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Why do some think "music" (not gear, trading, etc.) is the ultimate end?

A recent thread spurred a debate about the word "audiophile." Again. It went round and round in the usual ways.

What I don't understand is why so many take for granted that loving music is superior to loving gear. Or that gear is always -- and must be -- a mere *means* to music, which is the (supposedly) true end.

But if you stop and think about it, why do we love music? It gives us enjoyment.
Isn't that why people love gear? The enjoyment?
Or even, to push the question, buying, selling, changing gear? That's for enjoyment, no?

So, it raises the difficult question: Why do some think that "music" as an "enjoyment" is better than "gear" or "shopping, buying, selling, trading"?

Not everyone believes this, but it is the most prevalent assumption in these discussions -- that "love of music" is the end-which-cannot-be-questioned. 

So, while music is the largest end I'm personally striving for, I do realize that it's because it brings me enjoyment. But the other facets of the hobby do, too. And I'm starting to realize that ranking them is an exercise but not a revelation of the "one" way everything should sort out. It's all pretty subjective and surely doesn't seem like a basis on which I could criticize someone else's enjoyment, right? 

What do you think? On what grounds do you see it argued that "music" is a *superior* or *ultimate* end? Whether you agree or not, what reasons do you think support that conclusion?
hilde45

Showing 3 responses by frogman

frogman
7,497 posts
 
Much to say about some of the more recent comments, but since the thread has been deemed closed......

Yes, peace, all!
frogman
7,497 posts
 
rv, we are in agreement. No need to apologize. Sound and music shape my affections as well; each to different degrees.


hilde45, you asked some questions and I answered them, according to my feelings on the matter. You asked “what do you think?” “on what grounds do you see it argued that music is a superior end?” and “what reasons support that conclusion?”. I gave you honest answers. I’m sorry you didn’t like my answers, or that you feel they are politically incorrect somehow. As I said, we are all free to enjoy this hobby in the manner of our choosing; that is obvious. However, this doesn’t mean that we don’t each have personal opinions on the matter. I made it clear that I love audio, but I find the idea that the gear and even the buying of it is as enjoyable and satisfying as the music....well, odd to say the least. That’s just me. If this is not you, be comfortable in your own skin. I am sorry if this offends you in some way, but remember, it was you that first questioned why some of us feel the way that we do.
frogman
7,497 posts
 
**** The original question is why do some dismiss the love of gear by the tactic of making music an ultimate end. ****

Simple, because for some it IS the ultimate end. “Making music the ultimate end” is not a “tactic” for many music lovers, it is a reflection of appreciation for the depth of the greatness of inspired music making.

Now, everyone is free to approach and enjoy this hobby any way that it suits him and judging this is pointless. Moreover, I am not aware of any preponderance of “dismissal” of the love of gear on the part of those for whom music is the ultimate end. I love my audio toys, but not nearly as much as I love great music; even if on mediocre recordings. I am frankly surprised at the number of posters that have put the gear on an equal or even superior footing to the music.

Inconvenient truths: First, let’s start with the simple fact that without music the gear is useless; unless put on a shelf for viewing only. That simple fact alone puts music on a higher plane than the gear. The music does not need the gear; the gear needs the music. This goes to the heart of why the live music experience is best of all; as problematic as it may be in some respects, but that’s a different story. While acknowledging the great skill and creativity that goes into designing a great piece of gear, to compare this achievement to that reflected in, say, a Bach cantata or Beethoven symphony; or, the spontaneous inspiration behind a great John Coltrane or Jeff Beck solo strikes me as a bit shallow. Moreover, I would bet that most of the great gear designers would agree and would be the first to acknowledge this.

I am not aware of anyone ever having been brought to tears from staring at a silent pair of speakers.
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