2. amps-preamps
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Considering simplifying my system... talk me down (or whatever)

I few weeks ago, I turned eighty.  I don't know how that happened to me, but it did, so I suppose I've officially entered Geezerhood.  Although I'm now ancient, I am anything but deaf.  I have been gifted with extraordinary hearing throughout my life and it continues to this day... I love music (my wife is a professional pianist), and I have enjoyed my current system for several years.

That said, I have been considering simplifying my system by selling my current line stage preamp, phono preamp, and power amplifier (Sonic Frontiers SFL-2, Sonic Frontiers SFP, and Audio Research VT-100, respectively), and replacing the three with a single integrated amp.  

To my ears, this system is extraordinary.  These pieces drive what may be among the best Klipschorns on the planet: 1972 K-horns, modified with Martinelli tractrix mid horns with TAD2001 drivers, JBL 2404 tweeters, and Al Klappenberger's extreme slope networks (20db/octave).  I'll be keeping these until I need some nursing home money (!)

The last time I visited the Klipsch factory (in Hope, Arkansas!), they were using a Cayin something-or-other in their listening room... it was glorious, I think one of those would do quite nicely for me.

Perhaps there is no logic at all to this "simplifying" idea.  I've just been thinking that sooner or later we will find ourselves in a different living situation and perhaps simpler might be better.  So, I'm leaving it  to the brain trust here to talk me down.

Have a nice weekend, y'all
128x128pinkyboy
ruraltraumasurgeon's avatar
ruraltraumasurgeon
29 posts
 
pinkyboy (the OP)-

I have considered doing the same in terms of simplification, and I am also getting on in years, but still have great hearing. My system is tube-based with an Esoteric digital front end and Wilson speakers. I have thought about replacing the ARC amp/preamp with either an Esoteric F-07 integrated amplifier (less inexpensive) or as someone suggested, the new Accuphase E800 integrated (expensive).

The challenge is that my system sounds incredibly good, and could I just sell off everything at a loss, and, for example, listen to only streamed content with very good headphones? I do not think it is a good idea.

My recommendation is to keep your system until either hearing starts to fail and/or other life events change for you. Good luck!
rsf507
2,313 posts
 
1st Happy 80th birthday.
As many others have stated just enjoy what you have why mess with a good thing if your system checks all your senses.  But if you decide you want to try something do it in your own home and don't sell your current gear until you are 110% satisfied and that smile on your face glows from ear to ear.

rocray's avatar
rocray
1,448 posts
 
Happy Birthday!! Sometimes we get an itch. Sometimes we need to scratch that itch. It sounds like you have an itch! Scratch away!!!
mheidelo's avatar
mheidelo
2 posts
 
I won’t attempt to talk you down because at 69 years of age I did just that 3 weeks ago. I went from the three box Cambridge Audio CXA series to a Naim Uniti Star and replaced my KEF LS50s with ProAc Response DT8. Kept my TT and phono preamp. I’m done. My terrible hearing didn’t warrant this change but I had an itch that needed scratching!
mheidelo's avatar
mheidelo
2 posts
 
I won’t attempt to talk you down because at 69 years of age I did just that 3 weeks ago. I went from the three box Cambridge Audio CXA series to a Naim Uniti Star and replaced my KEF LS50s with ProAc Response DT8. Kept my TT and phono preamp. I’m done. My terrible hearing didn’t warrant this change but I had an itch that needed scratching!
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