Guilty pleasures

Sometimes owning a high-end audio system can be a challenge - and I don't mean technically. I can't tell you the number of times I have been asked to keep mum about the cost of a new component purchase from a prospective buyer. Seems other family members aren't always as interested in the system as we might be. I've been handed money for new equipment in dark, out of the way corners, asked to keep quiet about transactions and all the time I have a big smile on my face. I understand, believe me. :) But here's something interesting: it isn't the same all over the world. In Asia, for example, the hifi system is many time the center piece of the home; a source of pride for the entire family. And in the US, I've seen home theater systems that are also the pride and joy of the family, but less so for high-end two channel systems. I wonder why that is? It might be instructive for us to spark a debate to see if your experiences match mine and, if so, what we could do to change that. It would be worth changing.

Tomorrow: How solid is your foundation?