Finding your groove: getting into vinyl with Audio-Technica
I’d like to think that I could’ve been friends with the late Hideo Matsushita, founder of Japanese Hi-Fi powerhouse Audio-Technica. If I could, I’d travel back in time to 1960’s Tokyo, where a young Matsushita curated “vinyl listening sessions” at the Bridgestone Museum of Arts, exposing visitors to the sounds and possibilities of high end audio and the warmth of vinyl records. I imagine sitting with him in a mod coffee shop, listening to the stories of what he witnessed in those sessions, the conversations he had with visitors, and what ultimately motivated him to head back to his small apartment above a ramen restaurant and start an audio company of his own. In the histories I’ve read regarding AT’s humble beginnings, Matsushita’s motives seem clear. Produce high end audio at affordable prices, bringing audio excellence into spaces and to customers that simply didn’t have access to it before. His first two products, the AT-1 and AT-3 phono cartridges did exactly that, and...
Dec 6, 2023
Q: What do you do at Massdrop?
A: A little bit of everything. Currently, I work on the Communities Team at Massdrop where I try to be your voice to our team and Massdrop as a whole. Partnering with you I hope to make Massdrop THE place for enthusiasts like us to hang out. Some of you and I have partnered together on drop launches, new site features, executing meetups, and even just geeking out about our respective hobbies.
Q: What do you like most about working at Massdrop?
A: You, the community! I have a feeling you will be reading that response to this question many times...because it's true. I have learned so much from so many of you. There have even been a few instances where I have been lucky enough to meet a few of you at audio meet-ups, or one of many mech keys meet-ups or the SF pen show, photo walks, the list is endless. Even more so, I have been proud to be able to call some of you a true friend. From sharing a beer to late night texts, and even receiving handwritten, physical cards in the mail to celebrate a special occasion. So, thank you all for being awesome members of your respective communities and the larger Massdrop family!
Q: How did you get into Audiophile?
A: Many moons ago I was actually the assistant buyer for the audiophile community for a little over a year before taking on other roles at Massdrop. During my time on Audiophile, I learned a ton from going to shows, listening to countless setups, gear that costs more than a car, and of course from you the community. It also helps I've had a general passion for music my entire life having played piano, trumpet, and guitar. ;)
Q: What are some of your favorite products in that community?
A: This may not be a surprise for those of you that follow me, but I can't get enough of the Fostex TH-X00 (Mahogany) and Grace Design m9XX. Bought both of these the second they were available and that pairing still crushes! Another little-known piece of hardware I'm super fond of is the Creative Sound Blaster E3. This little guy comes with me on every single flight. The versatility it offers is unparalleled given its cost, size, and the fact it can still power "serious" cans. (Pro-Tip: it is the perfect way to watch a movie with your travel buddy due to its built in dual headphone outputs.)
Q: What are some of your other hobbies/interests?
A: Writing is also a community that takes a ton of my $$$. I love trying out different papers and I've been experimenting with tons of different pencils the last few months (WAY more exciting than it sounds I promise). Photography is also a passion, although more film based photography. I have 2 Nikon F3s, an F4, an F100, and would love to get my hands on a Nikonos V at some point!
Check out Mike’s picks: ▶ TEAC AI-101DA Integrated Amplifier with USB DAC
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/ai-101da-integrated-amplifier-with-usb-dac
▶ Dekoni Premium Ear Pads for Fostex
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/dekoni-premium-earpads-for-fostex-th-x00
▶ TFZ King IEMs
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/tfz-king-iems
▶ HeadAmp Pico Slim Headphone Amp & Pico DAC/Amp
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/headamp-pico-portable-dac-amp