Very few have heard my set up. Of the ones that have, one person, after hearing my ESL-57's, has been pining over a pair ever since. Had a mono pressing of Ben Websters "Soulville" playing as he sat down in the chair. He couldn't believe the 3d effect coming from a mono pressing. He is now obsessed w these speakers. This from someone who has a pair of Tannoy Canterbury's and a SOTA vacuum platter TT. He is not uninitiated in this. Another friend, listen to Dire Straits "Ride Across The River", while listening to my Cornwalls commented that it was the first time he heard the "wood" in the percussion section. He is also running a proper set up. LS50's, Rega 6, Bluesound streamer etc. But I think his reaction has to do with speaker placement. His set up is not in a good room, and limited with how it can be set up, so not working at it's best.
When someone listens to your system for the first time.
I recently had a 30 something friend of mine, I'm 64, stop in for a bit and sit in my listening chair. He is a musician and had never heard my system. Decided to play him Sultans of Swing on my turntable. He was awe struck. Look of amazement on his face. he said he had heard the song countless times, but now knew he had never really heard it. He talked about the clarity, how wonderful the cymbals sounded, how awesome the bass was (thanks to the new subwoofers I bought). I played him a few more things, some Tony Rice, to hear some acoustic instruments. He couldn't get over the soundstage and imaging. He said he knew why I sat in that chair. He said he wants to come back, there are tons of songs he wants to now hear on my system. I listen to music just about every night. I enjoy my system, but sometimes get caught up in listening to the gear, wondering if I should change something. Nature of the hobby. So nice to get a new perspective. Reminder to stop over thinking and enjoy the music.