I have put together systems for friends and family. I ask what their budget is and their goals. I will put together the electronics but for the speakers I usually have them listen to 3 or 4 speakers that are within their budget that I think are worthwhile.
When suggesting audio components for friends and relatives...
This is a bit of "thinking out loud". I believe I have been lucky as what I have helped friends and relatives with in buying higher end and even simple components has worked out very well.
With some it was a simple system as in a Nakamichi SoundSpace 5 or the like, and with some it was Magnepans, Martin-Logans, Audio Research...and others.
The question is have you had good success kindly helping others? Have there been any regrets or negative situations? About the only slight downside was after selling a former high end system of mine to my best friend, he died from cancer and his wife replaced some of the items with BestBuy "stuff" and I could never understand as to why.
With some it was a simple system as in a Nakamichi SoundSpace 5 or the like, and with some it was Magnepans, Martin-Logans, Audio Research...and others.
The question is have you had good success kindly helping others? Have there been any regrets or negative situations? About the only slight downside was after selling a former high end system of mine to my best friend, he died from cancer and his wife replaced some of the items with BestBuy "stuff" and I could never understand as to why.
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- 13 posts total
Most of my friends and family have little interest beyond Bluetooth convenience and very casual listening. That said, my best friend's son, and a young guy who used to work for me both showed distinct interests in having systems but didn't really have the budget means. Rather than sell 2 sets of Tyler Acoustic speakers (different models), a Plinius and Arcam integrated amp, an Arcam and Pioneer Elite cd player, and Kimber cables that I wasn't using I put a system together for each of them and gave them to them gratis . Better to let them enjoy. |
facten1, I understand what you mean/feel. I had a successful business for many years and paid employees well with super benefits, and really enjoyed giving back to the community. One Thanksgiving I provided a traditional meal for 50 homeless people and helped serve it. The person I was dating at the time came with me and seemed to be in a hurry to leave. I was lucky enough to have success and rather than spend money on me, I tried to be a good employer and citizen of my community. I was awarded a few awards and one was Community Citizen of the Year for the city I lived in. I never hung that, or any other, award in my office or home. What I did that caused people to give me awards was more rewarding than any thing to hang on the wall. |
1) Most non-audiophiles just want background music. 2) Many do not want to see the equipment, or if they do it must be super-cool. If they’re good friends, you may know their music tastes. Try to get a gander at their music collection. When I was in the biz, I would 80% sure put them into a B&O system. Don’t know much about them now. It’s a much bigger company now, I think, but they were problem free and great for dinner music and beyond. |
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