[jdandy]

Mike.......Welcome to Audio Aficionado. .

Your sound system and room are fabulous. It is heartwarming to see you share your home and audio system with new and old friends. No doubt it is exhilarating to have your space and privacy when you want those moments, but it is equally enriching to share. You are most generous to welcome audio friends into your space.

Having lived in Portland, Oregon for ten years ('72 - '82), I understand how the weather keeps people indoors a large part of the time. This is certainly one good reason why home audio is so popular in the Pacific Northwest. I had two systems in my Portland home, one in the living room and one in the remodeled basement. I often had other audio friends over for listening sessions. Most of my friends had good sound systems in their homes. I now live in north central Florida. My home still has multiple sound systems and a home theater, but I have no friends in the area that care about home audio, particularly high-end. It is sunny and warm here most of the year so activities center on being outdoors for most people. A widescreen TV with a soundbar keeps most folks happy. Consequently I do most of my listening alone, although I have hosted a number of Audio Aficionado members through the years for some enjoyable listening sessions. This experience has resulted in meeting some fine people and developing several long term friendships. I have traveled to visit several Audio Aficionado member's homes and enjoy their sound systems. Always lots of fun. That is just one of the reasons being a member of this audio forum has brought me so much joy over the past decade. There are many great people here. It's good to see you join us.