Jonathan Tinn R.I.P.

[Mike Lavigne]

it's with great sadness that i share that my beloved friend, Jonathan Tinn, passed away last week. Jonathan was a major force in our hobby, with companies building speakers and cables (Evolution Acoustics), turntables and resonance control (Wave Kinetics), and distributing digital, (Merging Technology) electronics, amps and preamps (darTZeel). Jonathan had the best ears i have ever been around. And he really knew music, even produced some recordings. Jonathan had a knack for picking hifi winners, and aligned himself with some really outstanding partners.

Jonathan had a larger than life personality, and knew many of us here. He could command a room, but always made sure everyone was a part. His quick wit, class and genuineness came thru. When you were Jonathan's friend, he pulled you all the way in. Lived life to the fullest. I think I speak for all of his hifi friends when I say we were lucky to have known him. His passing is a blow to us all. One of a kind, for sure.

Personally, Jonathan and I had many, many great times together and on the phone, always there for each other, a forever friend. These last few days many have reached out to me, knowing how close we were. Many thanks for that support.

Jonathan was a devoted father to his two boys.

 

[bonzo75]

Hi Mike, really sorry to hear this. I really enjoyed talking to him over the phone a couple of times and his posts on the forums, audiogon or here, whenever he posted, have been excellent value adds. The products you got from him are all great products. I respected his entrepreneurial initiatives ever since you briefed me on my first visit how he pulled the people together to produce the NVS, which is a brilliant turntable.

 

[Elliot G.]

My sincere condolences Mike. I only spoke to JT once or twice and did not know him but I think I would have enjoyed having that opportunity.Sadly I wont.

 

[dminches]

Mike, the news of Jonathan’s passing is so sad. I got to know Jonathan over the past several years after acquiring your NVS and then the Tosca. Jonathan and I grew up in the same neighborhood although not at the same time and we shared stories about growing up on Long Island.

I am very sorry for your loss.

 

[2fastdriving]

My condolences, Mike. Sorry to hear your friend has passed away. I didn't know him or ever speak to him, but clearly judging by his work alone, he was an amazing guy.

 

[Argonaut]

Mike, Please accept my condolence on the passing of a frIend who held such singular significance to you during your time together.

 

[SCAudiophile]

Mike, my condolences to you and your family on Jonathan's passing and your loss.. I remember that you were very close for many years. Thanks to your introduction a few years ago I had the pleasure of speaking with him a few times and remember enjoying talking about audio gear, speakers, music and love of this hobby with him. May he Rest In Peace....

 

[Almostlast]

Jonathan touched my heart. I‘m sad.

 

[Steve Williams]

Condolences indeed Mike.I was shocked when I heard the news. I have known Jonathan for at least 20 years. It was he who got me back into digital as well as sharing with me so much of the music he loved. We spoke many times throughout the years and he even visited me once to hear my system.. He was always such a wealth of information. The industry gained much from his presence and he will be missed.

 

[Albertporter]

Sorry for your loss Mike, I know you two were close.

https://www.audiogon.com/systems/625

 

[JGlacken]

Condolences on the loss of your great friend. I too have spoken to Jonathan over the last decade or so when I had EA and Dart. I too grew up on Long Island and we spoke of several memories. A very big loss for sure.

 

[gestalt]

I think I speak for all of his hifi friends when I say we were lucky to have known him. His passing is a blow to us all. One of a kind, for sure.

Amen. He will be dearly missed.

 

[Bruce B]

Better days.... RIP Jonathan

 

[High Water Sound]

Amen. He will be dearly missed.

Jonathan was one of those larger than life personalities and one of the people in our industry I always looked forward in seeing, talking, listening and most importantly, having a laugh together at shows. Like Colin and Mike have expressed, Jonathan surely will dearly be missed.

 

[Mike Lavigne]

Better days.... RIP Jonathan

View attachment 108716

Bruce, many thanks for the great picture of Jonathan; and you and Andreas.

Mike

 

[KeithR]

Jonathan was such a great person and influence in this industry. Every time you spoke to him he asked about your family and wasn’t all about the gear. At shows he focused on the music and always made room for you. He will be remembered.

 

[Glide3]

What a loss…I owe so much of my audio journey to Jonathan. I don’t want to believe this. I’m thinking of his family and all his friends at this time. He is irreplaceable

 

[Ron Resnick]

Mike, I am very sorry to learn of the loss of Jonathan. He was a wonderful person, and a huge asset to the industry. He will be missed.

 

[Bill Hart]

Geez, Mike, so sorry to hear this. Never met him but know he was close to you and played a role in the development of the modern high end. I'll say a prayer to some god, for you, him and his family and friends. (I'm kinda not religious but respect spirituality). Feel for you, my friend.

 

[Long Live Analog]

Mike, I’m sorry for your loss. It’s difficult losing a dear friend. Thoughts and prayers for you and Jonathan’s family. RIP Jonathan and thank you for your contributions to the industry.