About Lugnut -- Patrick Malone

Ben, How incredibly thoughtful of you. It is all about the music now, isn't it?

J.D.,

Wize words well spoken. I am learning to slow down but only by the school of hard knocks. I'm an ornery bastard with a thick skull sometimes and this is one example of it. The guys in Dallas looked out for me without making me feel an invalid or inadequate.

I don't have much time to write since I have a busy day ahead. Man, for a guy that doesn't do a lick of work it's funy how I get behind. Tonight will be enjoyable in spite of the chemo today. I picked up a lot of new albums while in Dallas and look forward to giving them a listen.

The Dallas trip was a blast. Albert has an incredible sense of humor and an equal zest for life. You simply could not ask for a better host. He's gracious, kind and giving. It's like we knew each other a lifetime. Plus, surprise, surprise, Cello and Nrchy showed up too. Everyone kept this as a total surprise from me and I was touched.

I could write volumes about Albert's system. What he has done is incredible. Music just emerges from the blackest background I've every experienced. This is no small feat what with probably over 100 tubes in the mix. The coolest part though is just how big a music lover Albert is. The equipment is simply a means to an end. It's that simple. And, what a software collection! So much of what we listened to was new to me so now my list of must get LP's is much longer. His quick wit and endless stream of jokes aside I found that he is much like me. In many ways we are kindred spirits. Perhaps I could best describe him as Lugnut on steroids. It's a shame that Paul could not attend.

It's nice to be home to a more leisurely pace. Dallas is a huge, busy city. I won't complain about traffic around here anymore. Still, for a city that large it is very attractive and incredibly clean. There are at least three truly wonderful places to eat and I suspect there are countless others as well. I hope to go back some time and listen some more, finish that bottle of cognac and bring along a few "new to Albert" LP's now that I have a clearer understanding of what makes up his library.

I hope every one of you is in the mood I'm in. Life is very, very good thanks to my Audiogon friends.

I really don't want to forget about Vetterone. He's a great traveling companion and lots of fun too.

Alex, you are still the man!! Thanks.

Dean,

If Barb reads this she's gonna reshape your slanty green head. But, uh, thanks for the suggestion anyway. I will report upon our return. We're really looking forward to it.

Well, if Kelly can come out so can I. You guys. I've alwasys considered myself to be tough. Had to be growing up chubby with the name of Pat. But, I'm a sentimental guy and the thoughts in this post have lifted my spirits, not to mention made me cry. Not crying due to sadness but because it seems I conveyed adequately who I am in my writing in the threads. Thank you all so much for the kind words expressed on this page and the personal emails sent my way. I'm not depressed but I admit to being reluctant to go through a difficult surgery that'll surely make me whimpy, for a minute anyway. God gives us each day and I really believe that we are supposed to enjoy them. I am and intend to enjoy each day as best I can. Vetterone (Steve) has enlisted help locally to convert our music room into a recovery room. Now, get this. My wife, who has never handled a record we've owned, has promised to learn the care and feeding of vinyl and the details of running the turntable so we can listen together as I heal. That means a great deal to me knowing that she can enjoy all of this music without me having to do it for her. Again, I appreciate all of the kind sentiments. This isn't going to be an easy fight but I'll give it my all. Bless each and every one of you and if I might be incorrect politically, remember the reason for the season. Merry Christmas to everyone. You have made my Christmas already.

Paul,

You can blame me for anything as long as she believes it. No problem there at all. he he.

I posted my system today and was disappointed to see that they no longer appear on the "new today" page. bummer. Check it out guys.

Shasta,

What a wonderful idea. Consider it done.

Barb and I just returned from a trip to my home state. This was a trip that I would never have paid for myself because at times like these one must be prudent with finances. A dear friend surprised us with airline tickets, another with the use of a lakeside home while on this vacation, another the use of a new car, others arranged various events for quality group time with friends and old classmates. Boxes of rare and pristine vinyl were picked from various sources and sent home with us. God granted me better health during this short 4 1/2 day stay than I've enjoyed in months.

Once home I found that Steve Dobbins, aka Vetterone, had completely remodeled my music room. He took a very tired, old worn down room and turned it into "Purple Haze". It's just too cool. New diming light fixtures, paint, wall paper, cleaned carpet and furniture. He added trim to door frames that used to drive me crazy. This is a very special friend. In the years I've known Steve he has enriched my life in many ways and I know that those small things I have done for him have been given in the spirit of giving a piece of myself. If you knew Steve and saw my room you would realize that this project was an extension of his creative eye and he did it with love.

I simply cannot convey how much I appreciate every post I've read to this thread. I promise that if I ever get cynical I will return to all of the above words to renew my faith in the goodness of my fellow man.

Tonight I pick Paul Frumkin up at the Boise airport for one last weekend on normalcy before the process begins. Paul is a very real, special person. I can say easily that I've grown to love him.

It's especially heartwarming to read posts from members that I've had some heated discussions with in these forums. You guys know who you are. I guess I didn't make you angry during those times because your goodness allowed you to see my goodness in spite of our differences.

Thank you all so much for taking the time to lift my spirits. This thread may very well be one of the most precious things ever done for me. Thanks Audiogon for your words directed at me but a special thanks for providing a place where such fine people congregate.

In the tune of life you might hear a sour note but the band plays on.

Well Guys,

I've just finished dinner with Paul Frumkin and Steve Dobbins after listening for most of the afternoon in my newly remodeled audio room. You'll never find two nicer guys.

Thank you to all of you that have posted and written me private emails. I will be thinking about this thread a lot in the coming days and hope to begin posting again within a couple of weeks.

Needless to say, prayers offered up for me, my wife Barb, our daughter Amanda and grandson Scott mid afternoon on Monday will be most appreciated.

Happy New Years To Everyone!

Patrick

Hey guys,

I just got home about fifteen minutes ago and wanted to catch up on this thread. Wow! How the heck can I not get better with all this wonderful sentiment passed my way? You guys are the best. Honestly.

I'm doing very well considering the horrible assault attempted on my body. There were no pain meds powerful enough to stop the pain of laughter and thanks to a lot of you guys I've kept laughing while in that rotten environment. Yeah, I know, it's where I needed to be but this is where I want to be. The preamp is heating up as I write and I'll be listening to one of Paul's Mofi's he left behind shortly.

Forgive me if I'm making some erros while I type this but other than having my IQ lowered by some meds it seems my eyesight has changed for the better during this time. My glasses make it impossible to focus on the screen and I can see nothing without them. It's sure a good thing that I took typing long a go and don't have to hunt and peck.

A lot of kind words have been written about me and I'm moved by what I've read. I must single out Paul and Steve as being some of the nicest people the world has ever had roaming on it's face. These guys helped make this a huge positive experience for me. These guys are better than friends and closer than brothers. I'm honored to call them my friends. The stories I could tell, but unfortunately I'll have to save those for another posting. Writing at this time is just too much work.

Now, time to listen to Rikki Lee.

Alright, I guess it's time to admit something that many of you may have already surmized. I am, in fact, part dog. Dogs don't ask too many questions. When you are with them they know that you CAN throw a ball or stick and that they LOVE to go fetch it. So, a dog might ask, why aren't you throwing a ball or stick yet?

Go to any dog's home and you'll find a box of dog toys that they will gladly share with you. Dogs never ask when is super. I doubt if they even ask if there will be super. But I'm pretty sure they do ask what's for super.

Dogs would never wish another dog to have fleas. Hell, they might not even wish that they didn't have fleas. But, I'm pretty sure that they might wish that fleas didn't itch so much. I know that dogs never ask "why me?"

Dogs are very good at accepting. Consider that they accept and appreciate that last bite of your cold hot dog as much as the fresh off the grill T-bone that fell on the ground during the 4th of July barbecue.

