“Civilian” reaction to your gear?

I don’t turn on my system if I know they are just curious? They won’t appreciate it anyway, especially if they ask the price.If they insist maybe? 

When someone is interested enough to ask me what my system sounds like, I ask them if they'd care to judge for themselves.  When they do, I have them sit on the couch, ask what they'd like to hear, hand them the amp remote, show them how to safely adjust the volume and observe the reaction.  The reactions, thus far, have been invariable and universal (i.e.  a shocked facial expression, quickly followed by "Wow" and then, a few minutes later, "How much does all of that cost?".

Less than 10% have any interest. And it's usually about the vinyl collection and TT.  Or the Magnepan 3.7's.  And maybe 5% want to hear something.  

Most of my gear is in a big cabinet that's closed. Can't hide the Acoustats or ARC amp though. 

"Those are speakers!?" "Those are tubes, right? Didn't know they still made those."

And one of my faves, women visitors while looking at my wife: "You let him have those??" Almost invariably, we're a happier couple than they are. Just sayin'...

A few years ago I was playing music for my visiting late father-in-law. He turned to me and said "I finally understand what the word 'stereo' means." I miss him!

Happy listening.

Are those air purifiers?  That was the response of my woman’s friend.  She was asking about the speakers.