AudioCircle

Community => Regional Audiophiles => Gateway Audio Society => Topic started by: Mitsuman on 30 Nov 2023, 04:34 pm

Title: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: Mitsuman on 30 Nov 2023, 04:34 pm
Just remembering back when this place was vibrant, and I hung out with members and we listened and did some partying.  :scratch:
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: Charles Xavier on 30 Nov 2023, 04:54 pm
My sentiments exactly. No matter how hard you try to get everyone together its one excuse after another.

Maybe they just don't like me anymore.
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: Delta77 on 30 Nov 2023, 06:30 pm
New timer here..
I have also noticed that this site has slowed down a bit in the last year or so.
As far as meet and greets, I would be willing to meet a few of you guys and share our systems and experiences.
But I have not seen many members from Central California ( Fresno) area...

Thanks Burt..
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: vrao81 on 30 Nov 2023, 11:58 pm
I bet many are in nursing homes or six feet under.
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: vintage9594 on 1 Dec 2023, 02:30 am
I have a strong group of local audiophiles that meet up typically once a month or more.  The groups need not be large but we are still passionate about the music and the gear we each use to produce it. Enjoy the music and gear!
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: Tyson on 1 Dec 2023, 03:07 am
I bet many are in nursing homes or six feet under.

The fate of all of us, eventually.
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: marc513 on 1 Dec 2023, 03:29 am
   I am or used to be part of a big group of audiophiles but as years went on the group got
Smaller and smaller now I only see about 3 or 4  . I am 70+ years old I think I was closer
To the oldest in the group than the younger . I still love music and the equipment but my
Income says no more upgrades so what I have is it. Health is a big concern for me and the
Older audiophiles I think and don’t get out as much as I used to do I guess just old and a
Bit cranky it’s been a great run started building audio equipment at age 13 . I have seen
Hundreds of live show’s rock,folk ,country and classical it’s been a good life so far ……..
Marc
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 1 Dec 2023, 05:13 am
New timer here..
I have also noticed that this site has slowed down a bit in the last year or so.
Also noticed this, suspect current audiophils dont own a desktop, only a phone, notebook also a pita to type and read due the small screen.
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: Tarheel on 1 Dec 2023, 12:45 pm
What's the chance someone on this site is in my neck of the woods (coastal NC), is an older guy (70's), and likes similar music?  My two listening friends moved far away so now the second listening seat is empty.
 
One member from the Klipsch forum is moving down this way and another already here so maybe a monthly get together will happen at some point.

Hope so.....
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: kd4ylq on 1 Dec 2023, 01:36 pm
Tarheel, I've been wanting to come to your place and take you up on the offer, but the ride is a little too much for convenience from my place in Chapel Hill. When it gets nice and warm again in the new year I'll get in touch to try and set up a listening session, fair enough?
Jim  KD4YLQ
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: Mitsuman on 1 Dec 2023, 02:10 pm
Well I’m glad to see some responses, but sad that most of you agree with my post. I was really talking about some specific folks here in the STL area that used to get together and enjoy listening and socializing.  :(
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: Charles Xavier on 1 Dec 2023, 03:10 pm
I figured I would chime in so you wouldn't feel like you were the only one. I'm in NYC and was part of the NY Audio Rave which at one time even had it's own circle here. But like I said people move on and I've tried to get the "Gang" together. In fact, I had a get together a year ago which was the first time in many years. Others just don't want to travel or host anymore.
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: Scott F. on 1 Dec 2023, 03:34 pm
Mits,

We're all still around, just not very active. Here is my take on why we aren't as active anymore.

Back when I was writing, I always had a flow of new gear through the house. That seemed to give us a reason to gather. As a result of the group being active at the time, several of the old timers would host listening events on occasion to keep the interest going. Eventually interest dwindled. We all settled in with our systems and generally didn't make any changes worthy of hosting an event. Plus, hosting a large group can be overwhelming. It gets pretty costly and time consuming providing food, drink and making sure you house is "spic and spam".

The other issue was the shear volume of people that would show up. We had a tiny house back then. We'd see 20-30-40 people show up to the events. That can be daunting in a 1400SF home even with a basement. With the advent of our group, members started new friendships, events got smaller and less publicized due to fear of being overwhelmed (I assume), and we are, where we are.

Guessing, most of us old timers have hit retirement age and we're not interested in chasing, or investing in, the 'ultimate' system anymore. We've gotten to the point we just want to enjoy our music collection and we're happy with the sound of our systems.

I keep threatening to host another event but it never seems to happen. Our place now is MUCH more conducive to hosting a big crowd. If I were to host one, I wouldn't advertise it as a listening event. It would be more of a reunion, getting the 'old timers' back together. Far less focus on equipment and a heavy focus on friendship, catching up.

