I'm frustrated with people who don't ...


Sorry for a long post...
Recently I was at a 3-day meeting out of town for work. For an evening activity we had a cook out at a colleague's house. While there, we gathered around his deck and a small fire in the back yard. I found myself in a group of 6 guys discussing hobbies. I mentioned my love for audio and began to describe my system and music library. Almost instantly, I was "pounced" for believing that any "hi end" component is worth the money compared to anything else one can buy from Best Buy. "Digital is digital" one guy stated, "an $89 player is as good as anything else out there". I attempted to defend my position but in no way was I able to convince anyone. I told them the next time they're in town, I'd have them over to my place and let them hear the difference, but I know most will not acknowledge the quality of sound. Footnote: I've known these guys for 3-5 years and they are professional level headed guys, I wasn't bragging, I made no grand statements that my system is better than anything else, I just talked about my interest and brought it up when they asked me. The icing on the cake was their disbelief that my system can only play one CD at a time... "you don't have a carousel on your CDP?" Man, I was frustrated.
mijknarf
The best advice for people like that is to not engage them. Arguing with someone who hasn't heard or doesn't understand is a waste of time. Just kindly smile and change the subject.
I always tell people that they might not be interested in the differences, but they will certainly be able to hear the differences. So far nobody who has heard my system has denied that it sounds substantially better than anything they've previously heard, and better than they has imagined a hifi could. But most say it's not important to them to have a similar sounding system. That's cool ... we all like different things.

If someone positively denies the difference and then refuses to listen, well just leave them to their ignorance.
Happy owner of Nikon F5 here.Cheers everyone!As far as audio equipment goes ,my mother in law humiliates me ,regarding my "crazy hobby" almost every week. My reaction to that"I keep buying more gear".I haven't met anybody yet at work or street (besides here at audiogon)that" understands ".And who cares anyway?
Happy listening
I have three hobbies, Audio, Photography and Computers. I got so engrossed reading the entire thread that I got delayed for a dinner invitation.

Most of us go through the same thing, especially with those who happen to be interested in nothing! Yes, that is also true there are people who have no hobbies. Those are the kind who are the most difficult of the lot when one needs to explain the cost of audio system. Someone who is passionately involved in a particular hobby may finally get the hang of it (meaning understand the reason for the expenditure on our part). Keeping a low profile is the best thing one can do. There is no need to explain to anyone why we are so insane. It is just a waste of time.

Enjoy your music (and equipment) and forget about what others have to say.

If you think you are insane just come on over to Audiogon, we are all alike! :)

Happy listening!

PS Although I am a Nikon user, I have no hesitation in accepting the fact that Leica offers better optics and better bodies. Nikon vs Canon? No comments Digital vs Film? I agree with Lugnut about digital more like MP3 and its usefullness, I still think you get better results from good ole Transparency film.

PS 2 Intel vs AMD? Both good in their own ways. I personally use Intel based systems.