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Friends hi-fi system not very good, what do you do or say?

So you're going over to someones home and they give you a tour and they have a hi-fi system in a room. And while visiting of course they turn it on for you not knowing that you have a very nice system in your home and you notice immediately it's just not very good.  But then you're used to the very in you're listening experiences. So what do you do when they ask you what you think?

Do you say sounds really good?

Do you make suggestions?

Do you feel a desperate need to tell them about your system?

Personally, I try not to mention any details about my system. If I'm driving around in a Lamborghini I would prefer to be invisible so I don't get stared at when I get out of my car. If they had a really nice system with interesting components I would probably mention a few of the things I have and then we could bond with our common interests.   Ideally, it would be cool to be in the presence of someone who knew a lot more than I did and a real learning opportunity.

Audio systems tend to be private affairs I guess.  I don't necessarily want to hang out with someone and listen to tunes. Those wonderful College days where it made a lot of sense are long gone.

emergingsoul
kennyc
1,472 posts
 

So what do you do when they ask you what you think?

I’d look them in the eye and say,

”I’m sorry, I couldn’t hear you with the static coming from…are those speakers?”

  or

”I enjoy it very much, just like my car system. Did you get this from yours?”

  or

”I thought you were driving out rodents - sonically”

…..if I was an audiophile snob ;)

garrettc
40 posts
 

I think you should appreciate it from their perspective.  After all, they're sharing something they're proud of.  You could ask, how long have you had it, how did you determine their choices, what do they like about it, what would they change if they had the opportunity or money?  At that point some good talking points might come up where you could share your ideas, modestly of course. They might get inspired to come here yours, or they might ask some inside questions, or they may clam up, at which time you know to just sit back and enjoy your visit with your friend.

toddalin's avatar
toddalin
238 posts
 

But what if it is really a high quality system with expensive components that the owner is extremely proud of, others have said they like, and you just can't stomach?

Maybe open backs just aren't my thing.

https://youtu.be/K5xmzXp1cE4

 

pickindoug
55 posts
 

Nothing wrong with a relative statement.  If the gear sounds as it should relative to what it is, then it sounds good, for what it is, and there's no reason you would need to say otherwise.  If you ever have this person to your house and they discover the next level of sonic excellence, their realization of better gear may prompt a more honest conversation about how your experience may help them.  On the other hand, a Lambo driver you may never understand the joy of a Miata.......

incorrigable
35 posts
 

Depends. Are they wealthy, poor, in the middle? Do they care about their system? 

I am a cheap person with $1000 amplification and $700 preamp/dac. 

When I sold my late mother's house I dropped $15K on speakers. Same gear. 

Audio holds different places in peoples' minds. Life is expensive. 

Stay positive unless you know them well. 

 

 

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