wives don't get it

[larryb52]

My wife & I are having a huge difference of opinion & just curious as too how much grief other guys get when it comes to getting that sound just right. A few years ago do to health issues we had to move from a good size house to a condo & my old setup of Onkyo amp, onkyo cd player & a couple of 10B'S had to go into storage. SInce than I have been on a endless quest to get 'that' sound back & have suffered through numerous small systems with frustrating success. Well I latched onto a Polk Isonic a while ago & it seems the quest is over as it's the closest to what I was looking for. However my wife is fumming over the couple systems I have sitting to the side & the 600 I had to spend on the ISonic. I know this is trivial but I grow tired of getting a guilt trip because of my 'hobby' so to speak...sorry for being wordy...

[PolkWannabie]

Actually ... Some wives do ...

Which flavor of guilt trip are you getting ? ...

Speaker Size ?, Equipment Expenditures ? ... etc ...

There are ways to deal with each of these or at least make it better ...

[larryb52]

she said the Isonic doesn't sound any different than the JVC small system I replaced & I know I can hear a difference in the highs & lows, she complaining over the price as I play mostly cd's and it's more of radio (as she sees it) In other words I've spent too much money...

[Willow]

well I have gone through many systems, to which my wife never heard the difference till we moved from a sat/sub to my towers. even recently with the addition of the monoblocks, she said it sounds richer and more full but also says she can't hear that much difference.
We have had many discussions and I'm sure we will continue. What I figures out that works is deal, quid pro quo. So My wife has wanted to travel so in the past two years we've been to 3 different countries in the south, in return I get to buy a piece or two or three of gear a year. When one item is bought and replaces another, the other must either be sold, added to her system in the bedroom, or given to a family member, friend or charity.
The I always say, I could be spending my ..our money on crap, gambling,drugs, drinking, nudiebars and so forth.. but No I buy for the household..usually works

[RuSsMaN]

Give her five across the eyes, and tell her to get her bitch ass in the kitchen and make you some pie.

[Refefer]

It's all about compromise. You're buying it for yourself, and she'll get her kitchen renovated or a new buisness suit, or who knows what. Tit for tat, right?

[danger boy]

well.. do you involve your wife in the shopping process when you are looking to puchase something audiowise? I think alot of spouses (not all of course) would feel better if they were brought in early in the demo/buying of audio gear.

It's mostly a male hobby... just like power tools and BBQ grillin are as well. :) I"m not being sexist... i know lots of women who can kick my ass in all the above mentioned skills.. but I think some spouses would enjoy being involved in the buying processs. But you also have to be willing to be involved in something she/he is interested in as well... so choose wisely. :eek: ;)

[Willow]

Juts be glad she didn't make you buy those little black cube things which are attached to some big black box, which is advertised on late night infomercials.

[larryb52]

I took her to Tweeter (where I purchased it) & asked her what she thought as I liked the setup. But she just gave me the usual it sounds 'nice' routine which is what I usually get & yea I did the tit-for-tat thing & bought her the light fixtures she wanted for the kitchen but everyonce in a while I just get that speach about how much my stuff costs to the cost of her stuff. She has admitted grudging that her music sound 'pretty good' & I've caught her playing cd's on it though she swears she doesn't know how to work it. I think it's a wives club thing where they just like to complain for complaining sake...oh I go to her crafts shows 4 times a year while she shops through for what seems like an eternity...

[cfrizz]

If you take a more serious interest in music, men & women you will get it. If you don't, you won't.

It will just be so much noise & not worth more than having a boom box to play it on.

[petrym]

My wife and I went together to pick out the HT, we figured out the budget and I got to pick out what I wanted. My wife rocks! :)

[PolkWannabie]

Larry,

If money is an issue and you haven't done this already then think about having your money, my money and our money ... "our" money is what is used to pay for all non discretionary items ... mortgage, taxes, utilities, food, repairs etc ... individuals money gets used for whatever the individual wants ...

