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Story #1 1976 Milwaukee, WII was just out of college looking to buy some audio equipment and went into a store called Wacks Electronics. It was high end for the times. On the outside they claimed they had over 100 tape decks for sale. Well I don't know about that, but they had lots of stuff I had never seen before.
After chatting with the owner, he knew, I knew brand name stuff. I said what is your best setup?
He took me to the back of the store, up a flight of stairs, to a locked room. This room was for special customers only! Not the typical "riff-raff" off the street.In the not too large room were speakers made up of three big 6' tall flat panels on each side, that I had never seen before (Audio Research Tympani IIIc). Also an Audio Research SP-3a preamp, and a Audio Research D150 power amp. I do not remember the turntable.
The power amp was huge and weighed almost 200 pounds. Three big meters, a large knob in the center, and many switches. It looked like something out of a 1950s science fiction movie. With this in your listening room, everyone knew you were either dead serious about sound quality, or totally crazy! Only about 125 of these monsters were ever made.
The owner flipped the on off switch and the meters lit up. Then slowly turned the big center knob, which gently turned up the voltage with the built in variac! Cool! Then he played a record. For the first time ever, I heard realistic music coming out of the speakers! Not just sound! I was "blown away", but could not afford this equipment.
A few months later I bought a pair of Magnepan IIa speakers, Great American Sound (GAS) Thoebe preamp, and GAS Son of Ampzilla power amp. I thrilled many listeners with that setup for many years. Nobody ever said I had less than great sound!
Story #2 1988 Twin Cities, MNI was talking to an audio friend at work about an ad in the paper for an older pair of Magnepan Tympani speakers. The Tympani line was no longer made. He knew I owned Magnepans, and asked if they were any good. I told him to not think twice, and buy them! Then I told him story #1. He was skeptical, but thought if he did not like them, he could resell without a loss.
The seller said he did not have the boxes, but could deliver. To his amazement, a long stretch limo rolled up to his house with the speakers in the back. The driver who helped move them in said the seller was the recording engineer for the "artist formerly known as prince"!
He temporarily set them up in his bed room, and was unimpressed with the bass. I asked him how far were they were away from the rear wall? He said one foot. I told him, move them four feet away from the wall! The next day, he said the bass was "unbelievable"! I have never heard more realist bass, and "life sized" sound! These were an absolute steal!
Story #3 2004 Plymouth, MN
I was waiting in the Audio Research lobby to pick up a preamp they repaired. The receptionist/secretary/phone operator was sitting at her desk ignoring me. A good looking middle aged brunet. A photograph of a huge M300 mono block amp was hanging on the wall. I asked her if that was a Bill Johnson design? She curtly said, "they are all Johnson's designs"! Then she turned away.
I started to tell her story #1. She continued to ignore me. When I got to the Tympani part, she turned, and pointed her finger directly at me, and said "Timpani IIIc.....I have those in my living room"! Time seemed to freeze! For what seemed like several seconds, we gazed into each others eyes in silence. We had a "cosmic connection" and my jaw dropped! Wow! A female with Tympani's in her living room, how rare was that! She looked embarrassed, and immediately turned away, returning to ignore me.
The Tympani IIIc was distributed by Audio Research, with "Audio Research" on the connector plate, not Magnepan. After Bill Johnson retired, and sold the company, there was no longer anyone in the lobby.
This post was too good to only put in the planar forum IMO.
Edits: 09/11/16 09/12/16Follow Ups:
Story #1: While visiting Chicago many years ago and interested in getting into a high-end system, I went into Paul Heath Audio with my brother. I told the salesperson what I was interested in and told him I liked large-scale orchestral music. He put on a scratched mono LP of a lute! Walked out--what a jerk.
Story #2: I wanted to upgrade my speakers and went to Audio Craft in Cleveland. The salesman was nice, but all he had available as a demo was a CD of some Motown stuff! Again, I walked. Audio Craft is out of business.
