Disappointing Evening

Good quality sound is readily available everywhere at low volume levels.

People need to get over the fact that the entire industry has caught up with the 60's audiophile crowd (who at that time had a huge advantage over everyone else).

Today, I get great sound in the car and great sound from my desktop Genelec Active speakers when connected to my iPhone and playing 128 KBPS files (even cheap digital setups sound darn good compared in a way that cheap analog never did). I could even get great sound for much cheaper - a pair of Audioengine 5's for example.

What I am saying is that great sound is readily available to the masses!!!

And, you ain't going to impress any guest unless you can significantly trump what is easily available to everyone.

IMHO, the only way you will impress people is through a demonstration of high quality sound at live concert levels. This is where major differences can still be found between ordinary systems that sound like crap as soon as you increase the volume and audiophile quality reference systems. A high quality system that is capable of sounding like a live drum set will always amaze people because all ordinary systems give you nothing but distortion at anything approaching the proper levels of live instruments.

If you want guests to be impressed then I would suggest upgrading your equipment (primarily speakers). If you don't care what guests think then quit moaning.

I tend to agree with Shadorne.

Good sound at low volumes is passe with most these days.

Most people do not care about really excellent sound and those who do seldom agree on what's best anyhow. So what's the point?

Loud and clear is more impressive! Especially in a big room!

Except if it is too loud you cannot converse with the guests so that does not work.

That model fits my experiences.

Larry's Audio Rule Number 1:

NEVER buy audio gear to try to impress anyone...it's a solitary or 'another audiophile' pursuit only. Any thoughts to the contrary only cause frustration and confusion.

Scene 1
"Hey guys look at my new stereo..."
reaction---

"Nice, hey you got any beer?"

They simply can't/won't/don't/will never, ever appreciate it...you're wasting your time.

Invite an audiophile/music lover next time.

Good listening...listen to Renee Olstead and stare at the album cover! lol
Larry

Markpao

One thing for sure as Larsky states above, your audio system is for you, all you can do is share the music, never the system. no one cares. I never even bring it up when guests come over unless they show an interest.

The ONLY audio product that elicited interest from almost anyone that saw it, not the music, the product itself was the McIntosh MC-60's I was using, something about that black and chrome and the exposed valves always caught everyone's eye. Even my Supratek Syrah which is beautiful garners only casual coments typically when it is glowing in the evening and the lights are low. The comment is typically something on the order of "whats that thing" or to that effect. When explained that it is a pre-amp for my music system that is pretty much where the discussion typically ends.

B&O make beautiful, stylish audio components, asthetically pleasing especially to women. Don't be insulted because their priorities aren't the same as yours.

Impress people with loudness? I understand what you mean but just simply stepping out and getting some 1000 dollar used Vandersteen 2ce sigs's, a 900 mccormack, and a 600 CJ pre and replacing a bose lifestyle is night and day. Thats good sound vs exceptional sound. They are far between.