Your spouse or family, Whose opinion impacts your audio purchase decision?

[Paul]

"Happy wife, Happy Life" - I do understand that but how much does your wife/family member's opinion affect you are making an audio purchase decision? If your wife said "No" then you going to give up on your dream gear? So far never happened to me ( lucky I guess ) but how about you?

[Andik777]

I buy what I want without giving explanations to my wife or my daughters. I love them and everything I do is with respect. (they understand that I have pacion for the music)

[Jim Treanor]

When my wife and I started going together 38 years ago, she let me drill holes through her carpet and hardwood floor so I could run Fulton Gold speaker cable from the entry closet she let me have as the system's electronics rack to my cobbled-together DIY speakers in her living room. (That's not why I asked her to marry me, but if you've ever seen Fulton Gold, you know how big a "give" that was.)

When a local dealer closed up shop here a few years ago, I brought home a purchased pair of his demo Paradigm bookshelf speakers and mentioned that he had a pair of demo floorstanders available. "They look like these?" my wife asked. "Same finish, same width, but taller," I replied. "How much are they?" she said. I told her. "Then I'll pay half, Jim."

She'd never call herself "audiophile", but she has a good ear and an appreciation of good music. She may shake her head (sometimes vigorously) at the way I've "decorated" the walls of our bedroom and living-dining room with acoustic panels, but she hears the difference they--and power cords, interconnect and speaker cables, and DACs--make. So you're not the only one who's been lucky.

For the rest of you who are unattached--sorry, she doesn't have a sister.

[SuperDave]

My wife supports my audio addiction. She can't understand why I always save the boxes...we have a few throughout the house. She did take the time to call my dealer and ask what kind of cable I needed and ordered a new Transparent Ref IC and surprised me for Father's Day a couple years back. She's a keeper!!

Dave

[Mike]

I buy what I want without giving explanations to my wife or my daughters. I love them and everything I do is with respect. (they understand that I have pacion for the music)

Same here. Iza Biza!


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[Tubes]

My wife supports my audio addiction, I guess because it predates our 35 year marriage by about 10-15 years. She would never tell me not to buy something because she knows that I set my own reasonable limits on my stereo purchases. There are some pieces I'd love to own, but I'm just too cheap to part with that much money.

[still-one]

I discussed the purchase of my speakers and amps with my wife due to the cost. She didn't have an issue but doesn't understand how audio gear can cost do much. I had no answer for that. I can't get my head around it let alone explain it.

[puroagave]

the single/divorced among us are smug in knowing we don't have to play those frivolous games "You bought new cables? then I'm buying a new pair of shoes!" tit for tat nonsense. WAF? eff that

[Tubes]

the single/divorced among us are smug in knowing we don't have to play those frivolous games "You bought new cables? then I'm buying a new pair of shoes!" tit for tat nonsense. WAF? eff that

I'm glad that my wife has never displayed such nonsense and immaturity with me. When spouses begin keeping score, the marriage is doomed.

[ahofer]

I moved my main rig into our living room years ago because I wanted to sit together while I listened to music (and now we live in an apartment and there ain't no other option). Since it goes in the living room, I try to take my wife's cosmetic issues into account. She doesn't tell me no, and I don't force anything on her that would make her uncomfortable.

I've never had an urge to own any of those big, brightly colored horn speakers anyway. Back in the day I really wanted some Duntech Sovereigns, but never bought them. I had big Magnepans for a while.

[Audio 1]

My wife is always 100% supportive of my audio addiction. She may not understand why, but she knows that this has been my joy for many years.
She even endures 2-3 shows annually!

[UltraFast69]

I just have to manage my time in all sectors to keep the peace, and no questions on what I do, no matter what I do - the family has zero interest.




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[jdandy]

Marlene never had any issues with my audio obsessions. What she did do was nod her head in a yes gesture and say "Sure, Dan" each time I said I'm done. Quite insightful.

[Mr Peabody]

A lot of this sounds familiar, the boxes, no one else in the fam having interest, and my wife generally lets me be with my purchases. My youngest daughter does come down sometimes and talks me into playing stuff she likes.

