My father got me into this nonsense. I remember as a kid listening to music through his big Magnepan Tympanis and Ohm Walsh 3s driven by SAE and Marantz gear. My father bought me a pair of Ohm Walsh 2s for my 21st birthday. ( I still have them 20 years later) As I went from starving law student to income-producing attorney, I voraciously moved up the food chain and began a cycle of upgrading which still continues to this day. I recently sent a big pair of panel speakers to the factory for repair. For kicks, I unpacked a pair of Magnepan Tympani 1ds which have been boxed for a while and hooked them up to my reference system. After about 5 minutes, I sat there scratching my head wondering why I have spent so much time and $$$$$$ (probably six figures over the years) in my quest for sound which might be marginally better than these 30 year old Maggies. This audio nervosa is really a sickness and like any addiction can get out of control. I'm sure I'll continue with my pursuit of the best, but I wish that I had more restraint!
What equipment or event thrust you into the hobby?
Many paths have led us into the pursuit of audio nirvana. Was there a single event or piece of equipment in the early years that started you down your path to audio bliss?
I used to sit in front of one of those little portable record players when I was a lad of 3 who loved listening to music...spinning records...and mostly at twilight...and I thought they sounded better in the evening. I moved from kiddie records to 33s, like the South Pacific album...graduating to Georgia Gibbs "Dance with me Henry" at 4, Sinatra, and anything else my parents decided to bring home. From there, the path led through the origins of rock in the 50s and the classic rock of the 60s and ultimately to jazz (still collecting records). My first credible system was built around a Marantz 2252B receiver, a Dual 1214 turntable, drving and feeding a pair of Advents. Saul Marantz must have known what he is doing because that receiver is still alive and kicking today, the only investment being a few cans of tuner spray.
I used to sit in front of one of those little portable record players when I was a lad of 3 who loved listening to music...spinning records...and mostly at twilight...and I thought they sounded better in the evening. I moved from kiddie records to 33s, like the South Pacific album...graduating to Georgia Gibbs "Dance with me Henry" at 4, Sinatra, and anything else my parents decided to bring home. From there, the path led through the origins of rock in the 50s and the classic rock of the 60s and ultimately to jazz (still collecting records). My first credible system was built around a Marantz 2252B receiver, a Dual 1214 turntable, drving and feeding a pair of Advents. Saul Marantz must have known what he is doing because that receiver is still alive and kicking today, the only investment being a few cans of tuner spray.