Who R U?


A while back Garfish mentioned he lked the idea of getting to know some of us better.As no one has started a thread like this before I will take the plunge.I have been involved in and read many heated exchanges here in AudioGon.I hope no one attacks me for this thread saying "who cares about you,this is audio" Anyway,Im 45 and live in W.N.Y.I have never been married but have a music loving 11 year old daughter who lives with me.I have been a nurse for 20 years.Before that I was a Navy Corpsman for several years.I recently became engaged (first time) to a beautiful 30 year old music loving woman.At my age a 30 year old is a keeper and I have never been happier!! My other interests??Im into vinyl,who has time for anything else??
david99
Rapogee- Welcome to the insanity, sounds like you do have a keeper! Where in NJ are you moving? audio is pretty strong in the northern part of the state, i.e. you will have a lot of company :)
Wow, I am so glad to see this reply, so many people and all sound so nice! Greeting from me Ravi who just started getting involved in this forum.

I am 35 year old, completed University about 2 years agon and was working at a record store for over 7 years. I am IT Consultant/Environmentalist who worked with the feds for a while and am moving to the US actually to NJ for employment this January comming.

I know quite a bit about music after working in a big chain Record Store in Canada for over 8 years. I have a beautiful local girlfriend who is a model and music lover and shes finishing up school next year. Shes is 25 and a definate keeper.

Great to be part of the group. Merry Christmas to all as well!
Well I'm late enough getting to the party that I may go unnoticed but I guess that could be seen as counterinhibitive.
I'm Tom Carroll. Aged, at 55, I live in Fruita, Colorado where the majesty of the Rocky Mountains yields to the barrenness and color of the Utah desert.
My roots are deep in this diversion and have grown sporadically and intermittently. I've talked with many of you in years past by telephone. I was a trader of hi-fi gear from the late 70s and spent a number of years selling audio in retail stores as well. For a couple of years in the 90s I was part of a fledgling and well-reviewed speaker manufacturing effort that failed.
Today, I am married with two young sons (10 & 12) and a small house where many different electronics occupy space.
Therefore, my Goldmund Dialogues are flanking a Sony 53 inch RPTV a bit forward of the screen. I'm using a Jeff Rowland Concentra integrated amp and a Well-Tempered Reference table and arm with an AQ 7000 cartridge. There is a great little 16 watt community radio station here so I bought an Accuphase T-101 tuner and I am amazed at the quality of sound I get off the air. Someone else in this thread alluded to this earlier. It is unbelievable.
I sold all my silver and copper boutique cables and bought inexpensive Wicked Cables and got away with it.
Digital is not much of a priority as I have over 3000 LPs and only 50 - 60 CDs. I use a Sony DVP 7000 as DVD and transport for my Timbre Technology DAC. These are connected by my last remaining reviewers' cable, an Illuminati D-60.
For speakers I use a 15 foot pair of Monster M 1.4.
Musically I tend toward small scale acoustic anything and
nostalgic rock. Colorado produced some very nice things none of you know about back in the 70s before we started succumbing to notoriety and I listen to these also. Anybody out there have anything recorded on the Biscuit City label?
Tom
Hello:
I am 53, been retired for about 9 years, married to the Love of my Life, next to Jesus Christ, and have raised 5 children. My wife is a Dr. and allows me to play with my expensive hobby. We are in the process of building our "retirement" home on Whidbey Island, Wa, and since we live in sunny So Cal, we are looking forward to "rain, cloudy days and cool weather".

I read these threads almost every day and have learned more about stereo, etc on audiogon in the past few years than doing it myself for the previous 20. I am extremely appreciative of the "friends" I have met via this site and know that I can always find an answer to that reclusive question that pops up now and then.

We have been blessed our entire lives and pray that we can pass those blessings to those who we come into contact with. I always try to offer a hand to those just starting their hobby with pieces of info that I have gleaned over the years. I believe that the more we offer, the more we recieve. This site has always been that way to me, and I pray that it does not go the ebay way with crooks, vandals and etc.......

