With my guests, on those rare occasions when someone actually inquires, I simply ask them what kind of music they like and play it. I try to avoid all discussion of audio and answer basic questions as simply as possible, and move on. Love to talk about the music though and they are usually open to that. Much more interesting IMHO.
When showing your system to others, what do you do
When you guys demo your system to a hifi virgin whats your procedure? Do you ask musical tastes first before the first song? Do you first play somthing that you feel best demonstrates your gears abilities? and then have them pick somthing out? If they bring some of their own music do you throw that on first? Im curious as to what your opinions are. Since we(the audiophiles) are showing our friends hifi for the first time its our responsibility to make it great, right? I have alwaysed played somthing i pick first to let them relax and adjust and then ask what they want to hear, or put their music on. I have never had someone leave and say that was not enjoyable but im sure i could make the experience more enjoyable. Any comments you have will be much appreciated. thanks