For me the definition of an audiophile must be defined as a sence of awarenees. That is, there is a better way to reproduce sound. Does this necessarily mean that the "audiophile" has the equipment, or is just a unique understanding of sound reproduction. I think either extreme of experince, practical or theoretical, would qualify. Equipment swapping and hours of listening and tweeking by trial and error would certainly be the practical approach. However, is this any more (or less) valuable than a structed academic (theoretical) understanding? Personally, I would rather listen and swap, but I certainly would not discount one's opinion if it came from a "scientific" perspective. Think of it as sex. It's much more enjoyable to do it than just read about it, but I still like reading and looking at the pictures