Have Audiophiles lost their CIVILTY!

You answered your own question.  People that feel insecure may feel threatened by a different opinion which they may consider a threat so they feel more secure by doubling down on their opinion and rejecting the other opinion, which can be become personal.  So lashing out at a different opinion and the person is a defense mechanism.  The best defense is a strong offense or in this example offensive behavior.  If people feel secure they are more likely to be open to listening to different opinions that challenge their own way of thinking.  

 Maybe some double empathy issues. Not all Audiophiles are the same anymore. An ontological problem that rears its head when the group becomes more diverse. 

The answer is obvious.  The combination of "reality" television, "social media",  the right wing disinformation machine, and the current holder of the highest office in the land and his supporters, have derailed honesty and decency.  You can disagree with that, but you would be wrong.

This is a perfect example of Sayre's Law:  "The feelings are so strong, because the stakes are so low"

It’s just people being people about something they feel passionately about. Everyone knows something, but no one knows everything, and an awful lot seem to think their way is the only way.

It’s always nice to be nice, even if we don’t agree. It’s such a personal and subjective thing...we don’t have to have the same favorite beer to enjoy a beer together!