I need advice from people in the same situation. I have been very fortunate and I am aware of this, the system I have is simply wonderful (next round of upgrades on the way as somehow I feel the system deserves the best) but even without the last couple touches it is a truly impressive system.
Everyone that has come over and heard it comments on the system both esthetically and acoustically (musical, marvelous, magical, etc. are tems I hear over and over) and I agree but then I always inwardly cringe as inevitably they want to know what it costs, and while I had the opportunity to buy an over the top system I know most can’t so I try not to answer but …
Does anyone have advice on how to politely sidestep the conversation?
It’s quite embarrassing to be asked the price of audio equipment by non-audiophile friends, and it might even be considered crazy or immoral.
I usually answer questions like these saying I’ve spent several years to build my system, underlining that unlike cars, audio gear second market and trade in opportunities can offer many chances to gradually implement it step by step.
My final line is usually: “I’m not rich enough to afford this system (the cost would be really insane) but being the result of years and years of replacements and additions makes this hobby less expensive than our wives’ shoes or purses. So I can’t say exactly how much money I spent, but could you say about your wife’s purchases over the past decades?” It almost always works! Without being insincere.
I like that approach, alas my wife’s only indulgence is travel. But the built over time might get me off the hook (or at least allow me to sidestep) and most of my friends know not to ask (I guess that makes them good friends).
When audiophile friends come over they usually tell me what it cost . And, of course they are usually in the ballpark.
When I told my audiophile friends I was getting the Cascade they thought I was crazy and were sure is would not be worth it. Likewise for other stuff I upgraded to. But every step of the way they were impressed with the results.
So if they are audiophiles just tell them… they are going to look it up anyway. Maybe mention that you did it incrementally over time and sold or traded in the replaced equipment to mitigate the cost.
With non-audiophile friends or acquaintances I just say that it’s really expensive, built it up over time, yada, yada, yada, and leave it at that. But I’ve found that most don’t even ask.
In my case my audiophile friends thought my B&W system was expensive, but the good news is very few ask. My only issue so far has been a work colleague of my wife who would not drop the subject no matter how I tried to avoid the subject.
But the reality is when they go home, I sit and enjoy! And Dan, having a Cascade and a pair of M205’s in my opinion it’s absolutely worth it. I think you have the M500’s but they simply won’t fit in my space so I am saved from the dilemma
I do not personally own a HiFi system, but I often find myself discussing this with people who ask me what I do for work or just about what we do here at MSB. I always tell them how much our components cost and most are generally baffled or bewildered that there would be such a market of people wanting to spend that much money. Most of the time it comes with a remark along the lines of “I could buy a Porsche for that much” or “I could travel the world before I spent that on audio gear” and my reply is simple: some choose to enjoy automotive craftsmanship or the freedom to travel while others would rather listen to an entire symphony in their living room or to relive a certain day they had at a concert listening to a band that hasn’t played for many years. In the end it’s a matter of what you enjoy and being fortunate enough to have the ability to enjoy a hobby at this level.
@Kevin_Turnquist Well said! I always tell people life it way to short, find what brings you happiness and joy and balance the everything else against that.
@Daniel_Gullman, I think is acceptance attainable, understanding might be a stretch
Great and fun question haha. For my non-audiophile friends I would just tell them it’s a “million dollar system” (in TWD of course which is around 30k USD) as it’s a threshold to define a (air-quote) hi-end audio system. They wouldn’t comprehend the actual costs and I’m too lazy to explain
It’s more important that they’re willing to sit down and listen a few songs for themselves and being AMAZED
I usually tell them that my system is really really expensive and ask if they truly want to know the amount. If so, I simply tell them.
And like others in this thread have already commented upon, if people reply that they would rather spend such an amount on something else, I tell them I understand and that I’m happy that they choose to spend it on the things that makes sense to them.
@dodger0629 I tried a variation, saying it’s expensive but pick a couple of your favourite tracks and tell me your thoughts, after 15-20 min of listening the conversation went from how much to WOW it sounds amazing. A friend who is a Stewart Copeland fan, was in awe over the clarity and spatial awareness (as he said it’s the first 3d stereo he’s ever heard). And nobody mentioned $ after that.
@Ron , I once tried that and got looks and snide comments from the person for a while (actually until I decided not to remain in touch), ok they weren’t really a friend more an acquaintance.
But in general I think I’m just going to ignore the topic, as @Daniel_Gullman & @Dan both say it’s about my joy and happiness not their understanding.
@Peter.Bomberg , sorry to hear you had such a negative experience. Wishing that it didn’t affect you too badly, especially when it comes to listening to and enjoying music. ;o)
@Ron my view on life is fairly simple, it’s too short to worry about the little things, take a deep breath, relax and enjoy it.
So the long term effect has been positive, keeping negative and pessimistic friends is more work than I am willing to do. I think in the long run we pick up habits of those we surround ourselves with and negativity isn’t on my list of desirable traits.
(I guess that makes them good friends).
. And, of course they are usually in the ballpark.
