At what price is one considered an Audiophile.

I think this question needs to broken into 2 segments:

"Audiophile": the biological entity (the person)

"Audiophile system": the hardware

The "audiophile" person would possess the following attributes:

- a "more sensitive antenna" than the "average" person related to the perception of sound quality attributes as a result of extended living, learning, and experiencing music (live and reproduced) in various venues

- an expanded vocabulary related to the above. The ability to articulate those experiences (good and not-so-good) in terms shared by others with similar "pedigree." Openly invite others and particate in meaningful conversations.

- an excellent working knowledge of system architecture, room acoustics, and application of current products and services to obtain outstanding sonic results.

- an awareness of the areas where one’s system excels, as well as it’s limitations. The acceptance, or rejection, of those flaws is system dependent related to the sonic goals of the system (Reference, background, mobile, office, outdoor,space/budget dependent, etc)

- frequently engages in any and all things related to "the hobby": forums, events (live and reproduced), reference materials, product reviews, blogs, etc.

- most likely invests a higher percentage of disposable income in "the hobby" than the "average" person. But, is not a steadfast rule.

- may, or may not own an "audiophile system." Or no system at all.

The "audiophile system":

- a system that would pass a credible "pier review" test with others deeply embedded in "the hobby" based on it’s ability to fulfill a particular purpose. Sorry, but a musically satisfying system for the owner that sounds like %^@# is not an "audiophlle system." "Price" would be measured on the scale of investment vs achievement of sonic goals. Some need to get off a few "exits" before others in this area.

Side notes:

A guy who takes a chainsaw and cuts an opening in his front doorway of his shack so he can get a pair of Altec Voice of the Theaers inside, might be an "audiophile." (Actually had a customer who did this)

A guy/gal who installs a car audio system in a vehicle that is worth more than the vehicle. (Actually had a "club" that met this criteria back in the day)

I think we’ve gotten some "hits" and "misses" here. Mostly "hits."

Being an "audiophile" can worn as a badge of honor. It depends on how we use it. Yes, we can weaponize our "audiophile status" to belittle others and position ourselves in a position of superiority. Or, we can be a humble servant -- worthwhle asset in helping to deliveri the best musical experiences for others. Perhaps, turn them on to some great music in the process? Our inner audiophile makes ours, and other’s lives better -- on many levels.

Somewhere along the way, our experiences have navigated us towards the pursuit of better sound. The "price of admission" the to obtain the goals of better sound required an intellectual journey, an investment in time and, yes, resources. It is the pursuit that defines us, not what is sittling in/on the rack at home. As mentioned earlier, I believe the "audiophile system" is that system that best fulfills the objectives of the listener after following something resembling an "audiophile path." IF that system is budget/space constrained, so be it. The fact that we took the "audiophile path" -- research, listening, peer review etc. to make those choices is what defines us.  And, makes it "an audiphile system."

This process also leads us to an understanding of a component/system’s limitations and we make it a point to do so. There have been several posts here by those stating they went to Big Box and bought a <insert popular brand name consumer product> and "LOVE IT." Well, this may be the case. But, if we haven’t taken the time to evaluate other components at, near, or even multiples of price point above that, we don’t know it’s limitations. The "audiophile path" is missing, therefore, its is a "one and done consumer choice" and not a carefully selected product based on it’s performance vs the rest of the world, as a true "audiophile" would have done. I am familiar with many of the items listed here, and can politely state that there’s a lof of music that never leaves those boxes -- compared to other choices in the category.

@dayglow

"My pet peeve is when one obsesses over the law of diminishing returns. "

I think the key question is: "Did I get my money’s worth?"

Let’s say, for a moment, that the universe inserts a rule where significant differences in quality happen at around 2x the price. A use this "rule" using audio as a basis, where 3db is a significant increase in perceived loudness. This 3db increase also requires 2x the power (or, number of speakers) to obtain this goal. Applying this ’rule", to get a significan increase in SQ from, say, a $300 speaker, we’ll need to be at $600. All is going well enough in this scenario until, we reach serious money. A $30k speaker now requires a $60k investment (and, bank loan?) to obtain.

You might find this rule "silly" and can think of (valid) examples of why this isn’t true. But, the point being, when you start throwing big dollars at an audio system, the upgrades can be quite expensive. And, yes, worth every penny.