Opus One

had soundproof walls 
to shut out the clatter
on Smithfield Street.
Only rumbling streetcars
flashing by the window
disturbed the peace.
We ventured there Saturdays,
students of an audio fanatic
who held record jackets against his ears
to demonstrate the boxiness of his voice
and every loudspeaker in the shop
but his favorites -- the Acoustats.
 
We auditioned each piece of gear,
from Advent to Jeklin,
Linn Sondek to Revox,
Tandberg to Thorens,
and left the store
with two Sheffields
to cue up at home.

Then lunch at some greasy spoon,
or best at Josephines
to argue belt drives
versus direct drives,
wow and flutter,
woofers and tweeters.
 
I thought it was the precision
of the equipment I admired. 
These days, all I see in hi-fi shops
are expensive toys
and salesmen striving for commission.
I wish you were here with me, Dad.
That's the part I miss.

Scott Speck
08/04/99