[larryb52]

maybe just an mid age thing for us both of course. Also I can't say I don't trun systems over early. My old system always had the 10's in it but I turn over amps, etc about 2-3 years or so, the move has just been tough it's hard to replace a large system with something smaller. I like the ISonic because of it's ability to get the lows right with out sacrificing something else. Of course with the condo a large system was out & she has me limited on what part of TV unit I can use...

[Shizelbs]

Best thing I ever did for my audio hobby as it pertains to my wife is buy a bunch of music that she likes. Play what she listens to. She'll come around and understand the purchases.

The other day she came home from work asking if we could go to a jazz club someday soon. I did a little Tiger Woods fist pump in my head.

[BaggedLancer]

Larry,

If money is an issue and you haven't done this already then think about having your money, my money and our money ... "our" money is what is used to pay for all non discretionary items ... mortgage, taxes, utilities, food, repairs etc ... individuals money gets used for whatever the individual wants ...

From stories I have heard though is that wives don't under the "my" money part. There is our money, her money and her money(which is your money).:rolleyes:

Keep an off shore bank account, have the statements mailed to a PO box, and never discuss it. :p :sarcasm:

[PolkWannabie]

Hey whatever ... What audio / video equipment I buy, how much it costs, how big the speakers or TV are, how far they stick out in the room are for me pretty much a non issue ... Fortunately my wife is more concerned with the results then the process although she'll willingly participate in some aspects of it if I ask her to like a recent DLP purchase where I wanted her opinion about picture etc.

[larryb52]

I work for a bank so a 2nd acct wouldn't be a problem but for 30 years have always been honest. Perhaps go home & play a bunch of her music would be the solution as I'm sure it would sound great & get her into the flow of things. I am such a control person of sorts, need to be more flexable and maybe she'll hear that sound that works for me...

[dragon1952]

and tell her to get her bitch ass in the kitchen and make you some pie.

LOL! I used that line at a family gathering a while back and it has now become my brother's (and his 10 yr old daughter's) favorite expression. Although sometimes it's truncated and/or modified as in 'shuddup and get your bitch-ass in the kitchen' or something similar. And it can be whispered (so as not to piss off the 'wrong' person) and provide a great 'inside joke' between two or more players 'in the know'. A wonderfully versatile phrase and evidently perfect for that father/daughter bonding process that's so important :D

[PolkThug]

I gave my wife the "My money is my money" speech before we even got engaged. Its part of the official P-Thuggy screening process. Likewise, I'm not allowed to complain when she buys whatever.

[Demiurge]

My wife & I are having a huge difference of opinion & just curious as too how much grief other guys get when it comes to getting that sound just right. A few years ago do to health issues we had to move from a good size house to a condo & my old setup of Onkyo amp, onkyo cd player & a couple of 10B'S had to go into storage. SInce than I have been on a endless quest to get 'that' sound back & have suffered through numerous small systems with frustrating success. Well I latched onto a Polk Isonic a while ago & it seems the quest is over as it's the closest to what I was looking for. However my wife is fumming over the couple systems I have sitting to the side & the 600 I had to spend on the ISonic. I know this is trivial but I grow tired of getting a guilt trip because of my 'hobby' so to speak...sorry for being wordy...

I'm not married, but I believe couples should respect one anothers differing hobbies, especially if it's one you had before you met -- as well as safe and legal. ;) Assuming you're not getting out of control with it and you can afford it, you shouldn't be getting guilt for this at all.

Doesn't she have things she enjoys, like shoes? ;) :D My girlfriend had more frickin' shoes than were needed by any human being, IMO, but hell, she could afford it and I knew about it going in.

We all have our various hobbies, and I'd say audio is a lot healthier than other hobbies out there.

[zombie boy 2000]

My wife supports my audio hobby. I support her meth habit. Tit for tat.

[McLoki]

We went together to purchase our first Sub/Sat system (Polk RM-6600) With Onkyo 777AVR.

I moved from that to my LSiC, LSi7 (fronts) with RM6600 rears - she heard a slight difference. (but not much)
added the cinepro amp - no difference,
Replaced the Polk PSW-350 sub with an SVS 25-31cs+ - No difference,
Replaced the rear RM-6600 with LSi7's - No difference,
replaced the front LSi7's with LSi15's - No difference,
replaced the Onkyo 777AVR with an NAD T-163preamp - No difference.

