How would you describe your stereo sound to non-audiophiles?

Mag · « **on:** 24 Jun 2008, 12:30 am »

Occasionally while driving taxi I tell my customer I have a $20,000 stereo. They ask "what does it sound like?" I tell them its as close to live as you can get. Like sitting in front of band at a bar. In most cases its better than arena concerts I've been to. But maybe not quite up to a concert hall experience like our local auditorium.

Some are genuinely curious but can't comprehend spending that amount of money on audio that could have paid for a new car.

arthurs · « **Reply #1 on:** 24 Jun 2008, 12:43 am »

It sounds like Butterscotch....

Bigfish · « **Reply #2 on:** 24 Jun 2008, 12:54 am »

Quote from: Mag on 24 Jun 2008, 12:30 am

Occasionally while driving taxi I tell my customer I have a $20,000 stereo. They ask "what does it sound like?" I tell them its as close to live as you can get. Like sitting in front of band at a bar. In most cases its better than arena concerts I've been to. But maybe not quite up to a concert hall experience like our local auditorium.

Some are genuinely curious but can't comprehend spending that amount of money on audio that could have paid for a new car.

I tell people I enjoy listening to music and am trying to obtain a great sounding system. Some will feign interest and ask questions but most will talk about their AVRs or will ask questions about surround sound systems. You would not believe how many will make favorable comments about Bose Systems. I just bite my tongue and say something like "yes they do" and then change the subject.

Ken

opnly bafld · « **Reply #3 on:** 24 Jun 2008, 12:54 am »

It is like looking through a big window at a beautiful landscape (of your choice- just like music) with glass that is very clean and has no distortions.

Lin
PS- Of course any music system has distortions (not talking THD here

), but in good systems they are minimized.

*Scotty* · « **Reply #4 on:** 24 Jun 2008, 02:32 am »

I don't bring this subject up in polite company or with strangers.
Then again I am not a social animal either.
Scotty

giantsteps · « **Reply #5 on:** 24 Jun 2008, 03:07 am »

I don't unless I sense he or she has a genuine interest.

Frank

JerryM · « **Reply #6 on:** 24 Jun 2008, 03:57 am »

"Hey, listen to this S#!t!!!"

Works evry time...

Have fun,

Jerry

Vapor Audio · « **Reply #7 on:** 24 Jun 2008, 04:08 am »

Like crack for your ear hole ...

mjosef · « **Reply #8 on:** 24 Jun 2008, 05:09 am »

mums the word... unless they visit my apt...

SET Man · « **Reply #9 on:** 24 Jun 2008, 05:23 am »

Quote from: mjosef on 24 Jun 2008, 05:09 am

mums the word... unless they visit my apt...

Hey!

Good question here Mag.

Yes, it is much easier to just put them in sweet spot and let the sound do the talking.

This is a kind of thing that need to be experience first hand to understand the full scope of how it feel.

But! The first aim should still be that we at least should try to get people interested in it.

Take care,
Buddy

Zero · « **Reply #10 on:** 24 Jun 2008, 05:48 am »

"its like sex for the ears"...

TONEPUB · « **Reply #11 on:** 24 Jun 2008, 05:54 am »

I rarely bring it up. People stop by and hear the modest system I have in the
house and I don't even take em out to the studio...

Not worth the ensuing arguments.

Though I did have a funny discussion with my two brother in laws
over the holiday season. They were both commenting on how they had
"Just paid their cars off".

To which I said: "Wow, I just paid my CD player off", and as they both
started to give me the condescending look, I said "And my CD player is
worth more than either of your cars".

So I just stay out of it!

low.pfile · « **Reply #12 on:** 24 Jun 2008, 06:39 am »

^^That's funny Jeff.

This could be an interesting thread/topic, BUT the trend seems to be that most don't even go there. That is my approach as well. I never find the need to describe the system attributes to those who are not very interested in music/audio. As a matter of fact, they really never ask. Furthermore, I am never compelled to provide a lecture on audio systems distinctions or any other sort of justification for my set up.

Even though my system is very modest (in a relative audiophile sense), occasionally, friends who visit see that I have more than a shelf sized mini system, will ask "why I have such a big stereo?" I don't get into it. I usually say something to the effect of ".... well you know I like music and I really like the music is produces."

For a few that show some interest I play music. I let them make up there own mind. No need for me to describe what they are hearing.

rabpaul · « **Reply #13 on:** 24 Jun 2008, 06:50 am »

You don't.
Can you possibly explain why you spent $3000 on a CD player when a $100 DVD player does video too?

superchad · « **Reply #14 on:** 24 Jun 2008, 06:52 am »

Just tell everyone its as good as Bose and they will actually pay attention for about 13 seconds before you loose them in your Quicksand of Audio Nerddom.

low.pfile · « **Reply #15 on:** 24 Jun 2008, 06:58 am »

Quote from: superchad on 24 Jun 2008, 06:52 am

Just tell everyone its as good as Bose and they will actually pay attention for about 13 seconds before you loose them in your Quicksand of Audio Nerddom.

Good idea!

How about..... "These are essentially Bose but mounted in real wood cabinets"? (optional:...made by elfin monks")

sts9fan · « **Reply #16 on:** 24 Jun 2008, 12:33 pm »

I never bring it up first. I also never metion it to guests unless they start the topic. Generally its not worth it.

Cacophonix · « **Reply #17 on:** 24 Jun 2008, 12:45 pm »

I never bring it up.

99 out of 100 times, they don't understand why i had to spend so much for such huge speakers when a $50 all in one players would do just fine - and that would piss me off

I've tried making them sit in the sweet spot, and have them listen to their fav music. I've had one guy say,"Its nice, but $5000 for a stereo???? You are @##@$% crazy!!" So its not worth the trouble.

Thebiker · « **Reply #18 on:** 24 Jun 2008, 01:19 pm »

My tag line says it all: If I have to explain it.......

The same goes for photography. How can you explain the satisfaction of being out to catch that "perfect sunrise" or the hot air balloon's launch shots just before the sun comes up? Unless you have the bug, you just don't get it. Both hobbies are all about what catches your senses on a level that is impossible to communicate to the average, non-addicted, person.

ecramer · « **Reply #19 on:** 24 Jun 2008, 02:24 pm »

I have tried a couple times, nothing works, even putting them in the sweet spot don't help much. Usually after i get one of my friends to sit in the sweet spot he will tell me about the surround system he picked up at wallmart and how loud it will get.

My brother in law who never has anything good to say sat down and i played him a couple of tune's looked at me and said it was the best music he had ever heard but he would never use anything like my system because he wouldn't have time to sit down and enjoy it. If i am going to to show someone my system i will start of something they are familiar with like the Eagles - Hotel California or The Doors - Riders in the storm. Then if they show any interest at all i try some Casandra Wilson or Holly Cole on them.

ED