I haven’t quite succumbed to having a new mentor and in some way wish I did. When you jump in you don’t know what kind of current you might encounter, a mentor can give you some confidence and reduce anxiety entering uncharted waters. It is clear to me, Peter, you’ve found your way to a new shore and are the better for it. Congratulations.
Thank you Bob. On the subject of a mentor, a few of my audio buddies and I have been discussing this very topic recently. We can learn many things from others, and we can learn ourselves by doing and experimenting and exposing ourselves to things along the way. Another approach is to mix and match various influences, and try to find a balance, often between competing, even conflicting, approaches. This can often lead to confusion and stasis.
I began slowly experimenting with some suggestions ddk made about my ancillary stuff. He basically asked me to consider something, and I was off experimenting in that one area. We started with power cords. Once it worked itself out to my satisfaction, he suggested the next area of inquiry. This continued for a while. After three of four things improved, and the system moved consistently in a specific direction of more and more natural sound, I realized that David has vast experience and I could learn a lot from him.
I decided rather quickly thereafter to follow his advice and absorb what I could. I now realize that I had been spinning my wheels for a while, only realizing small incremental improvements with the next upgrade. David turbo charged the process of discovery and cut through all the BS. It was a kind of revelation. This approach is not for everyone, but I think following the advice of one individual gave me a focus and got me here much sooner than I would have any other way. I was ready and eager to learn, and fortunately, David was willing to help me. This system is the result.
It is certainly a new shore, and I am indeed the better for it.