Thanks to all of you who have been their for me when I needed help, and will continue to be their for others...
Hi everybody! I am 28. I've been visiting the site for about a month now and just joined A'gon two days ago. This is a great site! I am a chiropractic physician. I just recently graduated with tons of loans.
Anyway, my first foray into audio was back in 1993 when I was attending the University of Illinois(UIUC). I went to a shop in town and listened to what I thought were Dunlavy SC IV's and Cello equipment, incredible sound. But, I later found out it was actually the SC-I's!!! That did IT. Plus, the salesguy sold me a copy of Stereophile. Bad move. Of course, it was the Recommended Components issue. (Uh-oh is RIGHT!) I started with a Technics receiver, Sony walkman-CD player and Paradigm Phantoms in my dorm room. You could hear me down the hall and around the corner. I mothballed my current system for the last 2 years due to a poor apartment environment and busy schedule. I just started back-up again 3 months ago. Today, I am running all tube equipment and an analog-only front end. System is Merrill KT-1 TT, Morch UP4, Stanton CS100, Music Reference RM5MKIII, Aronov SA-60 and Alon Petites.(All bought used/demo, except UP4.) I am a tweaker to the end too! I am a tweaker even with my car, which is a Nissan 200SX SE-R.(my baby) It is heavily modified and very noisy, but the handling is almost TELEPATHIC! I've lived in Seattle, WA and Sunnyvale, CA and I am now residing in South Jersey. (Family is there) The one thing I miss most about the West Coast besides the incredible weather is MY WINDY MOUNTAIN ROADS! DAMN! Anyway, now that I have a basement and halfway decent room acoustics, I am spending MUCH MORE time tweaking and listening. I am even thinking about tube rolling, it never ends.

Life is short. Enjoy the music.
Good idea Dave, I'll split the cost with you! I was wondering what happened to this thread, new guys and gals, spill your guts. ~Tim
Why dont all you new AudiogoN 'philes post a short bio??
Here's the deal: The 500th poster gets a FREE CD or LP inc. free shipping from me.My pick after you tell me what you like and if you have a copy already.
GO FOR IT!!
Hi, My name is Pete, I leave in Austin, Texas. I'm happly married and have a 3 year old daughter. My wife and I have a calendar were We book time to listen to our system, Yes she likes hi end gear( wierd stuff) and now My three year old bumdle of joy comes into the music room and starts dancing wen I play music. Now it has turned into a family affair!!!, our system consist of Rowlnad model 6 monos/Rowland cosumatte Preamp with phono/Aerial acoustics model 8B's internally wired with Audioquest Kilimanjaro/Audioquest wires(Phyton-Caldera)/EAD T-7000 transport/EAD DSP-9000 MK III balance dac/Thorens turtable etc.... Now that our system has outgrown it's enviroment were looking for a bigger house or ad a 20 by 20 music room to our house. What can I say I We love this crazy thing call Hi End. Happy listening and enjoy the music!!!!
Karl you are absolutely correct. I will be open minded about this, pick up the CD and check it out.
Don't want to turn this into another "Rap on High End Speakers" thread. I just hurts to realize that "music" lovers can close their ears with such statements like "rap is not music." That's just absurd.

I not trying to make rap out to be anything like classical music, but in the world today, rap is one of the most innovative, artistic and evolving genres. I don't consider myself a rap music fan because much I have listened to reminds how much I dislike rap. But I just picked up Antipop Consortium's "Arrhythmia" and I bet it would convince a lot of "music" lovers that rap music is interesting, innovative and enjoyable.

There is plenty of music out there and one doesn't have to listen to rap music to have a never ending source of new music to enjoy. But c'mon, lets stop saying "It's not music." Audiophile snobery? Or am I just too sensitive?

Stepping off soapbox now.
Tim, If I catch heat for the rap remark, so be it. I can brush it off. I'm sorry, but IMHO it still is not music. That's why we say to each his own, and as audiophiles, we all have different equipment. I would love to hear some of what your favorite smooth jaz recordings are.
Karl_Desch - I wasn't able to catch the strokes when they came through, now I don't feel so bad about it. I'm sure I'll see them eventually, I've been warned though. One of the worst shows I ever saw was Bowie in an arena - zero presence, hundreds of yards away, just watching the monitors - so I got a ticket to see him in a 3,000 seat auditorium, and he cancelled cause he strained his voice the night before.
Very cool, Frogman! You really have some fantastic talent. I'll definitely pay attention when you give a listener's evaluation about a product. Your ears must be well tuned to what real music is like. Welcome.
Hi folks, not quite sure why I put this off so long; perhaps the appeal of complete anonymity.

