>>A person who assembles an audio system that has the ability to reproduce recorded music in as high a fidelity as possible.

I would agree with that definiton.

An audiophile is not defined by the amount of money he puts into his system, but by the amount of passion he puts into it. I am pretty sure Bill Gates can buy a pretty expensive system, but if he does not appreciated such system and at least wonders if it might sound better if "this" or that" is changed, then he is just a guy with a very expensive stereo, not an audiophile.

The reason audiophiles are so trashed this days is that the word have become synonimun with fanatic, a person who is never happy with what he has but is always trying to milk a couple thounsands of % of performance out of a system.

This is a hobby and it should bring you peace, happiness and all around good feelings. If it doesn't, then it is likely that you are an audiophile . . .