I lately wonder why I’m an Audiophile.

@laminarman "...This is like photography."

Yes it is.

I have pursued photography about as long as high end audio. Over the last ten years I added a Leica M10 to my stable. And then set out to figure out if the Leica Look was a thing. In the process developed a real appreciation for the camera lenses and the art of photography. Lots of fights with the sharpness as a single dimension... like the details are all guys in audio, and that there is very much something special about a Leica. Like my audio system now. 

Don’t think twice, it’s alright! 👍

@mapman ”l never refer to myself being an audiophile”

That’s a great way to think. I generally hate the term audiophile, and the “baggage” you fefer to that can come in tow. It can all sound a little presumptuous. I much prefer to use hi-fi enthusiast or as you have previously posted, a “hi-fi music buff”

To say, “l am an audiophile” can be so self serving and who knows for sure?

One thing l have learnt is there are a lot out there who are sure they are, but after hearing the newest system, the gear is definitely nothing special.

"audiophile " means someone interested by sound properties of music  implied in gear pieces or system/room use..

Nothing to fear here.

And it is not necessary to lend negative pretenses or intentions to the neutral term because it suit us.

 "hifi" enthusiasm suit me less well ...

It suggest more pricing focus on high end gear  and gear fixation...

"audiophile" is more neutral ... We can be interested by sound qualities (acoustics) more than by high end gear upgrades...It is my case as "audiophile" ...Hi-fi enthusiast is nearer as expression to marketing than acoustics...

Quite simple, really. Audiophile meaning : A person who is enthusiastic about high - fidelity sound reproduction. Whether it is the equipment, the music, or both, it can be different for each of us. @rvpiano , I am glad you have reached the "music" enjoyment part of your journey. There is quite a lot of "information" embedded in our recordings, and if you want to extract more of it, spending money on upgraded gear, makes you an audiophile. If you can get to a point where it is the music that grabs your attention and enjoyment, it is a wonderful thing. There are listeners who are more into the "sound" than the music, and that is ok for them, as long as they are enjoying it. For me, since I was a youngster, the music was always numero uno. Likely why I can listen to, and enjoy, recordings of all "qualities"; in the car; boom box; phone; anywhere. The "sound" of my main system allows me to hear and appreciate more of the "intricacies" of the musicianship and the composition, and yes, I am hearing the recording quality. This makes me an audiophile, and I am not afraid of characterizing myself as one. However, I am a music listener, first. Be well, my friend, and enjoy! Always, MrD