Would you pay to listen?

I've heard a system that I estimated to have a retail value in excess of $300K. I found it to be disappointing and a huge waste of money.

I have an untrained palate but still enjoy good food. Cost forbids me from indulging except when there's a coupon.

I think the fee at a hi-end shop would be simply to dissuade the lookie-lou types.
That may work against these stores, long run. I heard some real good stuff a long time ago which while I was ignored in the store (obvious broke kid) was still pretty neat and sort of made me set my course to eventually have some nice stuff. If I had to pay....even 5$ for 'entry' I'd not have done it.

Also, doesn't selling a ticket change some of the legal relationships?

Call me jaded but I doubt any system can make my "jaw drop" anymore. And besides, their are a few dealers in town that display super hi-end systems. All I have to do is walk in and pop on some music, at least that has been working. Unfortunately, they are teeming with customers.