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What would you do differently?

Wives take a lot of heat in the audio press and on forums such as this one for their effects on their husbands' audio enjoyment. WAF is a recognizable acronym and effect, and there's always a lot of anguish over the "grief" of upgrades, etc. What would you do differently if you had nobody to answer to on any audio issues? Is it as simple as, "I'd spend a lot more and play the system a lot louder"?

Personally, I'd do a couple of things differently. First, I'd probably own more than one pair of speakers at any time and experiment a bit more. Sending and receiving speakers seems incomprehensible to my wife so it's a bigger hurdle than it's worth to do this currently, even if I break even on the costs. The second major thing I'd do is remove everything from the semi-dedicated room the system is in that I didn't want in there.

All in all, I suppose the back pressure is good as it keeps a bit of anticipation in the hobby. -Kirk

kthomas
xiekitchen
821 posts
 
Wow! Sarah you're one of a kind. I've had girlfriends who loved great music but never gave a hoot for how it's reproduced. My wife, who is from Trinidad Tobago is in that category but also has gotten so used to the great reproduction with my systems (I have an upstairs and downstairs sys.) She says if I die she's keeping it all. Also she can tell immediately when we visit someone's house how crappy their tv speakers or music system sounds.
Since I was single until age 33 I've been on both sides of the fence and what of course was nice is that when you're single you can buy whatever you want and not answer to anyone. And believe me, you cannot sneak new cables or a new component past my wife.. "what's that new box? that wasn't there before! how much did that one cost? WHAT? you paid WHAT? no presents for you this Christmas!
gregm
3,405 posts
 
Nothing (fortunately). I'm in Avguy's "haves" category -- but lucky: my partner loves music and we go to many live concerts. So, resolution, clarity & natural timbres are a must. She loves the likes of Rachmaninoff, Orff, Brahms or Jamiroquai (quite a combination!) so, dynamics & rythm are sine qua non. Hence, when the ref, mega$ amplifier hits the wall socket, & it does the above & more well enough, I'm half-way to purchase (the other half being the banker<)).

Shouldn't complain, seems like... but then, I only have ONE TT.
drewfidelity
178 posts
 
I am in the process of learning that success in my life is based on my ability to compromise. I am blessed with my wife and two children ages 4 and 2 1/2. These relationships require time and effort. The payoff is well worth it. Still, there was a time not too long ago that I was single.

If I were single and childless I would have three systems. I would have a digital system, an analog system, and a home theatre system. I would listen all day and all night, constantly changing equipment until I found harmony. Then I would continue to constantly change equipment because I would not realize that I had found the perfect system until I lost it. I would be on a first name basis with the FedEx and UPS people.

I would be the first person in the record store every Tuesday to purchase new releases. I would go to garage sales in search of vinyl bargains. I would go to live performances of classical, jazz, and rock music all the time.

I now listen to a wonderful system at lower volumes then I would normally choose. I have B&W 803's because of a compromise surrounding the aesthetics of the Magnepan 1.6's and Sunfire Signature subwoofer. I am limited to 6 components due to wall unit constraints. I can live with this. My poor wife and children have to put up with me.
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