I think even if you yourself had not acknowledged crossing over to the dark side, the community would have tagged you. Your description of the new amp hits all points of jargon that leave many wondering what their definition is(timber, color, dynamic etc etc). Yes there are many that think the “audiophile” title has multiple levels bases on dollars spent. Just as a $30,000 car can perform the same basic functions as a $400,000 one they are much different in other ways. I still feel it is all about the enjoyment of the music and discovery of new music first and foremost and there are many paths to this journey. I love music and am in a financial position to have nice gear but I will never critique someone with a lesser system as long as they enjoy the music. If this is my ticket to be labeled an audiophile so be it. The only ears I have to impress are my own.
OK-- I think I get it, now...
For a long time, I've hesitated to call myself an audiophile, preferring "music-lover", instead.
To be honest, I've had a somewhat dismissive attitude regarding those whom, to me, appeared overly obsessed with sound.
With the recent acquisition of a Hegel H390, I'm forced to "change my tune", as it were. I guess I just crossed over into the high end.
I've been immersing myself in the Burton/Corea duet disc "Crystal Silence", a long time favorite of mine, and there is just so much "more" going on to notice and appreciate, now.
First of all, the music is unmistakably occurring in three dimensional space. And notes have roundness, color, density and texture. Instrumental timbre is richer and more distinctive. The players' use of varying dynamics, attack and tempo are much more evident than before. Vocals convey so much more emotion and now I can feel the emotion's impact somatically. That's new.
It's certainly made me appreciate my speakers, more. Apparently, up until now, the Silverlines have been denied the sort of amplification that would permit them to perform at their best. I hope the speaker gods will forgive me!
No doubt, in time, I will make other discoveries, but for now, this is crazy (in a good way).
I feel I've entered a whole new world. There's no way I can still claim to be "just a music lover". Master M has emphasized the unity of sound and music many times and finally, I think I get it. One cannot be separated out from the other-- they are inextricably one.