There is a big difference between casual hi fi enthusiasts and audiophiles.The audiophile can make out differences between equipment because he is obssessed with natural, uncolored sound. Absolute uncolored sound is not possible but the closer you get there, the better.This means that even so called hi end equipment colors the sound slightly and the color you like depends on your taste.

I have been in this hobby for the last 15 years and I have a small group of friends who are like minded. Most of them including myself have bought their equipment after extensive lisening.So the buying decision is based solely on the SIGNATURE SOUND of each equipment within a certain budget.All of us do not have the luxury of dedicated listening rooms but I have noticed that the differences in equipment is much more noticable and evident when you swap components in a system that is setup properly in a dedicated listening room.


From my experience:
Speakers and room treatment makes the most difference.Then comes the amp.The differences between and cd players and cables are tiny but substantial enough for the audiophile.The differences in cd players and cables are very much evident when you swap them in a system that is setup properly in a dedicated listening room.