HiFi dealers & audiophile wife problems

My wife and I were arguing about my latest purchase of some audio gear. I explained to her about how I enjoy the music, it's my hobby, etc., etc. I must say that she got the better of me (a first) when she said; "Why don't you buy a great pair of headphones and be done with it! That way you can get your great sound and listen when you want without rocking the whole house!" I was speechless as I momentarily couldn't fight the logic of it. I think I mustered a response about realism, soundstage - "It's just not the same!" Any one of my fellow (married) audiophiles have this same discussion? Did you win? What was your response? I need some ammo soon as I'm seeing a piece here on Audiogon that I've been looking for for some time. By the way, my wife is one of those that when I DO get her to sit down and listen to my system, she sits in the seat that is to the right of the right speaker because it's "more comfortable"! Need I say more!

Thanks for the advice Carl. I have heard Sennheiser is one of the better manufacturers - in fact the only company that doesn't make headphones you can buy at Walmart!!! Ironically, the better independent Hi-Fi shops in Dallas don't carry headphones to audition even though they are dealers. I guess we won't tell her they're $500 - or maybe I should - it was HER idea!

Thanks again for the first-hand account Carl. The best headphones I had heard (I don't remember the brand) was at Disney's MGM studio a few years back. They had an exhibit where they did an old "radio show" only with modern recording techniques. The realism was astounding. I think this may be a wise investment. Thanks again.