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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
bishopwill
369 posts
 
Before taking the cloth your prelate was married for nearly twenty years to a woman with a passion for horses. Our arrangement was very clear: I won't tell you how to do your horse thing and you won't tell me how to do my sound thing. One or two times in the course of two decades she tried to put her foot down about something in the music room and was blithely ignored. I simply did not allow it to become a topic for disucssion any more than she would have allowed me any input about her custom-built Passier saddles. In fact, the notion of either of us having a controlling interest in the life of the other was foreign to both of us from the beginning.

Our marriage ended in a very amiable no-fault divorce but it had nothing to do with tolerance for each other's passions.

Communication, gentlement. And mutual respect.

will
lugnut
1,190 posts
 
I'd rather be lucky than good any day. My marriage proves it. My wife has never complained about any audio component I have owned. She has never taken issue with my demand for a home with concrete floor for the audio room. She has encouraged me to buy a Harley, didn't flinch at the cost of all the upgrades to the bike and helped me justify building a seriously fast pro-touring 67 Nova. This woman has bought me the toys of my dreams for Christmas/birthdays/anniversarys for over 30 years. Oh yeah, she has never asked me to turn the volume down. I'm unworthy.
kthomas
911 posts
 
Yep - couldn't agree more. The longer I'm married, the more resolve I have to be able to carry out my interests in my own way. Since audio is one of the few things that I'm really avid about, the fact that I want something that looks "too macho" or requires specific placement, etc. etc. is something that needs to be accomodated, not rejected. I don't get hassled (nor would I listen to it) about how much I spend on CDs either.

I'm very happily married for 13 years and counting, and I think a major reason is because we both have things that are important to us that the other couldn't care less about, but supports.
cwlondon
1,210 posts
 
Although I did have them recovered them in a neutral shade of Belgian linen, Magneplanar Tympanis are not exactly a high WAF item.

But I wouldn't dream of switching or giving up garden hose sized cables snaking across my sea grass and turkish carpets right smack in the middle of the living room -- with components shamelessly stacked high in the open for me to happily gaze upon while listening.

My girlfriend knows that this hobby has been a big part of my life for many years and that asking me to switch to in wall speakers or mini monitors would be like asking me to change.

I will confess that the WAF test has failed miserably with my car, a 2 seat only, little trunk room, track stiffened Porsche Boxster S, and I do hear regular complaints about how "uncomfortable" and "impractical" it is with "no room for a baby".

So I am considering a "compromise" -- a race prepared 911 turbo with two rear "seats" for a baby.

When women ask you to change, they are secretly, unconsciously testing your strength. If you are not strong, they don't feel secure. If they don't feel secure, well -- you better hope the UPS man doesn't work out a lot and have a good sense of humour.

Don't change. Don't compromise. Don't be henpecked. Enjoy audio.
thedautch
329 posts
 
Women cost money. Some cost more, some cost less, but they all cost money. That's money that I can't put into my system. I'll take the system.
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