Sal, you are NOT crazy. You've found something that:
1) Gives you great joy
This is pretty obvious or you wouldn't continue your involvement with it. The fact that you even based a "vacation" on it should tell them it is more than just something that you do as a hobby, it is both a way of life and immensely enjoyable to you.
2) Keeps you entertained
Between the "hunt" for various components or recordings, "buying", "installing", "using", etc... you've found something that is both multi-faceted and "entertaining" to YOU.
3) Is non-harmful to any other human being
Other than the use of electricity and the materials used to produce the software and hardware of our "hobby", i see this as being one of the least "offensive" or "dangerous" of hobbies out there. I can't say the same for Drag / Nascar racing, Boating, Motorcycling, Muscle cars, collecting Guns / Swords / Knives / Weapons, Hunting, Fishing, etc... While these too are mostly male hobbies that all require investments in both time and money for the associated gear, they also take on far greater risks and produce more pollution to the environment. This is not to say that they are not "enjoyable" as i like a few of those mentioned as i'm sure others do too. Audiophilia is FAR more "harmless" than any / all of those mentioned.
4) Gives you something to show for your time and money
You can always sell what you have a recoupe a sizable portion of what you spent, especially if you are a "wise" or "thrifty" shopper. How many other hobbies, especially those pertaining to "fashion" related issues, can you say that about ? Ask your lady friends how much their purses, shoes, dresses, blouses, etc... that they put so much attention and pride into purchasing are worth once they've been used ??? Besides that, this is something that you get to use and enjoy on a DAILY basis, not just once in a while, on weekends, special occassions, etc...
5) Offers therapy, relaxation and enjoyment all in one
As mentioned above, you have all of the various aspects of selecting, assembling, using, etc... the system that you compile. This can be as simple or complex as you make it. As such, i find this both enjoyable and frustrating ( like most things in life ). Besides that, you can INSTANTLY alter your mood simply by selecting various types of "software" as you desire. This in itself offers an "immeasurable" amount of "therapy".
I do agree that others may think that you are "nuts" simply because they don't understand the complexities or involvement that one finds out about once they get involved in our "hobby". The fact that much of high end audio is portrayed as being "snobbish" ( rightfully so ) doesn't help things at all. If WE as a group want our hobby to flourish and continue to improve, we need to make sure that the interest of the general public is there. Without the demand for better products that are marketable, we are all doomed. As such, let's do our part to try and introduce others to this hobby. If it means getting to know them better via THEIR hobbies, so be it. You can then compare notes and find out who REALLY is the "craziest" : ) Sean
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