Can you describe your involvement with Tri-Art in both the education on producing the components and the construction of the speakers?

Since the sale and transfer of Hartley USA to Tri-art I have written a manual for the production of all the Hartley drivers and their subsequent parts including chemical formulas. In addition I have been on site at Tri-art over the last three years to consult, instruct and explain and show the methods of the driver construction and the formulation of the chemicals. In addition I have explained both at Tri-art and on the phone at my home further details on the production as well as details regarding repairs.

How do you feel innovations in these processes benefit the speakers while still honoring the original Hartley designs?

The newer equipment such as the magnetizer, coil winding machine, etc. have made the production more efficient and should maintain the accuracy in a more efficient way.

The Hartley Reference range features markedly different designs—how does this impact their sound integrity?

The Hartley Reference models are definitely using much different wood and the enclosure designs much different then original production. So far the sound reproduction of the different models has been to old Hartley standards. Cabinet aesthetics for the public will be determined of course by future sales and reviews. So far it is looking good.

Hartley customers are known for their loyalty. Beyond the speakers’ high quality, what other factors contributed to this enduring excellence during your time?

Over the years Hartley customers told me that they wanted a product to last in their lifetime to pass on to the next generation. Along with this ideal was the knowledge that if needed they could get their investment repaired by the factory to original specs, not just some local repair shop.

Looking at the new Hartley Loudspeakers, what has stayed the same, and what has changed?

Regarding the drivers: Cones, voice coils and baskets have stayed the same. Spiders look better and magnets I'm told will look better with imprinted names. Of course cabinets regarding wood and design are very different.

As an audiophile, can you give us insights into your personal experiences with Hartley products?

My book, The History of Hartley Loudscpeakers, documents so many projects I was involved with as an audiophile, from working with Nasa to working with Atlanta Symphony Hall (Robert Shaw).

Are there any memorable Hartley stories you’d like to share—perhaps in writing, or even a short video or old home movie footage?

One memorable Hartley story was the day I received a phone call from a Hartley customer who owned a pair of 24" woofers. He said on the weekend he was playing some very low frequency music at a very loud level. He subsequently heard a big noise coming from upstairs. His wife was not home at this time and that's why he was able to turn up his stereo at a very high level. Upon entering the upstairs primary bedroom he discovered a wall had cracked. I thought to myself, oh no I am going to hear some bad words from this customer blaming my product for the discovered damage. To my amazement he was overjoyed at what his Hartley speakers were able to do. No blame, but just wanted to know how it happened. I then explained the organ music he played at an extreme level was then reproduced by 24" speakers and emitting very long wavelengths, which then found a weak area in the upstairs bedroom wall. He thanked me and I wished him the best in explaining what happened to his wife!