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How to respond to those who say it's not a hobby?

I only recently started to get into audio and, although my system is definitely not in the high-end category, I like to think it's a lot better than the components that were replaced My better-half was quite accepting of the initial purchase of a new integrated amp (NAD C370), tuner (C420), speakers (KEF Q5) and interconnects (VDH D-102 III). She definitely heard an improvement over our previous gear.

However, she is now quite opposed to the upgrading of the CD player and the addition of a second amp (bi-amping). I've mentioned that it will likely make a great improvement to our listening enjoyment and hinted that this is a new hobby for me. Essentially, her response was that "spending hundreds of dollars on audio equipment does not qualify as a hobby", since I don't actually create/build/assemble any of it.

Any thoughts out there about how one might respond or convince the nay-sayer otherwise?
mghcanuck
rosstaman
455 posts
 
Tell her you are in a mid-life crisis, and you're either going to have an affair, buy a Harley, or upgrade your cd player.
She'll make the choice for you.
stne418
91 posts
 
Timing is everything. If money is not a problem then go ahead and FINISH your system and plan on living with it a few years. If you do have a BUDGET and she feels it is not time, then wait. You really do not need to justify your interests in audio/music nor have her validate the interests. Hence do not actively seek her approval of your interests. You can involve her without allowing her involvement to dictate your level of involvement. That said, you do need to stay within the realm of whatever financial agreement you two have for discretionary spending. Timing, timing, timing! If it ain't time...wait.
jbrvo
5 posts
 
There's probably more than one reason why most audio components are black. One benefit is the fact that to the untrained eye, they all look alike. All of my equipment has changed at one time or another and I never heard a word about it. Speakers on the other hand can present quite a challenge.
hifiho
50 posts
 
Rosstaman hit the nail on the head. I couldn't have come up with a better sense of reasoning if I tried. No wife here; girlfriend doesn't live with me either. Life is rich.

Midlife crisis.... Hah!
sean
6,231 posts
 
I'll only add that there are FAR greater things taking place in your conversation with your wife than initially meets the eye ( or is it ear ??? ). You might want to try working out the details to those situations prior to creating yet another conflict.

If all else fails, ask her how well her "collection" of shoes and handbags retain their value and then compare that to your audio gear. A gentle reminder that a good audio system is an "investment that is used and enjoyed on a daily basis" : )

As far as "hobbies" go, a hobby is anything that you enjoy and spend money on. How much of a hobby is collecting stamps, coins or ..... ??? You can only look at them so much and you surely don't want to handle them as they might become damaged. At least with a music reproduction system, you can use it as much as you want, enjoy it as often as you use it and vary the effect that it has on your life and the moment simply by swapping discs on the table or cd player. What one accepts as being a "hobby" is all in the eye ( or ear ) of the beerholder : ) Sean
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