Who knows, maybe I'll put something together next spring or early summer.
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: Mitsuman on 1 Dec 2023, 04:00 pm
Scott,

I think you’re probably just about spot on with your assessment. You were always very gracious hosting, and not only the listening but some of the other loud, extracurricular activities.  :lol:

Ken came over and listened at my house a couple of times, and I was at his house at least twice I can remember. I’ve put together several systems throughout the house, and would love to have a small gathering if anyone is interested. I work remotely now and we’ve been empty nesters now for quite a few years. Are you still living in the same area as before? Hoping Ken and Blackmore and you and a few others would entertain a few small get togethers again. No one should expect anyone to go to any kind of trouble or expense if we keep it small.

Craig
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: vinyldavid on 1 Dec 2023, 07:02 pm
I keep planning a large GAS-restart at my place, but building the new KMOV ch.4 has destroyed my year.

Stay tuned in the spring!
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: Blackmore on 5 Dec 2023, 04:09 am
Hey Mitsuman,

Good to hear from you.  We do need some meet-ups so if I get something interesting cobbled together, I’ll let you know and we can do some vintage listening.  Still have your Mitsubishi gear? 

Mark
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: Mitsuman on 5 Dec 2023, 02:25 pm

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=259405)


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=259406)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=259407)

Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: Mitsuman on 5 Dec 2023, 02:27 pm
Workout room in the basement
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=259408)
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 5 Dec 2023, 06:00 pm
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=259405)
What is this Carver equip?
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: Mitsuman on 5 Dec 2023, 06:23 pm
What is this Carver equip?

In the right hand rack, that is a Carver C2 preamplifier.
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 5 Dec 2023, 06:29 pm
Nice  :thumb:
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: Mr Peabody on 13 Dec 2023, 08:27 pm
Not only has get togethers slowed but no one participates on the page much anymore.  Even online it helps to chat and keep up with one another. 
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: Mitsuman on 14 Dec 2023, 02:12 pm
Not only has get togethers slowed but no one participates on the page much anymore.  Even online it helps to chat and keep up with one another.

Agreed  :scratch:
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: Mitsuman on 14 Dec 2023, 02:14 pm
I’m going to be off the week between Christmas and New Years. Scott, Mark, Ken, anyone want to stop by for a small gathering? Just throwing it out there.
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: Charles Xavier on 14 Dec 2023, 02:18 pm
You can try a FB group page. Thats what we did but only good if members like social media. Not too much traffic but 18 members and most just troll without posting, but they are there because as an admin to the page you get to see the traffic on each post. Members only of course.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/996421275095732
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: twitch54 on 14 Dec 2023, 02:39 pm
Mits,

We're all still around, just not very active. Here is my take on why we aren't as active anymore.

Back when I was writing, I always had a flow of new gear through the house. That seemed to give us a reason to gather. As a result of the group being active at the time, several of the old timers would host listening events on occasion to keep the interest going. Eventually interest dwindled. We all settled in with our systems and generally didn't make any changes worthy of hosting an event. Plus, hosting a large group can be overwhelming. It gets pretty costly and time consuming providing food, drink and making sure you house is "spic and spam".

The other issue was the shear volume of people that would show up. We had a tiny house back then. We'd see 20-30-40 people show up to the events. That can be daunting in a 1400SF home even with a basement. With the advent of our group, members started new friendships, events got smaller and less publicized due to fear of being overwhelmed (I assume), and we are, where we are.

Guessing, most of us old timers have hit retirement age and we're not interested in chasing, or investing in, the 'ultimate' system anymore. We've gotten to the point we just want to enjoy our music collection and we're happy with the sound of our systems.

I keep threatening to host another event but it never seems to happen. Our place now is MUCH more conducive to hosting a big crowd. If I were to host one, I wouldn't advertise it as a listening event. It would be more of a reunion, getting the 'old timers' back together. Far less focus on equipment and a heavy focus on friendship, catching up.

Who knows, maybe I'll put something together next spring or early summer.

sums it up pretty well Scott  :thumb:

Your last paragraph speaks well. Besides COVID and the aging demographics a lot of us simply don't want our systems being judged against every 'subjective whim' of the hour.

Me, I'd rather watch my grandsons play ball and shoot a couple rounds of sporting clays a week !

Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: JLM on 14 Dec 2023, 03:45 pm
Our small group hasn't met in almost a year, tried to host a get together but had a breakdown in the gear.  Otherwise we don't have new gear to listen to.  But honestly we chat more than listen.

