I do know quite a few folks that take great pride in their music system, but if I see speakers on shelves, or shoved in the corners, or in the walls or ceiling, I don't think of them as audiophiles. Music lovers, yes, but they have successfully avoided the nervosa often associated with this hobby.
Now, if I see a system that has a clearly defined 'listening seat', regardless of the quality of their components, I know that an audiophile lives there.
One of the best posts of 2009. Especially the highlighted part.
What could I do for $1,000?
$250 (used) Planars found on classified ad. See lots of Maggies for that price)
$300 (used) Entry level turntable, or a SqueezeBox (that's my choice)
$300 (used) integrated entry level tube amp
$100 (used) worth of music from ebay, fleamarket, record store, etc.....
$20 (new) two cheap folding chairs from Walmart. This is for the sweetspot and S.O. to sit in.
$30 for cocktails for the two folks sitting in the sweet spot.
There's a grand.
How's that?
Bob