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How do YOU justify this hobby?

This might seem like a stupid question, but I want to know how people can justify this Hobby.

Myself, the real answer is a bit complex and mystical, and maybe I will post it later on down the line.

The answer I give to the average person who askes: How do you justify your $30k sound system? or How can you justify spending $1k on 1M of wire????

My answer: Some people collect art. Do you consider music art? [This gets them thinking, and thy always reply 'yes'] Well I own over 700 pieces of art, these are called CDs. My music system is a Window to this art. It is the way the art is experienced. [Next I ask, if you had a nice piece of art would you not want it to be viewed the best way possible? Damn, I love this argument.] This is why I want the most transparent music system I can buy. I love music and it is art. I cannot own an original Picaso, but I CAN own a piece of music that was composed by Bach. And this piece of music is about the best a layman can own of Bach since he is deceased. The best thing would be actually able to play Bach pieces well yourself. This is a whol,e other discussion.

Anyway, tell us how you justify this hobby. Even if you do not go as overboard as I or others do (spending thousands on Ics... etc).

Peace.

KF
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lugnut
1,190 posts
 
If you must explain, they can't possibly understand.
natalie
404 posts
 
When a friend of mine who was wearing a 10K + Rolex told me I was crazy because I had over 10k in my system I just pointed to his watch and said who is the crazy one?
scon90
46 posts
 
Sometimes I just run out of other things to do.
mdomnick
332 posts
 
In my short 29 years of life, I have learned everyone has his/her own vices. Weather it's shopping, cars, jewlery, art, drugs/alchol, sports, whatever...mine is stereo. The rare individual who does not have a vice (hobby) I have often found to be the ones who will never understand spending $2K on a preamp or whatever. In the end, like all things in this world, "to each is own."
mrwigglewm
60 posts
 
I "explain" this hobby by saying that I love music and truly appreciate the difference an expensive tube, cable, cartridge etc. adds to my enjoyment. I begin with the truism: A life without passion is not worth living. The are good passions and others that are questionable Music is amongst the most emotionally and spiritually edifying passion, so enjoy to the point where other important responsibilities are neglected! And take the trouble to listen to and assimilate all of the great music -- it is more difficult to justify the time and expense if one is listening to same music one enjoyed as an adolescent decade after decade.
Lastly, if there is a problem with this hobby it is the line that is sometimes crossed where the audiophile makes a purchase of high-end gear in the hope that it will confer prestige/status upon himself.
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