WHY IS THERE SO MUCH HATE FOR THE HIGH END GEAR ON AUDIO GEAR?

Basic competent cables are audibly transparent as are basic competently designed and built amplification. Same for anything digital at red book or above. Power cords and numerous other after market tweaks don’t affect the sound. This is not based on jealousy, a lack of experience or hatred of high end audio. These are facts based on solid science. There is a mountain of evidence in support based on numerous controlled studies designed to objectively determine human thresholds of audibility of various forms of distortion. We also know through years of research that we can not reliably compare an aural memory to real time sound perception. Unless comparisons are done level matched, time synced, double blind with quick switching then the results are prone to be unreliable. Science doesn’t care how we feel about objective reality. One either accepts that or not. I care deeply about sound quality. I do not dismiss anything out of jealousy, anger or hatred. If these things really made a difference I would want to know it so I can make well informed choices as an audiophile. But if impressions about sound quality are made under uncontrolled conditions based on long term aural memory I want verification under proper conditions. I want to know objectively what does make a difference and what does not. 

Basic competent cables are audibly transparent as are basic competently designed and built amplification. Same for anything digital at red book or above. Power cords and numerous other after market tweaks don’t affect the sound. This is not based on jealousy, a lack of experience or hatred of high end audio. These are facts based on solid science. There is a mountain of evidence in support based on numerous controlled studies designed to objectively determine human thresholds of audibility of various forms of distortion. We also know through years of research that we can not reliably compare an aural memory to real time sound perception. Unless comparisons are done level matched, time synced, double blind with quick switching then the results are prone to be unreliable. Science doesn’t care how we feel about objective reality. One either accepts that or not. I care deeply about sound quality. I do not dismiss anything out of jealousy, anger or hatred. If these things really made a difference I would want to know it so I can make well informed choices as an audiophile. But if impressions about sound quality are made under uncontrolled conditions based on long term aural memory I want verification under proper conditions. I want to know objectively what does make a difference and what does not. 

bob70 I had that eight track player that you referred to which I lovingly installed in my 1969 Plymouth Fury. The sound quality was- loud- and glorious to my then acute ears. Felt like the Allman Brothers were in my backseat. 

has anyone defined "high end" for purposes of this discussion? Seems impossible, since the term is inherently relative. I enjoy my system, and have stretched financially to make upgrades from time to time. Yet, for some the cost of my system would be immaterial . Those folks can, if they choose, put together a system that would far exceed the quality of mine. I understand that you generally get what you pay for and it doesn't make me jealous that there are components I will never be able to afford. My system brings me joy actually listening to music which is a lot more important to me than what someone posts a on some forum. I think it's about taking your budget, whatever that may be, and putting together a well matched system, that makes you happy. This is not a competition 

those that make it so should take some time for quiet reflection 

@scottwheel  Here we go again. If you do not notice the differences, so be it.

There is no need to convince others that they are "delusional", just annoying.

I did not say anyone was delusional. I hear the same differences in non level matched, non time synchronized, non quick switching, non bias controlled comparisons as you and everyone else does. But the accept the science that tells why we perceive those differences when no actual differences in the sound exist. If that objective information conflicts with your beliefs it’s up to you how you want to reconcile it. Personally I want to know what really happened s audible and what is a byproduct of flawed auditioning. That informs my choices.