Audio Friends Don't Let Audio Friends ...

DC,

Naturally I would have heard the "New Gear" in his system in order to have an opinion. 

I have made a point of visiting several people's home systems over the past year or so. Usually it sounds very good in some particular way but not always. Some really miss the mark even when these people had the funds to do it right.

One thing I have learned is the amount of money spent frequently has no relation to the quality of the sound.

Really kind of sad too. This is when I feel unsure what to say to the owners

If they are happy, then keep it to yourself, why deflate the bubble....

I would give my opinion if asked. If the person is unsure about his choice and is seeking validation in what others think then perhaps he needs to hear the painful truth. But if the person is enjoying his latest upgrade, why ruin it for him? Also, the choice of words would depend on how close of a friend the person is. My best audio buddy and I have polarized opinions on what type of amplification we prefer (among other things) but that doesn't stop us from supporting one another and enjoying each other's system.

The Truth shall set you free...

Let me turn this around. I had a good friend over last year who I had not seen in years. Thing is, I DO value his opinion in audio since it is one of the things that we have in common. So, after listening to my set up, I simply ask what he thinks of it. 'Sounds good." As in what, sounds good? No more to say than that? He didn't give me a straight answer, so I shot him. Well, I didn't shoot him, but I talked about it. This guy who is my friend has no real observation about what he heard? I LIVE in the audiophile desert of the USA. I wouldn't ask anybody around here what they think of my 'waste of time.'