It's better late than never. The introduction of higher quality audio gear to this fifty-something has been exactly what the doctor ordered.

I finally settled on some speakers that are very clear (possibly Mirage, but that's another story), a decent turntable with a good cartridge, an nice warm old Heathkit, and a proper arrangement. Last night I pulled the cobwebs off of Linda Ronsdadt "Heart Like a Wheel," CSNY "So Far," and Dire Straits "Brothers in Arms." I heard those albums in a whole new way. It was a revelation. I have always loved music, but . . . well . . . our relationship has moved to a new level.

I probably mis-labeled this thread, because I can't really regret not experiencing this earlier. My wife and I have nearly finished raising our sons, which has provided me great joy and satisfaction, and will continue to do so (with the grandkids, hopefully, at least a few years away). Now, however, there is time in life for other things. It's nice then to have something new in life that can also bring great joy - and music is truly a source of joy.

Of course thanks are in order to the members of AK for providing great information and guidance that will make the pursuit of this avocation an ongoing source of satisfaction and listening pleasure.

My wife says it's important to share our feelings, so there ya go. I'm happy. :music:

Regards,

D-Ray

Hey D-Ray,

Glad that you are having fun and enjoying the music. I had that epiphany a couple years ago myself. It's never too late to discover!

Cheers,
Carl

Enjoy yourself...

...while your still in the pink.

That's what it's all about man!

I think I know what you mean, D-Ray. Although I wasn´t much of a vintage fan before I joined AK, I´ve always strived for quality over quantity. Few experiences can better a great music session on a truly good system.

In my case, it´s been only in my fifties that I´ve started collecting cheaper vintage gear asembling systems for my kids, and what a gratifying experience it has been.

I think I know what you mean, D-Ray. Although I wasn´t much of a vintage fan before I joined AK, I´ve always strived for quality over quantity. Few experiences can better a great music session on a truly good system.

In my case, it´s been only in my fifties that I´ve started collecting cheaper vintage gear asembling systems for my kids, and what a gratifying experience it has been.

Sharing is an integral part of the experience. My son will take two vintage systems with him to his college house - one for his room and one with big speakers for the common area. One just can't help but want to share something as awesome as music heard this way. (Maybe that is why I appreciate AK so much. I can gush over the sounds and people know - or care - about the same thing.)

Regards,

D-Ray

D-Ray,

Congrats on finding quality and synergy with your setup. It's a pleasant experience when one can truly find magic in his/her system.

Nice post, D-Ray. :)
Although I wasn´t much of a vintage fan before I joined AK, I´ve always strived for quality over quantity. Few experiences can better a great music session on a truly good system.

Jorge hit the nail on the head for me... it's not all about "Vintage", it's all about the quality of your listening experience.

D-Ray,

It's nice to find another AKer in love with his system. That's what it's all about.

I spent much of my life using my audio equipment for listening to rehearsal tapes, making dubs for teaching music appreciation and sharing copies with family and my collegues. I just didn't have the time to just listen, myself, and truly enjoy my collection.

Now that I am retired I find I can just set aside as much time as I want to really get into music again as I did in my youth. Every improvement to my system brings new listening experiences and new joy to life.

I'm sure that many of us are rediscovering the "old" joys of music!!

D-Ray,

Congrats on finding quality and synergy with your setup. It's a pleasant experience when one can truly find magic in his/her system.

Speaking of Magic - some one mentioned on another thread providing you with some Leo Kottke. Have you formed any impressions?

Sorry for getting off topic.

Regards,

D-Ray

One should never regret spending years on raising kids. Nothing is more important or significant.

It's great that you've discovered great audio sound. It is a pleasure that will last for many years yet to come, and fill the house that was once filled with the sound of children, with new musical sounds that you will enjoy over and over.

Now you may choose to discover the joys of the tweak, the upgrade, and the ever-expanding collection of 'new" old vinyl! :music: :thmbsp:

Nice...:thmbsp:

Same here, only I have a bit more of a head start since I'm only 27 and have basically just discovered AK and the wonderful world of hi-fi. It's amazing how great things can sound, isn't it?

Speaking of Magic - some one mentioned on another thread providing you with some Leo Kottke. Have you formed any impressions?

Sorry for getting off topic.

Regards,

D-RayHe doesn't have any Kottke? :scratch2::smoke:

Speaking of Magic - some one mentioned on another thread providing you with some Leo Kottke. Have you formed any impressions?

Sorry for getting off topic.

Regards,

D-Ray

He doesn't have any Kottke? :scratch2::smoke:

No Kottke yet. I'll put it on the priority list.

And if someone sent me any, sometimes it gets mixed up in the mail, and sometimes my head fogs over from some prescribed meds- do you recall if someone sent me some? I'm a bit red-faced I don't recall...:confused:

Nice post d-ray.

Now i have that tickle to get my TT out of storage. Happy now?! :D

Enjoy, man! That's the core. It'll add years to your life.

Excellent post d-ray! It's not about the quantity, but all about the quality.

It's the music that matters most... doesn't matter if it's on a new system
or a vintage system, if it sounds right to your ears, then it's heaven! :thmbsp:

Scott

Thanks everyone for the kind words. :) Truth is, when a person feels passionate about something he wants to share it, talk about it, and sometimes go on and on about it. :blah: When I start talking to my wife about speaker placement, re-foaming, re-capping, thrift scores, or rearranging components, she will usually comment that "I'm happy for you babe." or "Umm hmm." :boring: God bless her for supporting my pursuit of this passion, but she really doesn't share in it (although she does appreciate it when I put one of her favorite artists on, and it sounds really good:yes:). But the people here are more than interested in shooting the bull about all sorts of audio, both sharing and listening. This is a great source for information, support, debate and entertainment. :thmbsp:

Regards,

D-Ray

Lots of fun sharing our audio passion, isn't it? I recently put together a couple of systems for other folks;
For a friend: Arcam Alpha 5 integrated/Carver CDP/Onkyo T9 tuner/3a speakers.... they're thrilled (to put it mildly).
For my daughter's upcoming birthday: Yamaha R100 receiver/Magnavox CDP/ EPI 202 speakers (still debating about Yammie 690's instead)..... should keep her in good-sounding tunes for many years to come.

Keeps my wife happy too, as there's less gear sitting about in storage. I also get the pleasure of hearing the systems when I go a-visiting.:music:

I'm an audio newbie that has been in the upgrade mode lately.

I bought a pair of mint Infinity SM-152's to replace my "cheapie" speakers. Not the greatest speakers, but I think they sound good and that's what counts, right?

The wife did run right out and buy a new Coach handbag so I guess we're even....lol.

The little lady looked at me like I was losing my mind when I hooked up the 152's until I cranked up Robin Trower's Bridge of Sighs. She was rockin' out with a big smile on her face. Saw him live in the early 70's...great concert!

I've received a lot of advice on my latest acquisition, a pair of Infinity Column II's, from the folks here at AK. I love this new hobby of mine and the wife doesn't seem to mind. If you've been married any length of time you have to know that the Wife Acceptance Factor (WAF) is very important!

I've gone through quite a few hobbies in my 50+ years on this planet but I see this hobby as being one I can enjoy for years to come thanks to the members here at AK.