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How to explain our obsessions to the uninitiated?

My father in-law asked me last night at dinner, just what makes one box more special than the other (referring to the components within a system) so much so that one can command a higher price and succeed in a competitive marketplace? I tried explaining as best I could and don't know if I did a very effective job at it. I was wondering if anyone has come across an online resource, or even a thread here that may do a good job at putting into words that someone who knows nothing about this hobby can relate with, exactly what it is that makes one component better than another and worth the price of admission? Since he expressed some interest I was thinking of pointing my father in-law to something like that if it exists. I will also take the time to try to sit him down and listen, of course, but I'd also like to find a well-articulated (hopefully brief and to the point) description of the carrot on the stick. Perhaps I'll just compose something myself. It is not the first time someone has asked me. There's always the response; "...if you have to ask, you probably won't get it anyway." I'd rather be more positive and try, at least, to share my enthusiasm, even if the likelihood may be towards the inference of that more rude response. What have your experiences been in sharing your hobby with those who otherwise wouldn't care about such things?
jax2
tobias
1,534 posts
 
Maybe the poor guy sincerely wants to know.

The best way to explain the audio passion to someone is to play music for them.

The demo may strike a chord or it may not. If it does--if the listener gets all teary-eyed, or silent, or a bit awestruck (and it can happen, even to the non-audiophile) the point is made.

If the demo doesn't work like that, who knows why, then at least you can make the point that your gear is better made than most.

I mean gee, the whole point is the music, right? Never mind the price. If your f-i-l has an open mind and is willing to listen, or better still, bring some of his own music over for a listen, he's giving himself the best possible chance to understand.
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
here is a simple explanation:

music is important to me. i will spend as little or as much as necessary to present music to me the way i would like to hear it. the "boxes" are a means to an end , not an end itself. the end is enjoying music .

after that short explantion, it is not necessary to demonstrate your stereo.
kennyt's avatar
kennyt
1,226 posts
 
Here's how I start off...

Hi, I'm Ken and I'm an audiophile....
seasoned's avatar
seasoned
181 posts
 
Simply put; it's the music - a primary interest that makes our hobby different than others. We are obsessed with the act of bringing music into our homes with sound quality that approaches a live event. We spend a lot of cash on getting us closer to distant-past musical events. What makes one box better than another and commands a high price? One box reproduces music much better than other. The explanation is not about how much power a box will output or how sexy a box is; it's about music.
jax2 OP
3,031 posts
 
Mr. T - That's really not an explanation at all of what he's asking about. He loves music too. His wife is first chair viola in an orchestra for over 40 years and teaches music at home. He was asking to understand the boxes themselves and why one was considered better than the other, why one is more expensive than the other, and what goes into making them that way. Tobias hit it on the head, thank you; yes, the guy sincerely wanted to understand about the pursuit of perfection in this hobby and what things motivated it and defined success in that pursuit. I certainly did not feel the need to defend myself as many here seem to be implying. I also didn't feel like he was implying I needed counseling, though that may not be a bad idea :-) Still enjoying the responses, regardless. Thanks!
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