The Audiophile

The audiophile is a salesman
In a moment, he sees me
down at the 'low end' of things
with $200 headphones

$4000 headphones
'what's the difference?' he says,
and whispers, 'Most people won't even hear it'

His tone tickles my ear
He acknowledges me
as if he and I
are in the same tribe
Brothers, connected

We are both
appreciators of nuance
Understanding of the complicated
true nature
of high end audio

The audiophile wants to take me on a journey.

Or at least start me off
on a journey of my own, when I'm ready
How far might I travel with his assistance?
Maybe, all the way.

He tells me I may not notice it at first.
But over time, my ears will begin to hear

Hear the difference
between vacuum tube and transistor
copper and gold
Science and pseudo-science

Remember, it's a journey

But he can tell I'm not ready
Not ready to commit
to take this journey with him
not all the way, not yet
So he treads gently...

We listen to a recording of solo spanish guitar
Through $22,000 dollar speakers
The audiophile asks, 'can you feel him sitting here, in the room with us?'I reply yes... yes

On the verge of conversion
It occurs to me
Maybe I've been missing something

This journey, is a one-way trip
Connected to a part of the brain
much deeper than the ear

The audiophile's intensity increases
Sensing my weakness, he pounces...
but too soon, for I've already found my escape

This technology, it's not about the sound
It's just something in the way
that it tickles your ears.
And some people like having their ears tickled