How isolated is your hi-fi?

We're empty nesters so I don't have to share with anyone or anything. Well, except my pool table. My wife and I are much happier having our separate spaces to enjoy what we each enjoy. We're not worried about growing apart since we still do plenty of stuff together. We watch a lot of sports together and dine out often. After 32 years of marriage, who else would want either of us anyway? ;-)

I am starting to address the "man cave" look. A few LP covers in frames, lots of wood since I've build my own racks and speakers. But I am starting to consider some color. The off-white drywall is getting old and the room could use some new curtains.

My room is dedicated...but not isolated. It has a music system, hometheater system, and computer. It's also a good place to read...and dance, (mostly, the grand kids do the dancing, and we do the watching....age 2 and 9).

We have a TV in our living room, and the bed rooms...no TV in the dedicated room. (exceptions made for hi def sports!)

Dave

My high-end system is located in a dedicated room and this room was a priority when we had our house built (my wife's priority was a large kitchen and plenty of other entertaining rooms.) It is my belief that to extract the maximum performance from a hi-fi system a dedicated room is needed - this will allow the use of proper acoustic treatment and a highly symmetrical arrangement, with respect to the speakers. My family understands that I have been into audio for over 25 years and totally accepts my unique hobbies (I have others). We do not think of my dedicated room as a form of societal isolation, but rather a means of fully appreciating the art of music reproduction. Some hobbyists have dedicated woodworking shops; others art studios or large garages with vintage automobiles. In general, these are places we practice our passions and are not necessarily a social and family screen. I realize a dedicated room will not work out for everyone, but for those seeking the ultimate hi-fi experience and have understanding family members, it is wonderful.

When my GF and I were looking to buy our first place, I suggested a seperate bedroom/den for the system since she seemed bothered by it visually in our living room. To my shock she said no way, if we're going to have a stereo, especially a silly expensive one, then we should both be allowed to use it, including any friends that come over. I was rather surprised by this but couldn't argue, and the more I think about it the happier I am not to be locked away in some soulless dedicated room.

Having a "purpose built" dedicated room,I can understand some sentiments on these threads.Yes,I definitely feel a bit isolated at times.There is something psychologically different about listening alone,having to walk to the end of my home,and being isolated.However,the ability to "really" max out all the NUMEROUS variables that matter,in a high resolution set-up,come to the fore much more easily.The room's ambient noise floor,alone,is something that is astonishing when addressed with low noise componentry.I love it,but don't feel I "need" it!I have a few super serious hobbyist friends,who have wonderful "shared" rooms.A dedicated one is NOT a must,but quite nice!
These are just some of my experiences,and I would definitely NOT state that one needs to have a dedicated room.I have been just as happy in past rooms,which shared other aspects of living space.
Best to all