I consider an audiophile to be someone who is interested in the technology of recording and reproducing audio, not just someone who drops megabucks on equipment. Therefore I do not think that having such a system precludes someone from being one. Or maybe a "beginning" audiophile system? My listening impressions from the Capital Audiofests bore little correlation between cost of system and listening qualities; in fact, some of the higher priced setups left me underwhelmed. You can go to a lot of concerts for $100,000.00...