Audio Friends Don't Let Audio Friends ...

....adult beverages at a minimum.....adult 'indulgences at ones' preferences...*G*

I would hope my buddy would tell me the honest truth. I actually ask them too, good or bad I want an honest opinion. 

+1

One person's bright enough to make me run screaming from the room is another's nice detail so ask what they think of it and are they happy first.

If they're truly is a friend and asks your opinion regarding a specific aspect of the sound I see no problem with providing a truthful answer within the parameters of taste but only if they ask.

Your friend knows how it sounds much better than you do and unless you live together and if that's the case keep your mouth shut and simply find different aspects to enjoy.  

If it's a competition of their stereo vs your's and you want to trash talk and he / she / they are into that go for it but realize that you have opened the reciprocal door  and be man / woman / non binary enough to take it for what it is... Trash Talk.

I kinda miss all the robot references.

You didn't say if they asked for my opinion.

I have experienced this. Although nowadays I wouldn't say any change is "major". Most equipment is good. They asked. I told the truth with the caveat that some people prefer different things. But if they hadn't asked I'd let them enjoy whatever they thought.