[Obie]

Nathan and I were sitting in my office here at Eighth Nerve/Audio Revolutions yesterday around closing time talking about some equipment that is soon to be replaced.  This conversation led us to discussing all the gear we've personally given away to family, friends, or business associates over the years.  Upon reflection, we realized that this "mercy gear" started many folks into the hobby.  As a matter of fact, my first high end set up was mercy gear from stem to stern.

Well beyond snickering at the term "mercy gear" it got me to wondering what the other experiences out there have been.  Should we all be looking through that electronics closet to determine if we can bring the fun and joy to someone else we know?  At least as loaner stuff?  

I can hear the chorus of posts, "Hey Kris, send your crap to me!"  Sorry, but there are already droves of starving musician friends in line.  In all seriousness, I'm curious what your experiences have been in this.  Perhaps a swelling of charity might grow the ranks of our hobby?

Warmest regards,
Kris Johnson

[JohnR]

Hm, interesting thoughts! I thought about it... and in the instances I can recall of "mercy" equipment it hasn't gotten anyone into the hobby at all Instead, they just listen to whatever I gave/lent/sold stupidly cheap... and that's it! No more purchases, no more upgrades, they'll take it with 'em to the grave

[Carlman]

I was given many pieces of electronics throughout my childhood 10-18 years old.  In my earliest project, I made a 'speakerphone' through a Lloyds 3in1 stereo and had lots of fun.  The Lloyd's wasn't really mercy gear, it was just family gear no one wanted so, I took it.  

The first piece of real hifi 'mercy gear' that was given to me in college was an old receiver.  I can't remember the brand... probably NAD or Marantz... One channel died almost immediately.  The guy that gave it to me had hoped I would keep it forever and cherish it as he had.  I threw it in the trash.... it was old and I knew nothing about electronics.  Plus the guy that gave it to me was kind of a jerk other than this one kind act.

Fast-forward a few years....

I received a Hegeman Hapi 2 solid state preamp as 'mercy gear'.  I bought a pair of B&W minipods.... and then sold my HK 6250 integrated amp to buy a B&K ST-140... After getting a new amp, I had officially begun a very cool journey into achieving the sound I wanted.  The Hegeman/B&K/B&W combo was the best I'd ever heard and it wasn't expensive.  I realized that everything doesn't have to be expensive.... just the speakers do.

Right now I have been in the process of selling every little piece of gear I don't need.  Mostly cables... but, I have an old pair of Energy ESM2 speakers I don't know what to do with.  They sound OK but, I'd love to tweak them.  

Unfortunately, of all the stuff I've given away or sold very cheaply, I haven't really seen its effects.  However, on the receiving end, I felt it was definitely a learning experience and will do the same if I see someone with a similar interest.

It's fun to stroll down memory lane with hifi.  Hope people pipe in with some good experiences.