I did sort of give into my wife one time early in our marriage. We only had the one living room for my music and the TV, and the room the front door led into. I really wanted to buy a set of Electro-Voice Pro 15" 2-way monitors, well, they were pretty big. The sticking point though seemed to be the carpet veneer. Although in an attractive black, she just couldn't be convinced road carpet was an acceptable décor. So I opted for my 2nd choice which was a set of Infinity Kappa 7's.

[CPP]

I buy what I want without giving explanations to my wife or my daughters. I love them and everything I do is with respect. (they understand that I have pacion for the music)

I tried that ONCE. I bought a pair of Kef speakers, didn't tell the wife, she went out and bought a Lexus. I now tell her everything I buy after all we are both retired so large purchases are an impact to the old retirement funds and daily living,.
Now she is really into my classic car hobby and photography and kayaking which she participates in, but audio, she has no real interest at all. It's in the best interest to just discus any large purchase, that makes life so much easier.. The kids are all grown up and have their own life.

[Bobvin]

We have a good life, and we will be good through retirement (assuming the world doesn't turn upside down) but big expenditures take a little working on my part and then my sweet wife eventually gives the go ahead. She’s been a commercial banker for 30+ years and I respect her sensibilities. The big expenses like speakers are where it takes a little work on my part, as in a full edit of the backyard landscape. Then she compares what we’ve saved vs. hiring that shit out and the new Diesis Roma speakers will be mine! Bwahaha, bwahaha!!! (I always have a plan.)

[Mikado463]

None, my room, my gear and with that being said my wife thinks we are all nuts. Having met quite a few audiofools over the years I'd say she is correct .............

[laynesaddiction]

As with a bunch of folks here (good to hear), my wife supports this obsession 100%. Actually, she instigates purchases at times and has better ears than mine. The last fact is particularly helpful when seeking out an opinion on a potential new item from someone I trust. I found out long ago that if I involve her with everything and get here excited about the hobby, she not only allows this disease, but also feeds and promotes it.

No drama. No quid pro quo. No BS. Just total support. While she will comment on the aesthetics of an item at times, that has never stopped her from supporting a purchase.

As for prices for some of this stuff, we both shake our heads at times.

I could not ask for anything else from her and am very much appreciative of her unwavering support.

[Randy Myers]

My wonderful Cheryal always says that I can do what I want with my system because she knows it is important to me. She also knows that I am very conscious of making sure that we can afford something and in the big picture will not "hurt" us.

She also knows that whenever she mentions she wants something I immediately try to figure out how to get it for her. New sewing machine sure hunni... etc... Lets stop and look at that car I saw the other day... (Thx hunni as she is driving home her new Benz... yes that actually happened). She wanted a new computer I ordered new Falcon's the next day...

However, I also respect and appreciate her and her opinions. She does not understand how audio gear costs so much (neither do I, I think it is ridiculous and completely without any reasonable explanation), and does not understand how I can "sit" and listen, etc., but she understands it is important to me. With all of that said I would never purchase an expensive piece without speaking to her. We are partners and we do not keep these types of things from each other. And yes there are times she might say, oh hunni, I bought this or that yesterday... but if it was a big items we always discuss it first...

In my view, that is the way it should be. It is called respect and appreciation of each other, their likes and desires, etc.

[Edward]

My wife lets me do my thing no questions asked. (And if she does ask, I lie about the prices LOL.)
She totally digs the system and has had friends over before and presented how awesome it is to them.

[PMCH]

My wife is more obsessed than I am with audio gear. I am the one that tries to keep purchases slightly in check. She does have better hearing than I do.

[Paul]

Thanks for all the posts. My wife knows the price but I always tell her with one “zero” out on the price. Luckily she’s not internet savvy.


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[dimfer]

Thanks for all the posts. My wife knows the price but I always tell her with one “zero” out on the price. Luckily she’s not internet savvy.


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what’s her email address

[mep]

I buy what I want without giving explanations to my wife or my daughters. I love them and everything I do is with respect. (they understand that I have pacion for the music)

This reminds me of the story of the guy who is going out to a bar to shoot pool with his buddies. Before he leaves home he is showering his wife with sweetness, calling her snookums, tells her how much he loves her and that he will be home by 11:00 PM. When he arrives at the bar, one of his buddies asks him what time he told his wife he would be home. His reply? "I told that bitch I'll be home when I get home!"

