Another "quiet passing": Richard Smith [1953-2006] of Auricap fame

General Asylum

General audio topics that don't fit into specific categories.

I found that Richard Smith, co-founder of Audience, passed away last spring at the young age of 53.
He was involved with building/designing speakers and capacitors (Sidereal) and is best known for his Audience cables and Auricap film caps. He seemed to bring real innovation coupled with reasonable pricing into the relm of high-end. This is what
Jennifer Crock of Jena Labs had to say when his Auricap product lauched:

"... I was shocked. It's that simple. I was just plain shocked. These babies are like the sound of the “no cap” reference. Using them, I had none of the microphonic problems that the custom spacecraft parts had, and all or possibly more of the other signal integrity I was used to. Suddenly, a whole new door of design opportunities was opening. At last I could design with caps and NOT feel musically guilty about using them. Equally important, I could get these great parts for about 1/10th the price of the spacecraft grade parts! Better and cheaper. What more can you ask for?"

I've never met Richard but have used a number of his Auricap capacitors in speakers and electronics. I found this products to be very reasonably priced and of excellent value in the scheme of diminishing returns. I also have a pair of the Linaem speakers that he was so found of demonstrating at shows.
Probably, even less known than John Dunlavy who passed away this January, Richard Smith may have even been more influential at the build level with his Auricap product. I think he was coming into the best years as an audio innovator and contributor.
Very little if any "press"(TAS, Stereophile, e-zines, etc) can be found and of Richard's conditions towards the end.
regards,
PeAK

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Topic - Another "quiet passing": Richard Smith [1953-2006] of Auricap fame - PeAK 07:03:38 03/18/07 (1)

Way too young - Metralla 09:53:01 03/18/07 (0)

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