When showing your system to others, what do you do

I usually pick the music, most of my cd's are kind of rare sounding, hand picked stuff things I know they have never heard before, David Sylvian, Koop, San Ilya, and even some Micheal Franks, I look around the room, and when I see there jaws drop!!!!!! nothing more has to be said.

#1) & most important, I explain to them that if they touch anything - It's a capital offence & they will be shot.
#2) Sit them down & away from the equipment.
#3) Never tell them what anything cost as either they will not believe you or think your are crazy (aren't we all?).
Ever try to explain why a "needle" cost $8K?
#4) Play something on CD that you know sounds great & then ask what they would like to hear.
#5) Play something on vinyl & see if they notice any difference.
#6) Show them the system & very briefly try to explain what each component does.
#7) Sit them back down again & try to explain imaging, soundstage & depth.
If they seem to understand you & are accepting the music & approve, let them stay & enjoy - If not show them the door as you are only wasting your time & theirs.

I won't do the demo shit. I have an insane stereo and I am crazy and I do not want to convert or impress anybody. If they want to listen to my music on my crazy system, fine.

Thanks guys for all the suggestions. I, like most of you dont mention prices cause we always get the look. the look like im crazy for spending what i did and yet they say they wouldnt mind having it in their home.

So have any of you converted anyone? doomed them to a life of actually listening to music? or do they just come back to your place and listen?

Well I've been in this hobby since 1957, seen a lot of systems in 48 years. I generally do not demo anything unless a guest wants to hear something. I let them pick out a selection and let them listen. Some are impressed while others are less so. To me it makes zero difference. With less that 1 percent of the U.S. population involved in high end gear. If they want to expand and get something better I will guide them along, other than that cest le vie.

Having lived on Palm Beach a few years ago. One can be totally humbled by some of the systems there. Cubic dollars has it rewards in high end audio. Also the Cayman Islands have some very fine systems as well.

Once you hear some of those systems, this exercise becomes a moot point. I enjoy reading the posts of members audio systems on Audiogon. But thus far, including mine and systems I have owned,as well as members posts. Nothing posted here will ever come close to the absolute ultimate,no questions ask systems I have seen and heard.

Like anything else and high end audio is no exception, its all about the Benjamins.