I was thinking about this 'audiophile' discussion last night. It seems the people who respond with a more negative angle towards the term often have a view that audiophiles are snobs. Im sure there are 'audiophiles' who ARE snobs, perhaps the ones who have a lot of money and buy expensive gear just because they can and it makes them feel good. No judgement.
Where I do take exception is when I get accused of audiophile related snobbery based on the odd view I may hold
for the simple reason that I think snobbery is very much related to pride. Pride is a type of mind that exaggerates its object/subject to where it is perceived to be better than others. A prideful person puffs themselves up to feel bigger or better than they really are. We all do this from time to time, its a natural defence mechanism for the times when we feel small.
There is a world of difference between offering a view or opinion based on ones personal audio related experience and just basically 'giving it the large' with no care for others opinions of views.
Again, just some thoughts, doesn't matter!
Oh, sorry, but I realised why I was uncomfortable with classing the K550's as 'audiophile' quality on another point: From the website:
- Real Image Engineering for accurate definition and impression of width, distance and depth
When engineering a headphone to give an impression of width distance and depth the designers would not necessarily be looking for accurate reproduction and playback of exactly what appears on the recordings, which is more towards what i personally feel an audiophile designed pair of headphones would do
BUT again please don't be annoyed with my points
They are just musings. I may be totally wrong, you may be totally right. It doesn't matter - just sharing some thoughts
I really like these headphones a LOT - I just bought a pair of Sennheisser HD sp II and am loving the different characteristics between the two. Its what makes the world of audio so much fun. The price of the AKG550 at the moment makes them a total no brainer - I would reccomend them to anyone!
Also, related to what Davidek said. I agree. (If I understood you correctly!) It is all relative. I havent heard the Grado80i's but to call them audiophile entry seems a fair thing to say. Although i am biased towards the Grado sound. For me they perform miracles!