Reader Paul W. Simoni noticed a big change in his audiophile habits after his child was born. He wonders how other audiophiles deal with the impact of "rugrats."
COMMENTS
Yes, having a child has affected my time for listening to music. I must say it has also made me appreciate how important and precious my child is. It adds a wonderful part of me that actually enhances the appreciation of thingsincluding music. Especially music. I guess it is like to being in love. One often appreciates much that is good around you.
Despite my best negotiating skills, the hi-fi now resides in the corner of our family room, making room for a toy chest and larger toys. I also have virtually no time for music, but I wouldn't change a thing for now. Kids are a true joy. Someday I'll get back to enjoying music at its best.
I listen to more music. I want my kids exposed to all kinds of music rather than TV. I upgraded my system. Now that they are five (twins), I am considering buying them an entry-level system for their own room. Rather than get the typical boombox, I would rather spend around $1000 so that they have a decent system that will allow them to appreciate whatever music they like for a long time.
From the moment my twins (stereo babies?) were able to get around on their own, they were trained not to touch "Daddy's stereo." Once they got a little older, I taught them how to use it properly (with adult supervision). Now my kids have an interest in music, and serve as alternate ears when I need a second opinion, and often go with me to the stereo store.
After the birth of my second child, I (The Man) had the duties of feeding the child late into the night. This was my opportunity to go down to the basement and put on an LP of music that I did not generally listen to during regular times. This would be Baroque music or some new age (Philip Glass, etc.) which I could listen to only when no one else was around. My daughter was only about 1 month old so had no say in the matter. My system at that time was not great, but the time spent was special.
Good thing I had a son! Hoping that someday he could inherit my system. Effects? Financially, 'cause you'll be spending a lot for a child and you have to sacrifice your audiophile budget for the kid. So far, not really that big an effect. As a matter of fact, when I take pictures of my system, I try to include a little kid, especially on the sweet-spot listening chair.
I listen to music at home, in my car and at work (we have a fairly good stereo system in our control room) Having two daughters (now 20 &24) didn't effect my wifes and my listening habits that much. We now have two daughters who also listen to music all the time because off the enviroment they were raised in.
Affirmative-when you have dance school, Gap, Ltd 2 and the thought of private schools looming, a subwoofer just does not compute. ( at least a decent one that won't color and be able to keep up with planars ). It will take a concerted effort to make a case for anything over $1k. My approach will be careful subliminal suggestion, time and most important pity. Groveling should not be overlooked. One must never give up.Just change strategy and time expectations. Say 3-5 yrs instead of the usual 1-2.
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