@elizabeth - I have avantgarde's and exactly the same reaction - "they
must play loud". So I always start with something soft :-)
@tpreaves - I've also built a stereo for my tastes and needs - I find that I need music in my life. But I love sharing it too, and am lucky enough to have a small number of good friends, male and female, who have a passion for music and enjoy coming around for an afternoon and a beer. Even better if they bring some new vinyl.
But most of my non-audiophile friends see my stereo as a bit of an indulgence, and don't really get it. They are intrigued to start, but rarely hear what I hear. In my experience it takes a certain sort of person who can sit in front of two speakers, close their eyes and allow themselves to be transported. Most are quickly bored, fidget for a while, and eventually need to start a conservation. So I've stopped offering to turn on my gear for most of my family and friends, and for casual acquaintances - only if they ask. Each to his or her own.
@tpreaves - I've also built a stereo for my tastes and needs - I find that I need music in my life. But I love sharing it too, and am lucky enough to have a small number of good friends, male and female, who have a passion for music and enjoy coming around for an afternoon and a beer. Even better if they bring some new vinyl.
But most of my non-audiophile friends see my stereo as a bit of an indulgence, and don't really get it. They are intrigued to start, but rarely hear what I hear. In my experience it takes a certain sort of person who can sit in front of two speakers, close their eyes and allow themselves to be transported. Most are quickly bored, fidget for a while, and eventually need to start a conservation. So I've stopped offering to turn on my gear for most of my family and friends, and for casual acquaintances - only if they ask. Each to his or her own.