I "explain" this hobby by saying that I love music and truly appreciate the difference an expensive tube, cable, cartridge etc. adds to my enjoyment. I begin with the truism: A life without passion is not worth living. The are good passions and others that are questionable Music is amongst the most emotionally and spiritually edifying passion, so enjoy to the point where other important responsibilities are neglected! And take the trouble to listen to and assimilate all of the great music -- it is more difficult to justify the time and expense if one is listening to same music one enjoyed as an adolescent decade after decade.
Lastly, if there is a problem with this hobby it is the line that is sometimes crossed where the audiophile makes a purchase of high-end gear in the hope that it will confer prestige/status upon himself.
Lastly, if there is a problem with this hobby it is the line that is sometimes crossed where the audiophile makes a purchase of high-end gear in the hope that it will confer prestige/status upon himself.