I've had friends and co-workers pay me to do it. A few months ago some doctors were over for a party and a couple of them told me when they are ready they will be giving me a call. So guess you could say pretty successful.
Which is very pleasing, seeing as every single time I bother to detail my system building approach its roundly criticized. These complete systems by the way were $1200 to $2500 all-in, including my fee. |
Yes, criticism is overrated, no?
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whatjd, no fault of yours. No accounting for what women will do. I have two wonderful daughters and a sexy, smart wife. Women do not like loud music and you just can't teach them how to downshift.
I paid my way through medical school by installing systems in the houses of very wealthy people. Not one of them was an audiophile and convenience was always an issue. Some of them just wanted to impress their friends. All this was before CDs when high end cassette players ruled. I only once installed a manual turntable. The trick is to understand what your client wants and not to give them what you want. None of these people heard my own system. My reputation for extremely neat workmanship in difficult custom situations was what gave me business. I once put a system in an antique armoire worth $25,000 according to the owner. There is so much excellent equipment available today coming up with a great system would be relatively easy. Very few people would be interested in turntables. Most would be streamers all the way and forget about tubes. 99% of the people out there just want to flip a switch and listen to music. They do not want to mess around with anything. That may be the definition of an audiophile right there, a music lover who wants to screw around with his system. |
I have put together systems for friends and family. I ask what their budget is and their goals. I will put together the electronics but for the speakers I usually have them listen to 3 or 4 speakers that are within their budget that I think are worthwhile. |
Most of my friends and family have little interest beyond Bluetooth convenience and very casual listening. That said, my best friend's son, and a young guy who used to work for me both showed distinct interests in having systems but didn't really have the budget means. Rather than sell 2 sets of Tyler Acoustic speakers (different models), a Plinius and Arcam integrated amp, an Arcam and Pioneer Elite cd player, and Kimber cables that I wasn't using I put a system together for each of them and gave them to them gratis . Better to let them enjoy.
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facten1, I understand what you mean/feel. I had a successful business for many years and paid employees well with super benefits, and really enjoyed giving back to the community. One Thanksgiving I provided a traditional meal for 50 homeless people and helped serve it. The person I was dating at the time came with me and seemed to be in a hurry to leave. I was lucky enough to have success and rather than spend money on me, I tried to be a good employer and citizen of my community. I was awarded a few awards and one was Community Citizen of the Year for the city I lived in. I never hung that, or any other, award in my office or home. What I did that caused people to give me awards was more rewarding than any thing to hang on the wall. |
1) Most non-audiophiles just want background music.
2) Many do not want to see the equipment, or if they do it must be super-cool.
If they’re good friends, you may know their music tastes. Try to get a gander at their music collection.
When I was in the biz, I would 80% sure put them into a B&O system. Don’t know much about them now. It’s a much bigger company now, I think, but they were problem free and great for dinner music and beyond. |
millercarbon hosted a "party" TWO months ago, and doctors attended...
Fascinnating & totally beleivable.
DeKay
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I suspect even the Nazi of old would be surprised by the ease with which a tax cut can move the headspace of even a reasonably same, cogent , science grounded Doctor.
As for systems, my help is gratis and often w friends, I give them the gear.... |
millercarbon hosted a "party" TWO months ago, and doctors attended... I was more in awe of charging friends a fee for advice on what to buy for $1200. "Rubber bands from cilantro bunches are much much better than those from curly parsley. Look for the pink ones, they are worth it. Everyone will notice the difference, even cilantro-haters." The question remains if the doctors at the party observed all epidemiologic recommendations. |
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No matter what I have ever suggested to friends, they consider it too expensive. I have had zero luck in this arena. |
My experience has also included others on the "way up" in their audio journey. Even helped my Mom get an old KLH compact system which she used for the balance of her life. Even with the very high end system I had for my use, I was always impressed with how good the old KLH compact was. The FM on it, with an outdoor directional FM antenna I set up, was very good and never had a drift problem. Through the years I have had some exposure to the early KLH compacts and all sounded "worth listening to".
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