Don’t real audiophiles own their own media?

[Shadowfax]

True, however this can be minimized with proper care. There is no reason to think that my vinyl (I have no experience with tape so can't comment there) will not last past my lifetime and probably my grand children's also, if properly cared for.

I believe that it is possible to wear out an album, but man, you have to play that sucker an awful lot... I don't think anyone will actual wear an album out if properly cared for unless it is listened to daily (multiple times a day ).

I own and play albums that are older than me and I just turned 59. I am more worn out than the albums

 

[nicoff]

I would like to thank all of you that took part in seriously answering the question.

The question was,



My mind wasn’t changed by the thread. “I’m for owning my own media. IMO this is part and parcel of being a real audiophile.”

As I see it, the answer revolves around the proper definition of an Audiophile and a Music Lover. Sound quality (SQ) matters more so to Audiophiles than Music Lovers. The SQ of streaming is not at the same level as owned media. So, Audiophiles own their own media – as SQ is one of their central focuses.

As I see it, the answer was more fully realized in multiple parts:

First, Gregm briefly defined the difference between an Audiophile and a Music Lover saying,



Second, Mike masterfully demonstrated (post 122) and explained (post 134) the differences between SQ in streaming and owning media. While his whole post should be seriously read and re-read as a tutorial on Streaming SQ, in summary he stated,



After this Randy stressed the importance of SQ and being an Audiophile stating,



And Kingrex summarizes,



Do you remember Coke in a bottle? To me that will always be the real Coke. Some here can remember when Coca-Cola changed their recipe. That was bad - real bad. The new stuff isn’t as good – and never will be.

While it can still be immensely enjoyed, streaming ain’t the real thing. Audiophiles own and desire to listen to the real thing. For them owning media is part and parcel of what it means to be an Audiophile.

Thanks again to all who sincerely participated.

You were looking for confirmation bias. And of course you cherry picked responses that satisfied your bias. All is well is the ‘real’ audiophile world. [emoji16]

 

[Calvin]

You were looking for confirmation bias. And of course you cherry picked responses that satisfied your bias. All is well is the ‘real’ audiophile world. [emoji16]

Cherry trees (Truth) bear cherries (Facts) - not sour lemons (Fiction).

The facts confirmed that Audiophiles are more concerned about SQ than Music Lovers and that streaming SQ is not as good as media SQ, so Audiophiles will own media. We also learned that some think they are Audiophiles when they are actually Music Lovers. Both are good, but there are differences.

 

[TheOctopus]

If the real audiophile is the guy that chases the absolute quality of sound and constantly upgrading and buying more gear, cable, tweaks, chasing some lofty goals with no real defining gauge to go by.. If the answer to the sound vs music is I have to have best quality sound to enjoy music... Well, it is very often the same guy that gets burned out from it all. Don't take my word for it, just let time do its thing...

This morning I am dedicating to Coleman Hawkins as Roon auto-curates for me. Over 130 albums of delicious, big, warm, breathy, Tenor saxophone just billowing across my room with the EL34 running in triode mode. Barely using a few watts to create a very satisfying sound that I am not analyzing for accuracy or looking for truth in sound. The sound I am getting from streaming all these delicious tracks of music from over 50 years ago, that Roon itself is surprising me with is absolutely delightful. I can not ask for more and don't need more. Just let this moment last as long it can. Hours upon hours of my favorite music.

To me, that is my "audiophile" way. How you define your audiophile way is completely unimportant to me.

 

[MPW]

Cherry trees (Truth) bear cherries (Facts) - not sour lemons (Fiction).

The facts confirmed that Audiophiles are more concerned about SQ than Music Lovers and that streaming SQ is not as good as media SQ, so Audiophiles will own media. We also learned that some think they are Audiophiles when they are actually Music Lovers. Both are good, but there are differences.

So what you are saying is that an individual that has invested $500k in a system and placed it in a dedicated listening room that has been professionally voiced and uses streaming as a source is not an audiophile, but a person with a $5,000 system that is randomly placed in his living room and is listening to a CD that he purchased in 1984 is an audiophile? Just want to make sure I am clear on this.

