You know you have audiophile system when...

Let's take it from the system user's viewpoint:

-an audiophile is one who needs music to listen to his system;

-music-lover is someone who needs the system to listen to the music.

In this light, "sounds good is all that matters" can apply to both categories.

I guess we're all music-lovers tuning our systems to better enjoy the music

Is an audiophile a music lover?

A music lover uses audio equipment to listen to his recordings. An audiophile uses recordings to listen to his audio equipment!

Most audiophiles are extreme music lovers.

A few are not.

YouTube's 'The Audiophile Man' describes an audiophile who sees music as the main thing...wants better music, better quality music...more information from their music....seeker of musical truth....as the guitar player played it, the drummer when he hit the drums...what he heard, what he experienced, what the band around him were going thru....the audiophile wants to part of that occasion...get closer to that time, those moments...wants to experience the art

@omega125 , that's a good 'long form' description. 👍

But, like any pursuit that can lead to extremism, there are those that indulge.

I suspect most, when at a certain point, be it age, budget,, the SAF ceiling, or just simple satiation or weariness of the 'chase'....

Stop. *L*

There are 'niche' players; I am one.

I like to listen not only to the music (#1), but to the 'system' when desired (#2).
Since I diy Walsh speakers, it's kinda a necessity to do so.

My system would make some shake their heads, and claim derangement.

I don't really care, as others are more than welcome to pursue as desired/needed.

Someone has to 'create' the odd 'used' item I may desire at some point.
One rationale to hang about here is to form my own opinion of what that may be on that lovely day. *S*
It also allows to opinionate what I may feel is frivolous, and be ignored until not.

Takes all kinds to fill these forums.
Welcome to it. ;)

Have a pleasant week, J