Music lover or audiophile?

What in the world could be wrong with either audiophile or music lover? It’s what people want and enjoy, and both seem pretty harmless at worst, and arguably pretty beneficial overall.

That being said, I have too many symptoms to deny being an audiophile, all the while telling people (and myself), honestly, that my audio pursuit is because I love the music. But, as others have observed, one does get to the end of the audiophile system-improving obsession (word chosen after careful deliberation and self-observation), where I am now. It’s been a productive pursuit--my system now makes the music sound beautiful and I love it. I’ve always envied those advanced souls (meant sincerely, not sarcastically) who’d enjoy the music if it was played on a transistor radio, feeling, honestly, that they know something I don’t. But I’m not one of ’em.

Let’s everybody keep enjoying.
Jim Heckman

I’d like to modify my original post and concur with several of the contributors, including hifiman5 and the learned Prof, that seeking good sound and music are not mutually exclusive. Just as long as one doesn’t don’t get caught up in the addictive trap.  I have to admit that I still listen for the sound at least as much as the music.  Maybe it’s because my thoroughgoing search is over and I’ve found equipment that really does both well.

Maybe the answer lies very simply in your audio lifestyle.  I would postulate, that if you have 1000, 5000 or 8000 posts in the many audio type forums, maybe you're an audiophile whether you want to admit it or not.
If on the other hand, you spend the majority of your time enjoying your music regardless of type, while enjoying a glass of your favorite beverage, while reading a good book, then you are more than likely a music lover!!! 
If every time you enter your listening abode, whether alone, with your significant other, or your friends and put on the same albums/cd/stream to highlight your great system, then you probably have your answer.... 
Whether you like the answer or not, it is what it is... Happy listening!!! And a happy Memorial Day weekend to all...

I am a music lover first.  I have 7,000 78s and listen to acoustical recordings as well.  My preference for sound extends back to hot sounding 78s from 1925 on.  The performance is everything.  I've sold 18,000 records in the past 35 years because I made a rule not to keep anything that I wouldn't enjoy listening to 3 times a year.

Yes, I have a high end system but rarely change equipment, mostly adding tweaks to the room and power system.   

Most of my music buddies are snobs to some extent.  They only want to listen to stereo recordings, some just to modern stereo recordings.  They are shocked at how good 50's mono LPs can sound but don't want to listen to it at home (exceptions-Frank/Oregonpapa & Robert, our good friend).  Anoth friend only listens to LPs and another two only listen to CDs.  I enjoy all solid formats except cassettes (haven't had the desire to stream or download music with 42,000 LPs/78s/CDs/tape in my collection).  

I listen to live music, perform and record with several choirs, a chamber group and a full orchestra.  If I don't like the music, it doesn't matter to me how good it sounds.