Would you pay to listen?

I would. It would be great to hear a kilobuck system properly set up at its best. Of course, it probably wouldn't sound that good, because I have preconcieved notions (hey, isn't that what it is all about)? I doubt a 100K stereo could sound that much "better" than a 20K system- Remember , we are listing to prerecorded music that has its limits, Lets say you get the best record from the best guitarist- that is as good as it will ever get- and yet the recording still has its limits. At some point you have to run up against the limits of the recording and a system can never sound better than that at any cost.

I must spend at least $50 for gas to get to the nearest dealer with any high end gear worthy of mention, and they have open houses all the time with the likes of Wilson, Ayre,Spectral etc. and I never go, even with an invationtion.
I could listen to any product by the above any time.

No, I'd rather put the money towards a live performance.

I'd pay to hear a system I may consider buying now or in the future, or even if it had one key component that I'd consider. The cost of the entire set-up is irrelevant.

I would do it, but it would have to be 80 bucks per person per hr...

:)

I've heard a system that I estimated to have a retail value in excess of $300K. I found it to be disappointing and a huge waste of money.