Oyy.... you guys don't give enough respect to DJs do you? :eek:. I know I know, no one said anything bad straight out. But the way it's written it sounds like:
DJ: "Me hulk. Give me sound!!.. More sound!!" :-\
Anyways, the way I see it, everyone has different roles (based purely on the content of your posts).
The PhD guys - design the stuff based on information they receive from audio enthusiasts. Might not necessarily get it right, since they themselves might not be the users and might not know what the **** they want. Same thing happens in software, game systems, clothes, cars, etc. etc. etc.
The audio engineers - not knowledgable enough technically to design things. But know basic electronics (perhaps at the undergrad or college level) to "repair" things, know a lot about sound quality, can setup equipment, etc.
DJ - good ear for sound, know how to put stuff together, don't know much about electronics (if you do, they you are not just a DJ), etc.
Sounds about right?
..
So if I may use an analogy:
PhD guys = car designers
Audio engineers = car mechanics, car drivers
DJs = professional car drivers
And as for the ever important question of audiophile.. Well.. Still not sure where that fits.. :-\.. I would imagine it fits with "anyone who loves quality music"..
But, meh, you guys are the audiophiles. My computer still has a AC97
..