1973

I was in Vietnam until February of 73. Either there or in Thailand (where the Air Force sent me next) I ordered an AR receiver, a pair of AR2ax speakers, a Dual 1229 turntable and Shure V15 cartridge. Various vendors offered "deals" to service members, so supposedly I got a good price. Had it all sent home to Denver and lived with that system for a number of years. Used to read Stereo Review religiously.

Bic Venturi Formula 6’s..
Large and not so accurate but perfect for Led Zeppelin..

'73 was the year I bought my first "big" system: Magneplanar Tympani T-I loudspeakers, ARC electronics, Thorens/SME/Decca record player, Revox A77. My dealer was Walter Davies, now known for his excellent LAST record, tape, and CD maintenance products.

1973. My friend had this album, really different but really, really good. For some reason they cheaped out on the cover, just plain black with this triangle and a rainbow. Then when you open it up, same thing, only a squiggly line. Never could figure that one out. But there was a heartbeat, and one guy when he got stoned enough he swore it was all tied in, an EKG or something, nobody at that age is afraid of dying, and you run and you run. Maybe got a little too stoned myself, now what was the name ...?

1973: The genesis point of my audiophile odyssey. Started with a Panasonic receiver with a fish eye tuning dial and plastic, trapezoidal single driver speakers. Also, had a BSR changer (4800?) with a ceramic cartridge. This system was a ubiquitous feature of every dentist's office back in the day. Listening to WDAS FM in Philly led to my fixation on Stevie Wonder, Ohio Players, Graham Central Station and War. Stones, Santana, Hendrix and Yes were like sonic heroin.
Then, I got a pair of BIC formula 1s, mounted them venturi side up in the corners of my room and literally shook the rafters. That launched the equipment side of the obsession that continues to this day.