I've been browsing RAO going back a few years and noticed that he was
frequent poster who was feisty, witty and, at times, quite charming until
his apparently untimely death. Who exactly was Steve?

Thanks,

Margaret

"George M. Middius" wrote in message


Margaret von Busenhalter-Butt said:

I've been browsing RAO going back a few years and noticed that he was
frequent poster who was feisty, witty and, at times, quite charming

Yeah sure Maggie, er Stephen or whatever your real name is.

until his apparently untimely death. Who exactly was Steve?

Nobody knows for sure, but he terrified the 'borgs.

Yeah, sure. Nousaine was awared his figurative tail, horns, and tongue.

Zipser had the first case of DBT-induced impotence in the annals of mental
health unless Moncrieff beat him to it.

George M. Middius wrote:


Margaret von Busenhalter-Butt said:

I've been browsing RAO going back a few years and noticed that he was
frequent poster who was feisty, witty and, at times, quite charming until
his apparently untimely death. Who exactly was Steve?

Nobody knows for sure, but he terrified the 'borgs.













Since I knew Steve personally, I can comment. George's comment however, is
pretty accurate. He certainly was not shy about ridiculing Krueger and his
favorite target, Bwian McCarty (but that's another story).

Steve was a South Florida high-end audiophile dealer who participated quite
actively in RAO. To his credit, he made no secret of his biases, signing his
name with a listing of brands that his store carried (Sunshine Stereo). He
would answer questions from a dealer's perspective, recommending both brands
that he carried (such as Quads and Dunlavy speakers) and other brands that he
did not carry (e.g. Magnepans).

Very early on, as I recall, he pointed out the hypocrisy of the gone, but not
forgotten, Greg Singh, who was at the time a salesdroid for a Chicago audio
retailer, but tried to initiallly hide that fact.

Steve, was, at times, over the top, but in person, was much more "civilized", a
very pleasant guy, and I can honestly say, definitely *not* a high-pressure
salesman. In fact, I was not a customer of his, but had been asked for some
help by him to deal with a customer in North Carolina (?), a blind lady who had
purchased a large, expensive system from Steve, but felt, rightly or wrongly,
she had been treated unfairly. I was asked, as a psychologist, to help mediate
their dispute. AFAIK, they ended up settling things amicably.

Unfortunately, several years ago, Steve, who was in his 50's I think, died in
his sleep from a massive coronorary. His wife, who used to participate in the
business with him, has since that time written various articles for online
audiophile magazines under her own name.

While many on RAO commented on his passing at the time, some with respect and
some with just a "blank post" in memory (I guess that's a Usenet tradition),
Krueger was somewhat "unique" and despicable in using the opportunity to engage
in a rather bizarre and distasteful commentary on why Steve was - in his eyes -
a bad person. In essence, he spit on his grave, metaphorically speaking. I'm
reminded of this whenever Krueger complains about people dishonoring his son's
memory. And for the record, I have never been one of those that commented,
other than with condolences via RAO, about Nate's untimely death.

There is much more that could be said about Steve, both pro and con, I suppose,
but in the interests of brevity, that's all for now.



Bruce J. Richman

"Arny Krueger" wrote in message
...
"George M. Middius" wrote in message


Margaret von Busenhalter-Butt said:

I've been browsing RAO going back a few years and noticed that he was
frequent poster who was feisty, witty and, at times, quite charming

Yeah sure Maggie, er Stephen or whatever your real name is.

until his apparently untimely death. Who exactly was Steve?

Nobody knows for sure, but he terrified the 'borgs.

Yeah, sure. Nousaine was awared his figurative tail, horns, and tongue.


Well, Nousaine's orientation is his own business.

Zipser had the first case of DBT-induced impotence in the annals of mental
health unless Moncrieff beat him to it.


Definitely a case of the keyboard being the window to the soul. What a
shame!


Margaret

"Bruce J. Richman" wrote in message
...
George M. Middius wrote:


Margaret von Busenhalter-Butt said:

I've been browsing RAO going back a few years and noticed that he was
frequent poster who was feisty, witty and, at times, quite charming
until
his apparently untimely death. Who exactly was Steve?

Nobody knows for sure, but he terrified the 'borgs.


