Helping friends/relatives with system purchases, your experience.


Throughout the years I have helped some friends and realitives with system/component purchases.  I/we have had very good success and through this happiness. I, however, have heard of some negative results in trying to be of assistence in helping others.  My very best friend and my sister have been good examples of the help working well for all.  How has your esperience(s) been? 

 

jusam

I gave up after a few tries. Everyone is so different, just let them listen.

When my sister decided she wanted a separates system all of her own, she asked me for some advice. I suggested a pair of Harbeth SLH5s after reading nothing but praise for them.
 

After a couple of careful home auditions she ended up buying a pair of original JBL L100s.

She's loved those speakers ever since.

 

She's also had very little respect for my opinions on audio ever since!

Apparently my tastes are a little too safe and boring.

I've given advice to friends looking to upgrade their listening system, and it's worked out fine. I generally recommend things they can listen to at a local store, or online retailers who will accept returns if necessary...

@fiesta75 +1

 

I have wasted time trying to recommend good budget components only to have someone buy a sound bar or Apple buds and be perfectly happy

 

 

The most difficult but most productive part for me is setting aside my own preferences and prejudices. Without that I'd tend to recommend what I would buy for myself with whatever money they have to spend.