I am a forty three year old professional musician living and working in New York City. I am a native of Cuba, who at the age of ten had the privilege of being allowed, along with some (long story) in my immediate family, entry into the greatest country on the planet to start a new life. My first musical instrument was the accordion, which I began to play at age five, while still in Cuba. I continued to play the accordion until age twelve at which time I mistakenly decided that the instrument was just not cool enough. The following year I enrollled in High School band, and what cool instrument did I start playing? The clarinet. Go figure.

The clarinet was followed by the tenor saxophone, and it was then that I decided to pursue music studies seriously as a career choice. I attended and graduated from the University of Miami School of Music; by then I had added the flute and all the members of the clarinet and saxophone families to my arsenal, and decided to make the move to the Big Apple. I have been fortunate to have made my living only playing music while working my way up the ranks of the professional freelance scene in the Apple. Professional credits include frequent performances with the NY Philharmonic, NYC Ballet, NYC Opera (where I just finished the run of "Porgy and Bess"), and Metropolitan Opera (where I am currently playing saxophone in their productions of "Lulu" and "The Great Gatsby"). I spent three years playing baritone saxophone in the "Saturday Night Live" band, and currently in the orchestra for the Broadway hit "The Full Monty"; my seventh full time Broadway engagement. I have recorded with NY Philharmonic, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, EOS Orchestra, NY Pops, and Boston Symphony Chamber Players as well as many commercial projects; and I am a member of the American Saxophone Quartet. Although I perform in a variety of different settings, I am most passionate about orchestral bass clarinet and orchestral saxophone work. Anyway, enough of that.

I have a wonderful eleven year old son (the real "Frogman")from my first marriage, who demonstrates a lot of musical talent already and recently started playing the saxophone in his school band; his mother and I share custody. I recently remarried to a wonderful woman who is very patient and understanding of my unorthodox work schedule and crazy audio habit. We are expecting a child ("tadpole"?)in December. Max, our pet chihuahua, rounds out the family.

My interest in audio began when I purchased my first stereo as a freshman in college. Remember the Panasonic "Thrusters" system? I had scrimped and saved from my weekend gigs to spend the 300.00 only to be disappointed that it wasn't nearly as satisfying as my best pal's huge and ancient Philco tube-based floor standing console. I made a pest of myself at the JC Penny where I bought the "Thrusters" complaining to the salesman that the turntable had too much, and very audible, wow. He thought I was nuts, and after exchanging it twice, insisted that I take my money back and go elsewhere.

At about the same time I discovered the dealer Sound Components in Miami and I knew then that I was in trouble. I will never forget the impression that stacked Quads and Levinson ML-2's made on me; the sound was glorious. Not being able to afford anything so lofty I settled on SAE seperates and EPI speakers with an original AR table. A succession of upgrades followed that has included ARC, CJ, Berning, PSAudio, Thiel, BK, Counterpoint, ML, Quad, and many other major brands . Several years ago I got the modification bug and have spent countless hours with a soldering iron learning as I went about the effects of upgrading caps, coils, wire, etc. It became an obsession of sorts, with the main victim being my Maggie MGIIIA's that are by now almost a different speaker, so extensive are the crossover and panel mods. I don't have much time for a soldering iron these days, and have settled on a system that I find very satisfying (although I still have the Maggies). I have had this system for some time as I don't feel the urge to change equipment very often anymore. My priorities as far as sound are concerned are for tonal naturalness and realistic dynamics (micro). I am willing to give up ultimate low frequency extension for a truly natural midrange. I will also give up ultimate loudness (ffff) if the music gets from ppp to f in a natural and realistic way. I oftent need my system to perform as a study tool in order to study scores and learn parts that I may have to perform, and I find that a system that let's me hear really subtle differences in timbre and dynamics is what I need; as well as being most satisfying when I just want to listen for the sake of enjoyment. I have found that for me, analog and tube based equipment, mated to electrostats (and to a lesser extent, the Maggies)is the way to go. I am a committed tweaker and firmly believe that just as with musical instruments, anything that you do to a component wether it be about placement or mass adjustment WILL change the sound. My system consists of VPI/ET/Vandenhul, EAD, Melos, Manley Ref., Stax F-81, Siltech and Wireworld; and my NOS tube collection keeps growing. I own about 2000 LP's and a few hundred CD's. Although I have recordings of music in just about every genre, my collection is primarily classical and jazz, with emphasis on orchestral, winds, and jazz vocals.

