Who Do You Credit For Getting You Into This Hobby?


I didn't know which forum to post this in so I hope it's alright to have done so in "Speakers".

When you look back over this obsessive hobby of ours, who do you give credit for helping you take the plunge? I am extremely grateful to Albert Porter and John Fort, who were salesmen at Arnold and Morgan (Dallas) in the mid-to-late 70s (I believe Albert might actually have been the sales manager), and spent a lot of time with me to assist in finding the best system for my tastes and budget. They also treated me the same as their male customers, and never made me feel like the minority (female) that I was in this particular hobby. Their love of the hobby was infectious, and I quickly became enamored with the quest for getting the sound right. That first small system was comprised of a middle-of-the line Yamaha receiver (1977), Yamaha speakers, and a Dual turntable. I still own the Dual turntable and have kept it for its sentimental value. It is currently not in use although it is still operational almost 30 years later.

So, thank you, Albert Porter and John Fort, for taking the time to help me all those years ago. It's also evident here at Audiogon that Albert continues to help all of us as we pursue this endeavor, a few of us much older than when we originally began the journey.

--Mary
mcrheist
My Dad. He owned a shop in the 50's-60's (he died in '66). They did sales, service, and installation of Audio, TV, and Communications (ie intercoms). I would go to the shop with him on Saturday, while he and his partner worked repairing customers gear he sat me down with a screw driver, pliers, and an old broken piece of gear so I could "work on it". I was 6-7 or so. We always had a decent hifi in the house too. And I had my own system when I was a teenager. Of course I didn't really become an audiophile until college. That's when I found how much difference there was in consumer gear and the hi end.
but it was Jax2 that toured me around the audio block. Danke, Marco!

Glad you're still enjoying it my friend. When the fever chills, cold sweats and the shakes set in I may be long gone so I'll take the gratitude while I can get it. I really didn't know I was still contagious. Damn that Jones and his tube-driven Quads, his Goldmund turntable and Grado Signature cartridge. I should have stayed away, but his wife can cook like Julia Child!

Marco
Thanks Mary, now you have to come listen with the gang again some Tuesday night.
My father has to get credit here. He's the one who bought me some good speakers for my little fold out phonograph player. He enjoyed listening to his tube based stereo back in the sixties. The most important part of this is that I love music, I guess you could say that's the most important gift.
"Who Do You Credit For Getting You Into This Hobby?"

At this point it's more like, Who do I blame? I've made a lot of friends and some enemies. Spent much money and a lot of time. Finally created club gregadd in my living room. When I head into retirement I know what I'll be doing.

Thanks to all the salesman who's time I wasted without buying anything. And thanks to Mark of Soundworks and John of Audio Depot for letting me hang out at their store.