Basically the only the only change she has heard was my initial change from the RM-6600 to the LSI front stage and that was only slight. (in her words) I am sure if she had to, she would be able to tell but honestly, I really don't think she cares that much. She knows I am interested in it (and think I hear a difference) so she puts up with my spending, but I do find it infuriating at times.

I have thought about hooking up our old system and playing some tracks for comparison between my current system and the RM-series, but while I am sure the difference will be great, I am equally sure she really won't care about the differences.

She has her hobbies and I have mine. I enjoy my system greatly and so does she, but I know she would be just as happy watching movies on our old system. To each their own.

Michael

[larryb52]

You see the sony shelf system I had was like 300 & the ISonic is 600 , she see's the $'s doesn't hear the difference, you have to remove the $ in your head. As I try to explain to hear when I listen to set ups in stores is to close your eyes & listen & pick out the intruments being played & listen for the sound stage, I trully think she tries but after she listens she always asks the price!, it's about sound, price is just one of the factors that come after select listening...

[McLoki]

Budget always factors in. I usually listen to as many speakers (or electronics) as I can from the highest lines carried in the local stores. From there I decide what I like and then try and find as close to that as possible within my budget. It takes alot of time and effort (more than my wife is willing to put into a hobby she does not care that much about) so the only part that matters to her is the budget side of things.

From her perspective the most annoying part of this hobby is the "never done" aspect of it. It is not a matter of double my budget and I will get something I will never want to upgrade. I am in a constant upgrade process. I have finally reached a point though that my upgrades are at least slowing down. (on the down side they are also getting more expensive)

I just try to look at it from both of our perspectives and discuss purchases with her prior to getting them. That way even if she does not agree that something needs upgraded, she understands why I think it should be....

Michael

[PolkWannabie]

You see the sony shelf system I had was like 300 & the ISonic is 600 , she see's the $'s doesn't hear the difference, you have to remove the $ in your head.
LOL ... Tell her to follow the links in my sig and then let her know how lucky she is with your modest desires ... I apparently couldn't do any shelf in the rack for $600 let alone the speakers or TV and that's second hand ...

[larryb52]

I use to be worse as in thousands, so I could see the beef than but I got less grief when I was younger or maybe I just didn't listen that well...

[pblanc]

If your wife isn't getting it, what exactly are you expecting the forum members to do?

[Deadof_knight]

Mine doesnt really support it . Somtime she asks when I got someting. But she knows its my hobby and she has her's, she did say she could hear the difference when I got the 1.2's. Made me feel good but I had to sell(plant the seed) the 1.2's too her over the period of 6 to 8 months .I got the money and got her to say yea might as well since you got your money together. OK I showed her the ones HT had first and she was like eeew no! So I bought them anyways and talked to her about the black tv and the speakers matching(working her like putty) She really liked the tv so I was golden. I knew it would take a while to get them home...so I had plenty of time too get her to accept them as her decision.......I didnt tell her I bought them until I was bringing them in the door one morning after I got back from a job. I had just hooked the TV up a week prior.Samsung LNS-4095. Glossy Black hehehe and show them to her and she was like those really are nice........But then I started to think hmmm who was working who because with a good wife you can never tell but who the hell cares now ...There in the Living room!

[Rivrrat]

My wife said we're buying a 50" plasma, I said fine. I said we're following it up with a new a/v receiver and the surround speakers I want, she said fine.

The latest discussion was I'm thinking about replacing our 10b's, that she helped pick out in 85. All she did was ask me to wait until the all star soccer team I'm coaching and our doughter plays on is done traveling for the season.

It's nice when your wife gets it.

[cfrizz]

LarryB I think you said it all in your first post..."I have been on a endless quest..."

That endless quest has cost how many thousands of dollars & how many years? Unless you have endless money & space I would be pitching a fit as well.

I love good audio equipment, but I won't endlessly keep changing out equipment looking for that elusive sound! The vast majority of my equipment is 17 yrs old. Why? Because I did it right the first time!