Since I knew Steve personally, I can comment. George's comment however,
is
pretty accurate. He certainly was not shy about ridiculing Krueger and
his
favorite target, Bwian McCarty (but that's another story).

Steve was a South Florida high-end audiophile dealer who participated
quite
actively in RAO. To his credit, he made no secret of his biases, signing
his
name with a listing of brands that his store carried (Sunshine Stereo).
He
would answer questions from a dealer's perspective, recommending both
brands
that he carried (such as Quads and Dunlavy speakers) and other brands that
he
did not carry (e.g. Magnepans).

Very early on, as I recall, he pointed out the hypocrisy of the gone, but
not
forgotten, Greg Singh, who was at the time a salesdroid for a Chicago
audio
retailer, but tried to initiallly hide that fact.

Steve, was, at times, over the top, but in person, was much more
"civilized", a
very pleasant guy, and I can honestly say, definitely *not* a
high-pressure
salesman. In fact, I was not a customer of his, but had been asked for
some
help by him to deal with a customer in North Carolina (?), a blind lady
who had
purchased a large, expensive system from Steve, but felt, rightly or
wrongly,
she had been treated unfairly. I was asked, as a psychologist, to help
mediate
their dispute. AFAIK, they ended up settling things amicably.

Unfortunately, several years ago, Steve, who was in his 50's I think, died
in
his sleep from a massive coronorary. His wife, who used to participate in
the
business with him, has since that time written various articles for online
audiophile magazines under her own name.


Thanks Bruce! Sounds like Steve was a rough 'n tumble guy with a heart of
gold. I guess the good really die young. What is his widow's name?

While many on RAO commented on his passing at the time, some with respect
and
some with just a "blank post" in memory (I guess that's a Usenet
tradition),
Krueger was somewhat "unique" and despicable in using the opportunity to
engage
in a rather bizarre and distasteful commentary on why Steve was - in his
eyes -
a bad person. In essence, he spit on his grave, metaphorically speaking.
I'm
reminded of this whenever Krueger complains about people dishonoring his
son's
memory.

That is hardly surprising considering how Krueger has even defecated on the
memory of his own son.

And for the record, I have never been one of those that commented,
other than with condolences via RAO, about Nate's untimely death.


It really seems that Krueger used his own personal tragedy to establish
himself as some sort of Audio Jesus. I wonder if his loss was ever verified?
Maybe he just made it up...at least that would somehow explain his
despicable promo campaigns around it. Not that it still qualifies as
behavior normally associated with humans...

There is much more that could be said about Steve, both pro and con, I
suppose,
but in the interests of brevity, that's all for now.



Bruce J. Richman


Thanks again!

Cheers,

Margaret

"Margaret von Busenhalter-Butt" wrote in message
...
I've been browsing RAO going back a few years and noticed that he was
frequent poster who was feisty, witty and, at times, quite charming until
his apparently untimely death. Who exactly was Steve?

He had a shop in his house in Florida, Sunshine Stereo I think it was
called.

ScottW

(Bruce J. Richman) wrote:


There is much more that could be said about Steve, both pro and con, I
suppose,
but in the interests of brevity, that's all for now.



Bruce J. Richman

Was just back down in South Florida last week. It's not quite the same without
Steven around.

bp

BPeugh wrote:


(Bruce J. Richman) wrote:


There is much more that could be said about Steve, both pro and con, I
suppose,
but in the interests of brevity, that's all for now.



Bruce J. Richman

Was just back down in South Florida last week. It's not quite the same
without
Steven around.

bp








That's for sure, if we're talking about audio dealers. Steve was definitely a
character, but readily admitted that his participation on RAO was primarily to
amuse himself, and he didn't care too much what other people there thought
about his admittedly sometimes incendiary remarks. Of course, in that respect,
he was no different than many others who post there.

On the positive side, he was pretty active in the South Florida Audio Society,
hosting meetings at times. In addition, while understandly interested in
selling brands that he carried, he would not hesitate to give people advice re.
various audio subjects that did *not* involve any potential sale for himself.



Bruce J. Richman

(Bruce J. Richman) wrote:

BPeugh wrote:


(Bruce J. Richman) wrote:


There is much more that could be said about Steve, both pro and con, I
suppose,
but in the interests of brevity, that's all for now.



