“Civilian” reaction to your gear?

Believe it or not, most people don't particularly notice the "Tower of Sound" in the corner, or the substantial speakers flanking the fireplace. As they gaze around the living room, their eyes just seem to pass over it all. They may simply not know what it is. 

I did have a young guy doing some amazing carpentry and build-out work for me. He cared a lot about how things work and what they look like. His first reaction was to stare, and then to go over and closely  inspect the system. I asked if he wanted to listen, to which he enthusiastically agreed. I put on a record and his face scrunched up. He said, "So it sounds like they are actually in the room." He was fully aware of and appreciated the mechanical genius of the equipment - but it was not an "emotional" experience for him. 

People like what they like. And in 2026 not too many of them are interested in exquisitely reproduced music. 

On the exposure to hifi in popular culture today - I notice that many modern TV series display hifi gear - especially turntables and vintage receivers and amps - in the scenes filmed in characters homes and apartments.  The frequency this higher for programming produced in the UK or European countries than for those here in the U.S.  This is of course not the same as having access to brick and mortar hifi shops in your neighborhood or shopping mall, but it is a “thing” now.

I set up a modest 2.1 system in the conference room of my office and my 20 and 30 something staff are blown away.  Now they are asking me questions about it and asking me what to buy for their homes.

kn

Most walk on by.  Some ask if I’m a musician. Some express sympathy or admiration to my wife…

My only home system is in my basement and it is a hybrid 5.1/2.1 set up.  Bluray and to a lesser degree streamed video and 5.1 were very good out of the box and impressed yet-to-be converted guests to the room.  Getting the 2.1 on the same or higher level took years of work and experimenting with sources and cables but I am finally there.  I make my guests come hear the stereo reproduction because I am a zealot and cannot help myself now that it is dialed in. I do have Bluetooth capability and encourage them to play something if they want. It’s not at the same level as hires files from my server or LPs, but typically better than they are used to hearing.  Some offer polite comments and some leave with astonished looks.  The purpose built room helps a ton.

My wife just rolls her eyes about all this, but does not complain about the thundering bass when Netflix launches or the smiles on my granddaughter’s face when she is dancing to Beyonce or Tony! Toni! Tone.

kn

They don't care. And I understand completely. The same as I wouldn't care about their gaming system. Although a couple have done the "What the F is that" when seeing my Linkwitz LX Minis.