There are, at least, 5 different types of audiophiles, as well as sub groups within the 5. Firstly, lets agree that an audiophile is anyone who enjoys listening to the reproduction of music.
The 1st type remains just that and never seek to improve any aspect of their listening experience. They are happy listening on a car radio, the elevator, or whatever music conveyance they happen to be in the presense of. I envy these people. They are unencombered by the need to seek 'better quality'. Ignorance is bliss.
The 2nd type begin to realize that better sound is possible but haven't a clue as to how to obtain it, nor do they want to go through the learning curve neccessary to obtain it. We've all seen them. It'll be a first post and they'll ask what the best amplifier is. We'll ask them what their budget is, what kind of music they listen to, what their speakers are, etc. They won't reply because they come to realize that they actually have to think about whats going on and don't want to put the effort in to dealing with it. They go to the nearest dealer of stereo or home theater goods and purchase whatever the sales drone recommends.
The 3rd type will reply to the questions asked and try to reconcile the variety of opinions presented. These are the people I pity the most. The learning curve is steep. They will have to learn the variety specifictions that components have and learn which are important and which are irrelevant. They will be confused by the differing opinions proffered about whats important and whats not.
If they're persistent they will graduate to the 4th kind of audiophile. Depending on what they've come to believe, they will persue components based on what they've been convinced are the important parameters to benchmark. Some of those parameters might be wrong, nontheless they will loudly proclaim, to all who will listen, that the view they hold is the only true path to auditory nirvana. They seek to convince everyone, including themselves, that music can only be reproduced correctly by the way they advocate.
The 5th kind of audiophile have heard all the arguements. They have heard a variety of componentry based on previously held beliefs as well as components they have been dismisive of, and come to conclusions that might have been different than what they might have originally held. Through careful observation, the auditioning proccess, and research, they have come to know which distortions might be euphonic and those which are non-euphonic. They have figured out why one record/disc sounds good and another might not.They have learned to evaluate equipment based on its sonic merits rather than either psuedo-scientific gobbledygook or marketing sleight of hand. They have learned WHY a component might sound pleasing and measure badly, and conversely, why it might measure well but sound horrible. They are able to recognise that there is no perfect way, yet, of reproduction but a series of compromises. Most importantly, they have come to know themselves. They are able to put together a system that reflects their priorities, and manage the compromises, in sound reproduction, yet do not feel the need to denigrate or ridicule those whos priorities, and compromises, might be different.
And then, theres me.