Bruce J. Richman

Was just back down in South Florida last week. It's not quite the same
without
Steven around.

bp








That's for sure, if we're talking about audio dealers. Steve was definitely
a
character, but readily admitted that his participation on RAO was primarily
to
amuse himself, and he didn't care too much what other people there thought
about his admittedly sometimes incendiary remarks. Of course, in that
respect,
he was no different than many others who post there.

On the positive side, he was pretty active in the South Florida Audio
Society,
hosting meetings at times. In addition, while understandly interested in
selling brands that he carried, he would not hesitate to give people advice
re.
various audio subjects that did *not* involve any potential sale for himself.




Bruce J. Richman

I met Steven in the 70s, shortly after he came to Miami from NY. We worked
together back then, but he was always my friend before all else.

bp

"Bruce J. Richman" wrote in message
...
George M. Middius wrote:


Margaret von Busenhalter-Butt said:

I've been browsing RAO going back a few years and noticed that he was
frequent poster who was feisty, witty and, at times, quite charming
until
his apparently untimely death. Who exactly was Steve?

Nobody knows for sure, but he terrified the 'borgs.



Since I knew Steve personally, I can comment. George's comment however,
is
pretty accurate. He certainly was not shy about ridiculing Krueger and
his
favorite target, Bwian McCarty (but that's another story).

Steve was a South Florida high-end audiophile dealer who participated
quite
actively in RAO. To his credit, he made no secret of his biases, signing
his
name with a listing of brands that his store carried (Sunshine Stereo).
He
would answer questions from a dealer's perspective, recommending both
brands
that he carried (such as Quads and Dunlavy speakers) and other brands that
he
did not carry (e.g. Magnepans).

I felt dissed by Zipser on occasion. I feel he had some of the character
flaws Arny possesses, even though their attitudes about audio were entirely
different.

But to his credit, his assalts were always "in the moment". He never pursued
an altercation beyond the subject then under dispute.

Zipser was a high-end advocate, less biased than most dealers, less of a
whore than most dealers, willing to make the exception, as Bruce notes, for
exceptional products that he did not carry. He had a loud mouth and could
run over you in a hurry. As with most high end advocates, he made both
claims that could be justified, and claims that could not. As that era
fades, I miss the moment I could walk into a high-end store and believe, if
just for an instant, that I was going to hear magic.

Fairy tales for adults, but sometimes I did hear magic!

BPeugh1 wrote:


(Bruce J. Richman) wrote:

BPeugh wrote:


(Bruce J. Richman) wrote:


There is much more that could be said about Steve, both pro and con, I
suppose,
but in the interests of brevity, that's all for now.



Bruce J. Richman

Was just back down in South Florida last week. It's not quite the same
without
Steven around.

bp








That's for sure, if we're talking about audio dealers. Steve was definitely
a
character, but readily admitted that his participation on RAO was primarily
to
amuse himself, and he didn't care too much what other people there thought
about his admittedly sometimes incendiary remarks. Of course, in that
respect,
he was no different than many others who post there.

On the positive side, he was pretty active in the South Florida Audio
Society,
hosting meetings at times. In addition, while understandly interested in
selling brands that he carried, he would not hesitate to give people advice
re.
various audio subjects that did *not* involve any potential sale for
himself.




Bruce J. Richman

I met Steven in the 70s, shortly after he came to Miami from NY. We worked
together back then, but he was always my friend before all else.

bp








I didn't know him then. I guess that was during the time he was a manager for
Sound Advice? In his usual caustic, blunt style, he was none too fflattering
about many of the sales force there. My own experience with Sound Advice is,
in a sense an endorsement of his opinion re. their "salespeople". It's one of
the few so-called high-end audio stores I know of that I can go into and get
absolutely no attention at all unless I ask for it. In a perverse sort of way,
I prefer that. It gives me the opportunity to audition things without having
somebody hovering over me talking over the music.





Bruce J. Richman

"Robert Morein" wrote in message
...

I miss the moment I could walk into a high-end store and believe, if
just for an instant, that I was going to hear magic.