Besides my family, music and audio, my interests include single malt Scotch, cycling, tropical fish, and my Saab Turbo SPG. I discovered Audiogon about a year and a half ago and have been extremely impressed with the depth of knowledge and generosity exibited by it's membership; very impressive indeed. My main interest has been the exchanges concerning the music and as some of you might have noticed, I can be abnoxious when it comes to beating the drum for the importance of support for live music; and for music in general, as opposed to the silly "audio-jock" mentality that Audiogon is thankfully not saturated with.

I look forward to my continued participation in this forum and wish you all the very best
Twl, I already enjoyed your postings. Now I understand and have respect for the guy that penned them.

Welcome to Audiogon and thanks for sharing your history.
Twl -- wow! What a great story!! Have you thought of writing an auto (no pun intended) biography? If it becomes a movie and Brad Pitt does the lead, it could really give the audiophile hobby a boost! Just the house building part has me in awe. My father did that (not a log cabin) when I was growing up, but that was his job. If you ever get to North Carolina, I'd love to do some skeet shooting with you -- my 40+ eyes can't cope with distant targets.
Bmccormick-Well you are in good company, I think we are all over zealous with our "hobby". And you better be carful with that Rap remark, I always catch hell for saying I don't like it, but when I say I listen to smooth jazz(aka instrumental pop) everyone gives me hell, guess you just can't win!!!

~Tim
My name is Tom Lyons, I'm 46, single, and live in East Tennessee. I started in audio at about 12 with the usual junk and progressed from there. I've lived in NJ,MI,IL,DC,VA,FL,and TN. After high school I joined a privateer Lotus 23 racing team and ran the pit crew for 4 years. Then I went to college and worked my way through by doing British car work on the side. Then worked in several Jaguar dealers around the country. Got out of cars, and into motorcycles, joining a Ducati racing team in FL. for a couple of years. Worked as an excercise physiologist/trainer to pay the bills. By then, I really started getting into audio and tired of wrenching. So I got a job in a high-end audio store in FL. Got my first Linn/Naim system. Then a business opp. popped up, and I moved to Chicago to become a partner in a Home Automation company and recieved 22 patents for design. Things went bad and I ended up on the skids, so I worked in Pro Audio for a while and played keyboards in a band. All the while through this I still was into audio and designing/ building speakers for fun. Through a little good fortune, I got a little money together and bought 12 acres in TN and designed/built my own log home by myself(and I mean by myself). Quite a job, but now I own it free and clear. The house is entirely run by solar power. I now do freelance alternative energy design/consultation to make ends meet. Since I have had some free time over the past 6 years I have also gotten into competition highpower rifle shooting and have placed 2nd in the FL state championship 600 yd prone match. I own a champion Rottweiler and 4 cats. Drive a Jag v-12 conv't. Currently listen to a Sony dvp-s9000es, Berning MicroZOTL, DIY single driver speakers. I enjoy the AudiogoN and read the forum every day without fail. It's nice to meet all of you.
I am 41 and have lived the better half of my life in Northern California (Salida). I am originally from a small town, Salem, Ohio. Unfortunately, my wife is a native Californian and refuses to move from California. God bless her, she has lived all her life in basically the same area and has never seen the rest of the U.S. as I have. HOWEVER, after 17 years she still supports my audio addiction so I can live with it.

I got into audio as a teenager although I still consider myself as a novice. The first pieces I ever bought were a Pioneer SX-737 receiver and a pair of DWD speakers. (Anyone recall them?) Model was a DWD #5 and I thought these were the best things since pockets on a shirt.

I wouldn’t really say I have any favorite “category” of music, as I love it all. Well, for clarification, I don’t consider RAP as music. Sooo Sorry.

