When showing your system to others, what do you do

What works for me is:
* First I get their basic taste in music - Rock? Jazz? Classical? Female vocals? Monks moaning? * Then I play something in that genre, hopefully something/someone they've heard or heard of before, something that is recorded and played reasonably well
* Then I play something they brought or that they know very well, ALL THE WAY THROUGH
* Then a little discussion of what they heard, what I heard, then possibly a replay.

To me the biggest thing NOT to do is trot out your audiophile crapola non-music demo disc sounds not heard in nature at the pawnshop got the music in me thunderstorm trains 1812 cannons direct to disc anything royale
listen to the airconditioner come on in this quiet part
the music suuuuucks but oh my listen to the recording garbage
and try to impress them with it. Give them something in a genre they know and love.
The MUSIC is what matters - that'll hook them every time!

I had someone tell me once that he bought a real high end system from Rent a Center. Funny stuff.

Alot of times I will play Fleetwood Mac Roumors....it is so universal and well known, atleast in my circles, but if someoone appreciates Classical, thats where the jaw can drop, while I want them to bring a CD of their own, it has a really good chance of being something Pop or current that isnt made to sound good in anything other than a car.

I usually pick the music, most of my cd's are kind of rare sounding, hand picked stuff things I know they have never heard before, David Sylvian, Koop, San Ilya, and even some Micheal Franks, I look around the room, and when I see there jaws drop!!!!!! nothing more has to be said.

#1) & most important, I explain to them that if they touch anything - It's a capital offence & they will be shot.
#2) Sit them down & away from the equipment.
#3) Never tell them what anything cost as either they will not believe you or think your are crazy (aren't we all?).
Ever try to explain why a "needle" cost $8K?
#4) Play something on CD that you know sounds great & then ask what they would like to hear.
#5) Play something on vinyl & see if they notice any difference.
#6) Show them the system & very briefly try to explain what each component does.
#7) Sit them back down again & try to explain imaging, soundstage & depth.
If they seem to understand you & are accepting the music & approve, let them stay & enjoy - If not show them the door as you are only wasting your time & theirs.