Vintage systems, vintage cartridges, part 1

I do not believe in chance or coincidence. Instead, I put my faith in the divine nature of Luck.

- BY HERB REICHERT

When I talk about standing on the right corner at the right time wearing the right hat when the limo pulls up, I am explaining one of the ways I prepare to experience the providential. When the doors to my mind are open, adventure always enters.

Last week, a black sedan pulled up by the curb in front of my building. I recognized the driver, Richard Cirulnick, because an old audio-world buddy named Al Rhodes introduced me to him at the New York Audio Show in 2017. Since then, we've hung out a lot, especially at audio shows, and talked extensively about engine building and phonography. But that day I did not know what Richard's plan was or where we were going. I preferred to be surprised.

I didn't inquire about our destination until we were at a place I'd never been before: Midwood, Brooklyn. I knew I'd never been there because the late 19th/early 20th century houses had turrets and tiled roofs and were gilded age palatial in ways unique to Midwood. Turns out we were approaching the workshop of audio service engineer Benjamin Jacoby, who grew up in Midwood, has family there, and lives within walking distance of the shop we visited.

Some of you may know Ben from his days as service manager at New York's Stereo Exchange (1993–1999). That is where I first met him.

I'd been wanting to visit Ben because he and Richard are besties and Richard is always talking about him. Also because Ben's company, High End Audio Repair,¹ is known for its meticulously executed repairs of Audio Note UK products. High End Audio Repair is also an authorized Audio Note dealer in New York.

Richard once owned a speed shop specializing in dragster engines. One morning, Ben walked into the shop and proceeded to demonstrate his modified, race-ready version of the Rochester Quadrajet four-barrel carburetor.² Ben and Richard have been friends ever since.