Me brave? I don't think so Paul. Like a dog I accept whatever life brings me, especially at times like this. What I have trouble accepting is all this generosity. It's a shame too as that makes me only part dog.

Joe,

Any time you want to visit is good with me.

Hi Guys,

Well, this posting is hard to write. I've struggled with the fact that the truth is probably going to be hard to share and perhaps harder to digest on the receiving end but hey, this thread has been so honest I feel I must do it. You posters have not been bashful about embracing me from afar and I cannot begin to tell you how much it has meant.

Yesterday was a bad day, one that made me weaken. My oncologist says it would be rare for one in my condition to live a year and that is with the help of chemo. I'll begin treatment this Friday and continue every third Friday until it no longer helps. I'll miss my ugly long hair as well as my facial hair I've had for over 35 years.

But then the Lugnut spirit kicked in. My wife and I went out for cheeseburgers, fries and soft drinks afterward. It tasted absolutely wonderful and I had no ill effect afterwards. I realize that I'm in control of such things and that I'll continue this kind of behavior as long as I wish, doctors be damned.

Yesterday evening was very special though and I feel I must share this great experience with you. Our monthly audio club meeting was last night and I've been wanting to go but worried that I would make the other members uneasy by being there. Wrong. Everyone was very nice and the music took over. We were treated to a live performance by a local concert pianist. The instrument was a Steinway Concert Grand. We listened to Grand Canyon Suite while watching a very special slide show of Grand Canyon images timed to the five movements. It was absolutely stunning. It sure made any attempt at listening to recorded music afterwards pale in comparison.

Pat

Alex,

The stories you tell about your personal experiences with cancer are heart breaking and, sorry to say, all too common. As I have said before I am one of the lucky ones. I was diagnosed in 1988 with mixed cell nodular lymphoma. I didn't respond to the traditional West Coast therapies so I was placed on a very aggressive regimine as practiced on the East Coast. This type of lymphoma is considered 100% non-cureable. I've lived until now without any evidence of a return only to get this shit.

This last Wednesday we met with my oncologist to establish a course of treatment. I had decided that no further treatment was the best course of action since I had reacted so severely to the first round of chemo. There is another drug that's usually reserved for people with a fighting chance for cure. It requires you to be hooked up to a pump for 21 days and then one week off. The side effects are minimal and the drug is a good one for slowing the progression of the disease. The pharmaceutical company that had developed this drug has now developed an oral dosage of the same compounds. That was offered to me on Wednesday. It was an exciting prospect since it would only require me to take 8 pills, 4 twice a day. So, here's the problem. The iv drugs are covered almost 100% by my insurance but the oral meds are covered under our standard prescription plan. Since there is no generic equivalent we pay 80% out of pocket meaning that the per dose cost would be close to $50 per pill. For the mathematically challenged, that's $400 per day for 14 days and then one week off or $5600 every three weeks. That's not an option for us and I wish I didn't even know about it.

I continue to work on my system and can say in no uncertain terms that the Audio Points made a substantial difference when used with my speakers. Imaging has become more stable and the stage is layered more than before. Interestingly, it seems to get better each time I listen and I guess that this is a function of breaking them in. I'm using Audio Points under my two amplifiers and am also using the Ridge Street interconnects from the preamp to each amp. The interconnects have made the biggest difference in my system with an increase in detail, transparency and smoothness in presentation. I'm now using the Ridge Street speaker cables to the tweeters on my speakers and a pair of basic transparent wires on the mid/bass drivers. I think I need some break-in time with these but will say more detail than ever is getting through. I'll let you know what I think after a week or so of burn in. I'm sure I'm approaching the maximum potential of my system.

Steve (Vetterone) has found a piece of vinyl that is really special. So special that I consider it to be the finest recording I've ever heard. When I listened to it on his system last week I was simply blown away. Finally, a piece of software that set his wonderful system free. I've urged him to write a review of it now that I've got my own copy coming my way. I'm guessing that it will be one of those records that will demand big money on the used market as I think it will be a limited production piece. I can't speak intelligently of the recording techniques used since it was in a language other than English but I believe it is a direct to disk recording. If only all software was this good.

Sad to report that the Syrah did not get fixed. But get this, Steve has purchased another one for me to use. It should be here soon. What a guy!! You gotta love him.

Thanks for the encouraging words everyone, both on this thread and in private emails. I know it's not easy responding to the depressing news I dropped in your laps. So, yesterday I had a follow-up visit with my surgeon thinking that our relationship would be ending. It seems that when she operated the method she used to tell the extent of involvment is by feel. Makes sense to me that small tumors can be felt. Anyway, she said that one area of involvment that was most pronounced was in the common bile duct and that whenever I start to turn yellow or feel pain we'll be getting together in a surgical suite again to put a shunt in place. One encouraging, but scary thing she said was that we will likely remove the feeding tube in my intestine and the drain tube in my stomach. The mods she did to my digestive system make it difficult for any tumor to interfere with the passage of food or liquid. Maybe I won't ever need to be pump fed again. I like that idea a lot but the removal is a permanent option that would be gone forever so I told her that she has to make that decision for me. The woman has huge balls and is a real person. She howled when I told her I was still holding out for a massive coronary in the throws of an orgasm. Anyway, she thinks I've got what it takes to make the statistics look silly after all of this is over. I also told her that since she was so good at modifications that she should get herself a good tube system and start studying electronics. Barb and I then went out for Chinese food, came home and fooled around. Now that made me feel like I'm getting better! I guess what made me weaken more than anything else is knowing that my life partner is having to go through this and it's so unfair to her. She deserves so much more. For thirty one years she has indulged my every dream. Never once has she complained when I wanted more, better, different gear. She helped me buy my Harleys. She encouraged me to buy my drift boat and build a trailer for it the last time I was battling lymphoma. She never complained when I spent way too much money and time building my hot rod Nova. When I suggested we move from the comfort and security of our Midwestern home to the uncertain future of living in Idaho just so I could be closer to trout fishing she didn't even hesitate one second. Whatever makes Pat happy has been her goal in life. I'm telling you guys, this woman deserves so much more than than this baptism by fire we're experiencing and my guilt is overwhelming. Sure, I know it's not my fault but still I'm sure you understand why I feel this way. I'm undeserving of the outpouring of support from everyone and all I can do to make up for it is say thanks. There's no way to pay back anyone. The most profound thing I've discovered during this insanity is that it's way easier to love and be nice than it is to be mean and nasty. I wish I could export some of this knowledge to the Mideast, inner cities and to all of humanity struggling with and concentrating on our differences rather than our shared humanity. If only I could, this world would become such a wonderful place in very short order. Perhaps there is a talented person reading this story as it unfolds that can put this whole thing into words to share with the world so that all the kindness here somehow can be passed on.

Pat

I'm writing this with tears streaming down my cheeks in happiness. This thread and the one I just read about my wife and myself today has moved me like I've never been moved before. My thanks to everyone that has the courage to read and follow all of the heartfelt expressions conveyed here so touchingly. You posters and private emailers are positively fearless. That is what a person in my position needs and I'm saddened that this outpouring isn't happening to every person in similar circumstances. I've been richly rewarded. Not that I don't appreciate the gifts and other acts of generosity but the fearless way you are facing this with me and the support offered is what gives me a measure of what my life has been. I thank you all so much. I really feel like I'm a success in spite of all the mistakes I've made walking this path. My promise to you is to post as long as I am able and to be brutally honest in the hope that perhaps you take more from this experience than the experience takes from you. I love you all.