I understand that this is a hobby for some, but it's a damn expensive hobby which when it impacts 2 people can become a bone of contention.

Thank God I live alone, but am also practical to know when to say enough is enough!

[Sami]

Haha, mine said she never thought about the sound quality as she never took the time to sit down and "listen". In other words to her music is something in the background or something to dance to (which she loves to do). Well, I recently put together a bedroom system, fairly decent for the money in my opinion; Lexicon CP-1 as preamp (free, thanks to Russman), Luxman D-100 CD-P, Rotel RB-890 amp and SVS 25-31CS with a plate amp, plus Polk LSi7's.

So I put in some Sade late at night, asked her if she thinks it's nice to have some sound in the bedroom as well. "Yes....but", but what, "but it doesn't sound as nice as the other system". Oh, really? Well, maybe it's because the SVS isn't hooked up yet. "Maybe, I don't know. It just doesn't sound as good." Then she actually ranked the system, which one sounded the best.

1. Polk LSi15's biamped with B&K AVP5000, SVS PCU, HK AVR-7200, Toshiba HD-XA1

2. Dahlquist DQ-10's, 15" DIY sub, Aragon 2004, HK3375, Toshiba HD-A1

3. The bedroom setup.

To me it's a hard decision between the two, apples to oranges really but I have to give it to her, the bedroom setup isn't as nice sounding. Maybe it's the room, maybe it's the lack of SVS present, maybe it's the brightness of the Lexicon, or something else. What I'm glad about is that she actually said something about the sound quality!!! :)

And no, she doesn't bitch about my audio purchases. "It's your money, I don't care. If you want it, get it." Sometimes she actually pushes me to buy new toys. "You want it so buy it, stop thinking about it." Of course, we are newlyweds so that might change someday. ;)

[daboyz]

Catch her at the right time of month!

[Huck344]

It's all relative. Women have no qualms about buying a $1000 purse or owning a hundred pair of shoes. I'm not married yet (thank God!) but remember having an argument with an ex who complained about some of the things I would buy. I'll admit the batting cage wasn't the smartest of purchases. When I asked her why she cared so much, she told me because I could be spending that money on her! Hmmmm. . .true colors!

[MillerLiteScott]

I got the evil eye as I came into the house toting and trying to hide 3 16"X16" slate tile. I think my wife was even pissed. I went into the basement and placed the tile and she poked her head down to see what my 2 year old was doing and what I was doing with another look of disgust.

@ 10 minutes I went back upstairs elated with my $11 tweek and told her how happy I was. Wife not so much.

We came down to watch The Police play on The Grammys on DVR and about halfway through the song she said " It does sound better."

I guess for me it more of the journey to the destination and for my wife it is more the destination.

I also like to sail. Go figure.

[PolkWannabie]

Ergo the beauty of buying used ... One can make a lot of swaps of equipment without spending a ton of money ...

[cfrizz]

Nice generalizations there Daboyz & Huck!

When it comes to money there is no right or wrong time of month for anyone.

And as for shopping, I can't stand to shop & I damn sure won't spend $1000 on a purse, shoes, or any other article of clothing.

Are there some women who like to shop? Absolutely, but not all.

Again if you are single knock yourself out. Joey certainly does! LOL

But if you are married, it's about compromise & common sense. If you are in debt up to your ears, you have no business buying new gear. That's money that should be spent on getting rid of that debt. If you have more gear than space to comfortably live without tripping over it, then you need to figure out what stays & what goes.

I like new gear just as much as anyone, but it is NOT my top priority. If you put shopping for gear above major debt, keeping a roof over your head & food on the table, then you need a reality check!

[phipiper10]

My problem is where is the line?

We have not debt other than the house.
We have two good cars with no payments.
My wife stays at home with the kids.

Do we have college savings for our 1 and 4 yr old - no.
Are we on a plan where we can retire at 50 or 60 - no.

Can I afford to spend $1500 on new speakers???????? I don't know the answer ( it's partly rhetorical). I'll be happy but should that money be for moving to a new house, college, retirement or a family vacation?

When you look at the big picture speakers seem silly. I don't think they are but how do I put speakers before those other things.