[Mechnutt]

My wife supports my audio addiction and even bought me my first pair of Magnepans for my birthday. But lately she has been complaining of having door panel speakers in the family room. She would also like me to down size my electronics to an integrated amp. I can't blame her after putting up with this for 30 years.

[sid325]

Wife, somewhat, $$. But, she has always been cool and enjoys our system. The one area that's been an issue, sort of, is the latest addition of acoustic panels... I might have pushed her over the edge...

[Andik777]

This reminds me of the story of the guy who is going out to a bar to shoot pool with his buddies. Before he leaves home he is showering his wife with sweetness, calling her snookums, tells her how much he loves her and that he will be home by 11:00 PM. When he arrives at the bar, one of his buddies asks him what time he told his wife he would be home. His reply? "I told that bitch I'll be home when I get home!"

Very good joke what I do not like is that you treat me as a liar. I clarify that they will not give any medal to the males. ) Regards

[mep]

Very good joke what I do not like is that you treat me as a liar. I clarify that they will not give any medal to the males. ) Regards

You took it the wrong way, sorry. It was a joke.

[Andik777]

You took it the wrong way, sorry. It was a joke.

No, I did not take it badly, I understood the joke perfectly, I just put a little pepper It's really all right.

[Mr Peabody]

Yes you can, she should be used to it by now.

My wife supports my audio addiction and even bought me my first pair of Magnepans for my birthday. But lately she has been complaining of having door panel speakers in the family room. She would also like me to down size my electronics to an integrated amp. I can't blame her after putting up with this for 30 years.

[JimmyS]

After 28 years together, I know the boundaries I can push and the ones I can't. We both really enjoy music, and there is a stereo in every room of the house. When it comes to "my stereo room", the only thing that limits me is her favorite saying "You know what you can afford".... She is too dang smart

[hifinutt]

I had to get rid of my martin logan summit x in our lounge after 4 years due to my lovely wife`s objections . She means a great deal to me than my Hi fi so every set of speakers is run past her now first . I might add that she let me have a BIG set of horns in another room as a consolation. A good woman is hard to find so it pays to look after her !!!

[Jerry Seh]

A large part of my hifi/audio journey were paved with half truth, be kind to myself by not using the word "lies" (like less a zero, used but mint, greatest bargain ever and the last a statement: Retirement System). Search my heart and soul and I do know I lived in fear that one day the real cost of what I had bought (system, vinyl, Cd's and whatever related to music) would bring me endless arguments, lectures and nagging which I honestly detest, hated or simply get me into bonkers.
Until TODAY, where I last had an Op (in early May and rested for a month at home) and also finally, I opened up about my past to my wife before going into the theatre. Somehow, being truthful, honest did brought a fresh start in my life. Now I can openly buy whatever I want (within "reasonable" reason and costs - of course after an open discussion on the why and how come I needed the change) and more importantly, for the first time, my better half sits in my small room listening to what I was all the time trying to enjoy (without nit picking) but discuss about the music performance.
Sympathy, love or whatever that caused this change in relationship ... I do know my new journey would be that more fruitful, enjoyable and for once, I can be as HONEST as I can about this hobby of mine.
I share this with all of you cause I realised how living to what I wanted openly and honestly, is so much fun than living in fear and always trying to have a good memory of what I had said about what I bought (I always threw away the actual receipts even before I came home - and yes, the credit card statements too, where now these days its digital, so its that much better).
I guess we all love our lives (and love our hobbies) and also have that BIG RESPECT for our wives in that we do not want to anger them with the way we would spend money (sometimes ridiculous amount and then changed the gear after a few months) and hence the way we would behave - if I did say something wrong here, please accept my apologies.
For sure, I am very happy in being able to enjoy the music without the feared "distortion & noise".............. more so, with my wife. Cant say that for children cause they all have their own hobbies (and probable stories they told me and my wife about what they bought, Ha Ha). Cheers!