Fairy tales for adults, but sometimes I did hear magic!



I think I know what you mean
Carl

Robert Morein wrote:


"Bruce J. Richman" wrote in message
...
George M. Middius wrote:


Margaret von Busenhalter-Butt said:

I've been browsing RAO going back a few years and noticed that he was
frequent poster who was feisty, witty and, at times, quite charming
until
his apparently untimely death. Who exactly was Steve?

Nobody knows for sure, but he terrified the 'borgs.



Since I knew Steve personally, I can comment. George's comment however,
is
pretty accurate. He certainly was not shy about ridiculing Krueger and
his
favorite target, Bwian McCarty (but that's another story).

Steve was a South Florida high-end audiophile dealer who participated
quite
actively in RAO. To his credit, he made no secret of his biases, signing
his
name with a listing of brands that his store carried (Sunshine Stereo).
He
would answer questions from a dealer's perspective, recommending both
brands
that he carried (such as Quads and Dunlavy speakers) and other brands that
he
did not carry (e.g. Magnepans).

I felt dissed by Zipser on occasion. I feel he had some of the character
flaws Arny possesses, even though their attitudes about audio were entirely
different.

But to his credit, his assalts were always "in the moment". He never pursued
an altercation beyond the subject then under dispute.

Zipser was a high-end advocate, less biased than most dealers, less of a
whore than most dealers, willing to make the exception, as Bruce notes, for
exceptional products that he did not carry. He had a loud mouth and could
run over you in a hurry. As with most high end advocates, he made both
claims that could be justified, and claims that could not. As that era
fades, I miss the moment I could walk into a high-end store and believe, if
just for an instant, that I was going to hear magic.

Fairy tales for adults, but sometimes I did hear magic!










I'd say that's a pretty fair assessment. Yes, Steve had a big mouth, but as
you mention, his reactions were more of the impulsive type, and not
agenda-driven and/or hate driven based on lengthy vendettas, as is the case,
unfortunately here.

I, for one, appreciated his willingness to defend people he knew personally
with concrete evidence against the libelous claims of scumbags like McStupid
who has made an RAO career of spewing blatant lies about the identities and
professional activities of people about whom he knows nothing at all.
Interestingly, he has provided no evidence to verify his own identity, vocation
(if he even has one), or any other pertinent information that can be verified.

There are a still a few "high-end" audio stores in the South Florida area,
where hyperbole and appeals to ostentation and big budgets are still the
preferred way of hyping (oops, I mean selling ) audio gear, but there are
also a few relatively objective folks that I know of selling gear in the area
as well. To some extent, large chains like Sound Advice, which is part of the
Tweeter, Inc. company that is prominent in the Northeast and elsewhere have
eclipsed some of the smaller dealers that used to be around.


Bruce J. Richman

Bruce J. Richman wrote:

In fact, I was not a customer of his, but had been asked for some
help by him to deal with a customer in North Carolina (?), a blind lady who had
purchased a large, expensive system from Steve, but felt, rightly or wrongly,
she had been treated unfairly. I was asked, as a psychologist, to help mediate
their dispute. AFAIK, they ended up settling things amicably. And I got a comfortable commission... ;-)




Bruce J. Richman

"Margaret von Busenhalter-Butt" a écrit dans le
message news: ...

"Bruce J. Richman" wrote in message
...
George M. Middius wrote:


Margaret von Busenhalter-Butt said:

I've been browsing RAO going back a few years and noticed that he was
frequent poster who was feisty, witty and, at times, quite charming
until
his apparently untimely death. Who exactly was Steve?

Nobody knows for sure, but he terrified the 'borgs.


Since I knew Steve personally, I can comment. George's comment however,
is
pretty accurate. He certainly was not shy about ridiculing Krueger and
his
favorite target, Bwian McCarty (but that's another story).

Steve was a South Florida high-end audiophile dealer who participated
quite
actively in RAO. To his credit, he made no secret of his biases,
signing
his
name with a listing of brands that his store carried (Sunshine Stereo).
He
would answer questions from a dealer's perspective, recommending both
brands
that he carried (such as Quads and Dunlavy speakers) and other brands
that
he
did not carry (e.g. Magnepans).

