My guess is that initially an audiophile may be doing just that, buying stuff because it impresses his friends more than his having a developed/refined appreciation for what these 'finer components' can bring.
Gives him bragging rights especially on the internet. Absent any feedback from friends and neighbors, who would probably think he is nuts anyway, it minimally gives him some bragging rights over the internet. This disease, if it be so, seems to decline as experience and education increases, until the audiophile is cured and resists posting his opinions any longer without using the caveat IMHO or IME.
Gives him bragging rights especially on the internet. Absent any feedback from friends and neighbors, who would probably think he is nuts anyway, it minimally gives him some bragging rights over the internet. This disease, if it be so, seems to decline as experience and education increases, until the audiophile is cured and resists posting his opinions any longer without using the caveat IMHO or IME.