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Audio science reviewers are not audiophiles?

I’m more of a valuphile. And a featurephile. Measurements reassure me that a device having the desired features at an affordable price isn’t junk. A listening test that confirms not junk is a bonus, but without double blind listening, the purple prose can go on indefinite hold.
 
Many of the features I want depend on firmware and apps, and that has become a problem, not just for Sonos.

What is it with software these days? Just an hour ago I tried to order a pizza. The app required an update, and the replacement wouldn’t run on my phone. I tried the tablet app, and while it ran, I couldn’t place an order.
 
The term was born in France, sound enthusiasts about fifty years ago.
Who published a magazine of the same name. All were engineers who proposed to build electronics (tubes, transistors, passive pres), and speakers (high efficiency).
So...
 
I turned in my audiophile card a decade or two ago.

The dictionary definition of "audiophile" is simply a person who is enthusiastic about sound reproduction. That takes in a LOT of territory. However, like many words, it has acquired way too much emotional baggage to be of much use these days, meaning that whatever subgroup you belong to is the only one that counts in your book. You look down on anyone who doesn't buy into your flavor as a rube.
 
Words change meaning

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mlsstl said:
I turned in my audiophile card a decade or two ago.

The dictionary definition of "audiophile" is simply a person who is enthusiastic about sound reproduction. That takes in a LOT of territory. However, like many words, it has acquired way too much emotional baggage to be of much use these days, meaning that whatever subgroup you belong to is the only one that counts in your book. You look down on anyone who doesn't buy into your flavor as a rube.
Click to expand...
I think the term audiophile applies to anyone who enjoys talking about systems and components, and who enjoys shopping for them.

I did most of my shopping at garage and estate sales, but in my day, I knew everything that was available. About 12 years ago I gave everything I didn’t need to a collector. I had close to 20 speaker sets. Now I’m shopping for my kids, and their interest is in simpler stuff. My son is all Sonos, including a soundbar. My daughter has a vinyl system I gave to her, and a TV that she uses as a streamer. Large Advents, a Thorens turntable, and a Luxman integrated amp.

I still enjoy window shopping. I even enjoy reading about snake oil stuff and crazy prices. It’s a hobby.
 
Lots of people used to call "audiophiles" stereo nuts. Meant as a friendly nod to their dedication. Now you couldn't use that because of MCH. Surround Psycho, or Movie maniac? Maybe Sound Science Pyscho?
 
mlsstl said:
I turned in my audiophile card a decade or two ago.

The dictionary definition of "audiophile" is simply a person who is enthusiastic about sound reproduction. That takes in a LOT of territory. However, like many words, it has acquired way too much emotional baggage to be of much use these days, meaning that whatever subgroup you belong to is the only one that counts in your book. You look down on anyone who doesn't buy into your flavor as a rube.
Click to expand...
Humans are tribalistic creatures, so they'll form groups centered around any topic and go after each other's throats. Audio is a handy subject for that, although I think that politics is the biggie for that.
 
If you are lost and desperate one way to feel found is to list all the places you are not.
 
Petrushka said:
I think the term audiophile applies to anyone who enjoys talking about systems and components, and who enjoys shopping for them.

I did most of my shopping at garage and estate sales, but in my day, I knew everything that was available. About 12 years ago I gave everything I didn’t need to a collector. I had close to 20 speaker sets. Now I’m shopping for my kids, and their interest is in simpler stuff. My son is all Sonos, including a soundbar. My daughter has a vinyl system I gave to her, and a TV that she uses as a streamer. Large Advents, a Thorens turntable, and a Luxman integrated amp.

I still enjoy window shopping. I even enjoy reading about snake oil stuff and crazy prices. It’s a hobby.
Click to expand...
I think the dictionary definition of Audiophile as someone with a specific interest in sound quality is fine.

A tighter definition that is still inclusive might be "Anyone who spends time tinkering with, thinking about, researching, or discussing audio when they aren't actively in the process of purchasing something for their own system"

A real "measurephile" would be someone who spends more time measuring audio performance than listening to music. Probably they barely exist.
 
Anybody can claim they are an audiophile, but that doesn't mean you will be accepted into the audiophile community.

To be a credible audiophile you need to have a minimum personal wealth and minimum age.

They say you need 10,000 hours to master a skill. The same applies to being an audiophile. You need many years of critical listening experience of auditioning equipment that costs tens of thousands of dollars. Seeking out the best music to properly audition equipment. Constantly making system tweaks. Etc.

Without this experience I don't think it is possible to be accepted into the audiophile community.

How much an individual trust measurements varies. However, measurements are always a suplement to listening experience. Not a replacement.
 
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master_arthur said:
They say you need 10,000 hours to master a skill. The same applies to being an audiophile. You need many years of critical listening experience of auditioning equipment that costs tens of thousands of dollars. Seeking out the best music to properly audition equipment. Constantly making system tweaks. Etc.

Without this experience I don't think it is possible to be accepted into the audiophile community.
Click to expand...
I don't really agree with this.

This is what it takes to be accepted into certain corners of the audiophile world, and frankly I think those particular corners are as rife with delusion and superstition as they are with useful experience or knowledge.

A person can develop very good critical listening skills within a year or two if they set their mind to it. And the price of systems you've heard or the gear you've tweaked has nothing to do with that.

Yes, experience listening counts for something, to relate measurements to actual audible phenomena, linking the objective and subjective is critical. But I think at least in this community you can be accepted as long as you have enthusiasm and a willingness to learn and explore the facts.
 
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