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


So you're going over to someones home and they give you a tour and they have a hi-fi system in a room. And while visiting of course they turn it on for you not knowing that you have a very nice system in your home and you notice immediately it's just not very good.  But then you're used to the very in you're listening experiences. So what do you do when they ask you what you think?

Do you say sounds really good?

Do you make suggestions?

Do you feel a desperate need to tell them about your system?

Personally, I try not to mention any details about my system. If I'm driving around in a Lamborghini I would prefer to be invisible so I don't get stared at when I get out of my car. If they had a really nice system with interesting components I would probably mention a few of the things I have and then we could bond with our common interests.   Ideally, it would be cool to be in the presence of someone who knew a lot more than I did and a real learning opportunity.

Audio systems tend to be private affairs I guess.  I don't necessarily want to hang out with someone and listen to tunes. Those wonderful College days where it made a lot of sense are long gone.

emergingsoul

@samureyex,

Do you always lay people know what you have? Do you expect friend's to tell you everything? 

 

@bslon

You have a really interesting system. Very impressive Album collection. I'm guessing Derek and the dominoes is in there somewhere but may be hard to find.

Suggest that as a friend that is being hosted as a guest that you keep any references to their audio system positive.  Maybe a dialogue opener like, "Hey, I'm into audio also, let's get together at our place so you can check out our rig." If they ask you what you think of their rig/sound just keep it positive.  Sometimes little  "white lies" are ok to save feelings/friendships.  When you host them at your home you can share your rig and ask their opinions.  At that point your friends and you may start a dialogue about your rig/SQ.  It's a process that you should allow to develop.  Hope this is helpful/