Comments on: Learning to Love Maine in Winter on the Road to Perdition: The Cabin Audiophiler

By: JGP

JGP — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 03:30:04 +0000

Add Audio Engine’s to your list of potential small scale (and affordable) speakers. I have two pairs, one old (5) and small, the other (2’s) newer and smaller, and they are both excellent. I also have some Dalis Katch G2’s (truly amazing, but more in the portable line$) and Buchardts (also amazing but $$). The Dalis and AE are powered and now come with bluetooth. Good luck on growing up. I sure found it hard. As Frank Sinatra said: “Regrets? I have a few”. Sounds to me like you’ve made it. Best wishes.

By: Ian White

Ian White — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 19:34:56 +0000

In reply to Geoffrey deBrito.

Geoffrey,

Electric heating and wall-mounted AC. The good thing about Zook is that they really work with you to make sure you get the right level of insulation for your area, proper roof loading for crazy things like snow, and windows. I like the wood burning stove concept as well, but don’t see it fitting into my two designs. #littlekids #dog

The A-frame window on the ADU is wider (there actually two…front and back) because the room is 14 x 12 versus 10 x 10. The view from either window is really something. It sold me on the concept right away.

Currently in FL and then headed to VA, PA, and Maine. I’ve learned a few things about the bureaucracy in these 4 states already (and I thought NJ was bad…sheesh) and getting a tiny house versus a modular home built is a totally different set of rules. Some towns don’t even allow them. And if they do allow them — they have to be 400 square feet or less and the ceiling heights have to be a certain dimension, etc…

NJ is very unfriendly to tiny homes. Even on property that you own already. No secondary structures and some towns won’t even allow them if they have a kitchen or bathroom. #taxes

Getting all of this done will be a challenge but I’m already committed. Stay tuned.

By: Geoffrey deBrito

Geoffrey deBrito — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 17:59:12 +0000

Fortunately in the emerging second Golden Age of Audio we now have a vast selection of outstanding audio equipment to choose from so a smaller living space is no longer as large an obstacle.
I love the A-Frame’s picture window, hopefully its triple-paned to limit heat loss in those cold Maine winters. I also see no provision for heating, so I assume it’s either electric or gas? In cold climates, I personally prefer the ambiance and back-up provided by a wood burning stove.

By: Ian White

Ian White — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 12:27:32 +0000

In reply to Steve Messenger.

Steve,

Greatly appreciate the kind words. I’m downsizing and it will be interesting to see what stays and what has to go. I already know which loudspeakers are staying. 🙂

By: Steve Messenger

Steve Messenger — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 20:29:41 +0000

Sending healing vibes your way Ian. I downsized considerably like you are doing several year ago from 3 systems to one in a small room. I have been considering going with wireless stand mounts so look forward to your upcoming reviews. Bless you and thanks for sharing your knowledge. Steve.

By: Ian White

Ian White — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 15:39:47 +0000

In reply to Tori.

Tori,

Greatly appreciate the kind words.

By: Tori

Tori — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 12:25:30 +0000

One of the most refreshing and honest reads I’ve come across over the past five to ten years within the framework of this hobby.

By: Ian White

Ian White — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 11:37:23 +0000

In reply to David.

David,

Greatly appreciate those very kind words. And I will do my best to keep up the fight and also expand the scope of what we cover. Because it’s a huge world out there.

By: David

David — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 02:41:27 +0000

Ian,

I don’t know you personally but since I started reading Ecoustics I have always enjoyed your story-telling style of writing and reviewing. I admire your ability to share with us your most personal introspections, your life struggles, your family trials, your treasured memories and experiences. When I read your writing I feel as if you have invited me to join in on your search for truth and meaning in the best and in the worst times of everyday living.

I hope for you nothing but the best. But as we all know there is no life on earth endowed with “nothing but the best”. Perhaps then we can only hope to make the best of what comes our way. And I see that your are doing just that.

I look forward to reading your future articles no matter the subject.

By: Ian White

Ian White — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 12:00:41 +0000

In reply to Asa.

Asa,

Email me at my ian@ecoustics.com email to take this conversation offline.

Thanks,