Considerate Behavior
Well, guys, I'm no Miss Manners, but I'm going to throw in my two cents worth as a dedicated audiophile and owner of a system that can definitely shake the neighbor's walls. Apartment living does require some compromises, but as one who has experienced both sides of the issue, I have to come down on the side of those whose rights we encroach upon with audio systems that intrude into their right to enjoy the silence and peace of their own little haven. Just put yourself into the shoes of someone who is deep into a meditative trance (or reading, or napping, or...) when it is broken by an inconsiderate audiophile listening to L. L. Cool J at foundation shaking bass levels. Or watching the battle scenes from Master and Commander. It's just not fair to others. When I lived in an apartment I just did not turn the volume up on my system. I bought a pair of good headphones and used them, and went to someone else's place to share a movie if I really wanted to turn it up. Or made sure my neighbors were away for the weekend. I found a house to rent and moved out so I could enjoy my system as loud as I wanted to enjoy it. If apartment living is your only option, then an audio system that brings the cops to your front door for disturbing the peace just doesn't make sense.
I love music and I like to listen to it loud, but I don't have the right to disturb my neighbor, just as he doesn't have the right to disturb me.