By Scott Enslen As I spent time reflecting on when I got interested in listening to audio systems and where it has taken me, I have to go back to 1971. I have two older siblings, and I remember like it was yesterday: my sister bringing home Carol King’s Tapestry album and listening to it over and over again. I don’t know why, but the music moved me to the point where I remember asking my older brother about music he liked. He told me about Crosby, Nash, Cream, The Who and The Beatles. I would spend time after dinner listening through headphones as the rest of the family was watching TV and didn’t want to be disturbed. Many nights would fall asleep listening to my parents Peter, Paul and Mary albums as well as those mentioned earlier. My father’s system was very modest at the time, but included a Fisher receiver, speakers and turntable. Little did I know that my love of music and equipment that started so early on, would continue through high school and beyond. Even though in high school I didn’t have much extra money (or time), I always found time to stop by the local audio shop and check out the new music coming into the store as well as the Yamaha stereo systems they had on display. The music was always a constant for me, but now the flashing lights and slim speakers drew me in further. I remember vividly making sure my modest Technics system came with me to college so I could have music whenever I wanted. I also realized that there was much better sounding gear out there as a dorm friend introduced me to his B&W speakers. The realization that there was better gear out there started me on a journey that I am still on today. Fast forward past college and into marriage, music and audio gear took a back seat for several years while the kids came and most of my free time was spent with the family. Even though I didn’t pursue better gear for a few years, there was always music being played in the house and the desire to someday put together a decent system was always in the back of my mind. After being in the work force for a few years, getting a few promotions and saving up some money, I decided to start researching audio gear. I started to visit several audio shops and asked many questions to each sales person. After listening to many systems, I decided on Meadowlark Shearwater speakers, a Mesa Tigris integrated and a Rega CD player. I had carved out a small area in the basement for my listening room and was in heaven. Unfortunately, my bliss was short-lived as my marriage was heading south and I ended up going through a divorce and had to sell my gear. Even though money was tight again, I had to have something to listen to, so I ended up with some Totem mite speakers and an inexpensive integrated amp and CD player.
This persisted for a few years until my kids got older and I could re-establish myself financially. Once that happened, the quest for better sound bit me again and I started going back to the audio shops and seeing what new gear was available. I don’t remember exactly what I eventually went with, but the key for me was to have music in the house and have it continually sound better and better to my ears. I hate to admit that I’ve been through many pieces of audio gear over the years, but the one thing that I learned during this time was the type of sound that I really wanted. Everyone hears differently and what may sound good to me may not sound good to another person. Ultimately, the presentation that I’m looking for is one of great tone, detail and a musical focus. So much of the gear today sounds really good, but I’m also realizing that a tweak here and a change there really can make a difference. Currently, my primary system consists of Manger Z1 speakers, Circle Labs A200 integrated amplifier, Aurender N200 music server/streamer, Gato CDD-1 CD player/DAC, Puritan Audio labs PSM 156 power conditioner, Belden Iconoclast OCC interconnect cables, Belden Iconoclast SP TCP speaker cables and Signal cable Orion M-1 coax cable. So coming full circle from when I first got hooked on music and audio gear back in 1971, I’m still on a quest to have music sound the best to me with the funds that I have. Of course I have put significantly more money into my system now, but it was fun back then and it is still a joy today.
1 Comment
Ken krieger
7/1/2022 02:25:06 pm
Nice story about Scott and his journey through musical land. As you can see Scott has a very nice system, as does Juan. Thanks for the read.
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Juan C. AyllonA writer, artist, educator and owner of Prairie Audio Man Cave, he lives with his wife, Isabel (AKA Belle), and their Goldendoodle, Liam, enjoys listening to high fidelity music and all things hi-fi at their home in the greater Chicagoland area.. Archives
March 2024
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