Great benefit of AK

[70salesguy]

I think one of the things I like best about AK is getting to see ALL kinds of equipment that I probably wouldn't ever see in person!

I see equipment here that I have only ever seen on a website and of course, lots of gear that I didn't know existed!

My days as 70salesguy were in the 70s, and I really didn't have much interest in looking in stereo stores in the 80s (the so-called black plague).

Working for a living certainly got in the way since then.

It is just so nice to see the near exotic and ultra-exotic gear and systems that often show up here.

Another thing that I like is that AK has everyone from folks that put their system together from CL, GW, garage sales, curb finds and hand-me-downs all the way to mega-buck systems!

It's so informative when people share their experiences with various types of gear and also enjoy reading about great finds, especially the marvelous things that often are found at estate sales!

The question has been asked here about how many friends or aquaintances you have that are "into" vintage gear. My best friend of 35 years shares the passion for vintage gear and we certainly enjoy talking about it, but it's nice to see what others have!

[Ultra-Hog]

How true! I couldn't agree more, except for the last sentence. My best friend of 35 years still looks at me kind of funny when I tell him about some "new" old component or pair of speakers that I am working on. He seems to like the sound that they produce but he just doesn't quite care. Of course a lot of my "new" old gear actually was new equipment that I was selling when we first met way back in the olden days. I am putting a system together for him as a gift. Maybe once he has some "new" old gear in his own home to listen to I will have a chance to bring him back from the dark side.

I have learned a lot in the past year or so as a result of being a member of AK that I don't think I ever would have had the opportunity to learn were it not for AK and it's members. The exciting thing is that there is still so much more to discover and learn.

Great post 70salesguy. :thmbsp:

Thanks!

[Scorpion8]

How true! I couldn't agree more!...

:thmbsp:

[Urizen]

The exciting thing is that there is still so much more to discover and learn.

Great post 70salesguy.

Well put!:thmbsp:

[ekmanning5]

I think one of the things I like best about AK is getting to see ALL kinds of equipment that I probably wouldn't ever see in person!

I see equipment here that I have only ever seen on a website and of course, lots of gear that I didn't know existed!

My days as 70salesguy were in the 70s, and I really didn't have much interest in looking in stereo stores in the 80s (the so-called black plague).

Working for a living certainly got in the way since then.

It is just so nice to see the near exotic and ultra-exotic gear and systems that often show up here.

Another thing that I like is that AK has everyone from folks that put their system together from CL, GW, garage sales, curb finds and hand-me-downs all the way to mega-buck systems!

It's so informative when people share their experiences with various types of gear and also enjoy reading about great finds, especially the marvelous things that often are found at estate sales!

The question has been asked here about how many friends or aquaintances you have that are "into" vintage gear. My best friend of 35 years shares the passion for vintage gear and we certainly enjoy talking about it, but it's nice to see what others have!

I agree, I love to live vicariously through other members finds. I also enjoy meeting other AK members at gatherings and such.
I tend to agree with Ultra-Hog about old friends however. I've got friends who I've known for 30-40 years. Guys who I used to sit around and listen to music with all night every night when we were younger. We still go to live shows together. But when I bring up the topic of vintage gear I get the same vacant stare I got back in the day after an evening of multi purpose imbibing. Go figure.

[no1maestro]

I'm so glad that 70's posted this message. We shared some of the same interests; selling audio in the 70's (and for me, also the 60's).

I have really enjoyed this room for all the reasons so well quoted by the writer.

Recently I have had an experience that will touch many of you. My son is living back in the home area with his own house etc. He was big into both audio and video and had all the newest equipment and he kind of looked at me strangely when I would show him some of my newest "finds". His reply, often, was "Why don't you just buy a new one?" He just didn't get it until about a year ago.

He has decided to furnish his new home in what they are calling Mid-century classic. If some of you aren't familiar with this term it simply means 50-60's nostaglia. He has purchased furniture, accessories and even a b/w tv to complete the "feel" of the 60's. What this has meant is that he often joins my wife and I on our weekend journeys to the estate sales and places that deal in retro furnishings. My wife and I are reliving the early days of our life together; not only are we re-doing our own house with the things we could hardly afford in the 60's but we are helping him find many of the same things!
Everything old is new again. I'm just waiting for him to realize that he is going to want a vintage stereo system in his "dream" house.
I'll let you know if and when that happens!!