 

[TheOctopus]

What was that warning sticker on my Ray Brown Soular Energy album?

 

[Calvin]

So what you are saying is that an individual that has invested $500k in a system and placed it in a dedicated listening room that has been professionally voiced and uses streaming as a source is not an audiophile, but a person with a $5,000 system that is randomly placed in his living room and is listening to a CD that he purchased in 1984 is an audiophile? Just want to make sure I am clear on this.

You're assuming that someone who spends megabucks on a high end system is automatically an Audiophile and you are further assuming that someone who only spends 5k on a system can't be an Audiophile. You're wrong on both counts. -- read see post 134 again, and understand the limitations of a streaming only system. Audiophile are more concerned about SQ than Music Lovers are, to summarize post 134:

...quality matters, provenance of the recording version you are listening to really matters. Everything matters. And this is why audiophiles seeking the best of their favorite albums do their homework and buy media.

 

[TheOctopus]

Calvin, you keep implying that an audiophile is a connoisseur of good sound. A perfectionist. Please explain what gauge, measure, musical experience, or other knowlege you rely on to differentiate the recorded music and analyze the sound for its accuracy and fidelity. Another words, what exactly are your credentials in such topics?

 

[MPW]

You're assuming that someone who spends megabucks on a high end system is automatically an Audiophile and you are further assuming that someone who only spends 5k on a system can't be an Audiophile. You're wrong on both counts. -- read see post 134 again, and understand the limitations of a streaming only system. Audiophile are more concerned about SQ than Music Lovers are, to summarize post 134:

You missed my point. My point was that there are many ways to achieve great sound. Using physical media can be a way. An expensive system that is expertly set up in a great room is another way. I would hate to vote that system or its owner out of the "audiophile" club simply because streaming is the source. That seems to be what you want to do. I'm not sure why, but carry on.

 

[Shadowfax]

When did the actual definition of Audiophile get changed or skewed and distorted so much?

au·di·o·phile
/ˈôdēōˌfīl/
Learn to pronounce
nouninformal
noun: audiophile; plural noun: audiophiles

a hi-fi enthusiast.


hi-fi
ˈhīfī/
adjective

1.
of, used for, or relating to the reproduction of music or other sound with high fidelity.

noun

1.
a set of equipment for high-fidelity sound reproduction, especially a radio or phonograph.

 

[Calvin]

Calvin, you keep implying that an audiophile is a connoisseur of good sound. A perfectionist. Please explain what gauge, measure, musical experience, or other knowlege you rely on to differentiate the recorded music and analyze the sound for its accuracy and fidelity. Another words, what exactly are your credentials in such topics?

An Audiophile is a perfectionist - IMO, a person who is journeying towards perfection in audio reproduction. I wasn't aware I needed a degree in audio engineering to understand such.

What are my credentials in such topics? I want to learn. That's one reason I made the OP. I thought this was kind of obvious. I didn't know you owned this forum and didn't consider learning as a sufficient reason for posting a topic.

However, one thing I do know - you're not my teacher and never will be. That's why you are going back on "ignore."

 

[Calvin]

You missed my point. My point was that there are many ways to achieve great sound. Using physical media can be a way. An expensive system that is expertly set up in a great room is another way. I would hate to vote that system or its owner out of the "audiophile" club simply because streaming is the source. That seems to be what you want to do. I'm not sure why, but carry on.

From what I understand just having great sound doesn't make one an Audiophile. It's not about voting someone out of a club, it's a matter of knowing who is actually a member of the club in the first place.

 

[MPW]

From what I understand just having great sound doesn't make one an Audiophile. It's not about voting someone out of a club, it's a matter of knowing who is actually a member of the club in the first place.

You would have the initial qualifier be the use of physical media. Do you use physical media? Yes - you may be considered an audiophile. No - you may not be considered an audiophile. How does this grow our hobby and help it stay healthy for future generations that might really enjoy this diversion? I believe the key to striving for "perfection" as you mentioned in post 171 is to judiciously optimize the listening position/speaker/room interaction. This includes the use of lasers to precisely level speakers and measure distances. It includes the use of Room EQ Wizard software to precisely measure the low frequency response of the room to optimize the listening position. Even though this is my path to audiophile nirvana, I understand that it is not for everyone. I don't use it as a qualifier to consider others audiophiles. Again, lots of ways to achieve great sound and strive for "perfection". Personally, I prefer the idea of being inclusive and not exclusive.

