Audiophiles that never actually listen to their system!!??

[Archguy]

If I have a Prius and a Ferrari in the garage I hope I don't have to tell you which one I'm driving to the grocery store.

 

[JoeESP9]

Merrimack-Webster says:

Definition of audiophile: a person who is enthusiastic about high-fidelity sound reproduction.

I guess I don’t fit, while I would rather listen to a great system I am perfectly content with whatever the situation requires, waiting for a plane: iPhone and IEMs streaming Tidal, camping or at the beach my crappy little BOSE BT speaker or my main system at home. I love the music no matter which.

I believe that the definition is not complete. IMO "of music" should be added to the definition.

 

[GChief]

I believe that the definition is not complete. IMO "of music" should be added to the definition.

That’s what I was thinking when I went looking it up but that’s what it says. For me it’s music first, what it’s played on is secondary.

Edit: should add that I want it as good as I can get it

 

[JoeESP9]

I definitely agree with you. For me it has always been about the music.

 

[orsen]

the fella i bought my kef 105/2's from is quite well off.
i went to by some equipment from him and asked about the speakers.
he said they were purchased by his wife and they never really used them
he showed me the rest
it was all kyocera, it was gorgeous.
he said he was not ready to sell as she had passed a couple yrs earlier.
he never used.
he carried a wave radio from room to room.
two yrs later he sold me the speakers.
so it sounds to me like they were purchased just as furniture

 

[Archguy]

 

[infullview]

Music is more important than how much you paid for your equipment. Period. I love it that I can play great music on equipment that comes close to the real thing, but I also love it that I can go to the Tides Inn at the beach on Sunday and listen to live Jazz while sipping a ridiculously expensive drink.

 

[62caddy]

There are music lovers, audiophiles and gear junkies (for lack of a better word).

Each has its own set of traits and are not necessarily exclusive in any one individual. Anybody can fall into all three categories, any combination of two or only one.

There are many music lovers - but they are not necessarily audiophiles. Almost everyone I know loves music to some degree - but very few are interested in the science of sound reproduction therefore are not audiophiles.

 

[mashaffer]

Sure and there are some gun collectors who don't like to shoot or rarely do but most do.

 

[4-2-7]

The only ones to be impressed would be a select few. Just not the most effective way of keeping up appearances - if that's the intention.

You keep thinking this way and Tox was not saying that at all Caddy. What he was saying there are people who if they are going to buy something, say to outfit the home, they will buy quality things. This has nothing to do with impressing anyone or keeping up appearances. It has all to do with taste and wanting good dependable things for when they are needed and used. Having a stereo in a home isn't just for enthusiast, audiophiles. For many many people they will have a stereo and it's mostly use when they entertain and have family over. It's a tool, an appliance for the home to function when needed, when they need it.

Like who would look in my tool draws?



Are you impressed? Am I keeping up appliances?
Or is it a case I want good quality tools when I need them to tackle the job at hand.

 

[Pio1980]

I love close listening to my setup, but my ears have been stuffed since the first of the year until recently and the space filled with storage.
My ears are almost back to (ab)normal (hearing aids) and it's time to reclaim what space I can for enjoyment.

 

[62caddy]

You keep thinking this way and Tox was not saying that at all Caddy. What he was saying there are people who if they are going to buy something, say to outfit the home, they will buy quality things. This has nothing to do with impressing anyone or keeping up appearances. It has all to do with taste and wanting good dependable things for when they are needed and used. Having a stereo in a home isn't just for enthusiast, audiophiles. For many many people they will have a stereo and it's mostly use when they entertain and have family over. It's a tool, an appliance for the home to function when needed, when they need it.

Sincere apologies if I misinterpreted.

In any case, I respectfully disagree a particularly high end system will do much to enhance whatever festivities are taking place at a gathering where critical listening isn't typically done.

Hell, some of the best gatherings I've been to had no music played at all - or was supplied by a tabletop radio if there was.

 

[sKiZo]

Place I worked at last had some really good elevator music, tuned to a local community station that would play all sorts of eclectic stuff you might not hear elsewhere. Got turned on to a few new bands, and made notes to listen to later with high quality source files on the premium sound system.

