#107 - The Friends We Make Along the Way

It was August 2010 when we first met Motoyuki Sugiura - we called him Yuki.  Sony had called a meeting in Denver that included Gus Skinas, Ray Kimber, Chad Kassem and myself to discuss the future of Sony's hifi involvement with the executive AV team from Sony Japan.  We were introduced to the speaker that would become the AR-1 - Sony's amazing top of the line speaker. 

Gus, Ray, Chad and myself were asked to be 'advocates' for the system and we couldn't say "no".  Our first show with Sony followed at Rocky Mountain Audiofest.  It also happened that we had recently released the first DSD downloads available for sale.  Yuki and the Sony crew created a wonderful room for us to play our music and let the attendees hear the sonic differences in the formats.  The AR-1s sounded fantastic for this purpose. 

There's more wonderful memories to share, but for now, I'd like to honor my dear friend, Yuki, for his friendship and passion for great music.  On his upcoming retirement from Sony, he sent us an email full of memories over the years.  I've posted it below for all to read and see the pictures Yuki took over the years.

Thank you, Yuki, for everything you brought to us and enjoy your guitar in your retirement.  We look forward to new adventures in the future!

Kind Regards,

Cookie

From Yuki

Hello Cookie and Patrick,

How are you ?

I will be retiring end of this month.

Thank you so much for all your kind support during my Hi End tour in US.

I enjoyed every moment I worked with you!

I do not know how many times I visited your studio but I enjoyed so much every time I visited.

Thank you so much for your incredible hospitality!

Especially Valerie and Marcos recording was so exciting.

I am often listening to the recording.

I get goose bumps every time I listen.

Bringing Katoshige-san to your studio was also remarkable memory for me.

You kindly invited the musicians and it was a great surprise!

Your demos at various shows were so impressive!

I entered Sony 1982 when CD was launched.

It really was an epoch making recording media but during these 40 years, listening culture has completely changed.

I am often talking with the young guys recently and their main Audio is streaming through Smartphones and Headphones.

They don't even have speakers.

But whenever I demo the AR1s to them, they are blown away.

I believe they just don't have the chance to listen to speakers.

I have nothing against Headphones but when we think about delivering the artists intention, speakers are the only way.

We need to make more effort to attract the youngsters.

So I do hope I would be able to visit you and meet you again!

Thank you once again and Best Regards!

Yuki