My hobbies, other than the obvious, would be:
1. Spending time with my wife.
2. Classic and muscle cars.
3. Collecting Dept 56.
4. Collecting Disney.
5. Spending more time with my wife (she may see this).

Agon is always the first place I go when turning on my computer. I have to see what is the new listings in the classifieds are (Yes, IÂ’m an Audio-Aholic). Sure as hell, the one day I donÂ’t, what I have been searching for months will have come up and already been sold. (Am I alone on this?) Second place I go is the forums. I thank all you all for your post as that is where I have learned most of my audio experience.
Robertd,

It's hard not to like the Strokes. Especially if you're a VU fan. I Listened to "Is this it?" almost daily for months last summer until i saw the band this winter in Las Vegas. The lead singer was really dumb. Pretending to be drunk and "punk" all the while hitting all the notes just right...hmmm. Just haven't been able to listen to that great record recently.

Good to hear that someone else enjoys Nick Drake and Bowie as well.

-Karl
I am 35, I've lived most of my life in Ohio, but I just came back from a few years in New York City. And it's great to be close to my favorite high end store again! And away from the cramped listening rooms and the awful treatment that I experienced all too often at NYC audio salons.

I got into High End nine years ago, after purchasing some Signet speakers that had a nice midrange and treble response, as opposed to bass bass bass, after discovering opera. Now I'm full blown into it, I've just gone to Thiels, and I'm chomping at the bit to get Spectral amplification. Over the years, the most important lessons I've learned are to trust myself as a listener, to have an open mind about components, and to have a great listening room.

I really love reading, hiking and music, and since I have to take actuarial exams, I have to study alot, so most music I hear is through my discman and grado sr 60 headphones. Right now I listen to The Strokes "Is This It" every day. "Essential Stan Getz" almost every day, too.

Favorite singers: Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, David Bowie, Patti Smith, Nick Drake.

Some Favorite Bands: Stones, Sex Pistols, Velvet Underground, Smiths.

Favorite Album: Exile on Main St.

Favorite Jazz: Stan Getz, Miles Davis

Favorite Classical: Bach, Beethoven (String Quartets), Ravel, Chopin and various clarinet pieces by various

Best concerts: 1)Tom Waits Beacon Theater
2)David Byrne Columbus Ohio
3)Patti Smith Bowery Ballroom
4)Cincy Symp Orch - contemporary polish piece that could have been the "PSYCHO" soundtrack

I would love to live in the mountains or the coast some day, with a high end juke box, if they ever make one.
Shoot, I've been attributing that quote to Tennyson for years now. Thanks for setting me straight.

I've been kicking around this site for the last year or two but have never responded to this thread -- usually, by the time I was done reviewing it, I was too worn out!

Well, here goes. I'm 47 and work in the database / marketing area of a very large financial institution in Charlotte, NC. During the last ten years, I've lived in Cleveland, Dallas, Columbus, Boston, Winston-Salem and now Charlotte. My theory is that the constant movement distracts my family from noticing my nasty audiophile habit ;-).

My wife is one of the truly rare gems in the universe who appreciates great music and supports my quest to hear it accurately. My children (college sophomore and high school junior) have caught the bug and will, I'm sure, someday grace this site.

We appreciate music of all kinds -- our favorite depends on our mood. Blues (Buddy Guy is my favorite), Jazz (lean towards the traditional, but also love the more current), Rock (metal, regular and lite), Vocals (how do you classify Lori Lieberman?), Classical (mostly traditional), "Heartland" .... and Christmas (we have one heckuva selection!). My favorite live concerts were 1) Vladimir Horowitz (5th row left!!) in 1977, 2) Dave Brubeck (seats on stage in Boston) and 3) Woodstock '99.

The audiophile habit is fairly new (last 5-6 years) though I took some electronics courses in high school (built a tube amp from scratch!), started out as an electrical engineer (lived in an engineering fraternity) and subscribed to audio magazines for as long as I can remember.

By the way, THANKS to everyone at Audiogon for the great advice and community spirit. It's tough to find people day-to-day who share this passion / disease and I really appreciate the discourse.

