Hello From Philadelphia, PA, USA

[sbank]

Hello All,

Thanks to my recent research into Technics mods, I stumbled upon this enthusiastic community. I'd be honored to pester you with questions and make a contribution or two where I can.

I have been messing around with audio for over 30 years, and have lived with many pieces of gear. While mostly a fan of tubes and analog, I try to remain agnostic and also get enjoyment from my digital server setup which has improved greatly over the last year or two. Currently my "fav new toy" is my recently acquired 28yr. old pair of Sound Lab electrostatics which really float my boat.

As President of my local audio club, Philadelphia Area Audio Group, 80 members strong, I regularly get the opportunity to hear many unique audio systems in real home environments. We are fortunate to have a few industry insiders amongst our membership so that has led to very interesting demos and conversation with some designers of truly state of the art gear. It's great to read that many here gather to listen together, that's what it's all about.

Here's a link to my system with photos on another audio board where I have spent too much time. http://systems.audiogon.com/systems/133

Cheers,
Spencer

[Audio Al]

Hi Spencer ( President SIR ) ;)

Sounds like you know a thing or 2 about this music interest , 80 strong club is a big achievement , Well done

As for old audio , its the future , many people are returning back to the glory days of quality built to a standard and not a price hifi , Prices on older hifi are rising
Will have a look at your link site

Please introduce you 80 members to AOS , The more the merrier

Enjoy your time here and I look forward to reading your posts in the future

:)

[struth]

Hi Spencer. Nice speakers those.... and i remember the song and three degrees etc.... was it soul train ?

Anyways, enjoy the forum

[walpurgis]

Hello Spencer. Welcome to AOS.

Sounds like you get some good entertainment from your audio group and you certainly have some interesting equipment.

Tell us what music you listen to and if you have further plans for your system.

You are definitely at the right place for Technics mods and upgrades.


Enjoy the forum,
Geoff.

[sbank]

Thanks much, guys.

My musical taste is all over the place. I grew up on Genesis, Yes, Pink Floyd, lots of classic rock including Beatles, Stones, Who, local fav Springsteen and Van Morrison. In my 80s college radio days I fell hard for the new wave; everything from Talking Heads to Blondie to Tears For Fears and it's still a guilty pleasure. Now I am listening to more Wilco, Tom Waits and Rickie Lee Jones than anything else, along with a dose of Peter Gabriel and a bunch of new indie rock.

I also like jazz, mostly late 50s -60s Miles, Coltrane, Bill Evans, Mingus, Chet Baker etc. and fill in with some classical including favs Bach Cello Suites, many Russian 20th century symphonic works, Mozart piano concertos, Chopin piano works.

With my audio system, my next move is probably to another turntable trying to capture as much magic as possible at a more modest cost than my current setup. Exploring options now including Technics 1200 mods, vintage tables SP10 etc. and a few other more typical "hifi" tables such a used Kuzma & Sota tables. Reading up on many tonearms and cartridges.

Cheers,
Spencer

[sq225917]

Hey Spencer, are you Philly born and raised?

[sbank]

Simon,
Brooklyn born, moved to Philly area as a child. Moved around a bit and came back here 20 yrs ago. In my head, I'm born and raised.

What kind of arm are you using on the Stabi S12? Is it a Stogi 12"? What do you think of it, and what have you compared it to? Oops, watch me derail thread topic like a pro!

[Barry]

Welcome to AoS Spencer.

That's some fine equipment you have there. The Sound Lab ESLs are great speakers, but they do need a lot of space for them to work well. Presumably something that is not too much of a problem in most US homes. I heard a pair at an audio show in London, being demonstrated in one of the hotel rooms, which was far too small for what are physically very large speakers (from memory they were approximately 6' tall and about 3' wide). Sad to say I was far from impressed, but put that down to the undersized room.

Great taste in music by the way.

Enjoy the Forum
Barry