I grew up in what has come to be known as the "Golden Age" of Hi Fi; the late '50's and early '60's. On my way to school I used to go by the showroom of what was then an iconic electronic manufacturer and retailer, Allied Radio. It was on the northwest corner of Washington and Western in Chicago and across the street from a smaller but equally iconic manufacturer and retailer, Lafayette Radio. There were many days when I would stop in on the way home at one or both, to spend time in the showrooms listening to top brands of the day; Fisher, H. H. Scott, Stromberg Carlson, Harmon Kardon, Sherwood, Leak, Electro Voice, Jensen, James B. Lansing, etc., and just day dreaming. They were all way out of my reach, but one day.....

It was also about that time when my father's brother, "Uncle Skip", came home from the armed forces with a gorgeous and gargantuan Grundig Majestic stereo console. I had never heard anything so compelling or seen anything so beautiful. I made a vow to have one one day. I've since collected three of them and all are in various stages of restoration.

It was also about that time that I had to write a research paper for science class. Searching around for topics, I decided to figure out how vacuum tubes worked and write about that. I did and it was an eye opening experience for me.