Cheers. Guenther
Gheon,
Just click on my ( or any members ) name at Audiogon to send them an email. From there we may exchange phone numbers and convenient times.
Sounds good Albert -- would love to chat sometime once I get settled. Kristina was truly excited to hear that I praised her among the audiophiles

Greg -- I admit to being busted -- stolen from Pascal it was.
Interesting story, Gheon (I used to be in a similar business, I think)! I liked your concluding sentence... very much similar to a "pensee" of B. Pascal. Welcome!
Welcome to the mad house Gheon.

Living in New York you may avail yourself of a wide variety of live music, should keep your listening standards for your home system high.

If you ever want to discuss music, I have all the artists you mention except for Squirrel Nut Zippers. I too love the blues and have an entire section of my bookcase dedicated to storing that part of my collection.

Your girlfriend sounds like a keeper. I like the part about "angelically indulgent and shockingly good musical taste." What a great combination.
I am 29, live in New York, and am a true rookie to the audiophile world. I have a pompous and overly inflated title at a great firm that has genuinely talented folks advising big investors and governments about what is going on in the world (I am a useless management stooge). No family, but am going to be living with my girlfriend (who has shockingly good musical taste and has been angelically indulgent of my new-found audio habit (I just need to hope she never finds out how much this stuff costs)) and our wonderful dog. Silver is a golden retriver/chow mix we rescued who will turn 2 on April 11.

My love of music probably started with the combination of my father's forcing me to listen to lots of James Taylor (as well as his own strumming on a Martin dreadnaught) and the stereotypical Sunday morning classical music (through my parent's great old Marantz receiver and old AR3 speakers). It accelerated through my passionate (and as yet unfulfilled) commitment to a career as a blues guitarist through high school and many, many long nights playing around with my Strat, an effects board, and an old Tascam 4 track. Much to my parents' disappointment (I am not being sarcastic here actually), I went to college and my descent into becoming a boring corporate tool began (I was an interesting person once, really).

Musically, my first love is probably blues (Buddy Guy, Otis Taylor, John Lee Hooker, Son House, etc.). Coming a close second are well written singer/songwriter stuff (Tom Waits is probably my all time fav; Leonard Cohen; Ani DiFranco; Lullaby Baxter; Cowboy Junkies). Also love instrumental and instrumentally oriented stuff (Bela Fleck; Edgar Meyer; Squirrel Nut Zippers). Like, but don't at all understand classical and jazz. Have gotten some staples for each, but will begin exploring them in greater depths once my new system is fully up and running (see below).

I am moving into a new apartment (I have lived in a true post college dump with way too many people) and using that as a catalyst to finally get a music set up that makes me happy. I have a duplex and, with advice and wares from Audiogon have almost completed setting up a 2-channel system upstairs (Arcam FMJ CD23; Classe CAP-150; Joseph Audio RM22si's) and a HT set-up (primarily for music -- this will be the first television I will have lived with since high school) -- Marantz SR8000; Sony DVP-S9000ES; and speakers to be determined (looking at Tyler Acoustics as per RGD's recommendation).

I think audiogon is truly fabulous and look forward to learning more from all of you who have put in the blood, sweat, years, tears, and dollars to figure out answers (or at least gain insights) into all things audio. Apologies for the length of this posting, I had not the time to write a shorter.
Mark- There is a member here who lives near me-though we have never met- and he is into recording, I don't know what his moniker is but I do have his email address, if you want to get in touch with him send me an email I'll give you his email address. He really knows his stuff, in fact I get sort of intimidated when talking to him he know so much more about that stuff then I do! Glad to have another technical fellow particpating.

~Tim
I'm Mark Hubbard, 52, new to Audiogon. I'm a contracts administrator for an international media development organization. My wife, Sue, and I will have been married 18 years in May. Sue has always supported me in putting together the best stereo system our sometimes-limited budget would allow. The advent of CD in the early 80s spurred and renewed our interest in music, and we purchased an average of two carefully researched classical CDs a week for the better part of 14 years.

I've been out of the hobby for the past 8 years and only just recently returned. Audiogon has changed everything!