So, here's my news for today. I called a friend I haven't spoken with for some time due to another persons callous remarks. I wanted to make peace and it came easily for us both. We went out to play pool and I marveled at the juke box and it's ability to nail a rim shot as good as I've ever heard while playing eight ball. Life just doesn't get any better. The lesson here is don't let the stupid stuff get in the way with good folks. They are hard to find. A couple of quarters in a bar table is good therapy. There's always tight jeans walking by and it doesn't hurt to look. Take a break from your troubles and get simple for a few minutes and life is put into perspective. Make peace with yourself and with all that you love.

Tomorrow morning is round one of chemo and I don't expect any negative effects but even if I have one or two I know that I'll be fine and get up and do life as it should be done even if I do it a little slower or rest a little while I'm doing it. The good news is that I probably won't lose my hair for a month or two so I get to keep all of these ugly locks to irritate my friends a little longer. One of the audio club buddies nick named me fuzzy since that's about what it is on top.

I do have a favor to ask of someone that has the ability. I have a photo of Steve Dobbins (Vetterone), Paul Frumkin and myself just prior to surgery and before (as we fondly put it) the last supper. I'd like all of you guys to take a look at us and see just who you are talking to. You might want to bail from this thread!!!!! Har har har. Send me a private email and I'll forward the photo.

Best to all and a heartfelt thanks to the owners of this site for letting such a subject run its course. In the end this is a higher calling than anything audio. It's about every one of us.

Well, well. It seems that my sis has chimed in. Thanks Mary. These foks deserve a pat on the back. Mary and I share a common demon that I'm going to deal with (well, hopefully) and maybe in my process she will be benefitted. Without going into too much detail we grew up with a mother that had severe mental issues but otherwise a decent person. She was very good at knowing the two of us would not tell dad, being the obedient kids we were. Dad was wonderful but kept out of the loop unless he conneceted the dots. We were good at hiding the dots from him. Upon leaving the nest neither could have asked for a better mother. Not that she was perfect. We would see the dark side of her but it didn't have the same impact as when we were under her control as kids so my adult years with her were great until after my father died. She then lost her mind and became the nightmare mom from hell stirring up all kinds of memories we had boxed away in the recesses of our minds. I'm not at peace with this issue at all and neither is my sister. I need to let it go, forgive mom and, if I'm lucky, show Mary the way. Wish me luck on this one because I've been trying for nearly a decade now. I do know this. Mom did the best she could do with the tools she had. I can't mimimize her early life as I know it was a true hell. She was one of nine children born to an American Indian father. A half breed during a time that society was....well, you know. Her folks died of tuberculosis when she was a teenager and she became infected also. My fathers family was opposed to the marriage because of the bloodline and I'm sure you can fill in the rest in your heads. Tough for poor old mom. Whatever she went through was certainly more than she dished out.

Here's a good piece of advice I offer if you guys find yourselves on the receiving end of chemo some day. Listen to the nurses that give you these drugs. They are way more street wise than any doctor you have. I went through chemo in the late 80's for lymphoma and was given more serious meds than I'm now getting. I developed some side effects back then but never experienced nausea, vomiting or the other nasty. So, in my infinite ignorance I didn't take those meds and spent a pretty miserable first night in the bathroom. Since that episode I've begun taking the meds and everything is fine.

Vetterone (Steve), Barb and I went to hear some pretty good un-amplified jazz last night with it ending early enough to go get some ice cream and get home early enough to watch some Saturday Night Live. For the record, I think Ludicris sucks and will forever do so. What a waste of broadcast time.

The pieces I'd sent in to be painted for my equipement rack were picked up yesterday. This is a very old project and the stuff was dropped off prior to all this stuff that has arisen in my life. Funny, but the color I chose for the shelves goes really well with the color Steve painted my music room. As soon as I take the time to put all of this in place I'll post my system as it now is and later after the upgrades so you guys can get a look. I'm really proud of how the room has shaped up. I still need to do a couple of acoustical treatments but the room is really excellent as it is, IMHO. Good dimensions anyway and enough stuff about to break up reflections.

Have a good Sunday and enjoy friends, family and music. That's my plan for the day.

Pat

Tireguy and Jmcgrogan,

This thread is amazing and I appreciate your talking about your father. Understand, I will try to outlive all the doom and gloom and don't put a lot of value in statistics. I'm not going to deny the inevitable if and when it comes though. I just don't think denial works in your benefit at that point. That's here for all of us to go through anyway. Nobody is going to escape these earthly bounds without going through death. Enough of this stuff for now. This is a time for living.

The un-amplified jazz was a mixed bag. Some of it was jazz standards, some original music and still some were from the latest top 500 Rolling Stone recommendations. It was fun. Steve mentioned that he felt the sax player was running out of air sometimes. Does anyone play sax? Is it harder on the lungs to play with a sock stuffed deeply into it to quiet it down? I didn't notice this myself last night but the comment has made me wonder if he was working harder than normal.

About this band. They gave me a DVD last night which I hope to pass around to everyone. You can copy it or simply view it and maybe we can figure out a way to pass it around. These guys are really, really talented. Unfortunately, they are professional people and won't be quitting their day jobs anytime soon, but if they did they could find permanent employment in Vegas. The trombone player is the mayor of my city, the drummer is a counselor at Mountain States Tumor Institute and I've known him since the late 80's when I was battling lymphoma. The sax player, who I believe is the finest musician in the band, is a nurse/EMT guy. The keyboardest owns a travel agency and ice cream shop. Everyone else is also professional in their employment as well. They are generally headliners on the West Coast large jazz festivals and the band name is High Street. They have a website and I'm sure it would be easy enough to Google. They have anual standing gigs in NYC but I don't know the particulars as I've never asked. Once a year a local travel agency books a cruise with this band being the reason for going. It always sells out early and is known to be a blast.

I still haven't found a knowledgeable volunteer that will post the photo of Steve, Paul and myself into this thread. I'd really like to see this done. So, if you can insert it please fire me off an email and I'll forward it to you. Thanks in advance.

The T shirt is for Fat Tire Beer which is very popular in the Northwest. I won it in a drawing at my local blues bar. If I roll around on two tires it's motorized.

Joe, thanks for posting the photo. At least you guys now know what the three of us look like.

John, I was hoping for a reaction like yours! I see it on my friends faces all the time and it's a hoot. Actually, I've grown it because my wife wanted me to. Hey, I'd do just about anything for more sex. Whoops, can I say that? In truth also, I've always been a visual non-conformist while clinging tightly to traditional values. This aspect of my personality has sure brought a lot of confusion to the table when meeting new people. Speaking of hair, when my wife and I first met she had so much of the stuff that I couldn't believe it. Her pony tail was about as big in diameter as my wrist. Incredibly thick stuff. About ten years ago she decided to get it cut and now spends about 500% more time on her hair than before. Recently she came back from the beauty parlor without the usual cut and announced she's growing it back for me.

Shventus, I'm going to send a pic of my wife and I to Joe and see if he can post it also for your pleasure. Barb is truly something else and I appreciate your jabbing me for not posting her photo as well.

A halo I'm sure. She's an angel.

Hi all,

Doug, I received the cartridge and will install it when my hands shake a little less. I'm anxious to listen to how my arm responds to the 901. Methinks it will be a great match. Thanks.

Yeah guys, my wife is much prettier than I am. Nicer too. More organized and disciplined to boot. I could sing her praises all day long.

This thread and the folks that contact me personally as a result of reading this continue to amaze me. As a patient, and one with prior experience to boot, I still find it difficult to ask all the questions or remember all of the answers when I'm visiting with the health care foks involved with my case. We have a member here that is a cancer surgeon in another country that has called me and fielded specific questions that were a concern to me but ones I didn't want to bother my surgeon with before my next appointment. It's not easy to relate how simple questions hang heavy over your head at a time like this. A patient must make decisions for quality of life issues and sometimes you just don't understand things clearly enough. Gary, thank you for taking the time out of your busy life to counsel me. By doing so you have instilled a greater understanding on my part of the high quality of care I am receiving here. It's great to feel I'm in good hands.

