Mastering the Volume

A fresh morning requires absolute clarity of sound. I marched along the polished mahogany credenza toward the oversized brushed-aluminum volume dial of the tube amplifier. It rested too low, timidly set below mid-gain. Planting both feet squarely on the lacquered timber, I leaned my weight forward and pressed both palms against the knurled metal perimeter. With a heavy, deliberate turn, the dial rotated clockwise, locking into position with a solid tactile notch. The hum from the twin speakers deepened instantly, commanding the entire room.