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Music lover or audiophile?

I think you have to decide, are you a music lover or audiophile?  I know the majority will say, both.
 I’m not so sure though. The nature of audiophilia is to get in there and fiddle with the tools, like any other hobbyist.  The difference in our hobby though is that presumably, our ultimate goal is to have the best musical experience we can get. The hobbyist is never really finished. The manipulation of the materials is the fun. The music lover, however, wants to get the most out of that esthetic experience.  
By continually plying materials, the audiophile is on an endless quest for better sound.
 After years of this quest, I’ve decided I can be a music lover or an audiophile.  I’m happy listening to my system now the way it is.  So, I’ve decided to be a music lover once again.
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shkong78's avatar
shkong78
1,463 posts
 
I agree with OP on that it is difficult to be both audiophile and music lover.

After finishing renovation of audio hardware, I will go back to music lover by not spending on major change of audio equipment.

I had bought 1000 redbook CDs at 2,500$ during last 6 months.

I will try to enjoy new collections of music.

From 2013 to June 2018, I had not changed any major components except inexpensive music server (Cocktail Audio X12)

During the period, I could enjoy music without paying attention to its sound.


Thomas
skywachr
123 posts
 
Music lover first and always. The equipment is a means of enhancing and magnifying the experience. I mainly use 4 different systems for specific types of media and musical genre and listening styles (passive or active).
77jovian
385 posts
 
If I didn’t have a great audio system, I would still need music.  If I couldn’t hear music, I wouldn’t need a great audio system.  So, musicophile first.

An audio system is somewhat similar to my guitars.  At a basic level, they allow me to hear the music that stirs my soul.  But in addition, I love the craftsmanship of a fine guitar, the way it feels in my hands, the way it looks, the way the carefully selected woods work together to make it respond just so.  They have even expanded my social network.   So I guess I’m a guitarophile, second.

 I have developed similar appreciation and fondness for audio equipment.  It gives me a great musical thrill, but I also enjoy learning about it, experiencing it aesthetically in its own right, and even the people I meet here and elsewhere who share my enjoyment.  Audiophile, third.

its not a pejorative term to me, just describes a hobby.  And it’s no crazier than collecting plates with heads of Indian chiefs painted on them.
inorganic's avatar
inorganic
19 posts
 
For me it's all about the music...but the music must be well presented.

jond's avatar
jond
5,660 posts
 
Music lover I have to have music on wherever I am home, car, if i am traveling earbuds. Also I have had the same preamp/amp combo for over ten years now so not sure I qualify as an audiophile. The newest item in my system my speakers are now two years old. I stream both Tidal and Qobuz and love both.
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