I got a call from the physicians assistant at Mountain States Tumor Institue yesterday inquiring about how I was tolerating my first round of chemo. I mentioned how surprised I was at having my ass kicked so hard. I mean, I'm really, really tired. She said this might be my most difficult round to tolerate and for that I'm glad. I hope to get into the shop today and modify some hardware so I can assemble my new amp stands I made. They look great and should work well. Unlike the Northeast we are enjoying very nice weather here and I should tolerate the shop temps okay.

Once again, I'd like to thank the Audiogon owners for allowing this thread to continue. It's certainly been theraputic for me and according to a lot of corespondence I've received is the same with a lot of the readers. Very interesting indeed. It's great to think that what is happening to me is causing others to think about issues that otherwise might sit on the backburners of life.

Although I didn't feel like listening to music yesterday I plan of queing up a record in about ten minutes. Maybe a one of the blues albums 4yanx sent my way yesterday.

Hi guys,

Hmm. This thread has been dormant for a few days and I'm guessing it's because you've been patiently waiting for old Lugnut to round that corner. I think I have, finally. The last ten days have been really brutal and just sucked the life out of my life. Incredible fatigue, intense muscle and joint pain, a rush trip to the surgeon to get one of the tubes removed, a Saturday morning visit to the hospital for blood tests and antibiotics for a temperature and then Saturday night admittance to the hospital for a possible life threating infection with getting more antibiotics by iv. I was released this afternoon and am now in the safety zone with my blood work and additional medications to take.

During this time I didn't have much on my mind other than what was ailing me BUT and this is a big BUT, I thought of all you guys often and it has helped to sustain me. All I can say is thank you all. You have made a difference.

This evening I had some fun listening to a "new to me" Eva Cassidy "Songbird" LP as well as Neil Young's "Greendale" 3 LP box set. Whenever I get my mind completely wrapped around what Neil is doing with this story of Greendale I'll forward my review onto Ben Campbell. One thing, it is an audiophile recording on the best vinyl, no doubt. Remember also, that it was bought with one of the gift certificates from you guys. And, that's something I wouldn't have enjoyed without your generosity.

Assuming I feel as good, and hopefull better, tomorrow I will be calling Steve Dobbins and together we will hook up some of this new gear as he has a light work week going on. Lucky me.

Seeing as how Neil Young won't take personal requests for such things Eminem decided to send my an autographed 8x10. Howard, I got the biggest kick out of that! That's Boa2, guys and his brother is his manager.

Stuff keeps coming every day. Sorry I haven't been able to pass along my recognition of everyone doing these things but I'm sure you all understand.

Now, let the good times roll.

Pat

Steve came over today and we set up my new stand and the amp stands. They look good and I'm proud to say the stage depth improved. We inserted the Supratek and the system sounds wonderful. We'll be mixing in various new pieces for quite some time to find the best synergy. Steve is a good, faithful and dear friend who is fearless in the face of my enemy. God bless him.

Paul checks up on me all the time. There must be an especially nice little corner in Heaven for guys like Paul. I've known him my whole life or so it seems.

John, the Greendale set is worth buying to hear Neil play some blues licks. I'm guesing that one of my life long pals will be bringing over the DVD which I hope makes understanding the story more fun. The set is pretty pricey but it's recorded really well on the best of vinyl. All the other stuff that comes with it is cool. All the art work is Neil's and there is a bunch, a bumper sticker, a 7" record I don't have a clue about and some other stuff I've forgotten. Buying it depends on big of a fan you are but I'm guessing it's a low production number which makes it a good investment.

Dean, world events and politics don't seem to have a lot of meaning EXCEPT my heart is warmed by the possibility of a self governing Iraqi people. The next ten years is going to be a challenge for them and I wish them the best from the bottom of my heart. To this end everyone should be on the same page but alas....GWB will enjoy an especially nasty place in the history books over the real issues of illegal invasion of our country, exporting of jobs, importing of cheap labor, outsourcing industry and sucking up the wicked empire. To be fair he is just continuing what was begun around the time of Richard Nixon. Lugnut has spoken.

Baghdad will enjoy huge prosperity and high end audio will be there in no time if....It's gonna have to be an Ali, Ahmed or the like that'll open it up as I don't expect there will be any foreigners dumb enough to do it. Unless they get the power to stay on for awhile the high end market may be comprised of systems like Tom Lyons complete with batteries. No doubt their systems will be analog with all the raw materials they have.

I should have kept my mouth shut about politics. He he. Honestly though, my vantage point has changed a great deal. I find it very frustrating during this time to even contemplate all the various events that are shaping the future, a future I will not have to endure. I'm saddened because I want so much more for my fellow man than what the current crop of leaders world wide seem to have planned. All of you that are young enough to live well into the future are going to be faced with challenges the likes I don't even want to utter. What we need is a benevolent king but all I see are self serving dubiously elected officials world wide that are hell bent on morphing the elected into a royal class for the future. Curiously, at the core is a common theme, again world wide, to drive the masses into a life of common peasants. When I connect these dots I see a grand scheme where Satan is alive and well and this makes me closer yet to the one, true benevolent king. Sorry if this is a turn off for the unbelievers and I promise to not mention politics again in this or any other thread. Understand though, that God has touched me in many ways during this time with not so gentle reminders that he is alive and well also. This thread is proof that He took extreme measures in my case to send a message. Many of the posters, gift givers, readers and private coresponders with me since this started will know exactly what I mean. That is why I earlier mentioned that what is going on here needs to be shared as widely as possible after all of this has played out. This is not about audio. This is not about the "stuff" given. This is about how we should be living and interacting all the time. If noone picks up on this and writes about the real meaning then please allow this experience to be burned into your memory so that you can share this throughout your life when the need arrises. Lugnut as preacher is finished preaching and I sinerely hope I haven't offended.

On the brighter side I eagerly await the two most anticipated packages yet, the Ridge Street cables and the Starsound products. This is stuff old Lugnut has only been able to dream about owning. Steve Dobbins was over yesterday and we inserted the Syrah into my system. This isn't the first time we discovered the transformation this wonderful preamp does to my system. It is a jaw dropper of the first magnitude. Beyond belief. I've used Steve's Ridge Street cables before and the improvement is very significant and well worth the cost of admission. I wish that the speaker cables that were coming were two pairs so that I could use my current speakers to best advantage but if someone knows of a good adaptor for the banana's that Linn uses to spades I'll get a set and use the RS cables on the high frequency side of my current set up. I'll let Steve (hopefully) chime in on how wonderful this rig sounds. I trust his ears and have deep respect for the system he keeps putting together! ROTFLMAO. I've learned a great deal from Steve and I've really corrupted him. He's shown me how very close great digital can come to good analog and the impact cables can have IF you have a system that allows the differences to really be heard. The Syrah allowed that to happen. LOL, me corrupting him because he now looks for releases on vinyl before searching for the SACD or CD equivalent. When I was a kid mothers used to tell their sons to stay away from my influence and this is proof!

Unfortunately, the Syrah has developed a problem and we had to remove it from the mix. You technical types: please read this and post an opinion in the hope that the thing can avoid going back to Australia for repair!!! When the preamp is cold it sounds wonderful and my cartridge is happy with the standard, recommended loading of 47k. As a side note all troubleshooting reading are correct when cold also. After about 45 minutes into listening the sound very quickly becomes strained similar to inserting a very low powered, cheesy amp. Nothing sounds right. It's congested, with little detail. The bass is pretty much gone. It sounds horrible. Now, if we change the loading to 10 Ohms the sound is much improved although all magic is gone and many of the negative qualities remain. We're thinking that maybe there is a solder joint or even a tube socket that is failing at an elevated temp. Unfortunately, readings have never been taken when warm and this would be the first thing to do. Tubes are not the problem as I've spent considerable time with every tube that is recommended in the "preamp deal of the century" thread and the problem remains. Any ideas on this would be most welcome. This piece is central to making the most out of what gear remains after playing with all the new stuff you great guys have sent my way.

