Ken Swauger to retire

2

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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited September 2009
    Wow, great news for Ken, bad news for us. I've spoken to Ken several times - a big help and a super nice guy. You'll be missed!
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • jwhitakr
    jwhitakr Posts: 568
    edited September 2009
    Best of luck, Ken, on your future plans for running your own classic audio equipment refurbishing gig. Polk Audio is lucky to have had you for the past 14 years and I'm one of the customers who you've helped multiple times. I can honestly say that I've never dealt with a better CS department at any other company!
    My HT
    HDTV: Panasonic PT-61LCX65 61" Rear Proj. LCD
    AVR: Harman Kardon AVR 235
    Video: 80GB PS3, Toshiba HD-XA1 HD DVD
    Fronts: Polk Audio RTi8
    Center: Polk Audio CSi3
    Amp: Emotiva LPA-1
    Surrounds: Polk Audio R150
    Sub: HSU STF-3

    The only true barrier to knowledge is the assumption that you already have it. - C.H. Dodd
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited September 2009
    Congratulations Ken, and best wishes in your new endeavors. You will be missed.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • SDA SRS 1.2
    SDA SRS 1.2 Posts: 255
    edited September 2009
    All the best Ken and THANK YOU for answering our many questions! :)
    Main System: Polk SDA SRS 1.2 Speakers, Sunfire Signature 600~two Amp, Carver C-16 Preamp, Carver TX-11b Tuner, Marantz 6350Q TT, Philips CDR-775 Recorder, Teac V-707RX Cassette Deck, Signal Cable Double Run Speaker Cable

    Upstairs Den: Marantz 2325 Receiver, Marantz 5220 Cassette Deck, Marantz HD-880 Speakers, Marantz 6370Q TT

    Exercise (Kabuki speaker) Room: Kenwood KR-9600 Receiver, Pioneer CS-99a Speakers, Sansui SP-X9000 Speakers (not pretty, but LOUD! :) )
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited September 2009
    Ken, I have no doubt you will succeed in whatever it is you plan to do.


    You will be missed.
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited September 2009
    Congrats Ken!
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,187
    edited September 2009
    My first reaction was "damn another good polk person leaving" but I have to take a step back and understand life moves on. Things change. People change . Life at polk for you Ken is coming to an end. Thats a good thing for you.

    Congrads man and I wish you the best of luck in the future.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,335
    edited September 2009
    Ken,

    Best of luck on your new adventures! You were the first person I spoke with at Polk Audio and I was so impressed with your knowledge and friendly advice and service.

    I loved story time with Ken!

    I am a fan of R2R and I may be in touch with you. These machines are quirky. LOL!

    MacandTeac052.jpg

    SystemPicsDec2008005R1.jpg
    Carl

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  • TECHNOKID
    TECHNOKID Posts: 4,298
    edited September 2009
    Humm, nice piece of gear schwarcw :cool:
    DARE TO SOAR:
    “Your attitude, almost always determine your altitude in life” ;)
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited September 2009
    The last piece of the puzzle as I'm building my retro Silver Pioneer rig will be a Pioneer reel to reel. Now I know where I can get one working if need be.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • Retro152
    Retro152 Posts: 985
    edited September 2009
    Best of luck Ken! Enjoy.:)





    Pat.
    Receiver: Pioneer Elite SC-05
    Amp: Emotiva Xpa-3
    Front L/R: POLK Rti-a9s':D
    Center:POLK Csi-a6
    Rear surround's:POLK Rti-a1s'
    Sub: Klipsch Synergy sub-12
    Sony Kdl-46w4100 46" LCD
    PS3
    Audioquest type 4 wiring.
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited September 2009
    Ken, you will surely be missed. Your advice, knowledge and customer care is second to none. All the best in your retirement.
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
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  • ESavinon
    ESavinon Posts: 3,066
    edited September 2009
    Best of luck Ken!
    SRT For Life; SDA Forever!

    The SRT SEISMIC System:
    Four main satellite speakers, six powered subs, two dedicated for LFE channel, two center speakers for over/under screen placement and three Control Centers. Amaze your friends, terrorize your neighbors, seize the audio bragging rights for your state. Go ahead, buy it; you only go around once.
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  • ESavinon
    ESavinon Posts: 3,066
    edited September 2009
    Hi Carl!
    Is that a teac x2000?
    SRT For Life; SDA Forever!

