How do YOU justify this hobby?


This might seem like a stupid question, but I want to know how people can justify this Hobby.

Myself, the real answer is a bit complex and mystical, and maybe I will post it later on down the line.

The answer I give to the average person who askes: How do you justify your $30k sound system? or How can you justify spending $1k on 1M of wire????

My answer: Some people collect art. Do you consider music art? [This gets them thinking, and thy always reply 'yes'] Well I own over 700 pieces of art, these are called CDs. My music system is a Window to this art. It is the way the art is experienced. [Next I ask, if you had a nice piece of art would you not want it to be viewed the best way possible? Damn, I love this argument.] This is why I want the most transparent music system I can buy. I love music and it is art. I cannot own an original Picaso, but I CAN own a piece of music that was composed by Bach. And this piece of music is about the best a layman can own of Bach since he is deceased. The best thing would be actually able to play Bach pieces well yourself. This is a whol,e other discussion.

Anyway, tell us how you justify this hobby. Even if you do not go as overboard as I or others do (spending thousands on Ics... etc).

Peace.

KF
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My system cost around $5000. Each component lasts me an average of 10 years, listened, on average about 2 hours a day. Add in about $3000 of LPs and CDs and this works out at about $1 per hour cost for the whole lot (assuming 10 yr write off).
I buy inexpensive used cars (not too old, but unfashionable) and drive them until I have to push them to the junkyard. I ride my bike to work 3-4 days a week.

I really don't think it's an expensive hobby ... unless you want it to be. No green fees, no transmission rebuilds, no lift tickets, and no gasoline to power it.

I must admit it's getting harder to justify new stuff now I have a daughter, though. 10 years might stretch to 15 from now on.
Maybe the term 'Justification' is too strong or not right? Maybe I should have asked: How do you explain this hobby to others?
When a friend of mine who was wearing a 10K + Rolex told me I was crazy because I had over 10k in my system I just pointed to his watch and said who is the crazy one?