I lately wonder why I’m an Audiophile.

I lately wonder why I’m an Audiophile.

It’s good to wonder.  Maybe listening to a decidedly non audiophile recording will help (or not).

Eden’s Children - I Wonder Why .1968 - YouTube

I enjoy listening to music through the system I’ve put together most every day. It’s fun and relaxing, particularly on those special days when everything clicks. Really clears the mind. It seems that we’re supposed to say that we really don’t care about the gear. It’s only the music, but I’ll admit that I also enjoy researching the gear, doing the auditions, Learning what little my feeble mind will allow about the science of it, the room acoustics, etc.  I also enjoy hearing the ideas and experiences of others, at least the ones who are housebroken when it comes to civility. Good natured discussions, and even disagreements sharpen the mind.

To me, it’s all part of the hobby, and not dependent on the price range in which you play. I suspect that most people on this forum are like that, maybe more than some like to admit. If you’ve managed to rack up several hundred posts, not to mention several thousand, about audio gear on an anonymous Internet forum, there’s pretty good evidence that you’re a gearhead just like me. In my law-enforcement days, we would’ve called that a clue. 
it’s all great fun, and meant to be enjoyed, it’s not religion or politics and we shouldn’t make it such.

happy listening.

@sns  I have a single night set aside each week for five hour or so listening session, never listen casually.

This seems quite sad to me. I guess I am not an audiophile. 

In our house we listen to music all the time. In every room and outside using the built in system (not bad but NOT HiFi). In the cars (love SXM radio). From a $300 B&O BT speaker travelling (low res Qobuz on the road!). And listening sessions when we feel like it -  I play DJ, creating a mood/theme and see where it leads.

Doesn't mean I don't work on getting the best I can out of my HiFi system/room.

RV - seems like you have achieved a healthy balance - now just enjoy it.

What @macg19 said.   Hobbies are for enjoyment so…..

I never refer to myself as an audiophile.  Lots of baggage there!   I prefer hifi buff or or better yet music lover.