[cubdog]

I think one of the things I like best about AK is getting to see ALL kinds of equipment that I probably wouldn't ever see in person!

I see equipment here that I have only ever seen on a website and of course, lots of gear that I didn't know existed!

My days as 70salesguy were in the 70s, and I really didn't have much interest in looking in stereo stores in the 80s (the so-called black plague).

Working for a living certainly got in the way since then.

It is just so nice to see the near exotic and ultra-exotic gear and systems that often show up here.

Another thing that I like is that AK has everyone from folks that put their system together from CL, GW, garage sales, curb finds and hand-me-downs all the way to mega-buck systems!

It's so informative when people share their experiences with various types of gear and also enjoy reading about great finds, especially the marvelous things that often are found at estate sales!

The question has been asked here about how many friends or aquaintances you have that are "into" vintage gear. My best friend of 35 years shares the passion for vintage gear and we certainly enjoy talking about it, but it's nice to see what others have!

I couldn't agree with you more. Unfortunately all my long time friends gave up on me long ago.

cubdog

[Ultra-Hog]

Those Magnavox HiFi Consoles were the rage, weren't they? My parents had one for years.

[Mr. Lin]

You are so right about this. Basically all the wonderful components I currently use I would never have known about were it not for AK. On top of that, I'm very interested in seeing and hearing about other people's systems from the lowest budget to the highest I'll-never-be-able-to-afford-that ones.

[KingBubba]

Yup, that about sums it up. :thmbsp:

[hypertone]

Another thing that I like is that AK has everyone from folks that put their system together from CL, GW, garage sales, curb finds and hand-me-downs all the way to mega-buck systems!



That's my favorite thing about this forum. It doesn't matter what you have, or how much $ you have invested, there is no gear snobbery. :thmbsp:

[m4rz]

I have a similar story as no1 maestro...but in reverse.

My parents have been big antique collectors for years, and I grew up spending my weekends with my sister and my folks rummaging through many antique stores, barns, auctions and estate sales. Oh I should mention I am in my late 30's and my folks early 60's. A number of years ago I purchased what I would consider a mid-fi ht system which cost a small fortune, nobody understood why, but once they sat and watched a movie, they understood. Consequently I haven't been to the movies since. Anyway, I digress.

About 5 months ago I decided it was time to build a listening room. My wife and I have a 3 year old and I always felt it was very important to grow up in a house where music is the predominant entertainment as it allows for either enjoyment of what is playing, or allows for conversation, reading books, etc. My wife was a tab perturbed at the type of cash that I was willing to spend...so much so that it wasn't going to happen. Since I am stubborn, I starting searching the web for alternatives...then AK!
Now my parents didn't have a lot of cash while we were growing up, but they always saved and saved for the best. The one thing we always had in the house was music...either stereo or my mom on the piano. Well, 5 months later I have the system in the living room. Instead of asking to watch the latest kids movie, my daughter asks when we get home, if we can "rock the house." She jumps around to the music and we all get to enjoy our time together...not watching television like zombies.
My parents spend a fair chunk of time up at my place, and beginning to collecct vintage equipment, and spend weekends hunting is my familys new "adventure." So much so, that my parents are always calling me at work to ask about a receiver or speakers that they see while out antiquing. They even are buying me vinyl. Actually, the Garrard Zero-100 that I have a thread on is really about restoring a piece of equipment that my dad and mom found for me - it would provide us all with a little satisfaction. It's sorta like going back to the grass roots. My dad has spent endless hours in the car with me to go audition speakers or to look at equipment. It's funny, but I never looked at this as a hobby that would really become a family event.
I have met some very helpful and friendly people on this forum. The knowledge gained here has been very valuable, and fun.

[70salesguy]

That is just too cool!

My dad is responsible for my "addiction". He always had a stereo and played good music regularly.

He's gone now :tears:(today is his birthday), but I can still listen to his vinyl albums!

[m4rz]

Oh I should mention, their original baby advents have been refoamed and both mom and dad are looking for gear to run them ;) I think it's contagious

[Mr. Lin]

I have a similar story as no1 maestro...but in reverse.

My parents have been big antique collectors for years, and I grew up spending my weekends with my sister and my folks rummaging through many antique stores, barns, auctions and estate sales. Oh I should mention I am in my late 30's and my folks early 60's. A number of years ago I purchased what I would consider a mid-fi ht system which cost a small fortune, nobody understood why, but once they sat and watched a movie, they understood. Consequently I haven't been to the movies since. Anyway, I digress.