Very early on, as I recall, he pointed out the hypocrisy of the gone,
but
not
forgotten, Greg Singh, who was at the time a salesdroid for a Chicago
audio
retailer, but tried to initiallly hide that fact.

Steve, was, at times, over the top, but in person, was much more
"civilized", a
very pleasant guy, and I can honestly say, definitely *not* a
high-pressure
salesman. In fact, I was not a customer of his, but had been asked for
some
help by him to deal with a customer in North Carolina (?), a blind lady
who had
purchased a large, expensive system from Steve, but felt, rightly or
wrongly,
she had been treated unfairly. I was asked, as a psychologist, to help
mediate
their dispute. AFAIK, they ended up settling things amicably.

Unfortunately, several years ago, Steve, who was in his 50's I think,
died
in
his sleep from a massive coronorary. His wife, who used to participate
in
the
business with him, has since that time written various articles for
online
audiophile magazines under her own name.


Thanks Bruce! Sounds like Steve was a rough 'n tumble guy with a heart of
gold. I guess the good really die young. What is his widow's name?

I am sure that Bruce is right, no doubt that you can trust him.
Writing by our Limited Psychologist this panegyric really sounds like a "he
was everything that I would like you believe I am".
Sad.
Pathetic.

"Arny Krueger" a écrit dans le message news:
...
"George M. Middius" wrote in message


Margaret von Busenhalter-Butt said:

I've been browsing RAO going back a few years and noticed that he was
frequent poster who was feisty, witty and, at times, quite charming

Yeah sure Maggie, er Stephen or whatever your real name is.

until his apparently untimely death. Who exactly was Steve?

Nobody knows for sure, but he terrified the 'borgs.

Yeah, sure. Nousaine was awared his figurative tail, horns, and tongue.

Zipser had the first case of DBT-induced impotence in the annals of mental
health unless Moncrieff beat him to it.

"A lake of respect against the dead of anybody on RAO is an insult against
all of them".
I doubt that you will also meditate on this one on next Sunday office. :-(

"Lionel" wrote in message



"A lake of respect against the dead of anybody on RAO is an insult
against all of them".

You quote yourself well, Lionel.

The precident for showing a lack of respect for the dead on RAO, was set by
the normals, particularly Middius.

http://www.google.com/groups?selm=il...g4%404 ax.com

George Middius wrote:

"That is a lie. I do not base my analyses or posting on anybody
else's demands, least of all those of a drugged-up, burnt out
sewer-mouth like Zippy."

http://www.google.com/groups?selm=8j...7h%404 ax.com

George Middius wrote:

" I said Zippy used a lot of cocaine, and you expressed disagreement."

http://www.google.com/groups?selm=vc...5t%404 ax.com

George Middius wrote:

"Zippy filled orders by selling "current stock" (i.e. demo units),
drop-shipping from manufacturers, or paying COD."

"Bruce J. Richman" wrote in message


Steve was a South Florida high-end audiophile dealer who participated
quite actively in RAO. To his credit, he made no secret of his
biases, signing his name with a listing of brands that his store
carried (Sunshine Stereo). He would answer questions from a dealer's
perspective, recommending both brands that he carried (such as Quads
and Dunlavy speakers) and other brands that he did not carry (e.g.
Magnepans).

Very early on, as I recall, he pointed out the hypocrisy of the gone,
but not forgotten, Greg Singh, who was at the time a salesdroid for a
Chicago audio retailer, but tried to initiallly hide that fact.

It is well-known that later in his audio career Steve got desperate for
profits and sold tubed power amps:

Here's some examples of where Steve stood on the topic of his personal
hypocrisy:

http://www.google.com/groups?selm=MP...rldnet.att.net

Steve Zipser wrote:

"For preamplifiers and for DACs, the tube is just fine to use for these
low-level devices, but when it comes to amplifiers (in general)
TOOBS IS FOR BOOBS! "


http://www.google.com/groups?selm=33...0netrunner.net

Steve Zipser wrote:

" Toobs is for Boobs

"I said it. Peter Meater Beater Axejob PLAGIARIZED it. The Madison
Avenue Con man doesn't have an original thought in his head anymore!
Zip

Margaret von Busenhalter-Butt wrote:

I've been browsing RAO going back a few years and noticed that he
was frequent poster who was feisty, witty and, at times, quite
charming until his apparently untimely death. Who exactly was Steve?

