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Started when I was 16 with a nakamichi BX125E, I'm now 32 I've evolved up to Cello amp and preamp today.

At the time manufacturers introduced CD players, I put my albums into storage in anticipation of building a catalog of perfect sound. By the late 80s, I was becoming a burned-out audiophile. I recently purchased a Nitty Gritty cleaner and cleaned most of my catalog of records. What a difference! I've begun the hunt for fine LPs once again, but I'm also giving a serious look at purchasing the Rega Planet, pending a thorough listening test.

I love high end equipment but I'm wary of the point of diminishing returns. I have a quality system from renowned manufacturers, but I don't know if I'll ever take the dive into pursuing a cost-no-object ideal . . . it's more fun to have dreams that I may never reach. I do enjoy learning more about how stereos work and what makes them better, though.

I hate when the sound quality of any sound system is bad, whether it's in my car, in the theater, in Wal-Mart, on my computer. I guess I got it pretty bad.

I would classify myself as an enthusiast. When on vacation, after a week I start to miss my stereo. That is a bit sick, but boy does it ever sound good when I get back home.

About 12 K serious,and building towards 700 CD's

I'm a realist. While there is no denying the difference(s) between different grades of audio equipment, the extremes to which people are willing to go ($$$) for extremely minimal diffences in sound quality is just plain silly. Audio snobbery is off-putting and more driven by ego than truth.

I would be more serious or even fanatical if there were more money to pursue it. As it is, I can only indulge in a new piece of equipment every now and then.

Closeted. With all the hobby's stereotype fringe loonies, I rarely admit to being interested in high-end gear.

I am serious when upgrading (I have new speakers in my sights), but when I'm at home listening, I never think about the equipment. I own the best that I can comfortably afford, and it is more important for me to enjoy the music than to waste energy wishing I had better equipment or looking for problems to cure.

it's quite impossible to love music, the way I do ( fanatic ), without owning a true hi-fi system and understanding how it works.

I'm in fourth gear now but due to money my horsepower will keep me from upgrading anymore to fifth gear.

Thankfully, my parents played records all the time during my childhood. Thankfully again, public schools still offered a significant music program during my childhood. A good playback system is a natural extension for me and is something I'd never consider my children having to do without.

If you are an audiophile, you are, by definition, nuts. When I spent $7,500 on speakers, I forfeited my right to characterize myself as sane. Being an audiophile is the equivalent of being a crack addict. If any of your readers selected "normal" from your list, they are in denial.

Nothing extreme is any good, at least not for long. Nothing casual is worthwhile, even less so. So I'm serious about it, but refuse to pay $50,000 for what I can build myself for a thousand -- although admitedly with a less fancy finish.

I shit Audio.

Can't decide between neurotic or ambivalent

My "fanatic" devotion to this hobby is only tempered by my "extreme" devotion to my wife, who helps me maintain some semblance of balance.

sometimes I'm hot, sometimes it come down to cold, but I always hear my hi-end instrument everyday for 2 - 4 hours

I love it so much I am enrolling in audio engineering at CU Denver. As for now, all I really do is look all over the 'net at all types of audio equipment. I also spend about half my waking time working with audio with programs, such as Rebirth, Probe, Reaktor, as well as pretty much all Sonicfoundry programs like Acid Soundforge Vegas(for video) and just trying to be involved with as much of the audio world as possible.

from experience, now a cost conscious fanatic, having owned an Accuphase C280, 2* M100, gyrodeck, etc etc, and then a limited edtion of Electrocompaniet amps, Proacs; Sigh

Now, I'm reading my magazines more for pure information than for new equipment acquisitions. So, I'd consider my state as "normal" in that I've assembled a system that I really enjoy. For once, I can't really think of anything else I need to change out or buy (excepting perhaps a PS Audio power regenerator). Of course when I say this to my friends they simply laugh and say, "Sure, whatever."

I'm an artist, and I subscribe to several art and music, and audio magazines. Stereophile is my first and favorite read each month. I used to put my extra dollars into buying art. Now most of it goes into my audio system, or record collection. In the 70s I would read the film coverage in the Times first. Then in the 80's I turned my attention to the visual arts. As the 90's went by, I found myself reading the music related articles first. I now feel most art sucks, though I continue to produce work, and that music is sublime. And most of my enjoyment of this noble form comes through my hi-fi.

Serious, yes. To the point where it delivers the music, rather than interferes with it.

While I'm not extreme, I do consider myself a serious audiophile, as I'm always reading magazines and trying to get the best out of what I've got. If I had more money, then I would go full cruise extreme Bozo!

I love stereo systems! I get goose bumps every time I walk into a video and stereo store and see all the latest speakers, receivers, and so on. It's kind of like being a kid in a candy store, the only difference my candy is more expensive and doesn't taste like chocolate . . . Tastes more like chicken.

with 2 children, a wife all enclosed in an apartment building serious audiophiling is difficult.

Talk to my wife, she is getting the audiophile bug.

I believe myself to a serious audiophile, although all visitors to my house think I'm extreme due to my need to have a system in every room. I collect older vintage equipment as well and love my hobby. I am presently in a wheel-chair and would go crazy without the ability to lose myself in the music. I thank Stereophile and its ability to allow me to dream.

Love the state of the art but unfortunately restricted by $$$$$$