I had an e-mail discussion with John a couple of months ago and as Jade mentioned, he is indeed alive and well in the land of gold (CA).
Several years ago, I began communicating with John because he owned the same amps and speakers as I. I was seeking to obtain some of his tube rolling experience and he provided it in spades. Interestingly, as with any good tutor or teacher, John made me do some of the heavy lifting along the way by doing some homework etc., but because he and I think about that subject quite alike, I enjoyed the challenge and the research it entailed.
Although John and I have communicated via e-mails many times over the last few years, we have never formally met. Be that as it may, John suggested that I try some interconnects for which he was quite fond, and sight unseen, and without funds exchanged, John sent me his quite expensive ICs. I realize that one can gain a feel for someone else via e-mail, but there is always a risk associated with such endeavors and I appreciated Johns vote of confidence and very kind and generous offer more than he knew!
That lending experience, and Johns posts, reviews, and off-line suggestions have made me a more knowledgeable audiophile and have enabled me to significantly improve my system.
I look forward to the day when the time becomes more conducive for John to again post on the Gon with the frequency and aplomb some of us have come to expect!
Best Wishes and thanks for your friendship all your help John!
-Mike
