British Khaki's extensive collection of plush leathers, oversized chairs and antique woods harvested from Indian construction lumber had us realize how quickly luxury can sink its infectious claws into you. Time to get a real job?
Before you become impatient wondering when we're getting to the audio stuff, remember that it's exactly this belligerently single-minded focus on hardware which turns outsiders into, well - outsiders. HighEnd audio would be far more appealing if it were presented as a lifestyle affair, not unlike how upscale HomeTheater magazines showcase winning installations in FrontGate style.
And make no mistake - one of those down-filled calf skin chairs above could nearly become de rigeur in the listening room hardware sweepstakes if long term comfort and style were your poison.
Of course having an upscale Flemish eatery with its own in-house bakery within walking distance from your workplace wasn't too shabby either. Their menu holders of dried bread loafs with rakish incisions for the laminated leafs were a crafty detail while the stretch-limousine tables created a very cozy ambience with an ultra-wide sweet spot that allows 10 people to sit on one side.
Thus primed on the finer things in life, what kind of system do you think a well-off single man would assemble whose environment reflected this type of elegant/casual taste? Big massive speakers halfway into the room? Garden-hose cables suspended above the carpet on ceramic lifters? Huge metal racks housing gleaming macho kit?