About 5 months ago I decided it was time to build a listening room. My wife and I have a 3 year old and I always felt it was very important to grow up in a house where music is the predominant entertainment as it allows for either enjoyment of what is playing, or allows for conversation, reading books, etc. My wife was a tab perturbed at the type of cash that I was willing to spend...so much so that it wasn't going to happen. Since I am stubborn, I starting searching the web for alternatives...then AK!
Now my parents didn't have a lot of cash while we were growing up, but they always saved and saved for the best. The one thing we always had in the house was music...either stereo or my mom on the piano. Well, 5 months later I have the system in the living room. Instead of asking to watch the latest kids movie, my daughter asks when we get home, if we can "rock the house." She jumps around to the music and we all get to enjoy our time together...not watching television like zombies.
My parents spend a fair chunk of time up at my place, and beginning to collecct vintage equipment, and spend weekends hunting is my familys new "adventure." So much so, that my parents are always calling me at work to ask about a receiver or speakers that they see while out antiquing. They even are buying me vinyl. Actually, the Garrard Zero-100 that I have a thread on is really about restoring a piece of equipment that my dad and mom found for me - it would provide us all with a little satisfaction. It's sorta like going back to the grass roots. My dad has spent endless hours in the car with me to go audition speakers or to look at equipment. It's funny, but I never looked at this as a hobby that would really become a family event.
I have met some very helpful and friendly people on this forum. The knowledge gained here has been very valuable, and fun.

Another success story. In my case however, I ended up spending a whole lot more than I ever would have dreamed I'd spend when I started out. It's ok though, it was totally worth every penny.

[AnalogDigit]

I think one of the things I like best about AK is getting to see ALL kinds of equipment that I probably wouldn't ever see in person!

I see equipment here that I have only ever seen on a website and of course, lots of gear that I didn't know existed!

My days as 70salesguy were in the 70s, and I really didn't have much interest in looking in stereo stores in the 80s (the so-called black plague).

Working for a living certainly got in the way since then.

It is just so nice to see the near exotic and ultra-exotic gear and systems that often show up here.

Another thing that I like is that AK has everyone from folks that put their system together from CL, GW, garage sales, curb finds and hand-me-downs all the way to mega-buck systems!

It's so informative when people share their experiences with various types of gear and also enjoy reading about great finds, especially the marvelous things that often are found at estate sales!

The question has been asked here about how many friends or aquaintances you have that are "into" vintage gear. My best friend of 35 years shares the passion for vintage gear and we certainly enjoy talking about it, but it's nice to see what others have!

I could not agree with you more! I :yes: also like the stories about rescuing items that were for dead and trashed, to repaint, fix and bring them back to life to be enjoyed again! Also pictures of the very high-end equipment that people have. Especially tube equipment. I learned a lot in restoring and taking care of my own vintage equipment.

I have a friend that I knew for over 25 years who is into stereo equipment, he has some old stuff, but most of his is brand new equipment. He was rather amused that I got rid of my new stereo equipment in favor of items from the 70's.

[Sandy G]

Another thing I like is the lack of jealousy here, for the most part-and the feeling that when somebody makes a killer score on some esoteric piece, we're ALL happy for him.

[Hyperion]

Another thing I like is the lack of jealousy here, for the most part-and the feeling that when somebody makes a killer score on some esoteric piece, we're ALL happy for him.

I'm none the less envious though, especially if its a piece of Sansui gear - there is a subtle difference...

John

[ke4jhj]

Thanks to 70's for starting such a great thread!!!!!:yes:

I have really enjoyed reading the post here. I have only been a member here about a week, but have been reading posts for about six months. I thought I knew alot about audio, but WOW!, I have learned so much more and hope to be able to contribute (intelligently) to A-K in the future.

When I discuss audio with most friends and relatives, I get asked:
Your stereo only has two channels?
You have turntables?
You collect records?
Why???????

My answer is "If you have to ask, you just won't understand!" But, then when they come to visit, they usually listen in complete silence with their mouths open.

Some of my daughter's friends recently came over and she brought them down to the "audio shack" and I showed them the old Garrard changer with a stack of 45's I got when I was six. (I admit that was 1959-60). They never heard of Ricky Nelson! Anyway, they were in utter amazement with the changer going through the stack of 45's and stopping automatically at the end of the stack. "Wow, that is so cool! What will they come out with next?"

