How do I let go...the “D” word

I see how your system might get cozy in your new space. If it was me I would downgrade. I would see it as a chance to try some new things and see what a small system can do (plus I don't like clutter). There are some really nice small components out there! You could try a small SET system with a pair of Abbys for something completely different. You could try an integrated with a pair of monitors like Focus or Harbeth or Spendor. Check out my smaller system here on Audiogon. It's tiny but I love it!

When you do move to a larger space you can change again if you want to. But have fun for now and explore some new ideas and products. There should be some good dealers down there.

Budrew sums it all! I agree. Although I would add that downgrading does not always mean "less quality". Have fun with this journey. Who knows by the time you're ready for the upgrade again (because you have become the new Leibowitz or Adams or Arbus or Atget or Lange or W.E. Smith or Avedon...:-) ) there will be other components that might peek your interest.

Hey Rosstaman - Congratulations on a new start...sounds like some exciting and difficult transitions. I'm sorry for the difficult part and hope the good stuff makes it worth it. So my question is not at all about stereo gear, but rather your decision to go for an MS in Photography. Are you wanting to teach or to shoot professionally? If the former, definitely go for the degree, but if the later I might suggest you may take the time to get some input from working pros in the field(s) you are interested in pursuing. Perhaps you've already done this, in which case this query is a moot point. The reason I ask is, like the rest of technology-dependent fields, the face of professional photography is changing and shifting at a very rapid pace. With the developments in digital technology, professional photography is not what it used to be five years ago. I'm not at all wanting to discourage you to pursue your dreams...I guess I'm just wondering about your expectations there. Having been a professional photographer for over twenty years I've watched with some personal disillusion at the directions my chosen field has been taking of recent. Pretty much follows the dark path the rest of our "culture" has been taking towards homoginization and cookie-cutter medicocrity. Nothing Orwell missed so many years ago.

Anyway, Brooks is indeed an excellent choice being an outstanding school. I have a BFA from R.I.T. which is also an outstanding school, but a long way from your home. There are many many outstanding and talented pro's out there who never went to photo school, and the lack of the paper was not a deterent. I cannot think of any case where the degree I earned really got me anywhere on face value, though I don't regret the four years by any means. If you have adequate skills presently you can learn a tremendous amount by hiring yourself out as a freelance assistant to other pros. A good assistant in my area (Seattle) makes $ 225/day. Down in your area it's probably a bit more. You will learn far more practical, real-world information from assisting than any school will be able to teach you, IMO.

So, I'm rambling on off-topic here. If you want any more input feel free to ping me off the list. I wish you much success following your dreams.

Marco