Damn being Catholic...now I feel guilty even thinking abou it! :eek:

[cfrizz]

ROFLMAO!!! Great post Phipiper!

With that said, you should put that 1500 towards an IRA for your retirement, if you have 401k's put as much as you can into them. Do you really still want to be working at 60?

As for college savings, the best thing you could do is make them pay the bulk of it themselves, they will appreciate it more & study harder since they will have the responsibility of earning it for themselves.

My problem is where is the line?

We have not debt other than the house.
We have two good cars with no payments.
My wife stays at home with the kids.

Do we have college savings for our 1 and 4 yr old - no.
Are we on a plan where we can retire at 50 or 60 - no.

Can I afford to spend $1500 on new speakers???????? I don't know the answer ( it's partly rhetorical). I'll be happy but should that money be for moving to a new house, college, retirement or a family vacation?

When you look at the big picture speakers seem silly. I don't think they are but how do I put speakers before those other things.

Damn being Catholic...now I feel guilty even thinking abou it! :eek:

[Dennis Gardner]

My wife can't hear "any" differences in any of the systems that I have put together, so we came upon a compromise that works best for us.

I have my own "ManRoom" that I am allowed to fill with separates of my choice, 2 channel and HT rigs (towers, couch sub, 8 ft. screen with DLP projector, & amps galore) as long as her living room's gear is easy to run with minimal remotes.

Her only complaint has been when I have quite a bit of gear that doesn't get used and relegated to storage that takes up closet space. I can see her point with this and have vowed to part with the stuff I will likely never use again.

She has been really supportive of any hobby that I got wrapped up with, and just laughs it off as "big boys with their big toys".

[wingnut4772]

Mine is a nightmare and she prefers to listen to her cds on the Sponge Bob alarm clock radio in the garage.

[larryb52]

my quest was to get the sound that my 10b's and my larger unit gave me that was the frustrating quest...sorry if I didn't state that clearly...

LarryB I think you said it all in your first post..."I have been on a endless quest..."

That endless quest has cost how many thousands of dollars & how many years? Unless you have endless money & space I would be pitching a fit as well.

I love good audio equipment, but I won't endlessly keep changing out equipment looking for that elusive sound! The vast majority of my equipment is 17 yrs old. Why? Because I did it right the first time!

I understand that this is a hobby for some, but it's a damn expensive hobby which when it impacts 2 people can become a bone of contention.

Thank God I live alone, but am also practical to know when to say enough is enough!

[Joey_V]

My gf doesnt necessarily support my hobby, but she finds it endearing. I dont even know exactly what that word means, but as long as she isnt on my tail... I suppose it's not a bad thing.

Only thing is that she does get angry if I end up taking her to audio shops on the way home from dinner... so I've concluded that girls and speakers dont mix.

[madmax]

I'm afraid I have to go with russman on this one. Whats your favorite pie? :)
madmax

[pblanc]

Girls and speakers don't mix? Go to this link and scroll down to third photo on right hand side.

[tonyb]

Uh-oh.....Joey,the word "Endearing" means after your married,
That shits out the door.

[pblanc]

Sorry, here is the link: http://philip.greenspun.com/materialism/stereo

[cfrizz]

:D Endearing means that to her, it is simply a part of your natural charm & she likes it.

Girls & speakers do not mix AFTER DINNER! Honestly Joey you are with your gf, you can't think of anything better to do than stop off to visit an audio shop?:rolleyes: :eek:

With your schedule, you can't have a lot of free time to be with her so dragging in your hobby while you are with her is just unacceptable!

She is willing to share you with your hobby however, she is NOT willing to share you while you are with HER unless it involves candle light and dancing to music coming out of your stereo! GOT IT?:D


My gf doesnt necessarily support my hobby, but she finds it endearing. I dont even know exactly what that word means, but as long as she isnt on my tail... I suppose it's not a bad thing.

Only thing is that she does get angry if I end up taking her to audio shops on the way home from dinner... so I've concluded that girls and speakers dont mix.