I was working in London for about 6 months 10 years ago. One weekend, I happened to notice a Hi-End Audio store while walking down a street. I was very excited and walked in to take a look. Some one greeted me, and I told him I'm from the US working in UK, pretty excited to visit the store, just browsing to see if there's anything interesting. When he heard that, he probably guess that it is very unlikely I would buy anything. I asked if I could browse around the store, and he said "no, and I cannot let you walk around the store unattended, please leave". Wow, most of their stuff are entry level stuff, nothing fancy either. Nice attitude.
Then I visited another store, Walrus Audio, I believe, some time later. And the guy was awesome. I spent almost two hours in that store just chatting with the owner. The only thing I could buy was replacement belts for my Michell turntable, but we had a great time just chatting inbetween him answering phones and emails. That was awesome.
FrankC
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"I can't compete with the dead" (Buck W. 2010)
"It would take me forever. I don't think I have forever" (Byrd 2015)
Those were magical times when AUDIO RESEARCH and MAGNEPAN were aligned.
I will never forget my first exposure to the Tympani 1's and SP3 and D75 at a dealer in Atlanta. Like everything you know is wrong and thank God it is! I knew about KLH 9s though had never heard them. But this was a window into the future.
There used to be real audio mystery surrounding Minneapolis (and White Bear Lake) - and then there was the irascible Frank van Alstine. I think it is why I have a great fondness for the town. Of course, the REPLACEMENTS have something to do with that, too, along with "the artist".
When the best was attainable to average folk. There was real excitement of discovery and more than a handful of people interested.
Kind of like those days a thousand years ago when one could have actually read every book ever written ...
My first major recalibration of how good an audio system could sound parallels your story #1. It was 1974 and I was an inquisitive teenager who stumbled upon a new audio shop near me. Upstairs, they had tri-amped TIIIs using Audio Research electronics: SP-3a, EC-3 crossover, D76s driving mid and tweeters with a Crown DC-300a on woofer panels. Front end was Linn Sondek LP-12/SME3009 Type II with Ortofon SL15E and Ortofon SUT.
It was then I first was exposed to the notion of real soundstaging and the projection of a lifelike image. The owner played several cuts from The Planets which became a favorite in short order. I too, purchased MG-IIs shortly thereafter.
Story #2 falls into the funny category.
Fast forward two years to when I had met Dr. Cooledge (JWC of The Absolute Sound) and heard his wonderful Dayton-Wright electrostats. Actually, hearing those was a major influence that lasts to this day(!). He asked me if I might come by on a Sunday and assist him replace a panel. That was an interesting task since one had to pierce the outer diaphragm to access the panels within. Replaced the panel, patched and re-tensioned the outer mylar. Then the sulfur hexaflouride electrical insulating gas had to be recharged.
Side note: SF6 is inert and has the opposite characteristic of helium in that it is heavier than air. Pour some in a glass and you see nothing. Put your finger in and you sense its presence.
So used a tank to recharge the cabinet. Some may also recall that JWC has been a baritone in the Atlanta Symphony Chorus since those days. Surprisingly, he then inhaled a big whiff of SF6 and began singing an operatic tune. It sounded like Lurch at The Met!
It took me a while to gain my composure after falling on the floor laughing. :)
I first heard the stuff at the Cheshire Bridge store long before the second store at the Prado. I had forgot they had that setup in Julian's store.
By the way, is Dr. Cooledge still walking this planet?
Yeah, Spector had a fancy rack layout with his ARC gear using the vented cooling panels at the main location. Julian split with him over "irreconcilable differences". :)
While it's been perhaps a year since I last spoke with the good doctor, I believe he is still doing fine. And continues to be affiliated with the ASO.
Thanks for letting me know.
At one time, there were many Audio operations in Atlanta.
What happened? This is our 6th major U.S. city.
Since we're on the topic of Maggies, I found a single MG III laying in an alley one day.
(San Diego area)
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Nice pic! Man, that is harsh....
A long story made short....
My Acoustat 2+2 ESLs were found at the curb up on Syracuse University hill.
They made their way to one home....and couldn't be used.....so they end up being left at Clark Music.
I walk in later that day and bingo....they're mine, $275 cash.
Nice score.
The photo is old, but shows the tight fit. <1/2" gap at the ceiling.