Thanks,

Margaret


He gave me advice about fm antenna and how to go about getting good
reception for my tuner. I took his advice and bought a 14 footer boom
lenght outdoor yagi and rotator. I'm very happy to this day.

(Bruce J. Richman) wrote:

BPeugh1 wrote:


(Bruce J. Richman) wrote:

BPeugh wrote:


(Bruce J. Richman) wrote:


There is much more that could be said about Steve, both pro and con, I
suppose,
but in the interests of brevity, that's all for now.



Bruce J. Richman

Was just back down in South Florida last week. It's not quite the same
without
Steven around.

bp








That's for sure, if we're talking about audio dealers. Steve was
definitely
a
character, but readily admitted that his participation on RAO was primarily
to
amuse himself, and he didn't care too much what other people there thought
about his admittedly sometimes incendiary remarks. Of course, in that
respect,
he was no different than many others who post there.

On the positive side, he was pretty active in the South Florida Audio
Society,
hosting meetings at times. In addition, while understandly interested in
selling brands that he carried, he would not hesitate to give people advice
re.
various audio subjects that did *not* involve any potential sale for
himself.




Bruce J. Richman

I met Steven in the 70s, shortly after he came to Miami from NY. We worked
together back then, but he was always my friend before all else.

bp








I didn't know him then. I guess that was during the time he was a manager
for
Sound Advice? In his usual caustic, blunt style, he was none too fflattering
about many of the sales force there. My own experience with Sound Advice is,
in a sense an endorsement of his opinion re. their "salespeople". It's one
of
the few so-called high-end audio stores I know of that I can go into and get
absolutely no attention at all unless I ask for it. In a perverse sort of
way,
I prefer that. It gives me the opportunity to audition things without having
somebody hovering over me talking over the music.





Bruce J. Richman

Actually no. Steven was working at Sound Components when it was on the circle
on Ponce in Coral Gables when I met him in 1978. He later did a stint at Lyric.
Sound Advice was much, much later than that.

bp
bp

"It's much better to go 7-3 than 9-1. When you go 7-3, the fans talk about the
games you won. When you go 9-1, they talk about the game you lost."

Doug Dickey (Evidently Ron Zook's Spiritual Mentor)

"Arny Krueger" a écrit dans le message news:
...
"Lionel" wrote in message



"A lake of respect against the dead of anybody on RAO is an insult
against all of them".

You quote yourself well, Lionel.


Everyone has his own preferences I mock the wifes, you and Middius mock the
deads.


The precident for showing a lack of respect for the dead on RAO, was set
by
the normals, particularly Middius.


http://www.google.com/groups?selm=il...01g4%404 ax.c
om

George Middius wrote:

"That is a lie. I do not base my analyses or posting on anybody
else's demands, least of all those of a drugged-up, burnt out
sewer-mouth like Zippy."

I don't know the guy who has written :
"Mr. Middius climbed on the bandwagon and also has never looked back."
But he was very perspicacious and honest.

Sewer-mouth, George ? If he was a colleague of me I've never met him... :-(


http://www.google.com/groups?selm=8j...0m7h%404 ax.c
om

George Middius wrote:

" I said Zippy used a lot of cocaine, and you expressed disagreement."

George prefers the poppers... ;-)



http://www.google.com/groups?selm=vc...595t%404 ax.c
om

George Middius wrote:

"Zippy filled orders by selling "current stock" (i.e. demo units),
drop-shipping from manufacturers, or paying COD."

Jealous of a working business, George ?


I am not surprise that Middius have been terribly upset by somebody who
spoke better than him.
Middius is soooooooooooooooo sensible on this particular subject.
I suspect that, adolescent, George has murdered his father for this very
reason. :-(

On Mon, 30 Aug 2004 23:48:15 GMT, "Margaret von Busenhalter-Butt"
wrote:

I've been browsing RAO going back a few years and noticed that he was
frequent poster who was feisty, witty and, at times, quite charming until
his apparently untimely death. Who exactly was Steve?