Any idea why the edit my post option is no longer available? I found that out yesterday with my last post.

Tom, you said a mouthful with that last paragraph. I'm so proud of this community. Hopefully this isn't really about me but rather about our shared humanity. Even the folks that are simply readers of this thread are special.

Sorry to all for not giving you updates for awhile. I sometimes wonder how much information you all want or need. I did have my drain tube removed also. Now that I don't have any mechanical devices protruding from me I feel more normal in spite of what I have now termed my "Frankenstomach". This extensive modification should be reserved for hotrods or older tube gear, not to the human body.

My insurance company has denied coverage for the pills since they consider their use to be in the investigational phase. It's being appealed by my doctor, bless his heart. But, I do know this, no matter the outcome he will still want to "fix" the unfixable and I constantly struggle with how to handle him. He's a caring and kind soul and that is what I want on my side through this. But, what I consider to be unnecessary, heroric measures that would most likely be to my detriment, he considers standard protocol. He's indicated in my diagnosis that I'm depressed and I'm pretty sure he'd like to give me meds for that too. Give me a break. Of course, I'm unhappy and maybe I am depressed for being in the box I find myself in but this is normal. I'd be depressed if my cat was suffering. My job is to deal with this because failing to do so would bring more anguish than I can imagine a human enduring. Besides, and I think this group would agree with me, I think I'm doing a pretty good job of getting a handle on it. You guys, as well as my traditional friends and family, have validated my existence for the last 54 years and I thank you.

As many of you may have noticed I'm back to posting in my traditional fashion. My "wordly" emotions are coming through loud and clear which is an indication that I'm feeling much better. Hey, it's not like I'm normal as I define it but I did go out and play pool again last night, kicked ass, eyeballed the tight jeans and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I slept better last night than I have in several weeks. We have a big day planned for this Sunday with a few of my friends from our audio group. Listening to a SOTA viny rig at one house, moving onto audition new MBL speakers at another and finally dinner at a third members home. This is living large guys.

And, next week is the Miami gig. If I can improve on how I now feel this will be more fun than being a blind folded judge at a titty contest.

A friend brought over his CD/DVD of Greendale. It's a masterpiece. Great video and the story is profound. One line he sings goes something like this: I won't retire but I may retread. That line alone is worth the price of admission. I'm so glad I got the vinyl.

I've decided to forgo chemotherapy. This is a selfish move on my part and one that I'm very comfortable with. I know deep down in my heart that by doing so I will have more quality days of what remains than by enduring the torture of the drugs. I'm not giving up and this is not courageous. It's is a pragmatic decision and nothing more. You guys have been an inspiration to me and continue to lift me up each and every day.

I plan on a busy day today as I'm feeling pretty darn good. Steve's coming over and we are taking steps to deal with the Syrah as he wants it in my system and, man oh man, I do too. It's a magical piece when it's right. I've also got to sort through all the other stuff and hopefully land on the best mix of components and then deal with the clutter. The room Steve remodeled for me demands that I do so and my mind will feel much better by getting organized.

Don't hesitate to respond about the news I've dropped in your laps. I'll look forward to reading the posts.

AAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGG!!!!! I filled the sink with hair this morning. LOL. Now I'll be able to go incognito. I guess it doesn't matter and the goatee will grow back quick enough. But old Lugnut isn't going to be able to shock and annoy his friends with his unusual appearance. The time warp is history. Hell, I guess in a month or so I'll just need to take to wearing white shirts and ties to go along with this new look. I will not however be posting a photo of this new look. Assuming I make it to Miami in early march I'll be able to hug guys like Cello and Doug Deacon with them thinking some insane stranger has crashed the party. Woohoo!

I've been swapping gear in and out of my system like crazy. A couple of things that will most definitely stay no matter what else comes or goes are the Ridge Street cables. Robert, you are a magician! They haven't settled in yet but with the addition of the tuner, thanks to Jeff Logan, I'll be able to play some low level radio to speed up the break-in procedure and enjoy this weekend at a new level of detail. The additional detail in the bass and high frequencies is something else, really. I've used his cables before and know exactly what to expect once they settle in. The best way I can convey the huge impact they have is by saying it's like going from a very inexpensive mm cartridge to a SOTA mc. Everything is better without any harshness whatsoever especially considering I'm running solid state amps. It's a shame that the RS speaker cables can't be used with my current system as I'm sure I'd be in hog heaven then. If anyone knows of a banana adaptor that has a binding post on it I'd love to try these driving my mid/bass drivers and then the tweeters. I'm guessing that this alone would represent a significant improvement.

The little Snells are incredible performers even though I had to place them on top of my floor standers which wasn't giving them a fair chance to really shine. I have yet to receive the stands that go with them but when I do I'll go through the setup again. There was a small amount of bass driver pumping caused by the rear firing ports interacting with my turntable and placement of the subwoofer is going to be problematic with my room layout. Still, even considering these massive setup problems, if they exceed the performance of my floor standers I'll figure out a way to use them. For sure, they would work very well if I were digitally based. I do have an idea for using them in another system in the living room if I can do it on the cheap.

Man, I'm going to miss my old retro look. Let's have a moment of silence for my hair.

Hey guys, I got a haircut yesterday and it doesn't look like I've lost as much as I did. Boy oh boy do I look respectable. I'm seriously thinking about getting lightning bolts dyed into my hair on each side. Bright red perhaps. Barb wants me to get my ear re-pierced. I'd do that if I could find a musical note earring. Know where I can get one?

As a few of you guys know, old Lugnut grew up in a less than sophisticated environment and never got exposed to classical music. I've always felt that I was missing out on a lot of joy but without a mentor it was too daunting a task to undertake what with all the great jazz and blues I could pursue easily. Well, I've got myself a mentor now in the form of Scott Campbell. The first of his records that I listened to was Tchaikovsky Symphon NO. 6, a MOFI pressing. While not the best recording the content lifted Barb and I up and carried us away. Very sensual and intimate if that is a correct way to express how it made me feel. Thanks Scott for making this easy for me.

Later guys as I've got a busy weekend going.

Jack,
I don't think this is the same Scott. The one I'm talking about has the username of Sdcampbell. BTW, I enjoyed the ELP album a lot. Thanks.

Barb and I had a really great day yesterday. I finished removing the clutter from the music room to do justice (and to make me feel good) to Steve's remodel job. I'll be posting my system soon as I'm now not ashamed at the way the room looks. I do think there will be a lot of editing for several weeks as stuff gets swapped in and out.

One of my oldest and dearest friends I grew up with in Nebraska (Gretna, if you're interested) also lives nearby and his sister came for a very short visit. They have a good friend in similar circumstances to myself living here. She and her husband took the time to stop by and visit. It's been over 30 years since the last time I saw her and it was if we had remained close this whole time. The visit was much too short but very enjoyable.

