Semi-retired business executive and investor. Started in audio as a high schooler working in a record store in the 70s. Loved music, played guitar, family had a crappy Zenith system. Heard good system at PT job. We stocked the record section for the top high end store in town and the owner took a liking to me because I was interested in classical and jazz and was hungry to learn about music and business. He would sell me at cost +5% but I didnt have extra money. Still I took good care of his department and made him money. When I graduated HS in 76 he and the record store owners gave me my first system, McIntosh MA5100, Bose 301s, BIC TT. (Yeah very generous) I bought a TEAC tape deck and that started me down the path. Mid way thru college record store went down but an audio rep supplier hired me to sell for him giving me access to wholesale priced Marantz, SAE, Shure, others. I handled military stores but also bought and sold gear flipping stuff to friends for a gain after trying them for 3-6 months. Rep firm didnt really care as long as I wasnt selling to GIs. Final year in college learned a history degree got me nothing other than full time at the PT job. Boss suggested to a masters or law degree. Did an MBA and MA and started PT law school but bailed after a year going at night and spent the next 30+ years working in finance, marketing, strategic planning, running a few mid size companies and starting and running a consulting/investment firm. Had the same system other than rotating SONY ES CDPs in that period. Retired in late 40s and was bored after a year so I started a new gig helping non-profits learn marketing. At about 50, I wandered into a Overture Audio in DE where in-laws live and got sucked back into the hobby. Since then, I have upgraded EVERYTHING multiple times with a focus on new and restored vintage systems (3) with McIntosh, Marantz, Kef, Ohm, Spendor, SONY ES, Acurus, etc. 10+ years in I have found much improved sound but not achieved Nirvana. Retired at 55 which has given me more time to listen but less money to spend. Sucked at golf and skiing, soccer and hiking killed my knees and back so this is IT along with playing mediocre jazz/blues guitar and drinking Scotch and bourbon. Looking to research a then buy my BIG FINAL SYSTEM sometime in the next few years which is conceptually appealing and seems like it would be fun but on hold due to Covid. Hopefully we make it to do it. Be safe everyone.
