Hi everyone. Longtime listener, first-time caller.
I've been into music since my parents bought me a little piano when I was 3 and was sounding out the melody of the "Mary Tyler Moore" show theme on the thing. I've been into "stereos" since I was 10 and I spent my paper-route money (with a little help from my parents, I'm sure) to purchase a combo AM/FM tuner, turntable, cassette deck, and yes 8-track tape player for $139.99 from JC Penny. I was jealous of my friend down the street because he had one that RECORDED 8-tracks.
Anyway, I have a 1920s Steinway grand now that I should play more (and needs repair). As for my stereos, my systems now are all about separates, not combos. My motivation for finally introducing myself is so I can participate fully in the Audio by Van Alsitine board because I recently came to own a set of Van Alstine M225 mono blocks. Frank Van Alstine lives and works about a dozen miles form my home it appears, but I only recently came to know about his cool gear.
That 's enough for now. Glad to be here, officially.
SteveInMinn