“Civilian” reaction to your gear?


What kind of reaction do you see/get when non-gearheads see or hear your systems? 
I have gotten the full spectrum- one person called my assembly of gear obnoxious (call me obnoxious, ok, but my gear? Fighting words!). Others have been politely  (and sometimes dismissively) curious; I’ve been asked if it’s as good as Bose (I usually say “close”); and some thought this level of music reproduction at home was not possible. Many have asked what does each “box” do. 
For the genuinely curious I tell them “sit hear” followed by “what would you like to hear”? I play their choice (thank you Qobuz) and invariably the expression on their is quite positive. 

zavato

My gear is in my living room, and I sometimes leave it playing jazz while repair people are in and out.  I don't ask them to listen or make any comments.  Just leave it on while they move in and out. 

The usual comment is "wow, that sounds really good."  

It’s a varied mix with me. Some are impressed with the sound quality, others intrigued how those skinny decorative screens (Magnepan 3.7x) can make music. In general most folks don’t have critical listening skills and don’t know and or care about sound quality these days. They’re happy with their whole house system with ceiling speakers. I do get the occasional person with an "ear" that are totally knocked out, though.  It’s amazing the amount of care and money us audiophiles invest for stereo nirvana, only to have guests that are indifferent. Hmmmmm....maybe if I upgrade my cables they’ll hear a revelation. 

Out of the people in my circle of friends and family most have zero interest, they probably think I'm nuts

My son in law thinks my systems are really nice. Our love of music is the same except he is talented and can actually play and write music.   He will probably get my gear when I'm gone.  I think he is the only one that would appreciate it. 

 

Most people just ignore it.  One friend asked what all the boxes do.  Another asked me if I had any McIntosh gear.  (I do, just my MR 78.)