(Which some might not consider all that premium, but I like it.)

There again, the difference between listening and LISTENING.

 

[4-2-7]

In any case, I respectfully disagree a particularly high end system will do much to enhance whatever festivities are taking place at a gathering where critical listening isn't typically done.

But again, the stereo does not have to have any particular enhanced sound quality. This type of individual would look at the company and their product reputation. Does their product last? do they stand by their product? How long have they been around, do they offer life time warranty, or trade-in upgrade path. If there is a problem down the road will they be there to help 15 years later.

 

[ultumax]

I guess the real question then, what is "never?"
And what is the amount of use-time that constitutes "more than never?"

I am by no means an audiophile, but if I were to claim to be and have the "level of equipment" to consider myself so, it wouldn't change the amount of time I have to use my system.
IF I am able to listen to BOTH sides of one LP a week, it is a gosh darn miracle... so then could I never be an audiophile?

Really a rhetorical question here, as I am not sure any two people could even agree on the meaning of "audiophile."

Ben

Yeah some people work too much to listen to to there’s console to your right .
There are people who buy a speakers snd never Use them .
It’s ok to give the system a break if you got severe migraines or headaches . But you could be an audiophile and technically not own a system , and be a windowshopper . Like when the yeti or abdominal snowman breaks in and eats your system .
SO do not trust snow menacing creatures .

Doesn’t websters definition mean mid-fi lovers are not audiophiles?
I mostly use my system for movies , music . No cable box so I don’t use it every day.

 

[62caddy]

But again, the stereo does not have to have any particular enhanced sound quality. This type of individual would look at the company and their product reputation. Does their product last? do they stand by their product? How long have they been around, do they offer life time warranty, or trade-in upgrade path. If there is a problem down the road will they be there to help 15 years later.

None of that is in dispute and that's a far better reason for buying quality equipment than the alternative - or at least the alternative I thought was being suggested.

 

[Pio1980]

But again, the stereo does not have to have any particular enhanced sound quality. This type of individual would look at the company and their product reputation. Does their product last? do they stand by their product? How long have they been around, do they offer life time warranty, or trade-in upgrade path. If there is a problem down the road will they be there to help 15 years later.

One of my fave amps is a dead end orphan, but does it ever bring a performance to life and get me involved.

 

[GChief]

You keep thinking this way and Tox was not saying that at all Caddy. What he was saying there are people who if they are going to buy something, say to outfit the home, they will buy quality things. This has nothing to do with impressing anyone or keeping up appearances. It has all to do with taste and wanting good dependable things for when they are needed and used. Having a stereo in a home isn't just for enthusiast, audiophiles. For many many people they will have a stereo and it's mostly use when they entertain and have family over. It's a tool, an appliance for the home to function when needed, when they need it.

Like who would look in my tool draws?

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Are you impressed? Am I keeping up appliances?
Or is it a case I want good quality tools when I need them to tackle the job at hand.

I know exactly what your saying

Sincere apologies if I misinterpreted.

In any case, I respectfully disagree a particularly high end system will do much to enhance whatever festivities are taking place at a gathering where critical listening isn't typically done.

Hell, some of the best gatherings I've been to had no music played at all - or was supplied by a tabletop radio if there was.

Your not getting it caddy and that’s cool too
Edit: sorry didn’t read your last post first

 

[grillebilly]

Most of us here are not your hard-core audiophiles, while we really love the hobby, my money says this place is too low-brow for the set that only listen to test records. Yes, there are those that find music to be secondary to the gear. I'm happy they found something to enjoy.
Lots of good points made so far. There are some really brilliant minds here, I'm so thankful they contribute. Also some regular Joe-sixpack types, who may not have the skills but they sure have some killer playlists. Thanks for them, too

 

[Justgotohm]

Easy to understand for folks with lots of hobbies. I built the lower of an AR15 chambered in 300 Blackout, assembled the upper and added a red dot finder. Have ammunition and new brass for reloading.

Never fired it.

Funny I bought a Mini 14 from another AK’er I have never fired. I do however listen to my gear everyday.