Helping friends and relatives buy an audio system...

It has never worked out well for me, and I have tried a few times. No more. 

Recently I helped a colleague put together a system he was happy with. Knowing he didn't share my extreme passion for audiophilia, though he did appreciate listening to music on my system, I gave him a mid-end Onkyo receiver I wasn't using, then helped him choose a Rega RP1 to feed into a ProJect Phono box I wasn't using, either. At my recommendation, he bought a pair of Elac B6's and I gifted him my CleanSpin record cleaning set-up.


He's quite happy now. He could have afforded better equipment, but he simply didn't want to. The same way I could afford a better TV, but would rather spend my money on other things.


As @pch300 says, "Audio hobby seems like a niche interest." Kind of like when I see a video projector here listed for the high four figures. I'm like, "what the hell?" That's how most view high-end audio components.

I never had good luck helping others with setting up a system. Usually they went to a store and got completely schooled/sold on a system before they asked me. When I would make suggestions the person usually became argumentative about what they had already decided on doing. Looking for approval rather than trusting someone who’s already been there. This hobby is mostly an all male testosterone driven club, sprinkle on a healthy amount of pride and...
Like many of you have mentioned the majority are looking for convenience over sound quality. A number of years ago I set up a friend with a very good HT system. SVS 5.1 that came in way less than the Best Buy “expert” tried to sell him. We had a few disagreements such as the power conditioner had to say Monster on it because it just had too! Anyway they loved the set up! Many times he would comment on how awesome movies and sporting events were. He’s a builder and a couple of years ago he did some remodeling nothing major just moved a few windows around with some built in cabinets and shelves. The new TV was put above the fireplace with a sound bar under it. “Oh so much better” was his wife’s comment. I looked at him and he just shrugged. We put on the Sixers game and I could hardly make out what the announcer was saying. So much better indeed! Yes this is a niche hobby and getting smaller as technology progresses. Too bad for them!

Being into esoteric audio gear is much like the world of sports cars...some feel a Ferrari or Porsche may be a sports car while others feel  a Camaro or Mustang is a sports car....and some feel going out to eat is the best locally owned supper club and others feel it is the drive-up at McDonalds.  To each him or her own.