Girlfriends and wifes, how do YOU cope?


I would be very interested in finding out how one manages to justify (or sneak in the home) expensive audio equipment without having to sell your soul to the Devil? It's quite a challenge for many of us I think. I heard of someone buying a Bel Canto DAC and telling his girlfriend that " Oh it's just a $ 100.00 power conditionner", or whatever. Seem like we need to get creative here if we can pursue this crazy hobby much longer! Regards All...
ampman66
Early in 2015 I started the process of possibly upgrading the four year old monitors I had in our 13x24 living room.  As I listened to more and more speakers, it became obvious to me that I'd be happier with the floor standing speakers I'd auditioned.  So my wife & and I came to the decision that I'd move the music audio system down to our family room (kids are adults, left the nest long ago), a 26x24 room, my new "man cave".

After months of auditions I ordered a pair of floor standing speakers that would have been way too large for our living room.  But in that larger room, I "needed" more amplifier power, more sub woofer capability, etc.

Waiting for the sub woofers I ordered to arrive, I got the floor standing speakers and new electronics "dialed in" to the new room.  When the subs arrived I had all sorts of troubles getting them to sound right in the "man cave", lots of standing waves and other annoying resonances.  So I learned about bass traps and proceeded to install a half dozen or so of them.

While I was mounting the first of the bass traps my wife said that, recommending I move to the "man cave" that she "unleashed a monster".

Now that I have things the way I like, it's "all good".
In the early days, it was a big deal if i  brought in new gear, cause a real fight. But since then she has become a real team player. As the sound became better she enjoyed and used a lot more. She does not make a fuss when i bring in a new gear as long as i can pay for it. The real problem now, is getting her to sell a kidney so i can get a new amp. I did tell her if she would do this i would put her on the A team.
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Sobering to realize that many of the contributors from the first few pages of this thread have gone on to the Great Big Upgrade in the Sky.

Well, I hope it’s an upgrade, but I’ve never been there. Guess it depends on how good you were in this life.

My own wife is happy if I leave her alone to watch her favorite TV shows. And I have my wood-panelled study where I can close the door and enjoy MUSIC.
^^^ I have it on good authority that the angels play alto saxophones just like Charlie Parker.