Initially when I got into this game, I was extremely keen to make non-audiophiles listen to the system. BIG MISTAKE. They ridiculed the "Sweet Spot" word and seat. I guess I have learnt to move on from there.
I now only play the system if they absolutely insist or are a learned music lover.
I suppose in days gone by, before computers or even TV, we had little choice but to listen to the radio or play LP's on a large console. So a lot more people learnt to play musical instruments in order to entertain themselves, others and build skills.
Playing an instrument and attaining an amateurish level does hone in your listening skills. it also assists in learning instrument characteristics and appreciating capabilities of the proffesionals. In the days (mid 60's early 70's) audio playback was not that advanced and probably expensive too. People used the corners of their walls for a bass reflex enclosure and that was considered great hi-fi sound.
Advent, Goodmans, Tannoy's to newbies such as Altec's and JBL's were becoming recognised brands. It is this generation that embraced high end audio, and had the mullah to pay for it that gave manufacturers an opportunity to advance their products to today's standards. The non audiophiles then were more tuned to recognise good playback and get an itch for it.
This is a hobby hard for others to understand from a perspective of 'spend to enjoyment' comparison. Especially if they are not music lovers or capable to distinguish sonic properties.
In an age where there is just more than music to entertain us. My son would go on playstation the full day, but could get tired in listening to music for half an hour. Though he is constantly in tune with my system (a good six figure sum), hums and whistles tunes all day and can easily distinguish between a mid to high level playback system, yet does not have the emotional draw towards audiophilism. So I guess some people dig it and others don't feel the need.
My better half never encourages me on the system, in case I spend more, but blew me away when she commented on different pressings and naturalness of tone when asked for comparism by my audiophile friend. Ask her to sit in the "sweet spot" and its the "there we go again" look that I have to go through.
So now I don't bother playing the system for non-audiophiles, or trying to tell them why Harmonix dots cover a wall when they do see them (I just pass it off as security sensors/reflectors). Their ususal query is "Are those Speakers?" pointing to the Horns, with deafening silence and piercing stares as if they are about to explode or keep such ugly things in a room! Or "I never knew you listened to records still?" and the comments keep going on. I just change the subject.
I suppose if it does become too much, I do leave them with a bit of a teaser thought, by saying "Far better pleasure than any Ferrari I have sat in or could own- money well spent!". When they insist -then tell them they can listen another time.
After all I don't want to be ridiculed about that "Sweet Spot", as now I am also getting of that age where my hair is thinning out in the centre of my scalp! So I really won't know which spot they are talking about!
Let's leave the system and the music to the Audiophiles. Non audiophiles who convert to the hobby, will always get there somehow.
Viva la music!