[cfrizz]

This may also be true since by then Joey should have the ultimate systems known to man put together. So that money can be put towards a house to put them in!:D

Uh-oh.....Joey,the word "Endearing" means after your married,
That shits out the door.

[AndyGwis]

Russman, I usually go with "and make me a sandwich" at the end of your epitat. But, to each his own. I think my version comes from Cartman.

My GF has been surprisingly supportive of my recent habit. Maybe it's because I've convinced her that by buying used gear, then selling it later, I can pretty much break even. However, I agree with her than my recent gear hording has got to stop, or I need to buy a house to have more space for "inventory."

I have come home to find some of her CDs in the bedroom system. And, like Sami's lady, she has ranked the systems in terms of sound quality, which is a very good sign. She's also on more than one occassion asked to and blare Eric Clapton DVD "Wonderful Tonight" as we dance in the moonlight and make out.

So, as long as I can start selling some of this stuff I've got piling up for what I bought it for, I'll be good to go :)

[daboyz]

Gentle, CFRIZZ. Just joking. But been married 14 yrs and there is a little truth to it, at least with us. She'll be the first to tell ya.

[tonyb]

:D Endearing means that to her, it is simply a part of your natural charm & she likes it.

Girls & speakers do not mix AFTER DINNER! Honestly Joey you are with your gf, you can't think of anything better to do than stop off to visit an audio shop?:rolleyes: :eek:

With your schedule, you can't have a lot of free time to be with her so dragging in your hobby while you are with her is just unacceptable!

She is willing to share you with your hobby however, she is NOT willing to share you while you are with HER unless it involves candle light and dancing to music coming out of your stereo! GOT IT?:D

ROCK ON CATHY........WOHOOOOOOO!!!!

[beardog03]

I can`t afford it...I`m outta control..
I admit it
:D
My wife is on me like a cheap suit every damn minute of everyday...complaining about "all that stereo stuff"..."I`m trying to retire", "how much did that cost"?...."you already have two of those"..."you don`t need another one"....

excetera..excetera..blah, blah, woof, woof..!!

I`m on the other side of a divorce daily...
She digs it while I`m playing what she wants, when she wants...

It`s just a money thing...we`re always broke

and I`m eyeballing a new Cary pre, and some tube amps..!!


I will have my tubes Damn it !!!






so I bought her a new car...:rolleyes:

Dodge Magnum

shut her up for a little while....until I mentioned Mono Blocks..!!!

I`m a Sic man...:D

[Joey_V]

:D Endearing means that to her, it is simply a part of your natural charm & she likes it.

Girls & speakers do not mix AFTER DINNER! Honestly Joey you are with your gf, you can't think of anything better to do than stop off to visit an audio shop?:rolleyes: :eek:

With your schedule, you can't have a lot of free time to be with her so dragging in your hobby while you are with her is just unacceptable!

She is willing to share you with your hobby however, she is NOT willing to share you while you are with HER unless it involves candle light and dancing to music coming out of your stereo! GOT IT?:D

Eep! Sorry Cathy!

You got me there!

:( :p ;)

[McLoki]

Mine is a nightmare and she prefers to listen to her cds on the Sponge Bob alarm clock radio in the garage.
At least move Sponge Bob into the kitchen so she can listen to some tunes while baking you some pies.... :)

Micheal

[BaggedLancer]

In the 2 pages of this thread I have come to 1 conclusion to deal with wives:


Bribes

Cars, clothes, purses, furniture, remodeling, vacation all = bribes.

[pblanc]

Dog bribes: chew toys, milkbones, soft bed, walks.
All much cheaper. My advice: go with dogs, easier to maintain, more affectionate, and you get to pick out a new one ever 10-15 years.

[pblanc]

(and dogs don't talk)

[cfrizz]

No Mark, the way to deal with wives = compromise & moderation! DO NOT FOLLOW BEARDOGS example!:eek: :p ;) :D

In the 2 pages of this thread I have come to 1 conclusion to deal with wives:


Bribes

Cars, clothes, purses, furniture, remodeling, vacation all = bribes.

[Deadof_knight]

There always glad to see you even if you smell like another dog......

