Sundays where I work are slow sometimes so today, I decided to dig around in my bookcase where I keep a lot of old books and catalogs. I came upon several Allied Radio wish books from the late 50's and early 60's which I must admit were very well worn from all my wishing those many years ago. I guess like most people, I drooled over the expensive stuff and then went there and bought what I could afford. I live in Chicago and would visit the main store and wharehouse often. Even better, they had a wharehouse store a few blocks east on Washington. The frosting on the cake was the Olson Radio store right accross the street. A short bus ride and I was in audio heaven.
Looking at those tatered old books was at this point in time very interesting. Did you know that the Thorens TD124 with a Walnut base sold for $110.00? Look what they are fetching now, why didn't I buy one? Instead, I bought a Fairchild 412, which cost more with the base it was $135.00 in the same catalog. Now, I still believe that the 412 was and is a better TT (I still have it) but just think of the profit if I had bought a 124 and put it away, I could retire
My fantisy is to travel back to 1966 buy all the good stuff, like a Mcintosh c22, mr71 and a mc275, AR1 with the 3st super tweeters etc. Sneak into my office depsoit the stack of boxes with a note to me from me explaining that yes these are yours, I mean mine - ours? I'm getting confused... and to take them home and never sell them. That way I would have what I still drool over now, though I wouldn't be drooling, would I because I would have always had the good stuf? I told you it was a fantasy.
Anyway, the old catalogs are always good reading and a great source for info on vintage gear. I think I will take the wish books home and find a nice place for them.
Clyde
Looking at those tatered old books was at this point in time very interesting. Did you know that the Thorens TD124 with a Walnut base sold for $110.00? Look what they are fetching now, why didn't I buy one? Instead, I bought a Fairchild 412, which cost more with the base it was $135.00 in the same catalog. Now, I still believe that the 412 was and is a better TT (I still have it) but just think of the profit if I had bought a 124 and put it away, I could retire
My fantisy is to travel back to 1966 buy all the good stuff, like a Mcintosh c22, mr71 and a mc275, AR1 with the 3st super tweeters etc. Sneak into my office depsoit the stack of boxes with a note to me from me explaining that yes these are yours, I mean mine - ours? I'm getting confused... and to take them home and never sell them. That way I would have what I still drool over now, though I wouldn't be drooling, would I because I would have always had the good stuf? I told you it was a fantasy.
Anyway, the old catalogs are always good reading and a great source for info on vintage gear. I think I will take the wish books home and find a nice place for them.
Clyde