Heed the warning! My soundsystem and records are a pile of ashes


Hi Audiogon family,

Wanted to reach out with a message of warning to please endorse your soundsystem on your insurance policy if you have not already. I have just lost my home and all belongings in the Eaton Fire in Altadena, CA, and I will likely not be able to recover it in full because I did not specifically insure it.

This also goes for records! I'm learning that I will probably be sub-limited on my $80k record collection that I have been assembling since childhood.

I know that stuff is stuff. I literally had to evacuate within minutes because of my house's proximity to the fire's origin. How I wish I had grabbed some of the priceless, unbuyable records that I searched high and low for throughout my life. But I'm alive, my family is alive, and that's what matters most. 

I've worked so hard to provide for my family all these years - we are not a trust fund situation. Records/hifi - MUSIC - was, is and will continue to be my most beloved hobby. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy, and hope some of you may heed my advice to avoid losing your priceless collections.

I have a gofundme setup if anyone is feeling generous, but would appreciate any thoughts and prayers as well. I've found encouragement from my community has been a major saving grace for us during this time. Also, if anyone has experience starting again from the ground up, I'd love to hear your inspirational stories.

128x128nardandsaffron

to the OP - Thanks for sharing your loss and potential lessons learned. i understand to a small degree your loss. We are in Carlsbad and have many friends and family deeply impacted as you have been. Peace and grace upon you. Like other generous souls here, ive got some LP’s i can get to you when you get an anchor out. I looked at your system and room it was beautiful.

Grace and peace.

Jim

@evanpress, yes, you rock!

A few years ago a good friend, audiophile buddy, lost everything in an Oregon fire. Heartbreaking. 
 I organized a get together and had our friends donate records and anything else they could spare. He is on his way back to audio nirvana. The loss and heartbreak will never go away completely, but, he and his family are alive. 
 All you folks suffering, our prayers are with you. 
 

@nardandsaffron I am so sorry for your lose. I lived in Altadena from 2007 to 2020, and it makes be sick to see the destruction and loss. It was a special place, and hopefully will be again.

What are the "priceless, unbuyable records that I searched high and low for throughout my life"? Maybe someone here has a back-up copy or one they will part with.

Do you know about Audio Element in Pasadena? One of the best turntable set-up skill sets.

@lalitk Do you know how the CLZ Music software compares to using the Discogs app for Vinyl and CDs?

-docknow

PS-Pray for rain in LA

 

Man, I feel for you. Total nightmare scenario. But, at least you and yours are safe. It's gonna suck to go through the process of putting your life back together, but you will get through it. I worry about the same thing here in Austin, which is drought ridden, old wooden houses, one small fire can become a hellscape in no time. My thoughts will be with you.