After graduating from Knox College in Illinois, ListenUp cofounders Walt Stinson and Steve Weiner decided to explore the idea of opening their own store. Walt, Steve and Walt’s wife Mary Kay set out on a cross-country trek to find a city that fit with their aspirations. During their trip they met Paul Klipsch, (see page 34) who immediately recognized and identified with their love for superior, high performance audio and pledged his support. After much exploration they decided on Denver, in part because of its budding status as a growth market, but mostly because they sensed it was the type of place that shared their passion for beautiful sound and high quality equipment.
After graduating from Knox College in Illinois, ListenUp cofounders Walt Stinson and Steve Weiner decided to explore the idea of opening their own store. Walt, Steve and Walt’s wife Mary Kay set out on a cross-country trek to find a city that fit with their aspirations. During their trip they met Paul Klipsch, (see page 34) who immediately recognized and identified with their love for superior, high performance audio and pledged his support. After much exploration they decided on Denver, in part because of its budding status as a growth market, but mostly because they sensed it was the type of place that shared their passion for beautiful sound and high quality equipment.
Little Feat, Muddy Waters and John Prine were just a few of the legendary artists ListenUp provided sound for during live KFML-FM radio broadcasts from famed Denver nightclub, Ebbets Field. These popular broadcasts, as well as promotional spots, were tagged with the phrase “Sound By ListenUp,” which put the Pearl Street shop on the map amongst both music lovers and artists. The shows, more than 300 in total, were also recorded by ListenUp as a self funded project of historical preservation, capturing the live performances on 1000s of hours of tape. Many years later, as the historical significance of the tapes became apparent, ListenUp’s Phil Murray worked with G Brown from radio station KCUV to release some of the best tracks to the public as a fundraiser for the The Morgan Adams Foundation, which works to raise awareness on behalf of children afflicted with cancer. The four-volume CD collection, titled “Live From Ebbets Field,” is now a collectors item, bringing big bids on Ebay.
Little Feat, Muddy Waters and John Prine were just a few of the legendary artists ListenUp provided sound for during live KFML-FM radio broadcasts from famed Denver nightclub, Ebbets Field. These popular broadcasts, as well as promotional spots, were tagged with the phrase “Sound By ListenUp,” which put the Pearl Street shop on the map amongst both music lovers and artists. The shows, more than 300 in total, were also recorded by ListenUp as a self funded project of historical preservation, capturing the live performances on 1000s of hours of tape. Many years later, as the historical significance of the tapes became apparent, ListenUp’s Phil Murray worked with G Brown from radio station KCUV to release some of the best tracks to the public as a fundraiser for the The Morgan Adams Foundation, which works to raise awareness on behalf of children afflicted with cancer. The four-volume CD collection, titled “Live From Ebbets Field,” is now a collectors item, bringing big bids on Ebay.
After five years of incredible live music, Ebbets Field closed in 1976. However, its popularity paved the way for a new live music venue — The Rainbow Music Hall, where ListenUp was responsible for designing and building a worldclass sound system and recording studio. Leveraging their relationship with Klipsch, ListenUp put together a custom PA that blew the minds of fans and bands alike. Artists like Miles Davis, U2 and The Police gave high praise, calling the Rainbow one of the best-sounding venues they had ever played. In 1988, ListenUp used its professional expertise to install one of the first outdoor video projection systems and a sound system for the general admission area at Fiddlers Green Amphitheatre.
After five years of incredible live music, Ebbets Field closed in 1976. However, its popularity paved the way for a new live music venue — The Rainbow Music Hall, where ListenUp was responsible for designing and building a worldclass sound system and recording studio. Leveraging their relationship with Klipsch, ListenUp put together a custom PA that blew the minds of fans and bands alike. Artists like Miles Davis, U2 and The Police gave high praise, calling the Rainbow one of the best-sounding venues they had ever played. In 1988, ListenUp used its professional expertise to install one of the first outdoor video projection systems and a sound system for the general admission area at Fiddlers Green Amphitheatre.
ListenUp opened another store in Boulder, reaching a new Colorado community, sharing in the passion for beautiful sound and paving the way for ListenUp to become one of the premier high performance audio dealers in the Rocky Mountain region.
ListenUp opened another store in Boulder, reaching a new Colorado community, sharing in the passion for beautiful sound and paving the way for ListenUp to become one of the premier high performance audio dealers in the Rocky Mountain region.
With an established reputation for amazing sound at big events, ListenUp
provided sound for The Coors Classic. At the time The Classic was America’s biggest international bicycle race — a must stop for pro riders from all over the world and America’s version of the Tour de France.
With an established reputation for amazing sound at big events, ListenUp
provided sound for The Coors Classic. At the time The Classic was America’s biggest international bicycle race — a must stop for pro riders from all over the world and America’s version of the Tour de France.