"I can't compete with the dead" (Buck W. 2010)
"It would take me forever. I don't think I have forever" (Byrd 2015)
Nice pic- Byrd69
2nd Note:
I mean, 2nd story and the day I discovered true High-End sound;
Circa 2003- I was visiting Jay Valentino's store, Audio Resource, in the greater New Orleans area. After tuning up my ears on the smaller systems,
I ventured into his main room. B&W Nautilus floor standers, all-Classe' rack (preamp, mono block power amps, Lexicon RT-10 spinner, Reference Transparent MM1 cabling). Both cd and sacd were used in the demo. The Eagles "Hell freezes Over". The sound and presentation were so visceral that one could reach out and touch those musicians. Like before, and much more money, I was struck by such a dynamic sound. A wonderful Saturday afternoon spent in New Orleans.
Happy Listening!
fantja's New Orleans story brings to mind my own. I was visiting the city in the mid to late seventies and an audio dealer in or near the French Quarter recommended a shop in Fat City for high-end audio. A New Orleans novice, I thought "Fat City" his term of derision. Anyway, I recall a baby grand in the foyer and Mark Levinson on the shelves. I bought an EMT XSD-15 cartridge for $400 and the salesman cheerfully wrote a receipt stating $100 for customs purposes.
At the border, Canada's finest tore our car apart. To the literal minded we matched the profile. Of course, if we were smuggling narcotics, not cartridges, we would have dressed like Young Republicans, not Deadheads. At the end, I recall one frustrated officer sneering at an idiot who would pay $100 for a "needle".
Still have the EMT, lovingly restored by SoundSmith. Does anyone recall that Fat City shop?
Thanks! for sharing- Mark P
prior to Hurricane Katrina, there were a plethora of Audio shops in greater N.O. Sadly, Doug Wilson of Wilson Audio New Orleans is the last of the breed. He actually has a pretty good operation.
Great stories- RealStereo
here is mine and the day I discovered better Hifi than my parents' Sears/JC Penney rack systems;
Circa 1987: on a nice Saturday I visited my local shopping Mall and discovered that a new TV and Audio store had opened. The main attraction were the big screen TV(s) of that time- remember those beasts?
TV were everywhere in the front to mid depth of the store. Every size one could dream of owning. Anyway, I made my way to the very back of the store
close to the stock room. The Rolling Stones were playing in the small covet marked "Stereo". "Time is on my Side" was the hook. I can vividly re-call that all black Yamaha Stack (preamp, power amp w/ red meters, cd player). I was struck immediately by the sound and presentation. The room was dark or very dimmed-lighted. I just stood and listened in awe. I was intimately familiar w/ Hot Rocks, it was in heavy rotation in my car and Parent's home rack. It never sounded so good! I wish I could remember both the speakers and cabling used to capture such a dynamic sound?
Happy Listening
Ive told the story before of the Jamaican guy catching his Mach Ones
on fire with a BGW amp (375/ch)
The other odd one was I sold a guy a CJ MF2500 for his Martin Logans. I told him I'd deliver it and set it up free. I got there and the room was maybe eigth by ten perhaps a little less.
There was one chair and a couple of tables but there was tons of art on the walls and lots of glass trinkets that would tingle and jingle at volume.
ET
"If at first you don't succeed, keep on sucking till you do suck seed" - Curly Howard 1936
One time, I found a large marijuana joint inside of a gatefold LP cover. If I recall correctly, the album was "Tequila" by Wes Montgomery. Salvation Army thrift store purchase.
Same thing happened to me, only it was a Pantera CD!
Cool. I hope that you "got rid of it".
A long time ago my wife and I used to partake. Once she found a small amount in a container under the bathroom sink that was years old. She was horrified, obviously things had changed, we were parents etc. she told me to get rid of it. She went out of town. I took care of it.
The whoop troopers.
Edits: 09/12/16
I took care of it.
That was your duty!
While the wife was out of town, a couple of friends and I went on an overnight canoe/camping trip. We built a nice camp fire that evening after a nice day on the river, drank a few beers and burned it. We had some silly ass conversations - duty completed. I hate waste.
We're going on vacation to Colorado on Saturday. Just say'in.
bigshow
I hear that the altitude out there can make you high or maybe it was something else.
