I sure think they do, Steve.
Your post describes your client noticing your new equipment. the same has happened to me. Visually, if you go from one set up to something noticeably different, perceptive clients will notice. Clients from both my nursing homes as well as club have commented on the Bose appearance especially.
Another NH entertainer in Dayton was using some old beat up cabinets in his show and while they sounded pretty good, they looked rough. Once he started using his new speakers that looked nice, even the residents noticed.
It goes without saying that they'll notice the difference in capabilities and general sound a lot too.
I agree with the majority of the posters to this thread that fall in line with your observations.
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Bill in Dayton
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Bill in Dayton