I wish I could get more of you guys interested in RECORDING. The field is going through an amazing renaissance at this time, with high-quality equipment finally within the reach of home recordists, often at a tiny fraction of the prices we are used to paying for playback equipment. If you're interested, one of the best resources I've found is http://homerecording.com/ If you try it, be sure to visit the BBS as well, where lively discussions on numerous recording topics are always in progress.

I didn't mean to turn this into a pitch -- it's just that I found a lot of great people on this thread who might be interested in creating part of what they listen to.

Thank you for taking the time to read about me, and for sharing about yourselves.

With kind regards,
chris: you have a community here with which you may share your audio passion. welcome to our cyberpub!

-cfb
Hi all,
I am 46 years old and Hi Fi has been my only serious hobby for the last 30 years. I have been through so much gear that it's embarassing. I have been bitten by the single ended bug. I've owned tubed gear most of my life but this stuff IS really special. I build some stuff too. I live in Richmond, Virginia now but lived in the NY metropolitan area most of my life. I would like to find a few people around here with similar interests. My wife and I are empty nesters and there is NO high end around here so I left my hobbyist friends behind in NJ. If anyone wants to talk hi-fi or music, just write.
Thanks,
Chris
Kelly-what do you mean by that? I have heard amany times before that garnish is a road-block on the road to bliss :)

All kidding aside welcome BOB!

Tim
howdy bob moyers! sounds like you're gonna fit into our little community like a cherry in a manhattan. -cfb
I'm Bob, a 50 year old living in beautiful Central Texas with my wife and two kids. I've been in this game since 1966, when I built my first Dynaco tube amps. Back then, I had to buy two amplifier kits to get stereo, because mono systems were still considered an option. Today, we call them 'monoblocks'. I built my first speaker systems from scratch using 100% solid oak, and I had a single play turntable (cannot remember the brand name). Eventually, I had to sell the oak speakers - too heavy to carry around during frequent college moves. During the 70s, I had various middle of the road systems, usually with integrated amplifiers.
I lost interest in the early 1980s, and regained interest in the early 1990s. I now notice that the period during which I lost interest conincides with the introduction and growth of the CD format (hmmmm).
My current setup consists of Class A and Class B components, with the Class A stuff in the audio-only signal path. I use a Sonic Frontiers Line 2 preamp to switch the front amp/speakers between music only and HT mode. I still think this is the best way to integrate music and HT, as I haven't yet seen any HT unit which can do it all - although the Krell 7.1 comes very close.
Spitfire-at least you shouldn't have my favorite problem with older british cars, when taking a left turn and you hit a small bump the horn starts blaring until you disconnect it! I have seen it happen more times, it is a regular thing to have happen with them, I doubt that is a concern on the bikes-good for you the horn thing is really annoying
Tireguy and Cornfedboy, thanks for the nice welcome. Lucas electrical systems are often refered to as the "Prince of Darkness". The motorcycle wiring harnesses were no better than their automotive counterparts. Guess you could call them quirky at best. I generally tend to stick with them, though, especially if the bike is being restored for show.
Spitfire-Don't think you can try and use the classic "trust me I'm a lawyer" line ;) other then that welcome! Do those old bikes have the same electical charachter(some would call it problems but I am being optimistic) that older brit. cars do?
Jontiffin-I have no wity remarks for you, other then welcome aboard.
spitfire & jontiffin: it's great to see this thread keep going with your additions. glad to have you both among us.

-kelly
David,

Congratulations!!
Look what you've started.

Here it goes:
Almost 37, San Diego native. In the midts of divorcing my only spouse of 13 years. Been head-over-heels hooked on music since about 5 years old, (Inna-Godda-Da-Vida while waiting in the drive thru line at Jack-In-The-Box circa 1970). Got my first 'system' at 18 (Techniques and some Bose 301 Series II). Quickly bought and swapped componets to better the system when I discovered the beauty of tubes.

Now, with so many dollars and time spent, to finally reach mid-fi, my passion for this disease we call audiophilia has reached stage 3 and is getting worse.