A member of our local audio group invited his wife and himself over for a visit and to listen to some music. His system is comprised of an Audio Aero Capitole, Levinson preamp, huge Krell amp and Wilson Watt Puppy 7's. His wife has some of the better ears in the club being able to fetter out the good versus the bad in very short order. The woman is uncanny in her ability to discern lasting positive differences quickly versus the differences that don't endure after an extended period. She was absolutely blown away by the black background and total lack of surface noise of my analog front end. He is trying to determine what turntable to buy (a re-convert) after listening to Steve and my systems previously. Back to the story. Several times he remarked how great my system sounded and said that while his Wilson's did some things better than my Keilidh's my system was so very, very enjoyable. He even went so far as to say, referencing another club members +/- $100K system, that there was very little difference between the sound in my room and this other room that had been featured in one of the AV magazines. They were impressed with the room on several levels. First, it was apparent to them that the dimensions are very favorable for sound, a fact that I've learned to appreciate and be thankful for. I was lucky on this one. I knew the room would be ideal for this hobby when we bought this house but didn't have a clue about how important basic room deminsions are. Second, they both remarked at how comfortable the atmosphere is. Steve has incredible taste when it comes to design and hit a home run here. Having been around the block with this club I can tell you that getting sincere compliments like this don't happen unless they are real. The Ridge Street interconnects I've been breaking in this week have just made everything gel. There is no hint of glare, the increase in macro and micro detail is staggering, the sound stage is much more stable with increased layering. I can tell that I do need to move my speakers a small amount to maximize their disappearing act. It's funny that with my old interconnects doing this or that minor change didn't seem to make much difference. Now it's clearly for the better or for the worse.

Another club member is struggling with my situation and is kind of speechless and uncomfortable, not wanting to say the wrong thing. He's got a good heart but words seem to elude him. I wish he would just lighten up and go easy on himself and stop worrying about it. He sent a piece of vinyl as a gift and I've got to say this was a real discovery. It's a fairly light weight piece of vinyl pressed in Germany of Rikki Lee Jones most famous album. I've owned it on MFSL but parted with my copy a couple of years ago to an AudiogoN member that just couldn't seem to locate an affordable copy. I've missed the MOFI copy I parted with and haven't been able to acquire a domestic pressing that was quiet enough. This German pressing is dead quiet and I'd put it up against the MFSL pressing in every regard. It's that good. I've also never seen this pressing before. There is a circular sticker on the album jacket that is yellow with a big black exclaimation mark in the center. This was a great gift.

You football fans, please don't get angry with me but I'm having an anti-Super Bowl listening session today with a couple of friends. I do want to see the half time show and hopefully will see some of the better commercials as well.

Once again I'd like to thank Jeff Logan for the tuner. Barb and I tuned in KBSU, our local NPR station, and were blown away by the sound quality. Gene Harris lived in Boise and his wife hosts a two hour jazz show every Saturday evening and her taste in jazz is superb. I just didn't realize how much I would enjoy a tuner even with the lack of quality programming here. As a simple tool to break in IC's and cables it's cool also. Thanks Jeff.

I don't own any pastel colored clothes guys. I don't know of anyone in real life that has any clothes like that to borrow either. Hell, I've never seen them for sale in stores. About all we get to choose from around here are a few different colored jeans and camo everything.

Joe, yeah I think I'll be going but you know, I can't be 100% sure since things have a habit of happening. I do want to go very much.

I've been invited to a members home to listen to some tonearm/cartridge comparisons with some other guys and maybe catch some rays in the process. I might not want to come home until May or so. ;)

Dean, I've found a pastel t-shirt. Think that would work? I might even have some pastel socks but did Sonny ever wear socks?

Doug,

You aren't safe buddy. I'm going to hug the shit out of ya'.

Gajgmusic,

I've not forgotten about the recording I mentioned earlier in this thread. Vetterone introduced me to this record. I've been waiting for him to write about its virtues, not wanting to steal his thunder. I'll contact him and see if he has time to write a review of this piece as I had hoped. If he doesn't I'll not forget to post about it here. My copy should be here any moment.

Oh no. Doug's going to think less of me. I helped my neighbor slip a 350 into his old RX. One reason for doing so was that his motor went belly up and there were no replacements to be found. Now, get this, this was just about the cheapest and cheesiest transplant I've ever seen. We had to leave the hood off permanently since the only radiator we could afford was too tall to allow it to close. Because of a lack of funds we didn't do any front end modifications to handle the extra weight. The car proved to be dangerous but the owner had fun. He later put some slicks on it and added nitrous and went street racing against my advice. He is a fun guy and luckily outlived the Mazda.

I can't remember the cars name but another friend took the original rotary coupe from the 80's and inserted a motor that dyno'd at over 1000 h.p. before the four stages of nitrous kicked in. It made approximately 2500 h.p. on the bottle and ran in the low, low seven second range. This was a real street legal car that was driven regularly. This fellow hauled this thing around the U.S. competing in the fastest street car shootout races for big bucks. Deep down he was a street racer and lost his life behind the wheel of this car in a spectacular crash while racing another car for pocket change. When I later drove out to the crash site of this lonesome two lane road I found that the quarter mile measured an actual third of a mile with a huge dip and corner at the end of the straight away. His wife and daughter were spectators at this late night illegal event.

I like Doug's car a lot and yes, it is very sexy. Too bad that he is flying into Miami. If his car were there I'd love to be a passenger while he pushes it to the maximum. From what I've read about these cars the cornering is unreal. That would probably raise my heart rate higher than listening to tonearm and cartridge changes.

Gimme a BOSS HOG!!!

Doug,

There are always residental streets. They still have corners in Miami, no? he he

Steve sat down at his computer to share the information about the recording I referred to above but Audiongon must have been rebooting or something and it didn't get posted. So, with all the spare time I enjoy I figured I'd do the typing instead.

There are only two vinyl records available from this label. Though they have other recording on CD, and I understand they are stunning as well, I can't speak about their audiopile characteristics.

Before I share the artist's name and purchasing information I'd like to express what it is about the album that tripped my trigger. Steve's system is very, very nice and has the ability to reproduce all of the information thrown at it. It's very musical and does a very fine job of not being as picky about source material as you would think. Generic pressings sound very good. But, as the recording quality goes up so does the reproduced sound. My system is very modest in comparison but it too responds well to better recordings and does a very nice job with generics too.

Steve had attended the last CES and had heard this pressing used as demo material and was impressed with the level of detail and the content so he wrote down the purchasing information and ordered it for himself. He didn't say anything to me about its sonic attributes before he put it on his Teres. From the first note I heard things I've never heard quite so clearly on his system. It was like finally a piece of software that wasn't holding his system back. The record exceeds the performance of my system....

The artist is David Roth and the title is "Pearl Diver". It's a direct metal master on the Stockfisch label. Maybe there is an online retailer where you can listen to the content but if you can't find anyway to audition it I offer the following information to try and help you determine if you would like this. David Roth has a manly voice and the entire album is acoustic with perhaps up to five instruments total playing. His music is slow balads and the lyrics reflect his politics. My guess is that he's an environmentalist and a proponent of tolerance. Personally, I prefer artists that don't try to influence my belief system whether I agree with them or not. In this case, I'm not offended in the least as I simply view what he sings about as coming from a gentle soul. The songs that represent his personal views are not "in your face" and come across as sincere and thoughtful. His rendition of Don McClean's "Vincent" is simply incredible. That one cut alone is worth the price of admission.

Stockfisch has only one other vinyl offering and it is a two record set from Sara K.'s "Waterfall". I know you can audition this album online to determine if you like it enough to buy. I've played but one of the records and enjoy it a lot but can't comment of it's sonics. I've not listened to it on Steve's system.

Cut and paste the following to place an order:

www.stockfisch-records.de

The website is mainly in German. Go to the order link and then select viny records. You'll see the two albums and what they sell for in Euro's.

I'm sure that the sonics are about as good as it gets but this is all IMHO, submitted that YMMV and all the stuff that will keep you guys from sending me hate mail if you don't like it.

