I don't think that those claiming that they are music lovers but not much or at all audiophiles are really music lovers. Music doesn't exist without sound. If something doesn't sound good enough it is not music, it is noise in which one can barely capture the outlines. True music lover must be an audiophile too, there is no other way. Another question is how far you go in pursuit of a great sound even if you have the resources and space. That's personal and debatable.
Music lover or audiophile?
I think you have to decide, are you a music lover or audiophile? I know the majority will say, both.
I’m not so sure though. The nature of audiophilia is to get in there and fiddle with the tools, like any other hobbyist. The difference in our hobby though is that presumably, our ultimate goal is to have the best musical experience we can get. The hobbyist is never really finished. The manipulation of the materials is the fun. The music lover, however, wants to get the most out of that esthetic experience.
By continually plying materials, the audiophile is on an endless quest for better sound.
After years of this quest, I’ve decided I can be a music lover or an audiophile. I’m happy listening to my system now the way it is. So, I’ve decided to be a music lover once again.
I’m not so sure though. The nature of audiophilia is to get in there and fiddle with the tools, like any other hobbyist. The difference in our hobby though is that presumably, our ultimate goal is to have the best musical experience we can get. The hobbyist is never really finished. The manipulation of the materials is the fun. The music lover, however, wants to get the most out of that esthetic experience.
By continually plying materials, the audiophile is on an endless quest for better sound.
After years of this quest, I’ve decided I can be a music lover or an audiophile. I’m happy listening to my system now the way it is. So, I’ve decided to be a music lover once again.