Disappointing Evening

Sharing something you're passionate about, only to discover people could care less, is a terrible feeling.

Having said that, I've had several positive experiences playing my system for guests. But I am VERY cautious about taxing people's patience with it. So I never invite them to listen unless they ask first. And I never ask them to listen for longer than 5 minutes, tops.

By observing those two rules I have found that most people, even those with minimal appreciation for music, can be gracious about it. And some of them actually enjoy it. Then we move on to other things.

By doing that, I avoid disappointment.

Bryon

Navin R. Johnson: [upset about the escargot entre] First they didn't have the bamboo umbrellas for the drinks, and now snails on the plate!

"Die, Navin R. Johnson." "He really hates these cans!"

As far as the thread goes: Simpletons !

Were they in different settings? People usually enjoy congregating in kitchen and dining areas more than dens or isolated rooms.

Also if you were really honestly insulted you might try working on your expectations. 99.9995% of the population does not care about high end audio (don't quote me on that number.) Perhaps try politics or religion, always good dinner party topics.

People see the B&O gear and think: Angelina Jolie!

People see the industrial looking but good sounding stuff and think: Snookie!

I play my system very softly in the background during a dinner at a party. Usually at least some of the guest say, What is that beautiful CD? I show them the CD cover. They don't comment on or notice the equipment. Later if I cant resist and someone lurks around the equipment, I play the system at a healthy volume for half of a song and get some positive reactions to how real it sounds. I then quickly shut it down and we move to other conversations. But I enjoy those 3 minutes of show off time.
Also it is really wonderful to have audiophiles in your area come over for a couple hours of serious listening and gear talk. I encourage them bring their favorite music and I usually hear great new recordings that I want to add to my collection that way.