting" when connected to a pre-amp, which causes the end result coming out of the speaker to be noticeably and measurably different. 

What I'd hope to see from high end gear is a relative freedom from issues like that. My idea of a high end DAC is one that is stable and accurate even into difficult loads, although it shouldn't ever have to see one because it should be hooked up to a good pre. It would also be exemplary for ease of use, good looks, robustness, and reliability. I think a lot of high end gear meets all my requirements. But so does stuff that costs a lot less. So it leaves me scratching my head over why the price gets so high on some of this stuff. It seems there's a little alchemy involved with intentionally going "out of spec." to produce a custom sound. Similarly with coffee, above a certain price point there's no more quality to be gained. You just get into specialty flavors from rarer varieties. Not inherently better, but definitely different. 

Why do people mistake skepticism for hate?

I’m not sure if this is an audio conversation or a philosophical debate. Here’s my take, as unpopular as it may be. I’ve had the means to chase most if not all of the vices I assumed would fulfill me. Probably more voraciously than most. 

This year I reached out to God until He reached back. If you knew me, you would recognize the change is in no way insignificant. Rest feels good. 

If I found a free audio product, car, woman, drug that was a game changer, I’d tell you no doubt. I haven’t, but God is changing my filthy heart. Just like audio, you can read all the reviews, hear all the stories, and follow the popular opinions, but in the end you should try it out for yourself. 
 

Peace