How Many Audiophiles Have Do You Know?

I'm beginning to think the actual number of audiophiles (both aging, and newbies) is a lot larger than we thought! I previously knew only 3-4 audiophiles (aside from meeting folks at RMAF, Axpona, or online) until joining our local audio club (about 7 years ago). At that time we had ~20 active members, but numbers were slowly declining.

This past year, we migrated our website to the Meetup.com platform, which helped publicize our local group, and we now have over 40+ active members, with 2-3 new inquiries a week. Half our new members are likewise longtime local audiophiles who were going it alone, because they never knew a local club existed. The other half are newbies in their 20-30's, with limited funds, but LOTS of energy/interest. And they are getting into vinyl as much as streaming digital playback! Based upon the burgeoning number of new audiophile forums/blogs, and growing interest among Gen-X'ers for higher quality playback beyond iTunes, I think the audiophile future is looking brighter every day.

For those of you looking to connect with other LOCAL audiophiles, I strongly suggest exploring the Meetup platform as a (fairly inexpensive) way to get the word out and organize local listening sessions, or a formal club. Once established, spread the word further by posting your groups link (or contact info) on various audio forums (including A'gon, Audiocircle, and the S'phile list of Audiophile Societies, etc.)

Joining, or organizing, a "pack" of audiophiles is a lot more fun than being a "lone wolf" and really broadens your audiophile knowledge base and musical repertoire (not to mention your debating skills ).

For those of you along the West Coast of Florida, check us out... Suncoast Audiophile Society

Never met one unfortunately.

It sounds like most people responding have met fellow audiophiles through eqpt purchases / sales etc.... but as one poster stated I've never met one audiophile through an impromptu social situation, but then again I do think I need to get out a little more

"I wonder if we have a unique psychology?"

I notice the funny puzzled looks on peoples faces when they see my turntable, tube amps, and speakers. They look at me like I am crazy.

The only other non-dealer, non-equipment person I have met that might in some way be classified as an audiophile (he likes expensive gear) was my sister-in law's boyfriend. He has a nice set-up, MAC, Ayre, etc. but it turned out that he has about 100 CDs and when it comes to music, he knows almost nothing and cares very little about it either. I get him a TAS subscription for xmas.

None, most people I know when I talk about equipment and such think I'm nuts