    The SRT SEISMIC System:
    Four main satellite speakers, six powered subs, two dedicated for LFE channel, two center speakers for over/under screen placement and three Control Centers. Amaze your friends, terrorize your neighbors, seize the audio bragging rights for your state. Go ahead, buy it; you only go around once.
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  • jacob.simpson
    jacob.simpson Posts: 481
    edited September 2009
    Kenneth Swauger wrote: »
    Hello,
    Thank you, very much, for your kind words. But the honest truth is that the other folks, in customer service, both in Baltimore and Vista, CA. do the real work and make me look good. I just get the pleasure of being able to interact with the Forum members more. You' ll be in excellent hands with Helen, Kim, Eric, Kyle, Gil, Angel and Art, they will continue to make sure you enjoy your Polk products. Al Ballard has always, without exception, been the perfect person to work for. He wants everyone to have a good experience when they contact Polk Audio and lets us do our jobs to try and make that happen.
    My plans are to continue in the world of audio and begin a cottage business of refurbishing and modifying classic audio equipment, with an emphasis on open reel tape equipment. You can continue to keep in touch with me by responding to my "alter ego" Jed Leland on this forum. I welcome suggestions, from anyone, on how to make that happen. Maybe I can help construct someone’s pet project?
    Again, thank you and continue listening!
    Ken
    Ken Am sure you would have interacted with huge no of folks here and in other ways with lot of audio lovers, and all of us have learned a lot from you. i very well understand your passion for the classic equipment, it must have been in your heart for a long time more of a passion, but we will miss you very much, You were one of the Best in CS across any industry, not just business wise, you had the touch of humanness to the service thats the difference what we will miss here, You have set such standard in CS its going to be highly difficult for the person who is going to fill in your shoes, I am sure you also enjoyed being with Polk Audio for many a no of years. I earnestly wish you all the best in your new endeavors, Please provide us your contacts how we can keep in touch, WE WILL MISS YOU.
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  • lightman1
    lightman1 Posts: 10,788
    edited September 2009
    Thank You, Ken. I may have to cuss you out and pee in your yard.;)
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  • Ron-P
    Ron-P Posts: 8,516
    edited September 2009
    Best of luck to you Ken, you will be missed. Hope you check in now and again and let us know how you are doing and where you are in this world of audio.
    If...
    Ron dislikes a film = go out and buy it.
    Ron loves a film = don't even rent.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,582
    edited September 2009
    Wow.

    Congrats on retirement Ken!
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • lightman1
    lightman1 Posts: 10,788
    edited September 2009
    Go to bed Trey. We have work to do in the morning.
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  • SWFalken
    SWFalken Posts: 136
    edited September 2009
    My first and only interaction with Ken made me a Polk customer for life. One of the trim frames on my LS-50's came loose. Even back then I was pleasantly surprised to have a human being pick up the phone and listen to me describe my insignificant problem. He listened patiently while I described what had happened and then, instead of shuffling me off to someone else or asking for payment options or any number of things most of us have become accustomed to when dealing with customer service people, Ken calmly explained the removal and replacement procedure and then asked me for a mailing address. Ken sent me not one but two trim frames and a small bag of specialty tools (panelling nails) to ease removal of the broken pins that hold the frame on the baffle. Mr. Swauger, with that one act of exemplary customer service you made a lifelong customer of me and my family and hopefully the uncountable numbers of people that I have told this story to. I wish you the very best in whatever you choose to do in your life after Polk Audio. Thank you!
    "I drank what?" Socrates :eek:
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  • George Grand
    George Grand Posts: 12,258
    edited September 2009
    Go for it Ken, retirement is awesome.
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited September 2009
    Congrats on the retirement. Thank you for making Polk Audio customer service what it is today - the best in any business. I hope your next project becomes as successful and rewarding as your last one did.
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
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  • obieone
    obieone Posts: 5,077
    edited September 2009
    Congrat's and good luck.
    I refuse to argue with idiots, because people can't tell the DIFFERENCE!
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited September 2009
    Congrats, Ken!! Good luck with the new gig!!

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,536
    edited September 2009
    Congratulations Ken! What a great guy, take care.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • ohskigod
    ohskigod Posts: 6,502
    edited September 2009
    best of luck in retirement, hate to see you go but you've definitly done your bid for Polk....they got their money's worth out of you thats for sure. Hope you stick around the forum while your out to pasture :)
    Living Room 2 Channel -
    Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.

    Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
    Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.

    Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites
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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,335
    edited September 2009
    ESavinon wrote: »
    Hi Carl!
    Is that a teac x2000?

    Hi Ed! Sure is! You know your stuff.
    Carl

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  • vmaxer
    vmaxer Posts: 5,117
    edited September 2009
    Wow...Just now came across this info...I hate to see you go Ken. Best wishes and do check in from time to time!!
    Pio Elete Pro 520
    Panamax 5400-EX
    Sunfire TGP 5
    Micro Seiki DD-40 - Lyra-Dorian and Denon DL-160
    PS Audio GCPH phono pre
    Sunfire CG 200 X 5
    Sunfire CG Sig 405 X 5
    OPPO BDP-83 SE
    SDA SRS 1.2TL Sonicaps and Mills
    Ctr CS1000p
    Sur - FX1000 x 4
    SUB - SVS PB2-Plus

    Workkout room:
    Sony Bravia XBR- 32-Inch 1080p
    Onkyo TX-DS898
    GFA 555
    Yamaha DVD-S1800BL/SACD
    Ft - SDA 1C

    Not being used:
    RTi 38's -4
    RT55i's - 2
    RT25i's -2, using other 2 in shop
    LSI 15's
    CSi40
    PSW 404
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  • starchaser
    starchaser Posts: 354
    edited September 2009
    All the best to you Ken, we will miss you and thanks for all your support!!!
    "There's a lot of places driving up and down I-95 that smell like ****" F1Nut
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  • jacob.simpson
    jacob.simpson Posts: 481
    edited September 2009
    Ken who is going to fill your place in Polk just curious, is it going to either one from the list what you gave, Helen, Kim, Eric, Kyle, Gil, Angel and Art.
    Am sure the one whos taking your position would have learnt a great deal from your immense experience and Knowledge. Best wishes again.
    We will miss you in Polk.
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