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

Concede her point about the hobby angle, don't argue it. Admit that it's a luxury, and let her know it's one you really want to have and that makes you happy. Don't get hung up on betting whether or not she'll be able to hear the difference between the CDP's - even if she can (and she probably can), she won't care enough not to resent being made the unwilling beneficiary of your upgrading. This is for you; be straightfoward about it and ask sweetly (telling her exactly what it's going to cost), and you'll probably be on your way with her blessing - at least to finishing up with your plans for *this* system. (When full-blown audiophilia nervousa hits, OTOH, you're strictly on your own buddy boy... :-)

Hmmm... Fighting over the definition of hobby.... All I have to say is be glad you are not buying $1k power cords. Cause then.... you know you've gone off the deep end.... hobby or not.

I tell people who enter my house: "Please do not ask how much anything costs unless you really want to know and can handle it."

Some people look at me very strangely when I tell them I have cables that retail for over $1k. They never look at me the same way again.

Getting great sound out of a system is a hobby of sorts, and can be very difficult (especially with a budget). But even without much of a budget, it can be difficult matching components if you do not have a lot of experience. It is through experience that we develop a sense of what is good and not-so-good.

Some people here at Audiogon could easily be professional audio consultants (and some are) for people who are in need of guidance to build a system. We are hobbiest who love this stuff.

KF

I saw the big dog show on tv last week. they said thats a sport. so..... get some big monoblocks and a pair of pipe dreams start moving those around your room, and, tell her its a sport.

I've often talk to my female friends about my audio HOBBY more so than with my male friends. The females I know enjoy music more plus they think the audio components I have and like are aesthetically appealing.

When they tell me they spend too much on shopping, I'd tell them I spend too much on audio, but they'd actually tell me that I can resell my stereo stuff; whereas, stuff they buy is money down the drain.

As of this moment, the girls more than approve of my hobby. As long as I don't bust my budget with time and money on my hobby, I can't imagine females having a problem with me.

Of course, I might have to eat my words after I get married.

I could be wrong, but it sounds to me like what your wife really means is: I don't think you should spend any more money on audio, we don't need it and I don't understand the expenditure.

It would be nice if both of you work and have your own "mad money" set aside (a small amount from each paycheck) that you can each spend how you want without being criticized.

If you both don't have a source of income, I'm afraid you're in for a hard way to go.

Good luck!