April 22, 2007 — The Internet audio forum Head-Fi is one of the few places on the Web where you can hang out with truly passionate audiophiles and not come away despairing at the state of current public discourse. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that Head-Fi's regional and national meets have that same sense of relaxed solidarity. But what always strikes me at these events, such as the national Head-Fest 2007 get-together in San Jose on April 21 and 22, is just how darned sociable Head-Fiers are, considering they are celebrating an activity that is so intensely solitary.
At it's core, I suspect, is the oil of the Internet. Long-distance relationships are built through long discussions and the meets have the air of high-school reunions. Well, perhaps just the good parts.