 

[AudioFredd]

The term which somewhat upsets me here is "real audiophile". Really, who cares? I appreciate the comments by Calvin for trying to define what an audiophile is, but this is just dead theory.

I use the term audiophile for people which share my passion about music, my enjoyment in listening to music and a specific type of interest in reproduction quality, which helps to refine my perception of music. The gear and the media used to do this is secondary. With this in mind I would say, that a first degree initiate is no less a "real audiophile" than a grand master of the audiophile lodge.

... and ... ownership of media is totally irrelevant to me.

 

[kzhtoo]

You were looking for confirmation bias. And of course you cherry picked responses that satisfied your bias. All is well is the ‘real’ audiophile world. [emoji16]

+1

 

[Calvin]

You would have the initial qualifier be the use of physical media. Do you use physical media? Yes - you may be considered an audiophile. No - you may not be considered an audiophile. How does this grow our hobby and help it stay healthy for future generations that might really enjoy this diversion? I believe the key to striving for "perfection" as you mentioned in post 171 is to judiciously optimize the listening position/speaker/room interaction. This includes the use of lasers to precisely level speakers and measure distances. It includes the use of Room EQ Wizard software to precisely measure the low frequency response of the room to optimize the listening position. Even though this is my path to audiophile nirvana, I understand that it is not for everyone. I don't use it as a qualifier to consider others audiophiles. Again, lots of ways to achieve great sound and strive for "perfection". Personally, I prefer the idea of being inclusive and not exclusive.

I never stated, the initial qualifier for being an Audiophile is the use of physical media. However, as seen in the thread it is a qualifier. While there's "lots of ways to achieve great sound and strive for "perfection,"" you can't get there without the right media! No matter how good your system and room are the same principle applies: Garbage In, Garbage Out = GIGO. Audiophiles don't settle for garbage...

Does your inclusivity for being an Audiophile include using an iPhone and streaming music? Perhaps playing music on a car radio? Perhaps you're an Audiophile if you sing in the shower? Where do you draw the line of someone having the title Audiophile?

 

[Spock]

An Audiophile is a perfectionist - IMO, a person who is journeying towards perfection in audio reproduction.

That's right!
I also think that being an audiophile has to do with attitude. Has to do with the search for the best possible reproduction. And that implies both, looking for a good system and looking for the best recordings that exist, because we certainly agree that quality at the source is fundamental.
If we succumb to quantity at the expense of quality, we will soon be no different from the new generations who listen to music especially on youtube, ignoring quality almost completely.
So, for me, the media is very, very important.
The only objection is that it must have a remote control. :audiophile::thumbsup:

 

[Calvin]

The term which somewhat upsets me here is "real audiophile". Really, who cares? I appreciate the comments by Calvin for trying to define what an audiophile is, but this is just dead theory.

I use the term audiophile for people which share my passion about music, my enjoyment in listening to music and a specific type of interest in reproduction quality, which helps to refine my perception of music. The gear and the media used to do this is secondary. With this in mind I would say, that a first degree initiate is no less a "real audiophile" than a grand master of the audiophile lodge.

... and ... ownership of media is totally irrelevant to me.

The word "real" is needed to differentiate from those that make up an incomplete definition of the term Audiophile like you did above.

Please join the new discussion:

What is an Audiophile?

 

[nicoff]

How about :
‘real audiophiles’ are poseurs pretending to be audiophiles? They want to be audiophiles so badly that they find it necessary to attempt to differentiate themselves. [emoji16]

 

[Calvin]

How about :
‘real audiophiles’ are poseurs pretending to be audiophiles? They want to be audiophiles so badly that they find it necessary to attempt to differentiate themselves. [emoji16]

Differentiate themselves from someone you have yet to define. You haven’t defined what an Audiophile entirely is? What are they? A complete definition - not some one liners. See

What is an Audiophile?