The system currently consists of:
Pre: ARC SP6C
Power: Sound Valves M-40 monoblocks (front mains)
Power: Sound Valves VTA 70 (strapped in mono for Center Channel)
Power: NAD PE2100 w/volume controls as the Sub-Woofer amp
Kenleigh Passive Matrix Decoder
Kenleigh Focus Field Monitors (8" driver w/horn-loaded ribbon)
Kenleigh Focus Field Center Channel (same tweeter w/2x4" driver)
Kenleigh Focus Field Rear Recovery (single 8" driver)
M&K Passive 12" sealed Sub
Pioneer 3070 Laser
Samsung DVD
Cewl interconnects
Vinyl set-up in the works.

I much rather now stay at home for a DVD or Laser than waste the same money on a one-time big screen experience. I'm convinced that all projectionists are def and don't have a clue as to how big screen sound should be.

Cheers and Happy Listening,
Hi. My name is Chuck. I'm 46 years old, married to my lovely wife Joyce (thought I'd add that just in case she comes across this post) and have a six year old son. We reside in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. An attorney by education, I have been employed for the past nineteen years by the U.S. Justice Department as a federal investigator. One of those three-letter companies. I have been an AudiogoN member for about two years now, and enjoy reading the posts and educating myself with the insight gained from the expertise and experiences shared by other members. In addition to my audio interests, I also enjoy restoring British motorcycles. Chose the username Spitfire because it's my favorite BSA motorcycle. In closing, I'll leave you with an attorney joke. Q: What's the difference between a lawyer and a catfish? A: One is a mud dwelling, scum sucking scavenger, and the other is a fish. Best regards to all.
John-Great to have you here, it seems that you and I(among most other members) share the same interests! If you are looking for more possible local audiophiles check out the Where RU????? thread, it has helped me meet a few. Look forward to seeing more of your posts.
Tim
jrwr7 (john)- congratulations on your new-found job stability and decision to admit to being a 'phile. i welcome you to the group that chooses to post instead of lurking and look forward to your contributions to the discussions ahead.

-kelly
Hello everyone,
My name is John. I was bitten by the bug at the age of 10 and it's been a never ending pursuit ever since. I've been on the 'gon for about a year and have built my entire system here. I work as a bill collector for Time Warner Cable in NYC. This is the first job I've been able to hold for more than a yr.(been w/twc for 3yrs now) it seems that i was made for this job and it has afforded me the ability to put together "my ultimate music/ht system".(chk virtual systems on the 'gon) I love Audiogon and all of you guys and gals. If it wasn't for all of you I would not have been able to put my system together. I'm 37 yrs old and have had trouble meeting anyone, other than sales people, that know as much about hi-fi as I do. Not to sound pompus, I just haven't. So, having found the 'gon and all of you wonderful 'philes, w/this overwelming abundance of knowledge about my beloved obsession, I feel like I've found some long lost family. Everyone I know, including my wife, thinks I'm crazy w/how much I've spent on my system. If I start explaining anything about hi-fi, I get alot of blank stares and agreeing, but not understanding, nods. Aside from audio, I'm the stereotypical male. I love sports, cars, action movies and women. Shush, don't tell my wife that last one. I've gone through this thread and just love being able to learn something about all of you. Thank you all for sharing a little bit of yourselves here....john
Some really fascinating new Bios above-- welcome. I can identify a bit with Lugnut (neat name), as I went to U of Idaho ('63-'66), bought a '69 Vitimin C Orange Plymouth Road runner in '69, and have pursued photography as a hobby for 30+ years. I drove that Roadrunner 10 years, kept it in mint condition, then sold it to a 17 year old who wrapped it around a power pole 2 weeks later-- what a waste:>(.

And Zaikesman. Wow, what a wealth of experience-- actually participating in all those kinds of music! I'm impressed for sure as I've only "played at guitar" for 40 years, but really no more than Rock jam sessions in my younger years.

A philosophy professor too! And a Ferrari and Porsche owner/racer! This place is getting damn interesting. I look forward to hearing from all you guys. What's fascinating to me is the tremendous experience and broad diversity of other interests that A'gon members bring with them. We really are more than "audio-nerds". Welcome, and Cheers. Craig
So Patrick, how about a ride in that '67 Nova? I used to race a '66 Stingray with 427 (405 HP) four speed. Those where great years when you could open the hood and actually see the engine.

Welcome to Audiogon, pleased to hear comments from another dedicated vinyl junkie.