Ron,

I've pondered who David Roth reminds me of and I can't think of a single successful singer/songwriter. He does remind me of several club performers I've heard in my life that couldn't get the crowd up and dancing and drinking til they fall down. His type is usually a one night stand in the club scene because the audience sits and listens. This guys music isn't going to be used to hawk tennis shoes, beer or credit cards on tv.

Bin,

Thanks for the compliment. I believe that, in a certain sense, it's more difficult to read my posts than to live them. I have no choice but to face my own mortality but you have CHOSEN to face it, and in doing so, your own.

This is the second type of cancer I've faced, the first being in '88. One of my high school classmates couldn't bring himself to even call me back then and has expressed numerous times of late how guilty he has felt about it. He now calls on a regular basis and the conversation always turns to God. We both believe in the traditional, Christian sense. During our last conversation he told me a long story about him wanting to minister to me so that I could have the gift of salvation. I'm aware that his church, and particularly his men's bible study group, prays for me and my family on a regular basis. He has shared most of our converstaions with his pastor and eventually this pastor said to him, "Paul, can't you see that he is ministering to you?". I could tell that he was near tears when he shared this with me. He went on to say that whenever he calls he feels closer to God. Bin, listen carefully here as I think it's important. I'm not ministering to anyone. Not intentionally anyway. If God is using me for a greater good I'm very happy for him doing so. From the beginning of this thread I've felt that this experience was bigger than audio and Lugnut. You guys have reached out to me and lifted me up. I consider this to be a very special gift to me personally, but since it's really about our shared humanity and proof of how good mankind can be, and that's it's something that needs to be shared. If what I write is in some way helping someone else it is not because I'm expressly trying to do so. I give the credit to God. I'm happy if he is using me in this way and He's welcome to use me up. I feel as though I've known all of you guys forever.

I just returned from Miami. What a gas! I would never have thought that old Lugnut would be soaring so high with the audio eagles. Honestly, I'm so appreciative to have been included with such a select group of very fine people. I also experienced a couple of things I've wanted to do specific to southern Florida. I tasted Cuban coffee and had one Cuban seafood meal. The food was very good but the coffee was addictive, it's that good. Sorry to slam Starbucks but they are amatuer.

I just returned so I've other things to do. I'll write more soon.

I've got to say that the Latin women were, uhmm, very easy on the eyes. Very exotic looking too. The Cuban people that I saw were a handsome, proud group that took much pride in their appearance and the apprearance of what they owned. Understand though that I was staying in the city of Doral where the golf tournament was held last weekend. We're not talking a low rent district. It's a shame I didn't take my camera as the hotel was across the street from the Miami/Dade County Elections Commission building. I'd love to have had a photo of me in front of the building.

Who is Steve Kay from Evanston, Ill.? I just received a Nick Drake "Five Leaves Left" Simply Vinyl LP from him. Thank you. I'd love to associate a moniker with the name.

Some days I feel like I'm running around with a big question mark tatooed to my forehead. I just can't understand why good fortune, considering the circumstances, continues to rain down on me. Here's the deal. My oncologist had persuaded me to try an oral chemotherapy even though my insurance company considers its use to be investigatory in nature and uncovered. The drug, Xeloda-a brand of capecitabine (the iv version) is grossly expensive. If this household had to pay for it out of pocket I would need to sell our home and liquidate all of my other assets. It is that expensive.

The pharmaceutical company gifted me my first round of this medication and I am having little, if any, side effects. The coverage is being appealed to the insurance company and documents regarding its useage as standard protocol have been submitted. It may or may not eventually be covered. The need to continue on the next round of the drug is coming so the pharmaceutical company has again gifted me another course of treatment. My biggest fear is that this stuff would work and I couldn't have it. I'm sure you can understand the emotional side of things if that happened. Well, to make a long story short the cancer clinic I go to has just told me to not worry about it. No matter whether the insurance pays or not I will receive this drug free of charge if it is working for me.

After the second round of chemo I'll get a CT scan and the images will be compared to my last CT to see if the disease has progressed, stopped in its tracks or reversed course. I'm really in touch with my body and its telling me that this stuff is working. I could bitch about a number of things that are no longer normal but I'm in generally good health and can enjoy every day. I can actually make plans and follow through with them. That may not seem like a big deal to you healthy guys but it is what gives me my life back. Previously if I were invited to do something I'd have to qualify my response with "sure, if I'm feeling good enough". Now I can say, "what time?".

On the stereo front the Syrah has been sent off for repair and I purchased a used Wright WPL 10 V just in case. I should be getting it in a few days and I'm sure I'll be happy with it. I also contacted Robert at Ridge Street and ordered another pair of the Poiema! speaker cables since my speakers require two stereo pairs. I also ordered some Eichmann banana connectors to use with these cables from Robert. Now, remember Robert gifted me two pairs of RCA's and one pair of the speaker cables earlier. He charged me so little for all this other stuff that I consider it a gift too. Just the interconnects and the speaker cables have made a huge difference in my system. In fact, the retail price of the cabling exceeds the value of my amps, crossovers and speakers. Well, I did buy them used you understand. Looking at everything in retail dollars the cabling is about 50% of the price of the parts I just mentioned. It sounds better doing it this way than moving up the food chain with my hardware for the same dollar figure. Not long ago I wouldn't have believed this possible.

I now only have one challenge left with the system. Assuming the Syrah never returns I need step up transformers to use with a new cartridge. I just love the Bent Audio transformers. They sound great if broken in and the cartridge loading is very easy to change. They are out of my price range however. If anyone has any ideas about a cheaper way to go I'd be most interested. I really only need about 10 db of gain but configuring for other gain settings would be a plus. Cartridge loading changes would need to be easy because I'm so ignorant about the more difficult ways its accomplished. Dip switches would be okay but the way the Bent Audio unit works is just too cool. You simply clamp the resistors between two posts to attain any value you want. I saw this first hand in Miami thanks to Doug Deacon and was amazed. I was amazed by how easy it was and also how clearly audible very small changes affected the sound.

I also had some good fortune on the software front too. I'd been looking for an affordable MOFI copy of Muddy Waters "Folk Singer". Affordable is a laugh. What I did find was a Chess reissue in mint condition. After having played it I find it difficult to believe the MOFI is any better. This is great content and a wonderful performance recorded about as good as it gets. I love this album. I'm also very impressed by the album Bem Campbell sent me. It's Nick Drake's "Five Leaves Left". This album has really grabbed me after a few plays. Considering that it was originally released around 1968 and I can't remember having heard it before makes it all the more interesting.

Did anyone here take my advice and buy the David Roth album? Just curious what others think of it.

Two friends from the Midwest are arriving today for a weeks visit. We'll be going out tonight for some live blues. I have some fun things we're going to do while they are here but the bulk of the time will be spent listening to tunes, visiting and getting small. As soon as this is posted I'm going out to buy a good bottle of cognac to go along with those cigars I bought in Miami. Ah, the aroma of stinking up the house with old friends is something I really look forward to.

Geez, you guys are the best. Tom, I'll decline on the kind offer. I have a perfect 901 which I plan on using at some point. Your Cotter would have been plug and play. I really don't want to maybe have Barb sort out things that need to be returned. Doug, the K&K is one I'm considering and it's probably a perfect match for the level of my system. If I do the K&K thing I'll probably call you for some specifics. I don't much care for cigars myself. If you and Paul can somehow make it out this way I'd accomodate any such requests.

I posted my system the other day and was disappointed to see it did not make it to the "new today" forum page. Did I do something wrong? I was hoping that you guys would get to see it since it was only made possible through your help. It is an extension of my personality. It's found in the system link on the home page entitled Lugnut's room.

