Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/11/15
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]- -----Original Message----- From: Andre Jean Quintal <quia250249@yahoo.com> > The magnificent ( MAGNIFICENT ! ) current > Mark Levinson ( look at those "33" babies ! ) > m-i-g-h-t justify a Mark Levinson "customer" > to consider spending on a model upgrade. > It may cost you, but the performance > definitely is there ! > . . . And the craftsmanship ! Andre, I've gone through the Levinson phase in my audiophilia, and don't think that's where the fun lies. I listened to a big setup recently (all ML electronics, WAMM speakers) and felt it was a pleasant, rich, sound, lacking in real high frequencies. I've heard better, livelier, more toe-tapping sounds for lots less! If you get the chance, try a stock but properly restored Dynaco SCA35 - not the quietest thing out there, and probably only good for 10 Watts per side, but what delicious Watts those are! Price? Around $80 for one euphamistically rated as "checked and working". Add about $100 to actually get it working right. I do like some fairly pricey gear, and have not found, for instance, a stunningly good inexpensive tonearm or turntable. If I could find one, I'd be thrilled to have a nice Breuer Dynamics tonearm - the SOUND that comes from the Linn Sondek + Breuer combo -- clearly audible on inexpensive-but-good speakers and electronics!! I own a Leica M outfit, not because I think the optics will blow a Nikon away, but because I find it great for everyday use like nothing else I know of, and no M is as much fun as the M6! > Don't tell me you ALSO drive a Porsche Boxster or 911 (mass transit) > AND fly a Mooney 233 or Canadair Challenger 604 (electric R/C plane) > AND own a Breitling 'Spatiographe' watch . . .(inherited Rolex, favor '79 Seiko) > AND Martin-Logan Monolith III speakers ! (I haven't been impressed by the Martin-Logans that I've heard, but dunno about this model) Now what the would I do with all of those things... Okay, I think the Boxster looks terrific, but also find the Miata and Civic CRX Si very interesting, but mine's a small, walkable town. I got to meet Adam Werbach (ex-Sierra Club pres) and was delighted that, along with his signature, he inscribed "Death To Sport Utility Vehicles!" in my book. I'll get another car someday, it's just not that important to me. I've taken good, even obsessive, care of the ones I've owned, but I note that few if any great photos have been taken from the car. So far as I can see, neither Eisenstadt or Cartier-Bresson managed this feat! And to paraphrase Douglas Adams, "There is no expression in any known language which translates into 'as pretty as a freeway' ". Mine's a pretty uncluttered life, and I like the having the freedom to make any ole day a "Leica Day", in which arriving at the office past noon "Because the light was really great this morning" is an okay reason. If I had to confine my photographic enthusiasm to weekends and off-hours, I'd be awfully unhappy! Jeff