I went back and re-read the original post just to make sure I was clear on what exactly happened.
What I couldn't determine was whether the OP was actually in the room with his guest decided to move the speakers.
In any case, as was mentioned previously, most people have absolutely no clue how much stereo equipment costs or how fragile they are. Many consider music in the home to be used as background music while they are doing something else. That is all well and good for them. They, on the other hand actually have hobbies or things that are extremenly vaulable to them that other's wouldn't understand also.
In this case, even if the OP had been in the room and told the person to please not touch/move the speakers, that person would obey, but would be insulted that the OP asked her to not move them to make them more enjoyable for her. not knowing that speaker placement is absolutely important and actually, not caring.
But go to that person's house and move a coffee table or couch and see the sparks fly.
1. if the OP was in the room, he should have immediately seen what was about to happen and asked the person to not touch the speakers. case closed. not problem.
2. if the person moved the speakers uninvited, then that is not only plain rude, but inconsiderate also.
People here speak of a person as the "keeper". Well, in my opinion, the "keeper" is the one that ask first and respects your hobbies and personal likes (as long as those don't hurt anyone).
I have a very good friend who was also seriously into audio.
His then wife decided one day while he was at work to completely redecorate the living room/listening room. She bought all new furniture and completed relocated the stereo equipment and speakers. The speakers were placed in such positions that one couldn't get stereo sound if you tried. it was completely rude and stupid what she did. But, she decided that it was her living room to redecorate and did what she wanted without discussing it first.
Needless to say, my friend was pissed and put the system back where it sounded best. She know before they were married that he loved music and placed the equipemne where it would sound best to him. But, obviously, didn't really care.
I have had female friends come over and the first thing I would hear would be, "wow, those speakers are really big". What are those big items between the speakers and those cables are really large. comments like that.
But, after explaining my love for music and how important equipment and placement was, they settled down and listened to their favorite music and loved it.
But, WAF or spouse acceptance factor is absolutely important in the survival of a relationship. these things must be discussed and agreed upon before getting serious.
A large misconception (to me) for relationships is that many people feel that the couple must enjoy and do everything together. That is blatently false. There is nothing wrong with respecting the other's need for their own hobbies. Some people don't like wine. doesn't mean you can't enjoy wine or visit beautiful wineries. Same for cars/car events, hiking, cycling, etc.
I'll finish by saying that years ago I was in a serious relationship where my significant other used a cleaning person to occasionally come clean the house. I asked her clearly to not have that person clean in the listening room. Well, one day I come home to find my cartridge on the tonearm completely destroyed. The cleaning person decided to polish the rosewood turntable and damaged the cartridge/needle. This was my significant other's fault not the cleaning person's fault because the cleanign person was not told to leave that room alone.
however, touching or moving someone else's stuff is just inconsiderate and rude.
I restore and own classic cars that are show quality. I can't tell you how often I've entered my cars into cars shows and see people touching the car, rubbing up against them to get a better look with their jeans or belt buckles, or even opening the doors and sitting inside. I actually had a model and her photographer ask could she sit on the car and take pictures. Do you believe that?
enjoy
