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Why Put Up With "Wife Approval Factor"?

During the past few weeks there have been a number of posts regarding finding cables, racks, and other items that wives and girlfriends "approve" of. It would appear that some of these choices have to be made so as not to "disturb" or "change" some type of decorating plan. Or that the choices might "clash" with the existing decor or home layout.
This leads me to question just "how important" audio really is for some of these folks. Or to maybe tweak a few noses the wrong way, ask how henpecked are some of these people? Haven't they made it clear to the wife or girlfriend that audio is a serious long-term interest; not just an expensive way to play background music? Haven't they made it clear that a first rate audio system is every bit as important to them as a nice jewelry item or set of furniture is to the wife or girlfriend?
While I realize that some of us have the luxury of a dedicated listening room; for many of us the family room or
living room is where the bulk of our main audio systems reside. What's wrong with having a nice looking audio set-up
in those rooms? The days of "sitting rooms" where TV screens and audio equipment are hidden is long gone. The only places that type of space exist any longer are in those "decorator" magazines that show the homes of the well-to-do and other decorators.
What are your thoughts?
avideo
avideo OP
222 posts
 
Just for the record, I should mention that I've been married twice in the past. My first wife and I were together
for 9+ years before getting a no-fault divorce. And my second wife (who was everything the first WAS NOT) and I were together for three years; before she passed away quite suddenly following a surgery. For the past two years, my current girlfriend and I have been living together in my home. While I do try to get equipment racks, stands, and speakers that do blend well with out better quality furniture (mostly Ethan Allen); I've NEVER had to hide or in any way move my equipment around to meet with some arbitrary decorating scheme. Or for that matter meet with some overly fussy woman's "approval".
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Lucky for me I guess compare with Agon posts I read; the room with my system is mine to play with. My wife just picked the blinds and curtains.

And she asked me whether I liked the curtains before buying them, Ha!
slartibartfast
100 posts
 
Just make sure you have the hobby before you start dating your significant other... that way you can make it clear how insane you are first...
tok20000's avatar
tok20000
608 posts
 
Avideo, then you have a great girlfriend! Be happy! You have your cake and are eating it to. I slightly envy you. My wife loves the audio... although she has drawn a line in the living room at NO MORE SPEAKERS. I currently run 7 channel surround sound and 7 peakers is a bit much for her, heh heh...

Although if you do marry her... she could change and transform... but no telling. :-)

KF
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
My wife is always complaining that I don't listen to her. She's right.
She always complains about everything I buy. "It's ugly, that's hideous...". I always offer to go upline, buy something else I may have wanted but didn't have the money for. I tell her look, I could get these (fill in the blank), it will only cost another couple grand. That usually shuts her up. After a week or so, I never hear another complaint about that item again.
I do think the WAF has a lot to do with the cable business though, because we can easily change cables in and out without any comments at all. She has no idea what goes on behind the equipment.
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