A nearby group is much larger, but the last time I showed up it was like being in a nursing home (and I've been in over 100 nursing homes for my job).  Except for one young fella we were all 60+ (most I'd guess were 70+). 
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: Scott F. on 14 Dec 2023, 07:50 pm
sums it up pretty well Scott  :thumb:

Your last paragraph speaks well. Besides COVID and the aging demographics a lot of us simply don't want our systems being judged against every 'subjective whim' of the hour.

Me, I'd rather watch my grandsons play ball and shoot a couple rounds of sporting clays a week !

Bingo!!!

I shot a couple weeks ago. Still need to clean my 12 gauge. It's sitting in the garage with muffs on the case. Might get to it this weekend...maybe  :thumb:
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: Scott F. on 14 Dec 2023, 07:51 pm
I’m going to be off the week between Christmas and New Years. Scott, Mark, Ken, anyone want to stop by for a small gathering? Just throwing it out there.

Craig, I'm a definite maybe. Looks like I've got a full palte with work over the next 4 weeks or so. If that changes, I'll let you know.  :thumb:
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: Scott F. on 14 Dec 2023, 07:54 pm
Our small group hasn't met in almost a year, tried to host a get together but had a breakdown in the gear.  Otherwise we don't have new gear to listen to.  But honestly we chat more than listen.

A nearby group is much larger, but the last time I showed up it was like being in a nursing home (and I've been in over 100 nursing homes for my job).  Except for one young fella we were all 60+ (most I'd guess were 70+).

That is our demographic too. And that's perfectly fine. The comradery is really what brought us all together (I think). The gear was just an excuse to gather.
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: lofreek on 14 Dec 2023, 09:51 pm
Hello again. It's been a long time since I've been here as well. Things changed for me in a big way in 2017. I became chief engineer for Autumn Hill Records. www.autumnhillrecords.com
Ever since, I rarely listen to music recreationally. I am constantly listening to my own mixes and productions, and I've got to give the ears a break when at home!
 
I still have the mighty LarryLenco turntable and all those records, sadly neglected. Terabytes of a digital library including all of my SACD's ripped to files, also neglected. However, the privilege of doing what I do with Autumn Hill...it's unbelievable.

For example, we are about to release a 21 song three hour anthology of one of the finest jazz pianists anywhere, Ptah Williams, playing in a trio with Rob Silverman on drums and myself on bass. I also produced, engineered, mixed and mastered all of these recordings. We released 8 songs from these sessions back in 2021 and here's what Downbeat Magazine had to say about it...spoiler, 4 stars! It made their Masterpieces of the year list as well.
https://downbeat.com/reviews/detail/rhythm-city

Here's a few recently completed videos from Autumn Hill Records, with yours truly on bass. Enjoy and share please!!!

https://youtu.be/Cj9o3Tbjxy0?si=woRlgNiLoW-ziXLg
https://youtu.be/Ko7-H94fbQg?si=1dn9vQiBBO524qaz
https://youtu.be/s6eihv_s9YE?si=Isi8-YMhTDRAWX7X
https://youtu.be/UvebuYeLNTI?si=WU2_YxdjgB0ZCIIP

peace and good health to all...lk
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: ArthurDent on 14 Dec 2023, 10:18 pm
Hello again. It's been a long time since I've been here as well. Things changed for me in a big way in 2017. I became chief engineer for Autumn Hill Records. www.autumnhillrecords.com
Ever since, I rarely listen to music recreationally. I am constantly listening to my own mixes and productions, and I've got to give the ears a break when at home!
 
I still have the mighty LarryLenco turntable and all those records, sadly neglected. Terabytes of a digital library including all of my SACD's ripped to files, also neglected. However, the privilege of doing what I do with Autumn Hill...it's unbelievable.

For example, we are about to release a 21 song three hour anthology of one of the finest jazz pianists anywhere, Ptah Williams, playing in a trio with Rob Silverman on drums and myself on bass. I also produced, engineered, mixed and mastered all of these recordings. We released 8 songs from these sessions back in 2021 and here's what Downbeat Magazine had to say about it...spoiler, 4 stars! It made their Masterpieces of the year list as well.
https://downbeat.com/reviews/detail/rhythm-city

Here's a few recently completed videos from Autumn Hill Records, with yours truly on bass. Enjoy and share please!!!

