I'm up in Berlin. Half way between Hartford and New Haven. Live on a pretty lake. As for meeting him, I can't remember, but it was eon's ago. I know it was twice as those were the only times he was up here from what I had been told. Heck, I know I met Paul Klipsch as well as David Hafler and a few other top designers back in the very early 70's. The store in Newington was a very well known one back in the day. It's how I learned about audio. Dad, who didn't make a lot, took me there nad we came home with a modest system of a Pioneer receiver, house made 3 way speakers (that were very good and how stores sold back in the day) and a Garrard TT. I bought my own system in '73 with Bar Mitzvah money. Yamaha YP 211 TT with the top Grado cartridge (Grado was in the store when I made my upgrade from the Garrard that came with it and told them to throw in the cartridge. As most know, those all cost them about the same to make and they had a major uncharge.). I too had the same speakers as Dad had. I rocked out with my drums in the basement while mom complained, lol.
Joe, the owner was a named big band director and most of the audio elite would come visit him and he would always let me know who and when. That's why I got to go in the basement and listen to the whole Klipsch line with the Phase Linear and Crown gear with top TT's, but I don't even remember which ones, lol. I got a few of my HS buddy's to purchase systems through Joe's place, even though we had the shlock shops too. Most got the baby Klipsch's (forget the name but they are in the classic line) with their larger Yamaha receivers. Sorry to for the history, lol. I've loved this hobby and the people in it for most of my life.
I think it's why I get jaded at times and why I am always open to auditions to keep learning. I know it's hard to believe, but I didn't love Vandersteen's until about 10 years ago when I went to the closest dealer in NJ to buy a new set of Pro Ac's D series and walk out of their knowing I was going to purchase a pair of Treo's once I saved enough. I didn't even want to audition them, which was unlike me, but I was there with family as my cousin was getting married and he lives in Verona.
Theil and Vandersteen's are so much alike, but sound so different. I think it's the time alignment etc.. that my ears really appreciate hearing. Both designers to me, are as important to audio as anyone else.
