John Curl's Blowtorch preamplifier part II

[bcarso]

The Harman experience started in characteristic corporate fashion. I was informed that the initial position for which I had interviewed had been withdrawn. Two months or so later, as I was doing a little consulting for an MD at the Brentwood VA hospital, I was called back. The old position still didn't exist anymore, but a manager of the technicians had decided to quit, and they really needed a replacement for him in a hurry. So, as I was rapidly running out of money and credit, I accepted the job --- or, that is, went back in for more interrogation, as this was now a management position!!!

As I took the verbal test with Jim Walker, the VP of HR and a most amusing character, he said at one point These are great answers! I don't recall if I told him at that point that I'd spent some time as the president of a ~30-employee company a short time before.

Then I met my reports. The Technicians from Hell. But that's another story. By the time I left to do consulting in 1994, I'd been promoted to Principal Engineer. When I chatted with the VP of Engineering of Harman-Motive, who had just taken over the original company I was in, he cheered me by openly questioning how in the world I'd ever achieved that title. A real sweetheart, and another cold fish whose nick behind his back was Dead Ed.

[john curl]

I was lucky, Bcarso, when I worked for HK, JBL, I was a consultant. They didn't have to 'test' me, just not believe me when I tried to help. I hung out with the VP's then, for the most part and did most of my prototyping in my own space in California. I had Kuby, Eargle and a bunch of other guys to relate to. They actually believed in quality differences then, of the most subtle sort.

[RNMarsh]

Originally Posted by morinix

One of the tests/interviews got me a job at LLNL over 4 decades ago. Later, I got a friend an interview at LLNL with MS in ME and a MS in CS and post grad work on an EE degree (I thought he was a professional student with super high IQ); he didnt get the job. he was a very theory oriented type of guy. Oh well. It takes all types. Almost. I ended up as a Senior EE technical coordinator for large physic programs/projects.... management. Havent had to design/engineer anything serious in 30+ years. I havent had a 9-5 job in 15 years. Just cruising and doing what I like, now. Glad i'm off the Merry -Go-'Round. So dont beat me up too badly here on old details and the small stuff. For me its about concepts and ideas. Or organizational issues but that's not needed here.

[bcarso]

Originally Posted by john curl

I was lucky, Bcarso, when I worked for HK, JBL, I was a consultant. They didn't have to 'test' me, just not believe me when I tried to help. I hung out with the VP's then, for the most part and did most of my prototyping in my own space in California. I had Kuby, Eargle and a bunch of other guys to relate to. They actually believed in quality differences then, of the most subtle sort.

I miss John Eargle very much, a real gentleman and a wonderful recording engineer. His multichannel recordings are IMO among the very best. I didn't know Kuby, unfortunately, or Ed May, Rich May's dad, or Bart Locanthi. Just got in the door a bit too late. But I always admired the quality of the old JBL transducers, and my father used to make custom systems for the rich and famous using JBL drivers exclusively.

[wayne]

Johns sampler recordings show how good digital can be.

[bcarso]

Originally Posted by wayne

Johns sampler recordings show how good digital can be.

Those are two of my favorite demo silvers.

John did a great talk a while ago (maybe about 9 years?) at the local AES chapter. I sat with him at dinner and he eschewed any wine, lest it detract from his talk to come. I saved a glass for him, and when he finished his prepared portion of the presentation I ran up to the podium with the glass

[SY]

100% agreed, they're as good as commercially recorded orchestra gets. I'm big on minimalist recording, but guys like him are a constant reminder that it's just a prejudice.

[miklos]

Originally Posted by bcarso

Those are two of my favorite demo silvers.

John did a great talk a while ago (maybe about 9 years?) at the local AES chapter. I sat with him at dinner and he eschewed any wine, lest it detract from his talk to come. I saved a glass for him, and when he finished his prepared portion of the presentation I ran up to the podium with the glass

Could you please give a bit more info on these recordings?
Thanks.

[miklos]

I found one:
Engineer's Choice/John Eargle Favorites

[RNMarsh]

Originally Posted by SY

100% agreed, they're as good as commercially recorded orchestra gets. I'm big on minimalist recording, but guys like him are a constant reminder that it's just a prejudice.

Try Water Lily ... purist - 2 mike recordings... all analog recording. Meeting by the River -- originally only on LP - now on CD/SACD. This is one I helped my friend sallie reynolds produce. Ultra clean and no compression, eq or anything except the Master musicianship. [Recorded inside a small church in santa barbara.]

Just bought 2 of the recommended CD by J.E. Thx. returning the favor -RNM