Friends hi-fi system not very good, what do you do or say?

Per actual experiences. I've sold gear locally so in that case the buyers have been pretty transparent in asking for advice. In buying gear locally sellers are more apt to give advice vs take, somewhat ironic when I hear their system and its not up to par. If they're extremely prideful of system I'll try to hide my displeasure, if they seem open to an opinion or questioning I'll offer my two cents. I always try to pose my advice as suggestion, never want to to come across as condescending or superior.

The most curious encounters have been extremely expensive components, equipment hoarder, tons of equipment laying around unused or in second systems, and the main system sound quality is relative crap to the expense. In these cases always amazes me that some people don't believe in cables or rooms or AC quality, always something left out that leaves much untapped potential. In these cases I've made it clear they should at least consider the things they've left unattended.

My take …. A couple of things

(1) Understand your differing orbits before you compare them

There is likely a chasm between the respective party perspectives when a guest is considering expressing feedback or an opinion on the homeowner’s audio system capabilities.

Unless the homeowner is actually clearly asking for an unvarnished opinion (and can properly appreciate any constructive criticism on how they can improve it….) . Assess FIRST where the homeowner resides on the Yellow Brick Road to Audio OZ.

Mostly based on a homeowner’s resistance to opening up his budget, the guest critic’’s “not very good ..” is in constant tension with the homeowner’s position of “ ‘good enough”, with his cheerful acceptance of its present limitations, shortfalls, and warts ….fine but important distinction..

(2) Regrettably , most people can’t handle the truth …full stop.
​​​​@hilroy48 already alluded to this embedded in his witty sarcasm in his post above.

TAKEAWAY:

So choose your words wisely.

The one exception might be where you are first provoked and the proverbial gauntlet has been tossed in circumstances where the homeowner pontificates that his “race to the bottom” cheap-as-you-get it price budget system somehow meets or beats your high- end system.
We have saw these in YouTube as barkers and false prophets preaching to a very small cohort of misguided disciples.

Otherwise,,,@lanx0003 ….+1

You and I have two very different opinions on what is witty...

Unless you're being ironic.

Honestly,  you should get new friends if it sounds that bad...  😁

Keep your mouth shut at all costs. If they like the sound of their system, that is all that matters. I liked where someone just said nice and let it go. Invite the friend over to your house sometimes and just happen to ask if they would like to listen to your system. You have to understand that if your system is great, you might embarrass your friend.