I side with Tablejockey. Audiophiles are not athletes honing their skill, but consumers buying things. I applaud the passion and even the borderline OCD behavior, but let's not pretend it's a creative pursuit. My comments do not apply to those who DIY and design/build components.
Observation: Passion vs Obsession
As I read through the AG threads each night culling useful tips (there are many) it occurred to me that there is a difference between passion and obsession in our hobby, or anything else for that matter.
I feel that the desire to improve can take one of two paths.
Passion = You love what you are doing. You enjoy the process and you love listening to the music. You are creating aural art. You are becoming the master of your sound, like an athlete you are honing your skills. You are integrated with the process and the process gives you joy.
Obsession = The joy is destroyed. You have sabotaged yourself by telling yourself "I have to get it". All you want are results, it serves an end.
To me the truth is that there is no end, only the journey. Enjoy the passion, your system and what it is offering you.
I feel that the desire to improve can take one of two paths.
Passion = You love what you are doing. You enjoy the process and you love listening to the music. You are creating aural art. You are becoming the master of your sound, like an athlete you are honing your skills. You are integrated with the process and the process gives you joy.
Obsession = The joy is destroyed. You have sabotaged yourself by telling yourself "I have to get it". All you want are results, it serves an end.
To me the truth is that there is no end, only the journey. Enjoy the passion, your system and what it is offering you.