Tough one.
I believe women and audio equipment don't go together well.

Even though my wife has golden ears and she can even detect a change in speaker placement or cables she still won't join me in this hobby. It's a shame. She could help me set up the living room quite well with that talent. aa
My new strategy is keep them in the dark until the deal is complete. Too many upgrades have been lost due to fear.

This time I'll take her out for supper and bring her home to meet the new family member (pre-amp) after it arrives.
The first introduction is the most important.
The first time you introduce your girlfriend to audio equipment should be the deciding factor on whether or not the relationship will work out. My girlfriend (now wife) was shocked when she saw my Mirage speakers, sub and Yamaha receiver etc. set up in our living room for the first time. Her comment "you must be kidding" was over setting up a room around the stereo.
I thought it was over a lowly Yamaha receiver.

Don't laugh. That was back when I would drool over the Bryston gear. Now I own it. aa
An observation I have made over time is it appears to be OK to upgrade if it involves selling off multiple pieces to do so.
And one last piece of advice......... DON'T EVER SAY "Once I buy this I'm done upgrading".
