How to let people down gently

If a friend asks how their stereo system is sounding how do you reply, especially if you don't like it? Paul helps us with a few gentle hints.

[AnalogueGround]

The answer was so relevant in today's world, I almost forgot it was about high end audio. Probably the finest words Paul has ever spoken on this channel. ❤

[BericBuilds]

Dignity is key to unity. Unity is key to happiness. Great video Paul

[johnnytoobad]

What you are describing is what we used to call.."constructive criticism"..which is short supply these days..especially on social media.

[Audiofreak]

Very humble answer and something you rarely hear today from people so Thank you for bringing that back to light 👍

[photoipster]

Dignity, kindness, generosity. 3 words that should be a part of every conversation. Thank you!

[cranklabexplosion-labcentr]

This needs to be played on every Jumbotron, tv broadcast, radio station, HAM transmission and podcast.

[wayoutofbounds]

I've found that when it comes to listening to other people's systems, it helps to have them talk about their system itself: what component highlights they have, what kind of sound they were hoping to achieve, the background of how they put everything together, etc. The more info you know from the owner's perspective, you will be able to understand better why things are the way they are...budget constraints, availability, spouse acceptance factor, not enough room...all these things and more are issues we've all had to consider/overcome. When one understands this, then you can fairly say, "Yes, considering all you had to deal with, your system is pretty good! Here's where it can sound better..."

[m.r.wiggins]

Paul, I am an audiophile who is also in medical school. I agree with your viewpoint. Dignity is a skill that we have to develop as we want to preserve relationships, and provide leadership in our fields. I appreciate the guidance. Thank you.

[joyoffilming]

Hi Paul. This was by far the best lesson to learn from you!
Don't shout out loud the first impression of something at somebody, taking away his proud and dignity within a second.
I am an engineer, too. And, if somebody asked me today what my biggest carreer mistake was - shouting things out loud, regardless how right I was (and I was right so often).

[thejawshop-AdventureRecording]

I was recording a client a few weeks back, and he said that our ears, the physical make up of them, are unique to everybody. It made me think how we all don't hear the same. I deal with this when mixing music in the studio. People just hear differently, and their expectations often colour their listening experience. Like food, context is everything.This is a very good topic for both music makers and audiophiles. Another great answer from Paul.

[KurtCira]

I love your insight on this Paul. Self control is such an important value in our interpersonal relationships, and our relationships with others really should be the most important thing in our lives. 👍 Kindness and love cost us nothing but mean everything to those who receive them.

[thegrimyeaper]

What a kind and thoughtful answer. Feels so out of place here on YouTube.

[gordthor]

Your friends will appreciate you much more for your honest opinion than giving them empty platitudes. Especially when you learn how to do it with tact. Being "blunt" is the cold hard truth and it's usually not well received.

[ricardopineda]

This world need more people like you, Mr. Paul. The world would be different if we could follow this adviced daily in many other different circunstances. Thank you.

[hushpuppykl]

Best advise ever not just for hifi but also in life.

[duaplex]

Paul is the reason I own PS audio products. I love his honesty and direct approach. I only wish I didn't have pay a fortune in the UK 😬

[hugoromeyn]

I'm glad an audiophile friend was honest to me about my "crappy" system. He said: "Yeah, it's better than most people have but it can be so much better, did you ever tried other speaker cables? No? You can build them yourself like so and so..." So I did. And I heard the difference. He said: "Cool! Let's swap the polarity of the power cable to your amplifier". I was staring at him if he was crazy, but I did. And after a couple of minutes, I started noticing the difference. A couple of months later he borrowed me a Cambridge DacMagic. He said: "Try it instead of the analog outputs from your CD player and PC audio card". WOW! Every improvement made me more en more enthusiastic! He helped me with everything, borrowing me amps, loudspeakers, cables. He really openend my eyes (or better my ears). I'm still thankful he did!

[MrBbront]

I bought your stuff because of the bare truths you expound on your youtube extravaganzas. Glad I did, This one is another beautiful truth.

[dank.]

when it comes to hifi, it's always good to remember to discuss it in terms of different preferences...and talk about strengths that are obvious.
As someone who thinks of himself as kind, thoughtful and smart, i have been guilty of speaking too bluntly, too quickly and hurt the feelings of some people I care about while spewing an opinion...not particularly about HiFi, but nonetheless.
As I've gotten older (more mature is debatable, lol) I've gotten a lot better at saying..."it's just not my cup of tea." It helps when you're discussing their musical taste as well as their stereo.

[macstanley]

When I hear people say Paul is simply a salesman and he doesn’t care about his customers and viewers, I come and rewatch this video 😊