That's for sure. Also a lot of the people in stores are extremely elitist snobs who assiduously cultivate an air of superiority. Yet when you talk to one- if indeed you can get one to deign to talk to you, a lowly serf not even with an appointment to spend one hundred large in the next ten minutes - you will quickly come to realize they know zip about audio. Products, yes. Sales, definitely. But audio? As if!
The truth is one of the best most impressive systems I ever heard was one I built for $1200 for my father in law. The bookshelf speakers intended for his entertainment center were put on makeshift stands a foot or so out from the side wall in my listening room to burn in. Went 2 whole weeks never even turning my system on, this little one was so much fun!
Another time, a friend had me over for dinner. When he heard I was into audio he was proud to show off his great Sansui system. Had me sit down, played me some music. Good music, always enjoy that no matter what. Truly enjoyable experience. You know it is fun to visit, but it is also a bit of effort all the paying attention, coming up with witty rejoinders, being careful not to faux the pas. Was so nice to sit and truly relax with some tunes.
Later when he comes over, goes to see mine, eyes wide as saucers just walking in the room. WTF? Tubes?!? Looks behind- WTF those cables? Not lamp cord?! On and on. Month later this guy is at the same dealer buying all the same stuff I have only separates not integrated, everything has to be a step up.
So I think the snob angle is less to do with being an audiophile and more to just your natural personality. He was like that with his Porsche too.
Not all of us are, I hasten to add.
The truth is one of the best most impressive systems I ever heard was one I built for $1200 for my father in law. The bookshelf speakers intended for his entertainment center were put on makeshift stands a foot or so out from the side wall in my listening room to burn in. Went 2 whole weeks never even turning my system on, this little one was so much fun!
Another time, a friend had me over for dinner. When he heard I was into audio he was proud to show off his great Sansui system. Had me sit down, played me some music. Good music, always enjoy that no matter what. Truly enjoyable experience. You know it is fun to visit, but it is also a bit of effort all the paying attention, coming up with witty rejoinders, being careful not to faux the pas. Was so nice to sit and truly relax with some tunes.
Later when he comes over, goes to see mine, eyes wide as saucers just walking in the room. WTF? Tubes?!? Looks behind- WTF those cables? Not lamp cord?! On and on. Month later this guy is at the same dealer buying all the same stuff I have only separates not integrated, everything has to be a step up.
So I think the snob angle is less to do with being an audiophile and more to just your natural personality. He was like that with his Porsche too.
Not all of us are, I hasten to add.