Moving in Stereo: How I Became an Audiophile

When I was a kid, I wanted a giant boom box—something cool, portable, and flashy. Instead, for my birthday, my dad gave me a complete stereo system that required its own cabinet. It was a mix of Pioneer and Sony components, with two massive speakers, a receiver with a built-in amplifier, a dual cassette deck, a CD player, and a vinyl turntable. It wasn’t what I had in mind, but the moment we set it up, and I pressed play—I was hooked.

That was the start of my audiophile journey. I was immersed in exploring albums and discovering how sound could transform a song.

Music Was Everywhere

I grew up with music playing all the time—at home, in the car, everywhere. My parents didn’t just listen; they talked about the artists, the albums, and the concerts.

They encouraged us to sing along, and we did.

Music was literally in my DNA—my parents first met as kids but lost touch, only to reunite many years later at a Fleetwood Mac concert in Denver. Fate (and good taste in music) brought them back together.

As the story goes, The Cars’ 1978 self-titled album was spinning the night I was conceived. So, in a way, I guess you could say I was “moving in stereo.” The Cars have been an inside joke in my family ever since—and, naturally, one of my favorite bands.

One of my mom’s favorite stories is about me sitting in my highchair, eating breakfast, and asking her to play Rebel Yell by Billy Idol.

And my dad? He introduced me to Prince’s 1999 on cassette. We repeatedly listened to it track by track until I knew every song by heart. That also meant I was singing along to D.M.S.R. (Dance, Music, Sex, Romance) in the backseat—having no idea what I was saying.

When Sound Became More Than Music

After getting my first stereo, I spent hours in my room listening to music. I’d pick an album, drop the needle, and let it run from start to finish. I went through my parents’ vinyl collection—Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, and The Rolling Stones—learning the classic albums that shaped music before my time.

In our house, sound mattered more than anything else. That value stayed with me.

Music as a Love Language

First comes love, then comes marriage, and then comes monoblocks in a tube-lit carriage! Our first date was a rock concert, and music has been a huge part of our relationship ever since. Some couples bond over food or travel. We bond over sound systems and vinyl collections.

When we were dating, my husband inquired about buying me an expensive piece of jewelry. At some point, I blurted out, “I’d rather have a home theater sound system than diamond jewelry.” We laughed, but I meant it.

To this day, he surprises me with new pieces for our audio setup. Whether it’s a turntable for my office or an upgrade for our bedroom system, it’s always the perfect gift. Because it’s not just about the equipment—it’s about the experience of listening together.

Designing Life Around Sound—Together

Music isn’t just something we listen to—it’s woven into how my husband and I design our lives. Every space we create is shaped by sound and aesthetics, ensuring that music isn’t just heard but fully experienced. Our home reflects that passion, where great sound and thoughtful design create the perfect atmosphere for enjoying music together.

We take it seriously, but we also have fun with it.

We go to hi-fi conventions to check out the latest in audio equipment, always looking for ways to enhance our listening experience. Whether it’s setting up a new speaker system, adjusting a room’s acoustics, or choosing the perfect spot for a turntable, we love doing it as a team. Being an audiophile isn’t just about owning equipment—it’s about how music feels when you listen to it. And for us, it’s about experiencing it together.

The Audiophile Life

For us, being an audiophile means looking forward to hearing music on different sound systems, finding new playlists of old favorites, and appreciating how every setup has its own sound. It’s about relaxing, getting lost in an album, and bonding over music.

It’s not just about listening—it’s about experiencing it.