McIntosh

The year was 1960, and I was a twelve year old kid growing up with music.

The centrepiece of our home was Peppie’s Heintzman baby grand piano. A beauty. She played every day. Funny, I don’t remember what TV we had, but I’ll never forget the piano, and I’ll never forget the sound system. One single Tannoy corner horn speaker. Garrard’s best turntable, with a great collection of classical LPs that no one was allowed to touch. And inside the wall unit was her pride and joy, the McIntosh power amp, preamp and tuner.

My mother had great ears. She had studied music at the Royal Conservatory on Bloor Street, and had taught piano as well. During the war years, she had worked at a record store in Halifax while Sol was serving in the Canadian army. When Sol opened Bay Bloor Radio in February 1946, and started bringing in the first hi-fi components, Peppie became an integral part of the team. She knew what sounded good as soon as it was turned on. And at the top of her list was McIntosh. Made in the U.S.A. Built to last. The best.

A great brand to build a business around — and they did. 

But for my parents, McIntosh was much more than the equipment. Once or twice a year, Gordon Gow from Mac would visit our home when he was in town to see his sister. Peppie would put on her favourite classical records. Sol would read his poetry, and Gordon would laugh at the limericks, especially the raunchy ones. And in all the times Gordon came to visit, they never talked business. Not even once. 

Back at BBR, Klaus and Walter in the Service Department were just as passionate about McIntosh as Peppie. As were George Miles, Tommy Yager, and Peter Bell in sales.

Sixty years later, and the passion remains, as BBR celebrates over half a century of love for the very best in sound. I am proud to report that we have six staff members who have been representing MAC at BBR for over twenty years each: Michael Bourne, Dave Ivancic, Ryan Wright, and Chris Rose in sales, plus Constantine Gheorghiu in service. And they all share Peppie’s passion for the brand, and for the customer.

Thanks for listening,
– Mark Mandlsohn