I would give my opinion if asked. If the person is unsure about his choice and is seeking validation in what others think then perhaps he needs to hear the painful truth. But if the person is enjoying his latest upgrade, why ruin it for him? Also, the choice of words would depend on how close of a friend the person is. My best audio buddy and I have polarized opinions on what type of amplification we prefer (among other things) but that doesn't stop us from supporting one another and enjoying each other's system.
Audio Friends Don't Let Audio Friends ...
Your fellow audiophile who always had a system you enjoyed
makes a significant change in gear. You find it to be a major
downgrade in SQ in one way or another.
You know the person does not have a trial period covering the new purchase.
Question:
Do you tell them exactly how you feel about the change
or simply smile thinking- everyone hears differently so
you should not provide a true statement of your feelings?
How have you treated this situation in the past?