Magnavox 8601, JE Labs Style

Fulton FMI 80

One evening, I spotted the above pair of speakers on FB marketplace. The description was plain and simple, "a pair of speakers in wooden cabinets for $30." Since the seller was less than an hour's drive away, I immediately sent a message expressing interest. I received a quick reply and set an appointment to pick up the following morning. 

Advent Model 300 FM Receiver

The Advent Model 300 receiver is an example of exquisite industrial design! I see Dieter Rams' influence in the input selector switch and knobs, as used in the Braun CSV60 tube integrated amplifier from the early 60s while the rotary vernier tuning dial echoes FM tuners by H. H. Scott.

A Tribute to Don Garber of Fi + Robin and Lipman!

Don Garber's Fi 2A3 amp Ad from Sound Practices

My first exposure to Don Garber's Fi 2A3 amp was at a gathering of burgeoning SE-DHT/High Efficiency speaker enthusiasts organized by Mike LaFevre of Magnequest and Peter Breuninger, then president of the Philadelphia Audio Society. This was held in the outskirts of Philly during the latter part of 1994. I attended to assist my friend Steve Melkisethian in exhibiting the Audio Note Kit 1 amplifier since he was the US distributor of Audio Note UK Kits, transformers and parts at that time. Sadly, these guys are no longer with us. 😔

Silbatone Acoustics at the Munich Audio Show 2025

My buddy Joe Roberts of Sound Practices has been sending me pictures from the Silbatone Acoustics room at High-End Munich 2025. I'm sharing them in this blog with his permission.

Old Haunts: Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The Juilliard School + the UWS

Carnegie Hall

Leica M6 + Leitz 8-element Summicron 35mm
Kodak PX125 in Diafine

I heard many great artists, chamber music groups and orchestras visiting NYC at this venue. In 1982, I was one of the few fortunate young violinists chosen to participate in Alexander Schneider's New York String Orchestra. We performed here on Christmas Eve! I've also played at Weill Hall as a chamber musician.