The Window of the Soul

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      Music plays a vital role in our daily lives. It can set the tone of an event, pump you up for a workout, or help you unwind after a long day. Music is a universal language of emotion that binds us all together, and with streaming services you can listen anywhere in the world. Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music, the list goes on, not to mention the vinyl industry continues to soar, bringing generations of past and present together. It’s obvious that we all love music, but what makes the distinction between a normal listener and someone who goes so far as to require a term to describe their listening habits? 

Listening Habits 

     Where do you do the majority of your listening? Maybe listen to the radio on the way to work, throwing in some earbuds before a run, or yelling at Alexa. Music does well at creating background noise or helping time pass a little faster on the family road trip. In other words over years we have become so used to the fact that we are surrounded by stereos that you normally wouldn’t give them a second thought. What happens when you put music center stage and more than just background noise? That feeling when you are singing along at a concert, or jamming out when your favorite song comes on. With the right system you can amplify that connection, for example a movie theater. It can trick your mind into believing in a realistic sense of depth and sense of “being there”. Now bring that home, and you start to understand the audiophile mindset. 

 So What is an Audiophile?

      An audiophile is someone who cares about the quality of music production (recording / mastering) and reproduction (listening at home) to make it sound like real live music. A private concert in your living room or an aural escape with high quality headphones. It’s an experience that can only be heard to be understood, but could be described as a sense of euphoria. Some get goosebumps and others fight back tears as the emotion of the singer is perfectly presented separate from the accompanying instruments. The pick hitting a guitar string and the strong chesty thud of a kick drum. All the while being able to close your eyes and pinpoint where each and every member of the band is playing. This is the heart of the audiophile experience, experiencing the music and bringing the artist to your home. 

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