More Stories:In the 90's I met a person that worked for many years at Magnepan. He had fond memories from afternoons listening to speakers for evaluation (like other employees) in the lab. He remembers that Jim Winey had tight control over decisions, and caused lots of delays because he could not be found for sign offs, and was at home studying (not drinking) wine. He recalls the worst ever speakers returned for rebuild, was a set of badly beat up Tympani's owned by country singer Willie Nelson.
A story from the internet, was an employee at ARC had an operation that, after insurance, left him with a $30,000 bill. Bill Johnson felt sorry for him, and wrote him a personal check for $30,000. What a kind man!
I also met Frank VanAlstine at Macintosh user groups, and the local audio club. He was a little boisterous and opinionated, but nice. He modified Dynaco audio, the ARC SP3a, and Magnepans by putting clay globs on strategic spots, to improve the sound ( LOL). He also was a car racer. Good audio for not high dollars.
Met Ralph Karsten of Atma-Sphere also. Posts all over the internet, and is an expert in audio. Has been around a long time with fanatic followers. A great person.
Also talked to James Bongiorno over the phone several times, when I bought a Son of Ampzilla 2000. Liked his designs (GAS, Sumo Electric, and Spread Spectrum Technologies). He was abrasive and opinionated. Tried to order another Son of Ampzilla 2000, and he said he was having tests for a lung transplant and had not sold anything for months. I had sent a check for $3500 (he cut me a deal). Two days later he called, and told me he would change my order, and hold my money for a new amp, to be called Ampzilla Forever. I was suspicious, and figured he would be dead, and it would be forever before I received it. The next day I called the bank and put a BLOCK on the check! Several days later, he left me a voicemail with many swear words. A few weeks later he died!
Edits: 09/12/16
The story was mostly true. I posted twice apparently. See the actual story about Bill Johnson & ARC in my post below.
Best regards,
Jim Smith
Edits: 09/12/16 09/12/16
Almost correct. In early 1977, I had only been at ARC a few months when our third child was born 13 weeks premature. We (my wife and me) did not have insurance for childbirth at ARC, let alone the cost of three months in the preemie ward.
The bill was $30,000.
Bill did pay it for us.
I will never forget it.
Best regards,
Jim Smith
Jim, if you ever want to pass it forward, I am in need.
faith in humility is once again restored.
Edits: 09/13/16
(nt)
On the other hand you would have had insurance. Good story.
If he had been employed for "only a few months" at that mythical Fortune 500 company their insurance company would most likely not have covered the premature birth and resulting preemie hospital care claiming "pre-existing conditions".
Bill Johnson was a saint!
Hi ,The lady receptionist / secretary / phone operator name is Ruth Gustafson the wife of Leonard . She was very nice to us and greeted us when my wife and went for a factory visit in 2007. She gave me a lot of literature , reviews , diagrams and posters of my small collection of ARC products during that time . Even diagrams & parts list for my equipment .
Mondial
Edits: 09/12/16
Victor's in ChicagoWalked in to browse high end turntables. The room was set up with double stand mounted Quad Electrostats with one coffin like sub per channel all driven by Mark Levinson electronics. Over 30 years later still one of the most memorable sounding systems I've ever experienced.
Edits: 09/11/16
My all time favorite store was The Audiophile Sound Studio in Middleton, WI, several miles west of Madison. The store was a large house with seven listening rooms. They had many, many, super audio products around the late 70's early 80's. The full blown official Mark Levinson HQD system.
Stacked Quads, Decca tweeter, 30" Hartly bass, eight ML JC2 Class A amps, ML crossovers, and driven by a giant John Curl modified Studer tape deck. The tape deck used 2" wide, two track tape, running at 30 in per second, and they played second generation Mark Levinson Jazz recordings made by Mark.
They also had the big Dayton X10 gas bag electrostatics, and Harold Beverage tall coffin Electrostatics, with tube amp in the bottom, speakers.
The store went under in the 80's
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Beatnik's stuff http://web.me.com/jnr1/Site/Beatniks_Pictures.html
they would love that on the planar asylum; didn't know Prince was a maggie fan but then again why not; they're made in his home town!
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