Pioneers in the history of higher end/accurate sounding components....and you..

Ken Stevens from Convergent Audio Technology (CAT) has been making some of the best sounding preamps and amps in the world (tube or SS) for more than 30 years, and deserves mention. It’s hard to have a conversation about world class amps and preamps without mentioning his gear. To his credit, he’s done it his way....he’s never sold out or caved to the business politics of the industry, doesn’t pay much attention to the marketing game, and still has very little internet presence, yet is extremely well regarded in the inner circles of esoteric audio. The pursuit of perfection has always comes first, and he just keeps raising the bar, which is exactly why his gear performs like it does.

While not exactly known for world class stuff, David Hafler has made some excellent products and has had a significant impact.  Over the years I've had a Hafler preamp and Hafler DH-500 amp.  Years later I'm still enjoying the fruits of his labor listening to some modified Dynaco amps that he designed.  

David Hafler was, in some ways, like Henry Kloss....as in, it did not have to be expensive to be very good and a part of a wonderful system for playback of music. 

A guy named Fred Farmer owned an audio store in Pembroke, MA. He introduced me to and ultimately sold to me the Apogee Duetta Signatures which I still own today. His store is long gone, but thanks Fred. Been happy listening for the past 30 years!

Jerry Seinfeld, Paul Newman and Michael Fremer were not present however.

I’m shocked know one got my joke about the JCPenny MCS stereo . I’m sure there’s somebody on here that had one? I’m not the only one that had one...?

My parents had a "charge account" at Wards, so James Cash Penny stores were not on their radar.