How do I become an audiophile?

I’d ask @hearkat.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audiophile

Then you spend 500 dollars on speaker cables that sound the same as ones that cost 10.

Next you annoy everyone on the Internet when discussing anything that has to do with audio.

Just enjoy music. Everything else follows naturally.

Don’t forget the patented smug attitude. Remember, it’s all about the VINYL. ;)

What they all said, except I’d skip the speaker cables and just buy a decent amp and speakers.

In my opinion, the fewer knobs there are on an amplifier, the better. Avoid amplifiers with graphic equalisers, as a graphic equaliser is really just a set of filters; i.e. they detract from sound quality by definition.

Listen to… music?

First, don’t call yourself an audiophile. That’s just a silly title.

All an audiophile is, is someone who is really into the high end audio scene.
The scene is not about pretense and appearances. It is about a high quality listening experience that cannot be achieved with standard consumer grade electronics.

I recommend going to www.audiogon.com.
This is a site where avid listeners can buy and sell this higher grade equipment.

The people who have to have the newest technology as it becomes available, often unload their old equipment here. That way, the average schlub like you and me can buy second hand, high quality equipment that won’t drain your bank account.

The high end audio scene is not something to just dive into headlong. It requires a lot of research and a lot of listening. Read a lot of reviews and go to some high end shops to listen to the equipment before you commit to an online purchase.

And yes vinyl does sound better than digital.

Hang out at parks where audio devices are playing while you’re wearing no pants. You’ll be a registered audiophile in no time.

@AstroChuck I see what you did there.

Why would you want to become something just for the label?

Believe me at first being an audiophile has nothing to do with amplifiers and loudspeakers. It has to do with the wiring in your brain. Learning an instrument will help. Singing will help. But also careful conscious listening for example to an orchestra. Ask yourself questions like, what kind of instruments do I hear right now? Analyze the intervals of melodies. Study harmony, chords and tension. Can you recognize a

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tristan_chord ?

If your brain isn’t fine tuned to all of this a more expensive system won’t make much of a difference. But if it is and you focus on details your whole life you will greatly enjoy superior equipment. I’m an audiophile and I love great music.

I became an audiophile just so I can comfortably listen to classic disco music.