A fine article.
Let's just, for a second, assume that everything in it is true.
Does this invalidate audiophilia? Or does it merely underscore that the hobby is more or less about the satisfaction that comes from listening critically to beloved passages, leading to a confirmation bias?
Dropping two grand on a power conditioner for no theoretical benefit seems pretty ridiculous to some, but so would dropping two grand on a cruise where you never leave the cabin. A journey is not a commodity; how you enjoy it defines its value. And if, at the end of your journey, you arrive at port with a souvenir in the form of a Jolida CD player with an all-tube gain stage, all the better.
People ask me what's the sonic purpose for the wooden resonance chambers on the RS-2s. I say they do important three things. First, their opulence makes me smile, giving me a positive point of view whenever I listen. Second, they look awesome, encouraging me to listen more. Third, they make people ask that question, prompting me to share the music. Whatever they may do for the sound, these aspects are more important.