My understanding is that "audiophilia" is more about the aquisition of better equipment, which is what most people talk about in these message boards and why 95% of the stuff up for sale/auction is hardware. It is an obsessive-compulsive disorder that can only be cured by: (a) having to sell off parts of your system (including a kidney) because you can't afford to buy food anymore, (b) losing your spouse due to circustances as described in (a), or (c) taking a really cold shower and finally coming to your senses and realize that no hi-fi will ever equal the "real thing" and it's just plain ludicrous to spend another $10k on the next "upgrade" that will squeeze an additional 1-2%out of your system. The difference between a hardcore "audiophile" and a hardcore "music lover" is the audiophile will blow a $10k bonus on a pair of speakers or preamp. The music lover will pick up several hundred CD's or LP's. Both should probably seek help. :)
What makes / defines an audiophile ?
Having followed threads and contributed in several this came to mind since we see definitely passion here!!! It's interesting to touch base on things like this since equipment, power, tweaks tend to dominate postings and for me not been in this hobby for that long is worth a thought. Share your views.