October 2026

The Audiophile Divide: Why Great Sound Inspires Some People And Leaves Others Cold
Discover why exceptional stereo systems captivate some listeners for life, and why welcoming newcomers matters more than technical expertise.
Editorial By Alan Sircom

  Listening to a really good audio system for the first time can be a transformational experience. Almost everyone reading this will have, at some formative point in their lives, heard what a really good stereo system can do and was instantly hooked. Sure, for some that becomes a lifelong obsession, and for others it's a 'dip in/dip out' punctuated equilibrium. But equally, there are some for whom that listening experience leaves them non-plussed. 

Why?

I don't think either the 'they weren't discerning enough', 'they don't like music enough' or 'they weren't rich enough to afford these sorts of system' arguments hold water. I've met people of great discernment in other fields, who are left cold by good audio. Similarly, I know people who buy album after album and are always gig-hopping, but have a distinctly ho-hum system. And as for the 'not rich enough' argument... many of us developed an interest in this hobby in our teens, and we pawed the magazines and pressed our noses against shop windows with no possible way of affording what we dreamed of. That would come later.

Sometimes, it's as difficult for an enthusiast not to share their passion as it is for them to come to terms with people who just don't get it. And sometimes we can be remarkably myopic about our own interests. But think of it this way; someone you know has a passion that you don't share. It might be collecting clocks, playing chess, a love of fine dining, maybe even building up the ultimate collection of beer mats from 1954-58. You share their passion for things, just not in the same way.

Unfortunately, this kind of passion can be twisted the wrong way; passionate hobbyists can become unofficial gatekeepers, preventing newcomers from learning why this hobby can be so rewarding. Sometimes this is simple over-sharing; if someone asks you a question about audio, that's not necessarily an invite to spend the next two hours discussing resistor brands. And other times, it's micromanaging the hobby. That potential newcomer's tastes, requirements and amount they are willing to spend may be very different to yours, so don't try and force them to follow your way. This becomes all the more vital when asked for advice. The temptation to make their decisions a clone of yours is often great, but it might not be appropriate for that person.

This gets all the worse when enthusiasts try to make a living from their hobby, or at least try to get some kind of trade discount by working in stores and conducting demonstrations. This often works well, because the enthusiast is knowledgeable and passionate, but sometimes they can be so passionate, they just sell people their own system, over and over again. Don't be that guy!

Alan Sircom, Editor hi-fi+

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