The Gentleman’s (and Lady’s) Guide to HiFi
Rediscovering the Art of Listening
There’s something timeless about the love of music — not just the notes or the melodies, but the very act of sitting still, soaking in the moment, and letting sound fill a room and your soul. For those who appreciate craftsmanship, heritage, and the finer things in life, a great HiFi system is not just a hobby. It’s a lifestyle.
For me, the journey began before I was even tall enough to reach the stereo. As a young child, I knew what Klipschorns were — a name whispered with reverence in my family. My father inherited his love of HiFi from his father, and some of my earliest memories involve visiting my grandparents’ home in Fairfield, California, where music wasn’t background noise — it was an experience.
We would listen to the same song over and over, flipping switches, swapping cables, experimenting with different setups. Sometimes, my father would bring his own CD player to plug into my grandfather’s system, endlessly comparing, critiquing, and savoring the smallest differences. If the day went well, the equipment would be packed into the car, and the listening experiments would continue late into the night back at home.
Beyond home listening, we also made pilgrimages to some of the finest HiFi shows in San Francisco. These were magical trips — three generations of us wandering from room to room, marveling at systems that cost more than houses. One that still sticks in my mind was the legendary Wilson Audio speakers, carrying a price tag of nearly $100,000. We listened wide-eyed and open-hearted, amazed that music could be rendered with such breathtaking realism. Those experiences weren’t just about gear; they were about passion, discovery, and shared wonder.
When it became my turn to build something of my own, I didn’t start on the playback side — I started with recording. At 14, I built my first recording studio in my bedroom. Armed with a Nakamichi cassette deck, I wrote, recorded, and mixed songs throughout my teenage years. As technology evolved, so did my gear, shifting from analog to digital, from tape decks to computer-based recording. Today, at JRQTV Media Group, our studios still honor that spirit — blending vintage soul with cutting-edge technology.
Now in my 40s, I find myself coming full circle. With my grandfather gone, HiFi has taken on a new, even deeper meaning. Listening has become an act of remembrance, a bridge to the past, and a quiet moment of gratitude in a busy world.
As my appreciation matured, I eventually found myself drawn to McIntosh amplifiers — despite the teasing I’d get from both my father and grandfather, who always said McIntosh "sounded like McIntosh," and that a system should never sound like one brand or another. Of course, the irony was not lost on me: they both favored Klipsch Heritage speakers, arguably one of the most distinct-sounding speaker lines ever made.
My own heart landed on a different pairing: McIntosh amplification with Martin Logan electrostatic speakers — a marriage of power and finesse, clarity and warmth. It’s a setup that, to me, feels like the ultimate gentleman’s (or lady’s) audio experience: refined, commanding, and endlessly captivating.
But here's the secret:
You don't need to spend tens of thousands of dollars to build a system that transports you. You don't need a shrine of rare equipment (though that’s fun too).
What you do need is passion — a willingness to sit, listen, and savor the craftsmanship not only of your system but of the music itself.
Today, I’ve simplified my own system — downsizing to a small Klipsch Bluetooth setup that fits perfectly into the rhythm of everyday life. And in many ways, I’m happier than ever. Because whether it’s a towering $100,000 reference system or a small speaker by the window, the magic has never been in the equipment — it has always been in the music, and the people you share it with.
Whether it's the soulful recordings of the '60s, the bold experiments of the '70s, the polished pop of the '80s, or the diverse landscapes of today, music remains one of life’s purest pleasures — and HiFi is how we honor it.
So, if you’re considering stepping into the world of serious audio, remember this:
Start with what speaks to you. Some love the punch of Klipsch, others the transparency of Martin Logan, the silkiness of Sonus Faber, or the precision of Bowers & Wilkins.
Invest in amplification that elevates, not colors. Find gear that respects the music without imposing too much character of its own.
Treat your room with care. Good sound is about your space just as much as your speakers.
Above all, listen with intention. Make time to unplug from the world, pour a glass of your favorite drink, and just…listen.
Because true HiFi isn't about specs or brands.
It’s about presence.
It’s about connection — to the music, to your memories, and to the people you share it with.
A beautiful life deserves a beautiful soundtrack.
Let’s not just hear it — let’s feel it.
