No amount of bass can drown out the sound of the Internet calling him an asshole.
A self-proclaimed audiophile has drawn the ire of the Internet after refusing to stop playing loud music that triggers meltdowns for his neighbor’s autistic child.
The user, NameAgreeable518, took to Reddit’s “Am I the Asshole” forum to seek validation. But, he was swiftly deemed an “asshole” by commenters for disregarding noise complaints and the impact on the disabled teen next door.
An Audiophile’s Noise Dilemma
The issue started when the OP moved into the new apartment three months ago. He admitted that the apartment came with strict rules on smoking, cleanliness, and loud noises.
However, he thought the terms were vague enough to accommodate his hobby so he could still use his ‘expensive sound system’.
The trouble began when his neighbor, a mother with a 14-year-old son with autism and noise sensitivity, reached out. She explained in a letter that loud music could cause severe distress for her son.
Trying to be considerate, the OP cut back on his music to an hour or two, three evenings a week, except for when his girlfriend is over.
However, without further discussion, the neighbor complained to the apartment management.
The management took the neighbor’s side, pointing to the lease’s noise rules and suggested that the OP should use headphones instead. But, this upset the OP.
NameAgreeable518 felt the management was biased due to the neighbor’s long-term residency. He had tried to compromise by lowering the volume and frequency of his music. But, he admittedly made sure he could still hear his music throughout his two-bedroom apartment.
However, the neighbor and the management didn’t think it was enough.
He expressed frustration at not being able to fully utilize his expensive sound system.
“I mean come on, it’s MY HOME and am I not free to enjoy my tunes in MY HOME?!” he says.
“I’m seriously pissed off over this… I do get that autism sucks even though imo kid (teen really) should be old enough to hold it together over a lil music by now.”
Online Backlash
The controversy over NameAgreeable518’s loud music in his apartment quickly drew sharp criticism online.
People quickly pointed out his lack of consideration for his neighbors, especially a child with autism affected by the noise.
One user straightforwardly said:
Many brought up the right to quiet enjoyment of one’s home. These criticized the OP’s refusal to use headphones as a simple solution.
This was a common sentiment, showing a strong community belief in empathy and adjustment when living close to others.
The comments also showed some users’ general perspective and hate on ‘audiophiles’.
They mentioned that being one doesn’t entitle the OP to any exception, no matter how expensive his sound system may be.
Besides criticism, the community offered solutions. This includes using wireless headphones or soundproofing, to help the OP enjoy his music without bothering others.
These suggestions aimed at balancing the OP’s love for high-quality sound with the need to maintain peace in the apartment complex.
My right to extend my arm goes only so far as my neighbor’s nose.