Forever in search of the perfect sound, ListenUp became an initial roll-out partner of Sony and Polygram/Philips, co-creators of Compact Disc Digital Audio, selling more Sony CD players in 1983 than any other dealer in the country. With help from Polygram, ListenUp also became a source for the discs themselves with a dedicated CD store, the ListenUp Disc Connection. The Disc Connection played a huge role in CD’s acceptance, as most record stores were reluctant to add another format to their inventory of LPs and cassette tapes. ListenUp’s role in the success of the CD format has been chronicled by trade magazines, including Billboard, which covered the ListenUp/KCFR CD marathon, and in the book Perfect Sound Forever. Walt personally spun the first digital music ever played on Colorado’s airwaves at KVOD, KFML, KBPI and KBCO, and gave four public presentations of the new technology that together attracted more than 1,500 people to Phipps Auditorium, Gates Planetarium, Turn of the Century and The Rainbow Music Hall.
Forever in search of the perfect sound, ListenUp became an initial roll-out partner of Sony and Polygram/Philips, co-creators of Compact Disc Digital Audio, selling more Sony CD players in 1983 than any other dealer in the country. With help from Polygram, ListenUp also became a source for the discs themselves with a dedicated CD store, the ListenUp Disc Connection. The Disc Connection played a huge role in CD’s acceptance, as most record stores were reluctant to add another format to their inventory of LPs and cassette tapes. ListenUp’s role in the success of the CD format has been chronicled by trade magazines, including Billboard, which covered the ListenUp/KCFR CD marathon, and in the book Perfect Sound Forever. Walt personally spun the first digital music ever played on Colorado’s airwaves at KVOD, KFML, KBPI and KBCO, and gave four public presentations of the new technology that together attracted more than 1,500 people to Phipps Auditorium, Gates Planetarium, Turn of the Century and The Rainbow Music Hall.
Recognizing both economic and social contributions to the community, ListenUp was chosen as small business of the year by the Denver Chamber of Commerce, from a field of more than 40 nominees. Having only been in business for just over a decade, this was a huge honor and a testament to Walt and Steve’s business practices and community involvement.
Recognizing both economic and social contributions to the community, ListenUp was chosen as small business of the year by the Denver Chamber of Commerce, from a field of more than 40 nominees. Having only been in business for just over a decade, this was a huge honor and a testament to Walt and Steve’s business practices and community involvement.
Years of experience with home audio, home theater and custom installation allowed ListenUp to transition into the Total Home Automation space and establish one of the first Home Automation departments in the industry. The first systems were mainly about installing audio and video throughout the home and then linking it all together through a central control system. Today Total Home Automation has grown to include lighting control, window shades, security, HVAC, fireplaces and more, all linked through a wireless network, providing control through a smartphone or other device anywhere in the world.
Years of experience with home audio, home theater and custom installation allowed ListenUp to transition into the Total Home Automation space and establish one of the first Home Automation departments in the industry. The first systems were mainly about installing audio and video throughout the home and then linking it all together through a central control system. Today Total Home Automation has grown to include lighting control, window shades, security, HVAC, fireplaces and more, all linked through a wireless network, providing control through a smartphone or other device anywhere in the world.
ListenUp opened in Colorado Springs, expanding its Front Range footprint. The first store was located downtown, but in 1997 moved to a free-standing space on Woodmen Avenue, just east of I-25. At more than 7,000 square feet, it is ListenUp’s largest store, offering multiple rooms for audio demonstrations and a high performance home theater room that’s truly awe-inspiring.
ListenUp opened in Colorado Springs, expanding its Front Range footprint. The first store was located downtown, but in 1997 moved to a free-standing space on Woodmen Avenue, just east of I-25. At more than 7,000 square feet, it is ListenUp’s largest store, offering multiple rooms for audio demonstrations and a high performance home theater room that’s truly awe-inspiring.
University of Colorado Buffs fans gained a state-of-the-art sound system installed at Folsom Field by ListenUp. A massive project for the Commercial Department, the Folsom Field sound system made a statement that no project was too large for the ListenUp team of technicians. Later the team would go on to do many more iconic venues, including Mile High Stadium, The National Western Stock Show auditorium, and the Pepsi Center, now Ball Arena.
University of Colorado Buffs fans gained a state-of-the-art sound system installed at Folsom Field by ListenUp. A massive project for the Commercial Department, the Folsom Field sound system made a statement that no project was too large for the ListenUp team of technicians. Later the team would go on to do many more iconic venues, including Mile High Stadium, The National Western Stock Show auditorium, and the Pepsi Center, now Ball Arena.
Walt is inducted into the Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame — in the same class as Apple’s Steve Jobs! Walt is recognized for his pioneering role leading broadcasters, fellow dealers, the press and the general public in the transition to digital audio. He was also cited for his organizing role in the industry’s development, including in 1979 co-founding and serving as the first full-term president of what became the audio/video industry’s largest trade group, PARA, which ultimately merged with the Consumer Technology Association, and for co-founding in 1984 the industry’s first dealer-owned distribution company, Assured Systems (later acquired by BrandSource).
Image: CTA President Gary Shapiro and Walt Stinson
Walt is inducted into the Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame — in the same class as Apple’s Steve Jobs! Walt is recognized for his pioneering role leading broadcasters, fellow dealers, the press and the general public in the transition to digital audio. He was also cited for his organizing role in the industry’s development, including in 1979 co-founding and serving as the first full-term president of what became the audio/video industry’s largest trade group, PARA, which ultimately merged with the Consumer Technology Association, and for co-founding in 1984 the industry’s first dealer-owned distribution company, Assured Systems (later acquired by BrandSource).
Image: CTA President Gary Shapiro and Walt Stinson
