My father can't carry a tune but loves music. He got into the hobby in the golden mid-Fifties with a Rek-o-Kut TT, a Shure cartridge with the first Fisher stereo amp--saw one on auction recently at about $300--and EV drivers in custom horns. He made sure the kids had something to play their records on so they wouldn't have to use his system. I learned not to drop the stylus on the disc and to keep the volume down at startup.
When I could, I started to build up my own system. An ELAC changer, a Dyna SCA-35 kit (thanks Mom!) and homebuilt speakers with Wharfedale drivers. Later, a Connoisseur turntable with Decca arm and cartridge, HK Citation 12 kit and ESS AMT-1 speakers. Didn't find a preamp I liked before the divorce.
Kits were a great way to learn and get great sound into the bargain. You can still do it today, but the marketers take up so much bandwidth that it's harder to learn about them.
Unsound, I was sent to boarding school in Europe at 15. I know what goes on while you're away (parents gave my bike to the chauffeur, what on earth happened to... ). Congratulations on your emancipation!
When I could, I started to build up my own system. An ELAC changer, a Dyna SCA-35 kit (thanks Mom!) and homebuilt speakers with Wharfedale drivers. Later, a Connoisseur turntable with Decca arm and cartridge, HK Citation 12 kit and ESS AMT-1 speakers. Didn't find a preamp I liked before the divorce.
Kits were a great way to learn and get great sound into the bargain. You can still do it today, but the marketers take up so much bandwidth that it's harder to learn about them.
Unsound, I was sent to boarding school in Europe at 15. I know what goes on while you're away (parents gave my bike to the chauffeur, what on earth happened to... ). Congratulations on your emancipation!