The OP asked what makes a piece of equipment "audiophile level or standards".
It was answered by the first reply, and that answer is
Audiophiles.
Not collective, but individuals. Not decided by reviewers, manufacturers or marketers. An audiophile can make up his own mind if something is "audiophile standard" (after all- it is he who is the audiophile) and the independent thinkers (lots around here) don't give a rat's a#$ what anyone else thinks.
The word barely existed until the late 1980s when it was stolen from the true audiophiles (guys who like/built/tested and played with HiFi gear) and used as an evil way of separating them from the posers, wannabe reviewers and people who thought they could
buy a hobby and have the best gear on the block etc.
Here's a cool graphic ('cos audiophiles love graphs) on the word's usage:
View attachment 1050036
Honestly, I think the term has run its course. It is certainly not a badge of honour, it is fast becoming the opposite IMO. I never use it in reference to myself or my gear. I am vintage audio technician and serious restorer who also loves music.
Audiophile, no thanks - it sounds too much like the other 'phile' despised by the entire population.