My father was a big music lover and one of the things he always wanted was a good stereo. All my mother cared about was that the stereo matched her Danish Modern Living Room set (The P-Man would have flipped over this furniture). So in order to maintain marital harmony Dad settled for Webcor stereo console the sounded like crap but match the rest of the furniture perfectly. Although I got my love of music from him we never got to share this passion or chat about gear (he was an EE as well), as he passed away when I was just 13 years old.
For many years I have said that when my mother passed away, if her medical bills did not leave here broke, I was going to take some of his money and buy something in remembrance of him (Dad was a big saver and although he was very young when he passed he did leave my mother in good shape financially).
As you guys know, my Mom passed last spring and now that things are settled I have kept the promise I made to myself many years ago and I purchased a McIntosh MC 275 Series VI tube amp. Now I know that being the saver that he was my father never would have sprung for a McIntosh, as a matter of fact he wanted to design and build his own amp from scratch, but Mom was not entertaining the thought of having any of those ugly electronics in her Living Room. But back in those days, McIntosh was the gear to have and if he couldn't live the dream himself, I am going to do it for him.
(https://www.hifinews.com/sites/13/images/article_images_month/2014-11/macintosh.jpg)
And, sorry, but in spite of what my mother said, that amp is anything but ugly. :drool
The amp arrived earlier this week and things have been rather busy around here, so I haven't had a chance to put more than 3 or 4 hours on it, but so far it sounds outstanding. I will post more thought once it has had the chance to break in and get settled.
This is not a logical purchase, but rather an emotional one. I am quite happy with the way my system sounds now and really didn't feel the need to upgrade anything (don't let my wife hear that, she'll rush me to the doctor thinking I am sick). It is just a way for me to (at least in my mind) spend some quality time with my father doing something I know we both would have loved doing, but I was just too young to understand or appreciate while he was still alive.
Here's to you Dad. :beer:
It's not just about fidelity, but also your state of mind as you listen. Enjoy listening, and maybe even share a thought about your dad as you do.
Kudos on several aspects, and congratulations and all the best. Sure looks good and I bet you will enjoy many
hours of listening to your favorite music, relaxing with a beer, and thinking of the good times with dad.
:beer: to you.
steve
Enjoy, Tomas, enjoy! Life is too short!
Here's to our Dad's! :beer:
Cheers,
Pete
I miss The Oldster more than I can say. I was (am) The Youngster and sat at his knee when it came to building things. So many shared projects... Love you, Dad!
Congrats Tom, now every time you hear DSOM on that amp you can think of him.
Congratulations on the amp and for sharing the memories of your family.
I've always wanted a proper tube amp but never had the funds or patience to afford one.
And I agree, life is too short!
Paul
That's a beauty Tom. Enjoy it in good health! |:D|
Restored my Dad's Heathkit pre and amp a few years back. 1954 original. Jensen Imperial still sounds great.
Quote from: Brap on March 04, 2019, 07:59:15 AM
Restored my Dad's Heathkit pre and amp a few years back. 1954 original. Jensen Imperial still sounds great.
Pic pls....
Nick
Sorry about that.
Brap: Absolutely beautiful.
congrats on the gear.