Steve’s re-masterings on DCC and Audio Fidelity seem to fetch a LOT of bucks - even the used CDs and vinyls. His signature sound is described as “the breath of life” as he seems to get darn close to those master tapes.
I’ve exhibited $500k systems at CES...and the best sound I’ve ever heard was hearing the reel-to-reel master tape of Sinatra in a smallish room at Steve’s home. I could have sweared Frank was “right there”.
Steve has been a loyal friend for many, many moons and has been very kind with priceless gifts and supporting me at various high-end shows and dealer demos.
I treasure so many gifts incl a CDR of those first 90 seconds of Aqualung that includes the “stretching” screech - kinda cool to hear the master tape before the splicing.
Truly, one of the good guys in the music industry.
Another short Steve story...
When Ray Charles agreed to have Steve remaster some of his classic albums, the label President and Steve went to Ray’s home with a check printed in braille. They handed the check to Ray who “read” the amount with his fingers, smiled and said, “Boys, we got a deal!”