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WAF, Help, Need Strategy

Hello Folks.

Nee some suggestions or stratigies.

I just got back from the house im buying, was working on laying hardwood floors, picked out the paint, and ran cables for surround in the living room. (buying the house off of her mother who wants to move due to empty nest syndrome)
It is a modest 225,000 house in denver, (houses are expencive here) The living room is about 20ft by 20ft, big enough for the TV, AV rack, surround, couple couches, recliner, plants, whatever.

I was talking with the fiancee, and she said we could put one of the couches over in a spot that I had already decided my 2 channel system would go. I mentioned that and she rolled her eyes and gave me "The look"

I know some people like having a dedicated listening room, but I feel uncomfortable being tucked away, I like being in the main living area.

I don't want to integrate HT and 2 channel, and I'm making a lot of compromises.

The surround sound setup will use a Denon 2803/3803 and Definitive Technologys Promonitor 60 setup. Nice, small, easy to conceal, and it sounds pretty darn good too.

The 2 channel system will comprise Green Mountain Audio Europa's, a Krell 300 integrated, My DVD-A player, and possible down the road a nice small Rel Subwoofer.

Neither system will be very intrusive, Im already sold on the Europa's, cheap, excellent quality, and not too big.
The Krell 300IL is a nice looking piece of machinery as well. Plus it will match the walls.

Basically, ive given up on full range floorstanders, tried to choose equipment that would match the décor, and put a lot of thought into a system we could both enjoy.

She still aint buying into the idea though. I explained how it would match the décor, I explained both systems would do a good job of blending in with the room, and would not stand out and be imposing, but im still having a hard time getting this to fly.

Any suggestions?

How did you get the wife to accept the gear you wanted, in the room you wanted it? And tricks? Tips? Suggestions?
slappy
jabenso
18 posts
 
If I were you, I would decide which you want in the living room--the HT or the 2-channel. The other goes in the basement or wherever. You have to decide which. That's your part of the compromise.

IMO A home should be a reflection of both the people living in it. She knew you were into the audio thing when she said yes -- or perhaps you knew she wasn't into it when you said yes ;-).

Explain as softly and kindly as possible that this is very important to you, and is an important to who you are. Everyone should be allowed their passions (especially if they can be enjoyed in the living room and it's completely legal).

And yes, I'm female. Also an engineer. My husband's passion is flying gliders (and it was mine for many years). I knew what he was when I married him. My passions right now are gardening and audio, and he has been admirably tolerant (the man knows when he's got it good). Our joint passions are each other, our home, our dogs and football in the winter.

Good luck, be kind to each other

Julie
sean
6,231 posts
 
Julie aka Jabenso had a wonderful response. On top of that, believe me, there will be times that she wants to watch tv or a movie and you will want to listen to music. Separate the systems for both sonic and sanity reasons. You won't be sorry for doing this and it will show her that you're willing to compromise. She'll think that she "won" and you can use it for leverage when you really need it next time : ) Sean
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mitch2
3,694 posts
 
You are talking about your main living room. Both of you view it as the focal point of the house, where you will spend most of your time, and where you will entertain friends and relatives. She probably has a significantly different concept of what that room should look like than you do. When you say you will "integrate" the system with the room, you probably mean you will set up the system where you think it will sound/look best, and position everything else around it. I can almost guarantee that is not her concept. My suggestions would be:
1. Ask her about how she would like to see the room, and really listen. After she has fully explained what she wants, you will have a better feel for how to "integrate" your ideas with hers. Somtimes spouses just need to be listened to, and if you do listen first, you can then explain your point of view and maybe negotiate an acceptable compromise (see recommendation 3).
2. As others have said, either two channel or HT but not both, unless you do as I have and integrate the two using one of the many available preamps with HT pass through so you can use the front speakers for HT also. Look at BAT, Muse, McCormack, Adcom and others for the pass through option.
3. Think of ways to "hide" the electronics, most women don't want to see them in their main living room. Unless you are talking about a dedicated listening room or HT room, the less seen the better she will probably like it. There are some nice furniture quality entertainment centers, or you could look into some other approach to "camouflage" the offending equipment. I have an antique european wardrobe, that I have gutted, reinforced and constructed equipment shelves inside of. The only equipment that can be seen are my front speakers and my BAT vk-500 amp that has its own stand. Everything else, including the television is in the wardrobe.

Let us know what you try, and how it works. Good luck.-Tim
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charker
20 posts
 
Forget the ht go good 2 channel, by the cheapest largest speakers you can find. Live with them for a month or two and at least once a week say "honey arent these wonderful!!!" After the time period you feel comforatable with come home from work one day and say "darling I shouldn't always think about myself and it was wrong of me to bring these monstrous speakers in this house against your wishes".

Sell them as quick as possible and then go find the speakers you really want, take her with you to get them, and then she will really dig on the sharing and caring thing. This proceeding scenario will allow you to get almost any speaker the second time around as long as it doesnt (1) look like a metal snowman (2) really clash with any normal home decor (3) cost more then what she thinks and your ability to persuade her add up to.

The only caveat is eminent tech and maggies. Break all rules they sound so good for money sometimes they can beat waf.
wildoats
339 posts
 
Do you really think your gonna win this one? Slappy, your toast!
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