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Does anyone remember these great old Chicago-based stereo stores from the 70s?
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Posted on February 17, 2010 at 12:25:06 | ||
Does anyone remember MusiCraft in the Chicago suburb of Lombard? I used to hang out there with older friends in the early 70s before I could afford to buy new and would up buying quite a bit of used gear there. Later I bought seom new Pioneer Spec gear from them from a guy named George. He was an older gentleman who drove a Lincoln town car and occasionally showed up with a few pieces of choice gear that he sold out of his trunk. In later years I used to bring in my gear for the McIntosh clinic that was held there. The Mac guy was very nice, he never said a bad word about the horrible test results he got from my handbuilt Heathkit integrated amp. There was a second MusiCraft location in Buffalo Grove that I used to visit in the late 80’s when home theater was starting to come in. Bought a new Kenwood tuner and a couple of new tape decks from them from some annoying sales guy who would follow up each question with his brilliant closing line, to wit: Me: Is this the amp you advertised on closeout? Annoying Sales Guy: Yes. Would you like to take it home today? Me: Is it tube or solid state? Annoying Sales Guy: I’m not sure. Would you like to take it home today? Me: How can you not know whether it’s tube or solid state? Annoying Sales Guy: It sounds great. Would you like to take it home today? Me: Actually, I’d like to shove it sideways up your ass. Annoying Sales Guy: If I bend over, would you take it home today? Back to the 80s. Right up the street was Pacific Stereo. I drove there in a blinding snowstorm one Saturday to buy a used Fischer tube receiver that went up in smoke as soon as I plugged it in. I also bought a new Benjamin Miracord turntable from them that served me well for many years. A bit further up the street was Stereo Studio. Bought some nice Nakamichi and AKG headphones there. Heading toward the North suburbs was Simply Stereo in Hoffman Estates (which I think is still in business). Bought some nice ne Klipch speakers and NAD gear there from a friend named Neil Walker who I have long lost touch with. If anyone knows if/where he’s still in the biz let me know. Right around that time I left for my freshman year at Southern Illinois University. Bought a fine set of Heil speakers with the air motion transformers from a shop (can’t remember the name) in downtown Carbondale not far from the school. I can’t remember the sales guy’s name or face, but I remember him fondly for “lecturing” me on how to set up the speakers and ancillary equipment and insisting I call him if I had any problems. Those were some great days and a blessed relief from the many uptight, snobby, “if you’re not here to buy something don’t waste my time” dealers that basically forced me out of the new retail channel and back to used gear on Audiogon. |
I recall the one on the Oak st. (nt), posted on February 17, 2010 at 17:05:11 | |
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Location: IN Joined: July 8, 2001 |
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Was that Audiophile? nt, posted on February 17, 2010 at 17:34:30 | |
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Musicraft, IIRC. (nt), posted on February 17, 2010 at 23:00:05 | |
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Location: IN Joined: July 8, 2001 |
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North Ave Musicraft, posted on February 18, 2010 at 05:52:21 | |
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Joined: May 12, 2002 |
Still use the ADS L 710's my wife bought me at Musicraft back in the early 80's(?). |
I wonder what ever happened to DR. B's he was out of his house, posted on February 18, 2010 at 11:00:53 | |
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Joined: April 16, 2002 |
Every room had components with price tags on them. |
RE: I recall the one on the Oak st. (nt), posted on February 19, 2010 at 18:14:56 | |
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Location: Midwest Joined: February 24, 2008 |
I meant Musicraft on Oak St. |
RE: I worked at Musicraft as a tech., posted on February 21, 2010 at 20:06:47 | |
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Location: Danville VA Joined: June 21, 2001 |
I vaguely remember Victor but don't remember much about him. Dave |