[bladesmith]

it's the music, not the gear...(imho)

the music...

the gear is only trying to produce the best reproduction of the original sound..(does that make sense.)

we want the original sound..the original music..the original artist..

I think sometimes the "gear" gets in the way of what I (we) originally want..

(imho)...it's a good adventure...hope you enjoy it....!

Bladesmith...

[amblin]

Thanks Amblin for answering the question of whether or not our hobby is an addiction. When you rob your child's piggy bank, that's a pretty good sign that what you have is an addiction. Suggestion to all audiophiles - do all you're banking online. That way there will be less temptation to rob one.

Dave

Maybe it's indeed an addiction, but let's not say 'robbed' ,  i'd call it resource reallocation, just like defragmenting the harddrive. It's still there, just not in the piggy bank anymore. 
---

Many emphasized that the important thing is the music,  which i absolutely agree. But we also shouldn't forget the fact that while enjoying the music, Most (if not all) of us also taken a very personal pride in our 'fine prossessions' -- Deep pleasures from the knowing that our gears,    they were superb examples of their kind.  Designed, built, tested by good peoples  and then chosen by us. That's really quite a special feeling when it all comes together-- the fine music and superb gears. 

[konut]

I equate the audio gear I own to tools. There is a certain special satisfaction one derives from having the exact right tool to achieve a particular outcome. Just as a chef will have a number of knives from which to choose for a specific cutting task, there are certain audio components that are able to perform the task they were designed for in a manner that is superior to other similar components. And while it is possible to make radish roses with a cleaver, a paring knife is probably the most appropriate tool. As well, the stamped Forschner paring knife will get the job done, but the forged Sabatier gives a certain elegance and satisfaction to the task. The pursuit of finding the forged for the stamped price is another type of contentment that is appealing. I hope you find this analogy appropriate.
       Enjoying the music is an entirely different emotional and subjective experience. Using the previous analogy, its akin to enjoying a meal on its gustatory merits.
      I enjoy both aspects of the hobby without guilt or second thoughts.

Life without MY audio system would be far less interesting.   

[JohnR]

John, by continuum, I meant, which do we do more of - listen to the gear or listen to the music. ...The two hobbies - music and audio - work hand-in-glove to amplify the enjoyment of both.

Thanks Dave. In terms of where my mind is focussed, I tend to switch back and forth between them I think. This does make me wonder though - since we analyzing things - if I wouldn't actually have been happier putting the same amount of time and effort into practicing an instrument.

[DaveNote]

John, if you have the interest in and aptitude for an instrument, perhaps it would make you happier. I have tried, but lack all aptitude, and found practice tiresome. Listening to music and audio - whichever I listen to more - suits me well as it requires no practice or industry. Perfect for my major talent, which seems to be terminal laziness.

Dave

[1oldguy]

John, if you have the interest in and aptitude for an instrument, perhaps it would make you happier. I have tried, but lack all aptitude, and found practice tiresome. Listening to music and audio - whichever I listen to more - suits me well as it requires no practice or industry. Perfect for my major talent, which seems to be terminal laziness.

Dave

I agree............Now it's time to pull out my Lazy chair.lol