These days, the term ‘audiophile’ is a loaded word. In its most basic terms, as defined by the Cambridge Dictionary, an audiophile is “a person who is very interested in and enthusiastic about equipment for playing recorded sound, and its quality.” This dictionary definition captures the critical concept. An audiophile differs from one who simply appreciates music. Audiophiles are defined by the gear rather than by the music itself. The pursuit of ultimate sound reproduction is the domain of the audiophile. Toe-tapping music listeners who are happy listening to a tiny Bluetooth speaker need not apply for their audiophile card.
What Defines an Audiophile?
An audiophile:
Appreciates music Is interested in music playback equipment and audio formats Strives to improve the quality of music reproduction in the pursuit of ‘perfection’
Audiophiles are formed on a foundation of music appreciation. If music isn’t important to you, it’s unlikely you will strive to hear it in the best form possible. This noble pursuit requires effort, commitment, and investment. Audiophiles do more than just listen. Becoming an audiophile requires training your ears and mind to recognize subtleties and nuance within the music. Reading and researching. Analyzing and auditioning music playback gear.
Obsession With Audio Reproduction
I’ve seen extreme anti-audiophiles draw parallels between audiophiles and pedophiles, which they assert is a similar negative extreme obsession, albeit with electronics rather than people. Is gear fetish a real thing? Indeed, in the Headphone Audio Facebook group I administer, many members go far beyond merely purchasing audio gear to listen to music. Many have hugely expensive collections of headphones, DACs, amps, DAPs, cables, and the like. I feel that the term “audiophile,” despite literally meaning “audio lover or enthusiast,” is often associated with critique, elitism, and condescending attitudes. Unfortunately, many other “-philes” have become strongly associated with negativity – something unhealthy or pathological. – Eric Hieger – Headphonesty Writer In fact, most group posts are intended to show off and appreciate music playback gear – often, the more expensive or rare, the better – rather than discussing the music they listen to. Sometimes this overt display of wealth brings out negativity or jealousy, but more often, the members are simply excited to see something they have never experienced themselves. For an audiophile, is this audio gear a means to an end or an end in itself? Do audiophiles put the gear or the music first? If the listener only appreciates the gear as the best way to hear the music they love, can they be considered an audiophile?
Snake Oil and Religion
The Wikipedia article hints toward the negative side of the modern audiophile. It’s why, to some, audiophile has become analogous to a four-letter word. I love music first and foremost, and the gear is only a means to an end.” – Dan Wilson – Headphonesty Editor Whether you consider yourself a ‘music lover,’ ‘audio enthusiast,’ or ‘audiophile,’ you have likely stumbled across the, err… crap that pervasively invades many high-end audio online discussions. Unfortunately, all audiophiles are often equated to the most extreme of their order. The intense audiophile ‘believers’ are a group of passionate folks who swear that they can hear minute differences in sound reproduction between such contentious topics as cable materials, DAC chips, high-resolution audio formats, etc. These believers often have years of experience in the community but can offer no empirical evidence to confirm their subjective and non-measurable beliefs. When challenged, this group quickly asks what the other side has for playback equipment. If it is not the top-of-the-line gear, they then imply (or state) that the equipment isn’t good enough to hear an improvement or the listener doesn’t have the required skills or ability. The audiophile believer tends to roll their eyes at blind testing or analysis, solely trusting in their experiences and not wanting to be persuaded otherwise. The audiophile ‘skeptic’ group forms the other side of the heated online arguments. Denouncing most audio tweaks as snake oil, they view the believer as a religious zealot or merely a victim of confirmation bias. The skeptic will often imply that the purchaser has wasted their money and that the differences they hear are solely a result of purchase justification and expectations. While the skeptic claims to be objective, many discussions are far from impartial, neutral, or dispassionate.
The Balanced Audiophile
Because of the controversy above, I’m more likely to publicly identify as a music enthusiast than an audiophile. I’m likely deceiving no one but myself. By my very profile on Headphonesty, I fit the definition of an audiophile all too well. I propose we consider a new breed of the modern audiophile, namely the ‘balanced audiophile.’ Rather than the pervasive truism that “audiophiles listen to their equipment rather than to the music,” the balanced audiophile can appreciate both without detriment to either. I’m also unapologetically a gear-head and love lights, buttons, meters, switches, and especially things made from traditional wood, leather, metal, and glass materials.” Music and gear can both be equal passions rather than mere hobbies. But remember, in those fervent online discussions, we balanced audiophiles must maintain respect for those who share our passion but simply don’t hear it, or see it, the same way we do. Mutual respect and humility are how we take back the audiophile moniker from the zealots on all sides and make the hobby more welcoming and fun for everyone.
