Would you pay to listen?

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Mrtennis, a dealer was never entered into the equation of this post and never was it implied. As a matter of fact I made sure to express that there would be no pressure or expectation to buy anything. The same as when someone goes to the theater to see a movie, there is no salesman standing nearby expecting you to buy a projector...same here.

The fact that shows like the Rocky Mtn AudioFest and CES exist, pretty much confirms there is a good sized contingent of audiophiles willing to travel and pay good money to see and hear very expensive audio.................and then again, some wouldn't pay a nickel to see either of those two shows.

In the words of the inimitable Sylvester Stewart "Diferent strokes for different folks....and so on and so on....".
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Sorry Tvad my response was kinda cryptic! Damn touch predictive screen keyboard ####, What was meant was I'd rather spend the twenty on the drink minimum.

Thanks for the clarification, Lewhite.

yeah, without a doubt I would pay to listen. If you buy, maybe you get a refund on the listening session?

I just re-read my early post to this subject.

I'll reiterate but rephrase. Casual drop ins would be discouraged by what basically amounts to an admission ticket.

IF the store had a dedicated room with 'the really neat' system which you had to pay to hear.... but the rest of the store were open/free/accessible? That would change the balance. 'Show' the system and charge. Tubes / media / floor space cost a bundle.
BUT:
In order to attract new listeners, you have to be able to SHOW people it is better.
The BOSE store I went by yesterday had a good walk-in trade. People talking tech with SALES guys, not necessarily interested in the best sound or interests of the customer. IF the Bose store charged even 1$ to get in, many would walk on by.