Carrying forwad a legacy of Sound

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Mary

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Carrying forwad a legacy of Sound
« on: 3 Apr 2025, 03:31 pm »
Carrying Forward a Legacy of Sound and Heart

Nearly 20 years ago, I stepped into the world of high-fidelity audio as Frank’s cleaning lady. I knew little about amplifiers or sound design. What I did know was how to build something with care, how to listen, and how to trust my instincts.

Frank saw something in me that I hadn’t yet recognized myself. He taught me how to hear the music—not just as sound, but as emotion, as experience. He took me beyond the numbers and specs and led me into the art of truly listening. Over time, I learned so well that no Audio by Van Alstine design was ever released without my ears giving the final approval.

Frank was more than a mentor. He became part of my family. He celebrated holidays, graduations, and milestones with us. When my husband passed, Frank made sure every one of my children and grandchildren could be there for his burial. He showed up, not just in business, but in life.

Frank built AVA on a rare philosophy—offering exceptional sound at prices that many dismissed as too low for the quality to be real. But he wasn’t chasing wealth; he was chasing joy—the pure joy of experiencing music as it was meant to be heard.

Now, it’s my honor to carry on his vision. I can’t do it alone. I need you—his friends, his fellow music lovers—to help spread that joy. Because while Frank may no longer be with us, Audio by Van Alstine lives on.

Let’s keep the music playing.

https://avahifi.com/

JCarney

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Re: Carrying forwad a legacy of Sound
« Reply #1 on: 3 Apr 2025, 03:52 pm »
That was beautiful Mary, thank you for sharing.

JCarney

I.Greyhound Fan

Re: Carrying forwad a legacy of Sound
« Reply #2 on: 3 Apr 2025, 04:01 pm »
Thank you Mary.  AVA HiFi is in excellent hands.  I know that you will continue to hold AVA to Frank's standards and more.

By the way, I am still available to do equipment reviews.

Best Regards,

Larry

peter4jc

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Re: Carrying forwad a legacy of Sound
« Reply #3 on: 3 Apr 2025, 04:16 pm »
I visit this forum every day just to see "what's cookin'" and it's usually crickets or it's discussion that I either don't understand or isn't applicable to my system.  Today, however, I show up and see this beautiful rendering of Frank's immense impact on the one who now holds the reins.  Thank you, Mary, for giving us a glimpse and the assurance that Frank's vision for AVA, the baton if you will, is going forward.  I don't know of any other company that bears Frank's philosophy or comes anywhere close to bringing it into reality.  You're a true gem, Mary; how many are the small miracles that bring us each to where we are today?

AllanS

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Re: Carrying forwad a legacy of Sound
« Reply #4 on: 5 Apr 2025, 12:27 am »
Well said Peter
Mary, thank you for sharing your heart and soul and a bit of your story than many might not know.

Mark-OFWG

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Re: Carrying forwad a legacy of Sound
« Reply #5 on: 5 Apr 2025, 07:30 pm »
Mary,
Thank you for sharing and reaffirming Frank’s love and dedication to his craft. He obviously had great respect for you and the team at AVA. I believe many of us appreciate how difficult it can be to move forward with a broken heart. Please know that you have the support and encouragement of all of us that are seeking that joy Frank has been bringing for so many years. It is good to know there is someone at the helm who shares Frank’s passion. Thanks for being there for us all.

dlparker

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Re: Carrying forwad a legacy of Sound
« Reply #6 on: 20 Apr 2025, 12:57 pm »
This deserves a 'bump' to get it back to the top of the 'unread' posts.

Mary and the whole gang at AVA is performing a great service to the industry and to each of us as individuals in carrying on Frank's legacy of dedication, innovation and integrity.

Rocket

Re: Carrying forwad a legacy of Sound
« Reply #7 on: 20 Apr 2025, 01:25 pm »
Hi Guys,

Just wanted to also say thanks to Mary and the crew for keeping AVA hifi going since Frank's passing.

I'll buy an integrated amp from you in the next year or so for another system.

Cheers Rod