Why are audiophiles perceived as being wackos?

I wouldn't concern myself with the opinions of non-philes. They just don't have the apreciation for the finer treasures hidden in the sense of hearing. I kinda understand their viewpoint when I examine my opinion of people that raise horses. They certainly don't care about my opinion. The difference to me is our passion doesn't have to potential of dying, regardless of investment.

When faced with someone who questions my fervent pursuit of an illusive specter of happiness through some external means (as most of us do in so many different ways), i will usually seek out some common ground on which we may meet and enjoy life, rather than that on which we differ. Music is a universal language and is often an easy subject to find mutual enjoyment with anyone, as opposed to focusing on the gear (which I really don't like to do anyway). If common ground obviously wasn't there in music I'd just move on to something else. In the same turn I wouldn't attempt to discount anyone's opinion just because they don't understand something about me. Nor would I close myself off to the possibility that there was something I could learn from their disagreement. If the interacction was obviously not constructive I might consider a simple statement like, "...thank you for sharing." and leave it at that.

As a side note I think that some folks (not all) who obsess about various pursuits as you've described, use the pursuit not only to 'define' themselves in some way, but also to 'elevate' themselves above others through their obsession. This kind of attitude may naturally lead to dissension among those who did not indulge in a similar pursuit and perhaps did not appreciate being looked down upon from such lofty heights by someone whose poop stinks just like theirs does.

Marco

Hi, I understand this it is because some others will not think past their own needs and wants. I can see other peoples hobbies and respect them. Can remember years ago selling a car to buy a great pair of Quad speakers, and getting a lot more pleasure out of the speakers than the car.Any money put in the system has been well worth it. How many things can you say that about? Can remember many nights after a bad day of work,or? coming home to some nice sounds and a couple of beers and having the day turn around, it's cheaper than a shrink and works better.

Interesting topic, and the point made above about finding common ground is awfully smart.

I wonder if some people can not hear the difference in a basic vs super high end system, whereas auto performance has a more measurable aspect: 0-60 times, HP, torque and so on, and watches are consdered investements in beautiful (usually rare) works of art. So because nonaficionado can or does does not readily hear the difference (or maybe is not open minded enough to hear it), or maybe he doesn't feel as strongly about music as you do- he's left with the impression that the a-phile is into the hobby for "prestige" status, or are outright delusional, so they naturally would be dismissive.

A great thread--and very well stated Teajay. Now for me, I look at people that collect many things and just scratch my head and believe they are the screwballs. For example, I enjoy good wine, but can't understand those that collect more wine than they, their neighbors, friends, relatives and business associates can drink in their lifetimes--particularly since most wines do not have indefinite storage times even if you go through the expense of having them re-corked.* I don't understand people that own boats that only use them once a year or less. I also don't understand the audiophile that has a total collection of 20 CDs (10 of which are demo discs).

I guess people can understand others enjoying boating, or driving, but may not relate to sitting and listening to music that is reproduced (rather than live). Most people once they've experienced a high-end system get it--or at least can understand why an audiophile would enjoy listening to music, but some never do.

I own a high end system because I use it almost every day. I love listening to music and the better it's reproduced the more I enjoy it. Not that much different from a race car I suppose. The faster it goes, the better it handles, the more the driver enjoys the experience.

*While I made that comment on people that own more wine than they could ever know what to do with--it dawned on me I know audiophiles, that if they played each CD and LP they had sequentially and continuously they could not get through their collection in their lifetime if they lived another 50 years. Somehow I don't have a problem with that.