Anyone else find audio enthusiasm to be a lonely hobby?

PaulDF · 10-13-2003, 11:28 PM

I've been really excited about audio, and to a lesser extent video, for the last couple of years now. I'm especially into DIY and home theater setup, etc. Ever since I found this wonderful world of HTF!

Problem is, nobody else I know is all that interested in it. A few co-workers, some car audio guys. People enjoy the big sound, but aren't really all that interested in the technical part of it. Even my own siblings show no interest, and make me feel bad for being excited about my hobby, and my projects.

Maybe some are jealous. Or maybe it's all I ever think or talk about?

Just wondered how much outside interest there was with others out there like me.

Jed M · 10-13-2003, 11:42 PM

If it wasn't for this forum, this would be a very lonely hobby for me. I have a good friend who is interested, but not even close to an enthusiast, but thats about it for me. I think people think of our hobby as snobby, finicky and borderline obsessive compulsive, but its amazing who everyone calls for advice on av stuff. IMO, we are kind of perceived the same way guys who knows everything about computers are; Nick Burns anyone?

ColinM · 10-14-2003, 06:43 AM

And yet when someone in the friend / family circle drops $$ on electronics, they leave us out of the loop.

Maybe they feel embarrassed about their lack of knowledge and don't want an expert dissing the choices they've made.

LewB · 10-14-2003, 07:26 AM

I know the feeling well. Not a soul in my family is interested in technology or can turn a wrench for that matter.
Visits to family members usually involve several 'would you mind looking at this's?' or the occasional 'we want to buy a widget, what would you look for?' It actually gives me a false sense of superiority. I marvel at people who lack what I consider the most basic of skills with hand tools. I can sort of understand the fear of messing with computers (helpcenterphobia ?).
I personally love the feeling of accomplishment when I build,set-up or fix something.

Mike Broadman · 10-14-2003, 08:21 AM

Oh yeah, I can relate. I have the unforunate reputation as being the guy who's into all that "weird" music and seemingly pointless "obesssion" with sound quality (or, as an ex-girlfriend put it, "What's the difference, as long as you hear it").

Some folks I know are into HT a bit and like their DVDs to sound and look good. But the thinking from pretty much everyone I know is that at least the extra money is worth it for movies buy not for music. This just boggles my mind.

**HTF Ads**

Paul_Fisher · 10-14-2003, 08:49 AM

I'm in the same boat. None of my friends are really in to HT, and my wife doesn't really care either. Everything sounds the same to her.

Glenn Overholt · 10-14-2003, 10:57 AM

Maybe they are all tone deaf.

I too, think they are all nuts. Just remember that we have 'our little secret', and if you get the chance to, mention it in a on-technical way every now and then, if for nothing else then just so they WILL come running to you when they take the plunge in reality!

Glenn

Zen Butler · 10-14-2003, 11:02 AM

Paul, I don't think it is jealosy. When I start discussing audio, component cables, SACD etc., most of my friends eyes glaze over. They do though seem to enjoy the end result.

RobertR · 10-14-2003, 12:14 PM

I've had the opposite experience. I've made good friends BECAUSE of this hobby. I've gone on A/V industry tours, visited studios, gotten DVDs/CDs/SACDs, seen/heard great setups, had fun!

Danny Tse · 10-14-2003, 12:51 PM

No one in my family other than me is interested in audio reproduction (HT or stereo) either, despite having a sister who was signed to a major label (Decca).

It's even worst if you're buying any of the high-rez formats like SACD or DVD-A. I am always the only one standing at the SACD/DVD-A section of Best Buy even if the store is packed. Talk about feeling lonely....