2. amps-preamps
  3. 191926-150037

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
rodman99999
6,158 posts
 

...and I probably rambled. 

                  "Probably"?

vintageadict
22 posts
 

Interesting question. Any comment I would make would be heavily influenced by a few things. 1) do they like the system? If so then I would be complimentary. If they like it then that is all that matters. Peoples ears and listening habits are different so don't judge.  2) Are they asking for my advice? I would try to determine what they wanted to improve and make a suggestion. Tread lightly unless they are really unhappy. 

I am pretty open minded and have had people listen to my system plenty of times. For many it's amazing, but for some with high level equipment I could tell they might think something here or there could be improved. Buddy of mine up the street has some Klipsch Heresys hooked up to a vintage Marantz with a VPI table and Ortofon Black cartridge. He loves it.  I have a hard time with horn loaded speakers, especially in nearfield listening but it works for him. I think he views my main stystem as being a little lacking on the top end but good otherwise.  He is younger than me though and I am sure his hearing is probably less sensitive. Lots of variables as to what sounds good to some and not others. 

vintageadict
22 posts
 

Forgot to address the " do I mention my system question". I don't really talk about mine in detail unless asked. I'll mention it in conversation and invite someone to listen if they are interested. Unless they want to know details, I keep it there. 

tshark
24 posts
 

I usually speak of how my understanding of audio equipment changed over the years and how certain little changes MADE A BIG DIFFERENCE.  Simple no cost changes like moving speakers away from walls or using furniture to limit first reflection will lead to owner asking about what else can be done. 

jmkrajnik
36 posts
 

Yea, I've heard one $2500 in total system that really sounded good, and I remember a $70,000 that really stank.  In this hobby, there can be no correlation between cost and quality.

If he asks your opinion, give it.  If he doesn't, let him enjoy his stereo.  Just try to not get invited over to listen.  Offer to have him come over your house, and maybe he'll figure it out on his own and ask advise.

I remeber an old friend who was an absolutly terrible cook, and he would always invite us over for dinner . . . .

More to discover