Last week was spent with a couple of old friends from the Midwest that came out to just hang around. We went to one of our audio club meetings and everyone seemed to enjoy my guests. Two nights were spent listening to live blues at my favorite watering hole. Played some pool too and owned the table for a few hours until I just hung it up in favor of people watching. We also went to Steve's home and they were just blown away by his room and system. We stayed up late listening to various types of music, drinking single malt scotch and cognac, smoking various cigars and other, er, plants. One of my friends spent some time shooting skeet, trap and sporting clays, with my other friend going to some BLM land and target shooting his rifles at long distances. A lot of the time these guys brought up stories about yours truly that they will never forget. Wow! Listening to these tales makes me realize that I've been a smart ass for most of my life. Like the time a lady in a shopping center parking lot was hitting her son on the head telling him how stupid he was. My comment to her was, "Yeah lady, that's right. Hit him on the brain. That should make him smarter." Or the time at a party when an obnoxious drunk butted into a great conversation and I told him that the more I knew him the more I liked him less. I don't just blurt things out like I used to but I still think them. I love these guys and cherish the time I spent with them this last week.

I received my Wright WPL10 V preamp last week too. I've got to say that for such an inexpensive piece it has speed to die for and lets the details through rivaling pieces selling for much higher prices not to mention it is dead quiet. I do have some things to sort out though and maybe you guys can help. The cartridge I'm currently using is one reported to not be a good match with this phono stage and the 901 that I have requires a step up tranny to work as it should because of its low source impedence. The phono stage has a total of 65 db of gain and is said to work well with cartridges down to .5 mv. Considering all of my options it seems buying a new cartridge is perhaps the easiest path to satisfaction. Besides, the 901 doesn't belong to me. I've got an Ittok arm, need a minimum .5 mv output and 47k loading as well as high source impedence. I'm looking to spend around $500 but will go up to $800 new or used. Used, if from a trusted source like one of you guys. Advice is needed. Of course, I could sell the WPL10 V and buy another preamp for more money too.

I finished my first go round of the Xeloda. I guess I tolerated it well enough. Hell, at this point I don't know how I'm supposed to be feeling. I don't sleep well and am fatigued most of the time but I don't blame this on the medication although I know it contributes to being tired. I'll begin the second round next Wednesday and after that go in for a CT scan to see if it is helping. In the meantime I'm just going to try and ignore thinking about it. There doesn't seem to be any point in that mental exercise anyway. After all, it is what it is. I do dislike very much swallowing so many pills every day. I realize it's a mental thing but popping seven in the morning and ten in the evening of various required meds makes me wonder if mixing all of them up creates something brand new! Do doctors even think about the synergy thing?? LOL

Hey guys,

Well, I did it. I ordered the TAD signature preamp and a ZYX R100H Yatra cartridge. This should be a significant step up for me. I realize I'm not soaring with the eagles here but I bet I get more bang for the buck than most.

Thank you guys for the words of encouragement. I worry about being too open in this thread and turning folks off. Maybe I'm just caught up in this situation and want so badly for others to gain something from this, my loss. Sometimes it is very difficult. Your continued support does lift me up and carry me on to the next moment of enjoyment.

I'll be baaaaack.

Swampwalker,

Make no mistake about it. Being the spouse of a cancer patient is probably worse than having the disease. I can only think of those poor souls who's children are stricken with this madness and I'm so thankful I'm not in that postion. In all things it can always be worse.

I wish your wife the best, from the bottom of my heart. As for you I hope and pray that you can maintain your own health during these trying times. Look after yourself. Your wife and family need you.

The smoking was purely recreational. I don't really partake anymore unless a close friend brings some over. How could I not smoke with these guys? We go back over thirty years together when that's what we all did. It does bring back fond memories too. Like the time one of the guys coughed into the bong, blowing the glowing embers into the air. When it came down it landed on his head catching his hair on fire. THAT was a Furry Freak Brothers incident if there ever was one.

I'll be thinking of you and your wife and keep you in my prayers. Fight the good fight.

Hi all,

I'm uncertain about posting certain stuff here and this is one of those difficult posts that I'm going to sugar coat a little.

Last week I developed abdominal pain that progressively got worse and was not controllable with the current doses of pain meds. We moved up my scheduled CT scan to this last Monday and a visit with my oncologist to yesterday. The Xeloda did not work. The cancer has spread to many area in my intestinal cavity with an associated fluid build up that was causing the pain.

The only purpose for any of the chemo treatments has been to aleviate symptoms. There is one last type of drug I can use that may halt/reverse this for awhile and I accepted the offer and yesterday had my first round of Taxol via port injection. We'll see where this goes from here.

This isn't what I had desired to do and if I could turn back the clock (and have a crystal ball) I'd do things differntly. In a sense, through no fault of my own, I've painted myself into a corner. That's about all I can say within my comfort level of sharing with you guys. Man, I don't want to go into the gory details for fear of turning some of the readers off. Anyone that feels there may be value in more information can contact me personally and I'll be glad to share.

I really want all of you to know that my goal remains to enjoy every day to the maximum. With that in mind I have plans to outsmart the worst part of this situation in a fun way.

I sold my '67 Nova ten second REALLY COOL street car yesterday. Did I mention how COOL it is?? Anyway, the sale has freed up a large chunk of change. Most of the proceeds will go toward a better car for my wife and a new roof for the house among other sucky things to buy. I am going to buy myself a new, at least new to me, preamp and likely a new cartridge.

I sold the Wright preamp and am considering the TAD reference that BizzyBee is offering. The audition period and 10% restocking fee seems very reasonable and if it's within my performance needs I'll be happy. If anyone has any input about this preamp, especially how well it does on the frequency extremes I'd really appreciate hearing about it. I have access to a large variety of the best old tubes to experiment with. The preamp is cheap enough to allow me to buy another cartridge. My preferences for cartridges are different from most of the ears that follow this thread. I'd really like a Sumiko Celebration but am concerned about the amount of gain in the mc section of the TAD. I'd like to know if Sumiko has a dedicated step up for this cartridge and how much it is. The alternative is the Blackbird which I know will work and clearly is within my budget. I haven't heard the Blackbird but have heard the Celebration. Input is always welcome.

Hey Jeff,

Twice now, I've gotten cancer. Both times I went to doctors early on and was persistent about what I knew were not normal symptoms. Both times the physicians didn't take me seriously which delayed things too much. Early detection is an accident. This proves life is what it is.

Tom,

I'm excited about my purchases. We're not talking a lot of money here so if it kicks things up a few notches I'm a happy camper. Barb's excited too because she likes the sound of the old AI tube preamp but really likes the remote of the solid state stuff. Maybe I've hit on the right combination for her, and me. The ZYX cartridge is an experiment in a way. Others I've known respect the performance of the model I purchased but have moved onto the Universe. I doubt whether the Universe needs to be promoted because at that level and price point there is a lot of interaction between high end purchasers. The lower price models have much of the magic of the Universe and I'm hoping that in lesser systems like mine they offer the best performance for the money. I'll be posting my thoughts on this after break in and I'll use at least three preamps to try and be honest in my evaluation. They are ugly though, IMO. LOL

On a side note I bought some of Paul Speltz anti-cables just to play with. My intentions have been to find gear whose performance far exceeds the cost so that we can help get some young blood in this hobby without mortgaging their sperm bank. I took them over the Steve's house yesterday and inserted them into his system. They are stunning. Cost to performance ratio is so high on these that they deserve an award of some sort. Honest.

Jadem6,

Steal the point of this thread??? Clearly not. You've not only nailed the point but drove it home with force. Thank you so very much. Now, everyone, go out and find the stinkiest, lowliest, most pathetic person out there and give them a hug! LOL. I know, I know, that sounds like an exaggeration. But, IT IS the point. After all, you guys have given me a group hug in effect and look at me. Har har.