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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 6 responses by rvpiano

rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano
2,744 posts
 
One difference between the pursuit of music and sound is that the pursuit of music won’t drive you crazy.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano
2,744 posts
 
The OP’s question is a very valid one.  Continuing my last post, I realize that occupying so much time and effort on improving your system, it’s practically impossible to ignore it while listening to your music.  It inevitably worms it’s way into your consciousness (or unconscious) rendering concentration on the music only partial.
If you can let that not happen, more power to you.
I can’t!
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano
2,744 posts
 
The problem of my constant upgrading, is that I may never be able to get back to the point of listening to music PURELY for itself without adulterating it with the scourge of “good sound.”
Very sad.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano
2,744 posts
 
Being a former musician this is hard for me to say, but the sound IS as important to me now as is the music.  Unless it’s a historic performance of great merit, I can’t listen to  a mediocre sounding recording without turning it off. And conversely, I might bear a mediocre rendering if it sounds amazing.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano
2,744 posts
 
After frogman’s post I feel it very necessary to clarify my stance.
Of course, sound cannot begin to approach the profundity of spirit and soul that the art of music can supply (or any other great art for that matter.) They certainly don’t exist on an equal plain.
And I must apologize if I put that forth as a credo.
What I am saying is that this system “toy” gives me great pleasure in and of it itself.  Often I listen just for the “sound.” I realize that is not ideally why I’m listening.  But I’m seduced by the sensuality of it. And it IS an enjoyment in itself. Unfortunately the content of the music can suffer. I admit it is a big problem for me.  I often can’t get into the soul of the music.  And I’m unhappy about it.  But it just can’t be helped.
So, like it or not, sound and music share my affections
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano
2,744 posts
 
It’s almost like having a split personality for me. One part audiophile the other music lover. When the audiophile takes over I almost cease to listen to the music, concentrate on the sound and lose the musical message. When the music lover is present, the whole package becomes apparent, and I can wallow in the pleasure of both sound and music.
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