1st, most memorable recording...

This thread was fun for me, not only reminiscing about my start in upper-end audio but to hear other experiences as well.

I forgot to mention that I bought my buddies system when he moved out of state. Those big ol` merlin 3-way, 5 driver speakers are long gone but I have the tsm/mm`s on order. Merlin`s for me, man.

And of course, "Bolero" wasn`t "by" the Philadelphia orchestra as I misstaded, but performed by it. I listen to mostly jazz and old r&r but bolero is a kick-ass orchestral piece that everybody should play on their system and a must have imho. It`s on the EMI classics label.

Anybody else?

Probably Jazz at the Pawnshop for me.

CD's were still somewhat in their infancy, and most completely unacceptable to these ears.

1st heard this recording at an audio salon in Marin county, north of San Fran. Played on Eminent Technology speakers, the recording blew me away.

The Opus label also had some good stuff back then as well.

OOOh. Winter of 1991 -
I had worked in Music, Radio, and Film, and still had no idea there was such a thing as "High End Audio," just bigger and bigger speakers.

A friend took me to Overture Audio in Ann Arbor where I heard Rickie Lee Jones on an Aktiv Linn System. Explosive, energetic, *dangerous* sound, from 'little' speakers. Turned my head right around, I can tell you. Followed in quick succession by:
Tom Waits
Lyle Lovett
Miles Davis
Pink Floyd.
And I was done. Absolutely done. I wonder what would have become of me if that hadn't happened?

George Formby old 78 ..."When I go cleaning windows" and "Hang down your head Tom Dooley" (can't remember the artist). Lonnie Doneegan "My Old Man's a Dustman" was fun too!