A self-intro, for those interested

[LowRedMoon]

Hello fellow DIYers. If I'm going to be making posts around here, I feel it fitting to introduce myself.

I've been a frequent browser of this site for a while and have now made myself a member of your esteemed community.
For those interested, here's some info about myself, my intentions and interests.

Education:
I'm a 3rd year chemistry student on hiatus. I've moved from Baltimore to the Ithaca, NY area and am planning to attend SUNY this fall to take advantage of a 3+2 science/engineering program that will complete my chemistry requirements and add to my credentials a bachelor's in electrical engineering.

Audio involvement:
I am and have always been a music lover. Moreover, I am a sound lover. I can spend quite a bit of time enjoying the sound of coins falling on a marble surface without guilt or fear of psychosis. My interest in audio equipment is one that is fueled by the pursuit of realistic and engaging analog audio reproduction (the next best thing to hearing live music). For these reasons, I used to call myself an audiophile. That was until I learned that this is a title usually self-adorned by moderately wealthy folks whose love for music is preceded by equipment elitism. For me, the music comes first. I'll tweak the equipment that I can afford until it sounds the best that it can.
I should also note that I am an amateur musician.

Completed projects
I've built 2 phonostages based on Rod Elliot's design. I've also built a variety of guitar effects units. I'm slowly gathering parts to built a turntable that will include a 4" thick black walnut plinth. An SET rig is also on the list, as well as a pair of high-sensitivity speakers. I'm also looking for a Fisher 500C to restore. As you can see, I'm new to the scene.

Current Equipment
Too much to list, but I primarily listen to vinyl through on a Rega P3 turntalbe with an RB300 arm and Clearaudio Virtuoso cartridge through a homemade phonostage. This is piped through a late 70's Marantz 3250b preamp and 300DC power amp and finally through a pair of Monitor Audio S6es.

Non-DIY audio interests
Beer. I'm an avid home brewer. All beer lovers should be.
I collect vinyl records. Why? Because I like the sound of vinyl more than CDs.

Wow. You read all of that? Thanks. I hope to see you around!

[Netlist]

Originally posted by LowRedMoon

Wow. You read all of that? Thanks. I hope to see you around!

Twice; and the conclusion is that you fit in perfectly. At least for now.
Passion for audio, analogue, a broad interest and nicely written posts is what I like.

Welcome to the forum, LowRedMoon

/Hugo

[SY]

LRM, welcome! I was also a chem student from B'more (UMBC, '77).

[Cal Weldon]

I knew from the beginning of your post I liked you but couldn't put my finger on it till I got to here.

Originally posted by LowRedMoon
Beer. I'm an avid home brewer. All beer lovers should be.

I am, well used to be an avid home brewer. You can follow this thread:

Do any of you music lovers brew your own?

or these:

my newest project: kegerator

Just Chillin

I now use full size kegs and put them in the fridges. Yes fridges, I have two of them. One at my place, one at the GF's.

To what extent do you brew? ie: from grain or from a kit?

[LowRedMoon]

Thanks for the warm welcome, Hugo!

LRM, welcome! I was also a chem student from B'more (UMBC, '77).

Neato! I was originally going to attend UMBC but instead went to CCBC Catonsville for an AA in chemistry. It was cheaper, the professors were excellent (does the name Tom Matey ring a bell?) and being sans-vehicle at the time, it was a bonus that I could walk there from Edmonson Ave.

To what extent do you brew? ie: from grain or from a kit?

I should have expected that there would be other home brewers here. Music and fine beer go together god-givenly well and it makes sense that the do-it-yourself spirit would extend into other avenues of one's pleasures.
I mainly do all-grain stepped infusion mashes but also do partial mashes on occasion. For instance, the Hopback Amber Ale (a Troeg's clone) that I have in the secondary at the moment was was a partial mash using Briess malts and extracts. I'd like to try decoction mashing, but I'll need more equipment for that. I'm currently looking for a cheap, used fridge so I can begin lagering. I was an ale guy at first, but I'm gaining a strong appreciation for well made lagers and pilsners.
I bottle everything. I do not yet have the equipment necessary for kegging.
Why is it that you are no longer an "avid home brewer?"

[SY]

"Whah, honey, Ah'm rich! Ah own the Edmonson Drive In!"- Tab Hunter in Polyester

Nope, didn't know Matey, but I didn't spend much time at Cate State, just at UCLA (University of Catonsville, Left of Arbutus).

When you grow up, you'll make wine.

[LowRedMoon]

When you grow up, you'll make wine.

I've thought about it, Mr. Napa Valley, but for the time being, I'll stick with beer. Actually, I'd rather make Cognac, but I'm sure that takes a few lifetimes to perfect. Plus, to make true Cognac, you have to live in France . I live in the Finger Lakes region of NY, so I do drink a fair amount of the few decent wines that are made in these parts.

Cate State? UCLA? People must have been a lot funnier in the 70's. I hear they partied harder, too. Tom Matey is a chemistry professor in his late 60's. He's taught in nearly every high school and univerity west of the beltway. That's why I mentioned him.

Ya know, I've not seen Polyester. Of Waters' films, I've only seen Pecker and Hairspray.

[Cal Weldon]

Originally posted by LowRedMoon
Why is it that you are no longer an "avid home brewer?"

I was without a filter and got tired of the inconsistencies of the final product. I was using all grain concentrates. It came in a 15 litre box that you add just 8 litres of water, a little sodium bicarbonate and yeast to make your 23 litre batch. Not at all as in depth as you. Now I simply get a U-brew place to do it for me. No mess, no fuss and 10 gallons costs $85 Cdn. versus $55 if I make it myself. It was kind of a no brainer.

Are you using priming sugar? If so, when you switch over to kegs and gas the beer with CO2, you'll notice a striking difference. No more "homebrew" flavour, just beer. Mmmm...

Originally posted by SY
When you grow up, you'll make wine.

If you never grow up, you never grow old. If you never grow old, you never have to settle for wine.

Mind you, if there were no wine, there would be no champagne at new years, weddings and especially boat launchings, and it would be a shame to smash a perfectly good bottle of beer.