I feel very passionate about my equipment and my music. I know all of you feel just as strongly about yours. There is a lot of discussion about what's better; analog vs. digital, solid state vs. tube, belt drive vs. direct vs. idler. and so on.

I marvel at the equipment I see here and I admit, there is a lot of equipment that is actually a work of art. I share in the enjoyment and excitement when someone announces they have found a great piece of equipment or have repaired a vintage piece of equipment. Although, the equipment I have would not bring much excitement to most, I think I'm in Heaven when the house is all quiet, except for some great music in my little corner of the world!:banana:
I know you feel the same.

Anyway, thanks again for a great post and for a wonderful website! I'm glad to be here! I think the greatest benefit of AK is not deciding what equipment is best, but to share together to get the best out of what we have!

Again,
Many Thanks

[d-ray657]

Amen to everything being said. Another great thing that AKers can take satisfaction in is that we are keeping some things from entering the landfill. I have been saddened by seeing what a disposable society we live in, but in AK people seem dedicated to preserving value rather than acquiring more stuff to eventually throw away.

Regards,

D-Ray

[Sansui Louie]

My parents and my uncle Mike got me into this craziness. My folks had a Harman Kardon tube receiver and a VM turntable in a custom console. Pops played a lot of Herb Alpert and old polka records, my mom played a lot of Peter Paul n Mary, Simon and Funkle, Ray Charles, Harry Belafonte, Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan and Joan Baez.

My Uncle Mike had a Silvertone portable stereo with built-in reverb, and introduced me to primarily British Invasion stuff. Also stuff like Badfinger, Raspberries, CCR, etc.

The die was cast, the rest is history. For me, AK is all about sharing with other like-minded folks a love of music, old gear, nostalgia, getting help achieving my audio goals and helping others achieve theirs.

[Cybermynd]

AK and similar sites are certainly an illustration of what is good on the intertubes. I'm thinking that the civility and helpfullness of the members is in direct proportion to their love for their hobby. If there is an expression of pride in owning a particular brand - cough!Quadcough! - then that is usually done gently and with good humour.
Kudos to the site operators and all the participants. And if any of you ever see me browsing the Imports bin at your local record store stand back 'cause I'll rip yer arms off! ;-)

[Dark Knight]

I have gotten a lot a great advice.

But, I think I most value the support of a group who really understands the passion. For example, I have experienced some degree of ridicule at work for having now aquired my third set of speakers, several tuners, and now a second amp is on the way. Each acquisition represents a significant up grade in how I enjoy my music. But, they just don't get it.

Grear is great. Brush metal silver, lights, meters, and dials are just beautiful. I am drawn to them like moths to a street lamp at night. But, in the end, the gear is there to serve the music and how I can enjoy it. AK gets it!

DK

[Mr. Lin]

I have really enjoyed reading the post here. I have only been a member here about a week, but have been reading posts for about six months. I thought I knew alot about audio, but WOW!, I have learned so much more and hope to be able to contribute (intelligently) to A-K in the future.



That's the way I looked at it when I joined almost a year ago, and I said so in my first thread. My intentions were to learn a lot about the basics and then be able to pass it on to newcomers down the road, and that's how it's worked out. Granted I have a long way to go, but I know enough now to be able to help out a bit, and that's a big part of why this site is so great, people helping each other.

That sappy enough for you?

[Mr. Lin]

But, I think I most value the support of a group who really understands the passion. For example, I have experienced some degree of ridicule at work for having now aquired my third set of speakers, several tuners, and now a second amp is on the way. Each acquisition represents a significant up grade in how I enjoy my music. But, they just don't get it.


DK

I definitely sympathize with this. For the most part my friends and family think I've lost it, and it was even suggested by one of them that perhaps I'm severely depressed and compensating for it by buying all this audio equipment.:no:

But you're right, they don't understand it. My girlfriend has come around I think because she lives with me, and she sees how genuinely passionate I am about this, and then she hears how wonderful my system sounds, which is important.

So that's a good point, this is just a great place to talk with like-minded people who understand each other in this particular capacity.

[Dark Knight]

I would like to add that I have nearly fallen off my chair laughing at some of the very funny things said on AK, and I do get a real kick at looking at some of the very creative Avitars.

DK

[Kyle85318531]

Unfortunately, i'm young and still don't know much about audio.....
But hopefully, after a while of browsing on this forum, i'll be fully involved in the sickness! ...I mean, er, hobby! :D