This may be true, but /u/Judgmentality just described to a T the one self-described audiophile that I am friends with.
You know, one thing I learned from getting interested in stereo equipment was the concept of overengineering.
I always thought... how can there be such a thing? maybe you let the non-recurring costs get a little high, but don't you end up with a better product in the end?
Turns out overengineering is a thing.
I had a friend who was a real sound engineer.
You just need a good (not overpriced) set of earbuds.
It doesn't require you to purchase overengineered or overhyped technology any more than being a cycling enthusiast requires you to weigh your accessories in grams. :)