I see five types on these forums:
1) Audiophiles, hobbyists. These are enthusiasts who love sharing their equipment, experiences, what they have learned, and hearing about other’s experiences and equipment.
2). The Cynics. Those who love poking at the number 1’s with derision and calling to doubt any claims of high fidelity.
3) Self appointed experts. They make claims in defiance of the experiences of the number 1’s based on their own beliefs and work background in IT, Electronics, fast food preparation, etc.
4). The ASR crowd. This group believes if it can’t be measured with a FFT Analyzer, then it doesn’t exist. They claim to use “science” to come to their misguided conclusions ignoring reality.
5) Those who lurk in the shadows. They read these forums but never post a comment. Creepy.
Let’s start with the musicians. Why would a musician choose to sacrifice to buy a multi-thousands of dollars instrument over a basic instrument costing hundreds of dollars. They do it for the better sound and the pleasure it gives them making music with that instrument. If someone else hears the difference or not is inconsequential.