[TennesseeOutlaw]

I must be lucky.. I am not married, but I have a girlfriend of almost 3 years, and she absolutely loves home theater and listening to music at damn near deafinin' levels. She had never heard a home theater before we met. By the third of fourth time she came over to my place, she had already taken control of the 4 remotes!! She loves her "disney" cartoon movies, i.e Shrek, The Incredibles, Ice Age, etc.etc. So, everytime I get me a couple of dvd's or cd's I just make sure to pick up the newest "toon" on the market.. Fortunately, for my sake, I love the movies too, and she doesnt even know that I am really purchasing them for myself and NOT her!! LOL As far as the upgrade thing goes, which I am in the process of doing now, I dont know yet if she will notice a "big" enough difference in sound to justify the rather large jump in funds.. I will get back to ya on that..

BTW, whenever I go and look at a new place (house, condo, appt.) I always look to see where all my stereo equipment is going first.. Where is there a solid 3 wall back where the tv and speakers go? If there isnt a good enough spot, that place is generally taken off of the list.. Long story short, WE go and look at a house, about 2450 sq. ft., and a really nice house.. There wasnt 2 closed off walls in the entire house, except of course the bedrooms, and my girlfriend turns to me and says this isnt going to work.. We get back out to the car and I asked her what the problem was, and she tells me, I didnt see a good place to put MYYY home theater and tv at!! LMAO

[BaggedLancer]

No Mark, the way to deal with wives = compromise & moderation! DO NOT FOLLOW BEARDOGS example!:eek: :p ;) :D


You can't deny the fact that it works :D

[Willow]

[QUOTE=cfrizz]I love good audio equipment, but I won't endlessly keep changing out equipment looking for that elusive sound! The vast majority of my equipment is 17 yrs old. Why? Because I did it right the first time!/QUOTE]

Cathy, where were you when I started out...could of used your AudioBible sort of speak. You should write a beginnners guide to Audio.
She's got great gear cause she's SMART !

[pblanc]

Compromise and moderation is a sound policy for dealing with just about any facet of life. Now if we could just teach that to the damn Republicans and Democrats.

[cfrizz]

:D You are lucky!:D I also did the same thing when I went to check out my apt. I picked out which wall I was going to put my tv stereo rack & speakers.

I figured out where the rest of the stuff went, the day I moved in!:D


I must be lucky.. I am not married, but I have a girlfriend of almost 3 years, and she absolutely loves home theater and listening to music at damn near deafinin' levels. She had never heard a home theater before we met. By the third of fourth time she came over to my place, she had already taken control of the 4 remotes!! She loves her "disney" cartoon movies, i.e Shrek, The Incredibles, Ice Age, etc.etc. So, everytime I get me a couple of dvd's or cd's I just make sure to pick up the newest "toon" on the market.. Fortunately, for my sake, I love the movies too, and she doesnt even know that I am really purchasing them for myself and NOT her!! LOL As far as the upgrade thing goes, which I am in the process of doing now, I dont know yet if she will notice a "big" enough difference in sound to justify the rather large jump in funds.. I will get back to ya on that..

BTW, whenever I go and look at a new place (house, condo, appt.) I always look to see where all my stereo equipment is going first.. Where is there a solid 3 wall back where the tv and speakers go? If there isnt a good enough spot, that place is generally taken off of the list.. Long story short, WE go and look at a house, about 2450 sq. ft., and a really nice house.. There wasnt 2 closed off walls in the entire house, except of course the bedrooms, and my girlfriend turns to me and says this isnt going to work.. We get back out to the car and I asked her what the problem was, and she tells me, I didnt see a good place to put MYYY home theater and tv at!! LMAO

[cfrizz]

I don't know how smart I am rather than lucky & practical!

I didn't have or make a lot of money, I still don't. With equipment that costs this much money I have to get my moneys worth out of it. It is designed to last for years, so it just makes good sense to get the best you can afford at the time that you know you will keep for years! So I made damn sure that it was gear that I liked & sounded terrific!

After I purchased my 1st real system in 1990 consisting of my Polk speakers, Rotel CD, preamp, & amp along with an Onkyo tape deck I didn't make a change until 13-14 yrs later to get my Denon receiver. And that was only because I had run out of imputs & wanted to get into HT!

