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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
tok20000's avatar
tok20000
608 posts
 
My wife makes more than she spends.

:-)

Na na na ne na na...

KF
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Congrats my friend Tok20000, if you live in the USA, you have found the needle in the haystack. Cwlondon, they don't have to be rich to henpeck, my wife makes less than $30K a year, and she can peck with the best of 'em. Girls will be girls, if you must have one, you might as well grab one with money.
thedautch
329 posts
 
"Girls will be girls, if you must have one, you might as well grab one with money."

In my view, this is the truest statement ever uttered by a human being.
avideo OP
222 posts
 
Many thanks to everyone who offered their thoughts on this topic. It is clear there is a pretty wide variety of opinions regarding the "Wife Approval Factor".
As I have stated earlier, I've NEVER had any problems with setting up my audio systems as I like. That extends through two marriages, (once divorced, once widowed) and one live-in girlfriend for the past two years. While I have made some serious efforts to purchase equipment, racks, and
speakers that integrate well with my furnishings; I have never had to change speaker placement, the types of cables I use, etc. to meet with anyone's approval other than my own.
That is not to say that I don't indulge the interests of my girlfriend and past wives. My present girlfriend has a computer room of her own, as well as two large closets that extend the length of an entire wall for her extensive wardrobe. And I buy her nice jewelry several times a year;
as well as other less expensive gifts.
Quite frankly, I think that if you are entering into a serious relationship; one needs to let the other partner know about your interests and your desire to continue enjoying those interests. Anything less is just being dishonest with yourself and your partner. And if you "discover" they won't accommodate you; then it may be time to dump them while you have the freedom to do so.
Aside from my work in television, I have two major interests - audio and Corvettes. And if a woman will not let me enjoy both, then she will not be in my life for long.
As for Bbtuna's remarks about home theater; I don't feel that those types of rooms are really set up for the true audio enthusiast. More often than not, they seem to be designed to impress someone; rather than provide a really good listening environment. I've been in at least six such rooms in the past year; and found the sound for music (rather than special effects/surround sound) to range from acceptable to just plain horrid. The few such rooms I've enjoyed all seem to be demo rooms at some dealer's location,
rather than in an actual home.
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