Steve was a classic New Yorker, loud and arrogant. He
was not quite straight some of the time (more than one
customer was pushed to go "public" with complaints in
this ng to get things straightened out), but really passionate
about the things he was into and more generous than most
to people he liked. He called me up once because he
wanted to make sure that I understood a point he was
making about a piece of gear that he was really into. He
also called my office another time to try to get me fired for
something else. He was *never* boring.

One thing that Steve did manage to do was to get good
discussions going here about audio gear and music.

Margaret Busenhalter-Butt wrote:


"Bruce J. Richman" wrote in message
...
George M. Middius wrote:


Margaret von Busenhalter-Butt said:

I've been browsing RAO going back a few years and noticed that he was
frequent poster who was feisty, witty and, at times, quite charming
until
his apparently untimely death. Who exactly was Steve?

Nobody knows for sure, but he terrified the 'borgs.


Since I knew Steve personally, I can comment. George's comment however,
is
pretty accurate. He certainly was not shy about ridiculing Krueger and
his
favorite target, Bwian McCarty (but that's another story).

Steve was a South Florida high-end audiophile dealer who participated
quite
actively in RAO. To his credit, he made no secret of his biases, signing
his
name with a listing of brands that his store carried (Sunshine Stereo).
He
would answer questions from a dealer's perspective, recommending both
brands
that he carried (such as Quads and Dunlavy speakers) and other brands that
he
did not carry (e.g. Magnepans).

Very early on, as I recall, he pointed out the hypocrisy of the gone, but
not
forgotten, Greg Singh, who was at the time a salesdroid for a Chicago
audio
retailer, but tried to initiallly hide that fact.

Steve, was, at times, over the top, but in person, was much more
"civilized", a
very pleasant guy, and I can honestly say, definitely *not* a
high-pressure
salesman. In fact, I was not a customer of his, but had been asked for
some
help by him to deal with a customer in North Carolina (?), a blind lady
who had
purchased a large, expensive system from Steve, but felt, rightly or
wrongly,
she had been treated unfairly. I was asked, as a psychologist, to help
mediate
their dispute. AFAIK, they ended up settling things amicably.

Unfortunately, several years ago, Steve, who was in his 50's I think, died
in
his sleep from a massive coronorary. His wife, who used to participate in
the
business with him, has since that time written various articles for online
audiophile magazines under her own name.


Thanks Bruce! Sounds like Steve was a rough 'n tumble guy with a heart of
gold. I guess the good really die young. What is his widow's name?


Gigi Krop.


While many on RAO commented on his passing at the time, some with respect
and
some with just a "blank post" in memory (I guess that's a Usenet
tradition),
Krueger was somewhat "unique" and despicable in using the opportunity to
engage
in a rather bizarre and distasteful commentary on why Steve was - in his
eyes -
a bad person. In essence, he spit on his grave, metaphorically speaking.
I'm
reminded of this whenever Krueger complains about people dishonoring his
son's
memory.

That is hardly surprising considering how Krueger has even defecated on the
memory of his own son.

And for the record, I have never been one of those that commented,
other than with condolences via RAO, about Nate's untimely death.


It really seems that Krueger used his own personal tragedy to establish
himself as some sort of Audio Jesus. I wonder if his loss was ever verified?
Maybe he just made it up...at least that would somehow explain his
despicable promo campaigns around it. Not that it still qualifies as
behavior normally associated with humans...






There is much more that could be said about Steve, both pro and con, I
suppose,
but in the interests of brevity, that's all for now.



Bruce J. Richman


Thanks again!

Cheers,

Margaret















Bruce J. Richman

In article ,
says...

I've been browsing RAO going back a few years and noticed that he was
frequent poster who was feisty, witty and, at times, quite charming until
his apparently untimely death. Who exactly was Steve?

Thanks,

http://tinyurl.com/4qkpp

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=20010110135451.13267.00001670%40ng-md1.aol.com&rnum=1&prev=/groups%3Fas_q%3
Ddeath%2520usenet%26safe%3Doff%26ie%3DUTF-8%26as_ugroup%3Drec.audio.opinion%
26as_uauthors%3Dwhosbest54%26lr%3D%26hl%3Den

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