https://youtu.be/Cj9o3Tbjxy0?si=woRlgNiLoW-ziXLg
https://youtu.be/Ko7-H94fbQg?si=1dn9vQiBBO524qaz
https://youtu.be/s6eihv_s9YE?si=Isi8-YMhTDRAWX7X
https://youtu.be/UvebuYeLNTI?si=WU2_YxdjgB0ZCIIP

peace and good health to all...lk

Congrats on the gig, a most rewarding endeavor I'm sure. The music and the videos are great, Thanks for posting.  :thumb:  Hope you guys are able to pull something together and do some catching up.
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: Bob in St. Louis on 16 Dec 2023, 03:05 pm
That is our demographic too. And that's perfectly fine. The comradery is really what brought us all together (I think). The gear was just an excuse to gather.
"I came for the gear, I stayed for the people".
Would be great to see you, Brian, Mark, Ron, Ken, Steve, etc... again. It's been a long time. I saw Mark "kinda not long ago", I had an amp of his on "indefinite loan", and thought the nice thing to do would be to let him have it back again.  :lol:

Seems like the 'Rona was the last straw regarding audio guys getting together. After that, I guess we all just got lazy and fell into the routine. I'd say we're all a bunch of "introverted basement dwelling trolls" now more than ever.  :wink:
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: wedweb on 8 Jan 2024, 04:46 pm
Hello again. It's been a long time since I've been here as well. Things changed for me in a big way in 2017. I became chief engineer for Autumn Hill Records. www.autumnhillrecords.com
Ever since, I rarely listen to music recreationally. I am constantly listening to my own mixes and productions, and I've got to give the ears a break when at home!
 
I still have the mighty LarryLenco turntable and all those records, sadly neglected. Terabytes of a digital library including all of my SACD's ripped to files, also neglected. However, the privilege of doing what I do with Autumn Hill...it's unbelievable.

For example, we are about to release a 21 song three hour anthology of one of the finest jazz pianists anywhere, Ptah Williams, playing in a trio with Rob Silverman on drums and myself on bass. I also produced, engineered, mixed and mastered all of these recordings. We released 8 songs from these sessions back in 2021 and here's what Downbeat Magazine had to say about it...spoiler, 4 stars! It made their Masterpieces of the year list as well.
https://downbeat.com/reviews/detail/rhythm-city

Here's a few recently completed videos from Autumn Hill Records, with yours truly on bass. Enjoy and share please!!!

https://youtu.be/Cj9o3Tbjxy0?si=woRlgNiLoW-ziXLg
https://youtu.be/Ko7-H94fbQg?si=1dn9vQiBBO524qaz
https://youtu.be/s6eihv_s9YE?si=Isi8-YMhTDRAWX7X
https://youtu.be/UvebuYeLNTI?si=WU2_YxdjgB0ZCIIP

peace and good health to all...lk

Wow.  Interesting about not wanting or having time to listen to what you already own/have.  I can understand.  When VCR's came out, people would record their shows and watch them.  Me, being a TVholic, would watch TV all the time, I may record something but would just not watch it as I would be actively watching broadcast shows as they happened.

You could host a listening party where you showcase some of your current projects and get hyper feedback.  :)

To the facebook group page...I'm not lurking.  :)

Bo
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: catastrofe on 30 Apr 2024, 02:36 am
I'm still around, although not in the STL area anymore. Retired in 2015 and moved to the Tampa area. Took a break from the hobby, sold our home in 2021, traveled in our camper for a year, then bought a place in Montrose Colorado. Got back into audio on a small scale last year, but nothing like my dedicated room in Glendale.  :D
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: Mitsuman on 30 Apr 2024, 01:25 pm
*sigh* Such is life I guess.  :scratch:
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: Mitsuman on 30 Apr 2024, 01:34 pm
(https://i.ibb.co/PjDjc72/IMG-2988.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Jt3tvfY)

(https://i.ibb.co/0KHB0NL/IMG-2990.jpg) (https://ibb.co/8b1zy3w)

(https://i.ibb.co/KLWpkC8/IMG-2989.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fnHz5mT)

(https://i.ibb.co/q9ZDKXf/IMG-2952.jpg) (https://ibb.co/FJPh2NM)

(https://i.ibb.co/z51WydX/IMG-2848.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7zHxwhn)

(https://i.ibb.co/qmXbHMB/IMG-2849.jpg) (https://ibb.co/0Y8P0jq)

Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 30 Apr 2024, 08:57 pm
Wow that Kyocera looks great :thumb:
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: mjmsound on 1 May 2024, 11:25 am
I remember working on some of that equipment.  I hooked up my Audio Research system to the Vandersteen's last week. Nice to here my tubes again.
Title: Re: What happened to all the old timers?
Post by: Mitsuman on 1 May 2024, 05:09 pm
I remember working on some of that equipment.  I hooked up my Audio Research system to the Vandersteen's last week. Nice to here my tubes again.

“Some” of that equipment?  :lol:

 :beer: