I lately wonder why I’m an Audiophile.

Quite simple, really. Audiophile meaning : A person who is enthusiastic about high - fidelity sound reproduction. Whether it is the equipment, the music, or both, it can be different for each of us. @rvpiano , I am glad you have reached the "music" enjoyment part of your journey. There is quite a lot of "information" embedded in our recordings, and if you want to extract more of it, spending money on upgraded gear, makes you an audiophile. If you can get to a point where it is the music that grabs your attention and enjoyment, it is a wonderful thing. There are listeners who are more into the "sound" than the music, and that is ok for them, as long as they are enjoying it. For me, since I was a youngster, the music was always numero uno. Likely why I can listen to, and enjoy, recordings of all "qualities"; in the car; boom box; phone; anywhere. The "sound" of my main system allows me to hear and appreciate more of the "intricacies" of the musicianship and the composition, and yes, I am hearing the recording quality. This makes me an audiophile, and I am not afraid of characterizing myself as one. However, I am a music listener, first. Be well, my friend, and enjoy! Always, MrD

I have a system akin to what @ghdprentice has moved away from, discussed in his post. I listen about 1 hour a day, as I think to myself, "who do I want to listen to, today?". Peaks in the +100 db range. My colorations are the speakers, the room, and my preamp. As I listen to Medeski Martin & Wood, I am transported to a close fascimile of the real thing, listening to what matters to me, the musicianship, and the composition. My system conveys the EMOTION of both. Dynamics, as I like them. Details, as I like them. Transients, as I like them. Sharp / leading edges, as I like them. Instrument and vocal presentation....realistic. Very little compression (superb dynamics). Very little note overhang / bloating. Dead silent noise floor. A true to the recording experience. Spatial characteristics are too, in full bloom. All of this, available to me, 24/7; everything stays "broken in". As these are recordings, I do not fool myself, as it is not like hearing them live (twice), but still very involving. Very different systems....different flavors, wants and desires, for different listeners. To each his / her own. Enjoy! MrD. 

It is sad and immature that folks such as @slaw and @chrisoshea, maybe another one or two, make comments that are simply out of line, towards the op. If you do not like a thread started by an AG member, don’t participate. Simple!.....If you do not like the term "audiophile"; are in denial of being one; or prefer another descriptive word, that is your business, and it's fine. Enjoy!