I developed a desire to own the best audio equipment available so that I could move closer to music and performances that made life worth living. I cared not for owning a house, a new car, or Imelda Marcos’ shoe collection. All that really mattered was food, shelter, and a stereo system. I wanted to be able to hear every in-breath that Lotte Lehmann took, every change of dynamics and vibrato in the Schubert recordings of Elisabeth Schumann. And, since I also grew up with Oistrakh’s recording of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto and the original cast recordings of Annie Get Your Gun, South Pacific, and Finian’s Rainbow, every single iota of belt and gelt that David, Ethel, Mary, and Ella had in them.