Wife Acceptance Factor

Well, congratulations. I'd keep in mind that right now it's all love, and what is said, promised and anticipated will likely vary from the reality that unfolds. That's life!

Never count on her really understanding your hi-fi obsession. Do you really grasp her passion for scrapbooking or sewing or whatever she's into? Men and women are wired differently (thank God).

My advice: Be fiscally responsible, remembering that this hobby is never really a PRIORITY as things in life go. It can however be a passion, because music is beautiful.

Oh one more thing- don't share how much cables cost unless forced to! :)

Several posters have probably missed the point to this post. It is not a question of being a man or not,or even that we have nagging wives, the point is to include your wife in major purchases that will be in plain view, like speakers. Electronics are easier and usually out of the way, but speakers are going to be seen day in and day out As others have said, we do not really care what our wife spends her extra money on, because she in turn will indulge us in our own pursuits. However, if you want to be the man go ahead and buy whatever you want. You will be the man, the single man or the divorced five times man, get the picture.

To me seeking an excellent sound is about creating an atmosphere in my home where I can relax and really enjoy the music. I upgrade to improve on that. If I spent a lot of money to get an excellent sound quality, yet made my wife resentful and angry in the process, the sense of strife would hinder what I'm trying to achieve.

If you've ever eaten a gourmet meal while fighting with someone, you know that the food tastes terrible. I think it's even more true with music because music strongly affects our moods. Listening to music is always most enjoyable in an atmosphere of peace and harmony.

Bravo to those men who have come to some sort of agreement with their wives (even if it's dividing up the floors)because if your wife is at peace with the situation, she'll be more secure, happy and more likely to be responsive to your wants. To those who don't have this peace, I'd recommend making an upgrade in your treatment of your wife before spending more money. No speaker or amount of decibels can fully drown out an unhappy or resentful wife.

I have never once in my life heard of a woman divorcing her husband because he buys stereo equipment. If she does she didn't love him and want him to be happy to begin with.
Good riddance in that case.

I just spoke to my fiance about this subject. She said to be open about my desires, and she will be in agreement with most of the purchases I make, but will not be supportive of every purchase that I want to make. Although, she did say that I should in all fairness be accepting of her spa days and pedicure / manicure expenditures. So, it sounds like I will be able to acquire a nice system, but I have to put up with alot of wasted dollars on her purchases (designer handbags, salons, etc.) That is a compromise that I can afford to make even though I think women waste money on intangibles that offer no long term benefit (i.e. having equipment that will last several years vs. wasting money on services that offer nothing but immediate gratification).