What do you do when the kids come along?

Jd> Life does not end when you have children. Children also enjoy music. Just as you would teach your child to read you can also teach them music appreciation. Musically nothing changed in our house when we had kids and both of them enjoy music of all genres now as adults. Interestingly I have learned to appreciate classical music through my son. So it is a reciprical action. As to equipment, you can teach children what they can and cannot touch. Yes it's a job but that's parenting. Obviously you need to take precautions for their safety. Speakers are the main precaution since they can be pulled over on the child. With some imagination you could build barricades for the speakers which would keep the child away from danger, but you will still need to monitor closely. And if you have a dedicated sound room it could be off limits for the child unless an adult was in there. Trying to keep ahead of children is a challenge and you will have to be somewhat inventive, however it shouldn't mean you have to give up music. You may have to make some compromises ie speaker placement but it should be a very happy time. Celebrate it with music and congratulations to you and your bride to be.

Wit kids are in the future the real question is how is marraige going to affect your audio addiction. I suggest you spend as much on your system as soon as possible. Define your space. While you're at it, get a motorcycle.

I'll agree with what Artemus said above and add one more thing. When the kids go to bed at night, play your music just like you do now (that means loud if you play it loud). Do this right from the beginning and (hopefully) you won't have problems. I have a 6 & 9 year old, and, to this day, once they've been asleep for 10 or 15 minutes, I can play it at pretty high volume and they sleep right through it.

well first off your audio budget goes to the back burner. so my advice is get your system where you can live with it for a while (believe me; kids are way more important and rewarding than any material thing).

I agree with artemus; i had to hide my tube amps in a corner (behind a couch) where i could not reach the power buttons and used the plugs to turn them on and off.

speaker placement was not the best but a 100lb floor stand will kill a person....let alone a child.

on the positive notes; my children did not know who britney spears was until the neighbor girl got her cd. they do know what a cello is though. (they are 5 &6).

anyway good luck....enjoy yourselves as a married couple....children realllly change your life.

jim

Hdm's advice is right on. I did this with my kids also and it works.