My best retort to those that think we listen to our stereos more than the music

If I were to rephrase blueranger’s op, i would say we can approach our lives transactionally or relationally. For me, music in the background is transactional; low res music is transactional; focussing on acquiring the equipment is transactional. On the other hand, when I listen deeply, it is thrilling and sometimes even transformative.

Humans have physical needs, and we can get those needs met transactionally, without much depth to the experience. We can also get our needs met in a more  immersive way (an encompassing sound stage if you will). Some folks of all genders are satisfied getting their needs met in a sort of background music manner—and others are only satisfied when everything lines up just so. 
I suspect most of us are a mix, and our relationship to our equipment can be similarly mixed. 
See how much more concise blueranger is than me!! 

When a great song comes on the radio while I am in the car, it is magical.
End of story.

i strongly suspect alan parsons was telling it like it was, when he said, "an audiophile is somebody who uses your music to listen to their equipment."

Who cares. I am getting tired of this topic. Who should really care what box they are placed into as long as the Audiophile is enjoying the listening.  I know I don't and I am pleased, as a Rabbit, if someone throws me into any briar patch.

Well,   I have the best woman in the world (50yrs married) but only the 2nd best audio system. May have to look at that!