The Rotel gear now resides with my brother & going strong, I still have the tape deck, & speakers. The rest is newer, but 4-5 yrs old. Some of it bought from the good members here.

As I said Willow, it's all about practicality & common sense for me!:)

Anyone can do that!:D

[QUOTE=cfrizz]I love good audio equipment, but I won't endlessly keep changing out equipment looking for that elusive sound! The vast majority of my equipment is 17 yrs old. Why? Because I did it right the first time!/QUOTE]

Cathy, where were you when I started out...could of used your AudioBible sort of speak. You should write a beginnners guide to Audio.
She's got great gear cause she's SMART !

[Huck344]

Nice generalizations there Daboyz & Huck!

When it comes to money there is no right or wrong time of month for anyone.

And as for shopping, I can't stand to shop & I damn sure won't spend $1000 on a purse, shoes, or any other article of clothing.

Are there some women who like to shop? Absolutely, but not all.

Again if you are single knock yourself out. Joey certainly does! LOL

But if you are married, it's about compromise & common sense. If you are in debt up to your ears, you have no business buying new gear. That's money that should be spent on getting rid of that debt. If you have more gear than space to comfortably live without tripping over it, then you need to figure out what stays & what goes.

I like new gear just as much as anyone, but it is NOT my top priority. If you put shopping for gear above major debt, keeping a roof over your head & food on the table, then you need a reality check!

Cfrizz: You are right, I was making a generalization based on my personal experience. I know not all women spend a thousand dollars on purses and shoes. If anything it's my fault for always dating the high maintenance types!!!

[MSALLA]

You see the sony shelf system I had was like 300 & the ISonic is 600 , she see's the $'s doesn't hear the difference, you have to remove the $ in your head. As I try to explain to hear when I listen to set ups in stores is to close your eyes & listen & pick out the intruments being played & listen for the sound stage, I trully think she tries but after she listens she always asks the price!, it's about sound, price is just one of the factors that come after select listening...

Next time she wants some jewelry, tell her the CZ looks just as good as the diamond and the increase in price is not worth it. I bet she will then see the light.

[PolkWannabie]

I bet she will then see the light.
Only from the perspective of looking through a real or fake piece of jewelry ... Which interestingly enough most jewelers would have trouble with ... some even with a loop ...

[larryb52]

I played a couple hours of her music & I think she get's where I'm coming from...in fact got a request for another of her favorite cd's...

[PolkWannabie]

Go Go Go ...

[venomclan]

This whole thread is why I stick with Hookers...

Seriously though, I find women to be very visual. My wife hated the Polk RT16's I had. Not because they were Polk's, but because they were large, uninteresting, faux wood vinear ebony. I later bought a pair of Red Cherry B&W's, her grandmother thought they were antique furniture. A small victory for my hobby after that day. She still hates all the wires and many components. But as long as the bills are paid and I am not selling blood to purchase new I/C's, we are good. I just need to build a mancave and put a large NO MAA'M sign on the door like on Married With Children.
Venom

[Polkersince85]

My wife bought me my first set of Polk M10B in 1985. They have been with me for over 22 years. She was with me for 18 years. Listening to my Polks without her.... Priceless.

[markmarc]

My wife doesn't understand, but she does know that it makes me happy. Any money I make from buying, then reselling on eBay is mine to spend in any fashion I want. It also doesn't hurt that I make sure to play music we both enjoy fairly regularly. Our hobby doesn't have to be a battleground, afterall, she has her hobbies I don't find the least bit interesting.

[Polk65]

At least move Sponge Bob into the kitchen so she can listen to some tunes while baking you some pies.... :)

Micheal

Thanks for the laugh. My screen is covered with soda water. ;)

Remember to bring up in any arguments today that flowers die and speakers live.

[wingnut4772]

At least move Sponge Bob into the kitchen so she can listen to some tunes while baking you some pies.... :)

Micheal

Good idea! :D

[MSALLA]

Look on the bright side. It's Valentine's day, chances are pretty good she'll get it tonight;)