i met Ken at audio shows a couple times and talked to him on the phone. he called me about tape decks a few times. we had some things in common as far as our desire for an ultimate room and hifi system. but his direction was different than mine. so as far as over-the-top commitment to music and hifi i can relate to him.
it is sad to see the negativity as part of his legacy, and it’s been unfortunate how the spin of it has gone. yes; there are lessons to be learned.
personally, even though my commitment was considerable, my family never was sucked into it other than my wife allowing me to do it and her understanding of how i liked it. i worked 6 days a week for 50 years and hifi/music was my stress relief. my children never have been a part other than my son helping with my network stuff as he is an expert. one time he helped me with a project for a day, and i gave him an expensive bicycle.
having a super hifi system and exotic room can be something complimentary to a happy balanced life. one thing for me is that my children have not provided me with grandkids. only a grand-dog. so from that perspective that would have taken much of my hifi fire away and directed my time and energy differently. been married 50 years and we are going strong, retired 18 months ago, all is well. and still love my system and spend hours a day in it with a smile. my wife and i are now making plans for some traveling around.....and enjoying life.
a huge commitment can be something that gives to you, and not something that crushes you and your family. but it has to fit into your life, not control it.
