I never had good luck helping others with setting up a system. Usually they went to a store and got completely schooled/sold on a system before they asked me. When I would make suggestions the person usually became argumentative about what they had already decided on doing. Looking for approval rather than trusting someone who’s already been there. This hobby is mostly an all male testosterone driven club, sprinkle on a healthy amount of pride and...
Like many of you have mentioned the majority are looking for convenience over sound quality. A number of years ago I set up a friend with a very good HT system. SVS 5.1 that came in way less than the Best Buy “expert” tried to sell him. We had a few disagreements such as the power conditioner had to say Monster on it because it just had too! Anyway they loved the set up! Many times he would comment on how awesome movies and sporting events were. He’s a builder and a couple of years ago he did some remodeling nothing major just moved a few windows around with some built in cabinets and shelves. The new TV was put above the fireplace with a sound bar under it. “Oh so much better” was his wife’s comment. I looked at him and he just shrugged. We put on the Sixers game and I could hardly make out what the announcer was saying. So much better indeed! Yes this is a niche hobby and getting smaller as technology progresses. Too bad for them!
Like many of you have mentioned the majority are looking for convenience over sound quality. A number of years ago I set up a friend with a very good HT system. SVS 5.1 that came in way less than the Best Buy “expert” tried to sell him. We had a few disagreements such as the power conditioner had to say Monster on it because it just had too! Anyway they loved the set up! Many times he would comment on how awesome movies and sporting events were. He’s a builder and a couple of years ago he did some remodeling nothing major just moved a few windows around with some built in cabinets and shelves. The new TV was put above the fireplace with a sound bar under it. “Oh so much better” was his wife’s comment. I looked at him and he just shrugged. We put on the Sixers game and I could hardly make out what the announcer was saying. So much better indeed! Yes this is a niche hobby and getting smaller as technology progresses. Too bad for them!