How Do You Live The Audiophile Life

Back to the question at hand: If the budget is limited and you would classify yourself as entry level but are looking to progress in the hobby I would recommend the following approach:
1. As stated earlier get subscriptions to The Absolute Sound and Stereophile. 2. Watch the free YouTube Audio Channels for reviews and info. Good ones include John Darko’s and Steve Gutttenberg’s. There are others. 3. Take a look at Schiit.com. Their stuff is very good bang for the buck for those entering the hobby. 4. If budget is limited you will likely do best on the secondary markets like here at Audiogon, and others.  5. Because of number 4 above, you may want to invest in an Audiogon membership that gives you access to the Bluebook. Also look at completed sales for equipment you are interested in on eBay. This way you will begin to have a feel for the secondary market and what items are worth. What’s a good deal and what isn’t. 6. One thing that needs to be said, depending on your living situation and taste, you can have a very top line Headphone and portable audio system for a LOT less money than an equivalent Loudspeaker based home system. Something to think about.
7. When the world opens up again and if AXPONA and the Rocky Mountain shows survive, attend one of them with a plan of how you are going to see what you need or want to see efficiently. This will broaden your audio education. 8. Last this is all about enhancing music appreciation. Get subscriptions to Qobuz Studio and or Tidal Hifi. Finally: Roon. One of the best music discovery and appreciation tools around. It will integrate your above Tidal and Qobuz subscriptions and provide you with tons of information, new music and enjoyment. Welcome Fellow Audiophile!

I'm not a typical audiophile---I don't listen to jazz I'm not super detailed on specs. I listen to mostly electronic music and classic rock/pop/alternative. So I can educate myself. I try to go to as many audio stores (not Best Buy) as I can. Try to go to a audio/stereo convention like Axpona or Capital Audiofest so you can see and hear all the brands. I went to my first one last year and had a blast. I read these forums, watch YouTube videos and subscribe to stereo/audio magazines. Just educate yourself as much as possible---find a budget and shop around. And try to make it as fun as possible. Good luck!

I would advise to go slow. You seem to think most audiophiles have secret passwords and handshakes they use to buy exclusively offered products. Sure, there are boutique electronics that the well heeled name drop to prop their insecurity, or not; there are secure name droppers. Whatever the case go slow, read, listen, and take everything with the proverbial grain. 

Going to audio shows is really helpful.  Hear they are having one in 2025.

Well, you’re on the right track by coming to the forum and asking your questions.

The audiophile life is going to be different for each person as other members have stated.

I think going to different audiophile websites is definitely one way to learn more about it.

But there are so many that it can become overwhelming to stay on top off.

Fortunately I found this site (I am sure other members already know about it) called https://www.dailyaudiophile.com/, which combines headlines from numerous audiophile websites on one page.

It’s a nice way to get a quick glance at some new stuff and then you can spend hours by going to each site and browsing around.

I don’t know if it contains a link to every single audiophile website out there but it definitely is a good solid list.

Going to shows is also another great way to become more familiar with equipment from so many different manufacturers, unfortunately this year sux for that. Hopefully next year.

Hope that helps you on your journey.