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Friends hi-fi system not very good, what do you do or say?

So you're going over to someones home and they give you a tour and they have a hi-fi system in a room. And while visiting of course they turn it on for you not knowing that you have a very nice system in your home and you notice immediately it's just not very good.  But then you're used to the very in you're listening experiences. So what do you do when they ask you what you think?

Do you say sounds really good?

Do you make suggestions?

Do you feel a desperate need to tell them about your system?

Personally, I try not to mention any details about my system. If I'm driving around in a Lamborghini I would prefer to be invisible so I don't get stared at when I get out of my car. If they had a really nice system with interesting components I would probably mention a few of the things I have and then we could bond with our common interests.   Ideally, it would be cool to be in the presence of someone who knew a lot more than I did and a real learning opportunity.

Audio systems tend to be private affairs I guess.  I don't necessarily want to hang out with someone and listen to tunes. Those wonderful College days where it made a lot of sense are long gone.

emergingsoul
kmtang's avatar
kmtang
20 posts
 

I would simply say to my friend that he/she shall audition the audio system from his/her friends to realize what good sound should be.

gkelly's avatar
gkelly
144 posts
 

I say, what a nice journey you’re on. if they look at me like what do you mean I’ve reached my destination. That’s my clue to just smile and carry on. If it’s the other way, I know I found a kindred spirit, and we can talk about such things  that are very important in life. Such as does a grounding box really work?

wlutke
725 posts
 

I always respond “sounds good!”

That makes everyone’s day.

audiodwebe's avatar
audiodwebe
241 posts
 

Much like I wouildn't tell the parent of a newborn how butt-ugly their child is I wouldn't tell a friend how awful his system sounds.

Sound is subjective so your "not very good" is someone else's "great".

ghdprentice
6,965 posts
 

I would say something complementary about it or having it and then mention that you you have a system and were able to improve the sound by doing X. The trick is to be tactful, interested, and helpful and offer some evidence of your knowledge and that big improvements are possible without being a Hilroy or being condescending or critical. Human nature is that someone coming in acting superior or condescending to you will ruffle your feathers and close off communication. It is all in the approach. But it offers a great opportunity to start discussing something your are passionate about and offer some assistance.

 

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