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How do I go backwards?

I need the help of those people who have cut back on their systems. Due to the deep financial problems my health has created I need to sell off my system, either fully or partially. My system is a Sony SCD-1 (modified) front end, an Aesthetix Calypso pre-amp, two Plinius SA-102 amps bi-amped vertically, Dunlavy IVa speakers and all Nordost Valhalla cabling. My initial feeling is that the front end and speakers have the least value, in that Dunlavy is out of business and the Sony is modified. The cabling is by far the most out of line cost wise for the system I have so I’m looking at them first. So my first question is for people who have tried or sold their Valhalla cables for something substantially cheaper without loosing the detail, speed and transparency. Please speak from experience and what you felt was lost by going “backwards.” Secondly I’m going to need to sell one of the Plinius amps, and possibly both and replace with ????
My biggest concern is my system is so good and soooo musical I’m afraid stepping backward will result in a system that will no longer be enjoyable, and thus my love for recorded music will be lost. I hate to think of no music, but I know if my system looses too much, I’ll simply quit listening. I hope to avoid that.
Please share your experiences and your opinions on how to cut back.
Thank you
J.D.
jadem6
cruz123
586 posts
 
Your health and financial well being are the most important things to consider in this equation. Therefore, I would sell the whole packaage and go 180 degrees in the other direction. Wait a few months until the sonic memory of your current system has faded and then get a jolida 302b tube amp (or equivalent), a jolida JD 100 CDP, a pair of Solioquy 6.2's, and stick the rest of the cash in your pocket. You can get the these pieces used for less than $2500 and have a very musical system. Plus it would be so different from your current system it would be harder to draw comparisons to your current system.

Just my .02
cwlondon
1,210 posts
 
Jadem6

So sorry to hear of your situation, and I can relate having been forced for various reasons over the years to give up various things.

I understand why Bigjoe says, it is just "stuff" , but whenever I have put time and effort into assembling a system, maintaining or modifying a car, motorbike etc. for me it is much more emotional than just "stuff" it is a product of passion and effort and something that gathers experience and memories.

Here is potentially good news, however, and further evidence of the insanity of our hobby.

In one fairly recent move, I just didnt have enough room for my Tympanis, and my Levinson amp had to be sent back for service.

In the meantime, and to watch videos, etc, I dragged out a dusty old Naim Nait amp from the closet and bought a pair of Epos monitors deeply discounted at Audio Advisor.

Well guess what?

I think I listened more! It was great -- very forgiving and easy to listen to and when I was not so obsessed with tweakng out that last degree of high end performance, I just listened to the music.

Maybe there was something lucky about that combination but it makes me wonder if actually, in the end, mid fi is more fun.

Best of luck and get well soon.
entrope
482 posts
 
Write down your options on a smaller system that will take you to the musical place you want to be. It may be hit or miss with some pieces but take a stab at setting an overall goal - maybe even going someplaces you have never been before. These could include SET, planar, horns, single drivers, ribbons, passive preamp, integrated amp etc. Do your research.

Sell your current system piece by piece as time permits trying to extract the maximum dollar value and start acquiring pieces of your 'new' system as you do. Hopefully, price differences and deal shopping will allow you to put cash in your pocket as you do and not be without music.

Hopefully, the change in the sound dynamics and focus by going with a totally different system synergy will minimize the impact of downsizing.
kthomas
911 posts
 
I haven't had to do it, but I like Cruz123's suggestion - sell it all for the most you can get for it, read some books or watch some movies for a few months, and then re-enter the hobby. When things aren't going well, change some things - do things you wouldn't have considered if things were basically going well. It'll be interesting, at least, and hopefully rewarding.

I hope whatever you do, it works for you. If I had to scale back, a Linn Classik with a pair of Dynaudio Contour 1.1's would carry me quite a long way, but giving up something you love is always hard.
joeylawn36111
574 posts
 
I agree with KThomas. The Linn Classik is a great all-in-one system (I have the Kan 4's for speakers). Also, IMO, lose (sell) the 'Northeast' cables.....
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