My ears are ready to retire!


After many many years of owning great audiophile gear, my ears are ready to retire😀. I am in the process of downsizing my home and my audio equipments. I am now looking for a simple, enjoyable, good sounding and maybe all in one system to play mostly digital music. Any recommendations will be very much appreciated. 
128x128analoguefan
I downsized about 7 years ago.. From the big Vonschweikert VR7’s and BAT VK75SE monos to a more modest sized listening room and gear. I too am retired and tired of tubes and their issues and ever increasing cost.  I wanted a good sound without the constant maintenance, heat, tube noise, etc... 
I went all digital, don’t miss the TT at all !! Don’t listen to the nay sayers and the nostalgia ridden bunch who are too invested in their old ways..  while digital has disappointed me for the last 2+ decades, it has finally come of age and sounding as good , and bettering analog in some cases.. 
Now I have the Daedalus Athena V2 , Pass XP22 and the First Watt SIT3. Easy to drive speakers, low powered SET like sound without the costly hassles of tubes. After 5 decades of tubes..  I’m perfectly content with the Pass gear sound and trouble free listening.. 
My experiences, YMMV. 
Another vote for the Naim Uniti Star/Nova. I'm powering my B&W 802D3's with the Star, and they sound marvelous. The bass is quite good. This is not my end-game combo though.

As an aside, I directly compared the Naim Uniti Star to a Mac MA8900 streaming with a Naim ND5XS2. The Mac combo was superior by about 10-15%. I believe if the Uniti Nova was in the mix, it would be a tie. Taking this into consideration, the Nova is half the cost! The Naim products are just that good. 
@OP  
You own very good speakers : Fyne.
Why not keeping them ?  Do you think you will hear that kind of 
sound with bookshelves speakers ?Quality Naim with the Fyne speakers will not take much place in your room. On the long haul , you never loose with quality.
Think about others members of your family.
And one day, your heirs will have thoughts about you , when listening to this very good but simple  system.
Just my 2 cents .

It’s not a garage system, it’s a bedroom clock radio. When I bring it down to the garage, It makes me realize how much time I am obsessing over every superficial scratch on my car or dirt every time have to change a CD. Otherwise I would only have daylight or my stomach hunger pangs to make me aware that more time is passing than I wanted it to.
"...I doubt a $100 pair of loudspeakers are good, although I guess that depends on what good means to you. My son would probably think they are awesome..."

Probably better than the 2 dollar speakers in a Bose. Seriously my Dad was happy with his Bose until I played something that the Bose couldn't play. It was unrecognizable as music. Anyway, enjoy your garage system, if it's working for you, and it does for some music, enjoy.    
Hey @analoguefan - sounds like you are not really leaving audiophiledom, just shrinking its footprint in your house.

Thats’s great. Be careful- soon you’ll get a turntable and start back down the rabbit hole.
He said all in one. I thought that meant built in speakers. Once you start with separate speakers, there are some pretty nice small ones that can be expensive and you can get a nice expensive integrated amp that has a digital music tuner. He said he was retiring from audiophilia. It was just a thought. maybe there are other things like the Bose Wave out there - I’m sure there are lots of options but I’ve never looked into it. I know my son got a speaker from Walmart for $8 that links to his iPhone. He says it sounds fine. Thankfully I’ve never heard it.

I doubt a $100 pair of loudspeakers are good, although I guess that depends on what good means to you. My son would probably think they are awesome.
Thank you all for the great recommendations! Looks like I am going to choose between Buchardt A500 & the Kef LS50 Wireless II and the new kef compact sub. 
"...I move my bedroom clock radio BOSE wave radio down to my garage when I wash my car and I am surprised how pleasant it is for background music. Plays pretty loud without distortion..."

Sorry those things are pretty awful. You can do better with a 100 buck do everything player from the big box store and a 100 dollar pair of good loudspeakers. So 200 all in for brand new.   
Depends as the posts above request on what your specifics are in terms or room size and what you want to spend.

I move my bedroom clock radio BOSE wave radio down to my garage when I wash my car and I am surprised how pleasant it is for background music. Plays pretty loud without distortion.

I bet you could pick up a used one for peanuts. I don't think they make them anymore. They might only play CDs though, not sure how the product line changed since 2000....it is reliable, I'll say that and I think it can take other input sources and has a nice remote.
Chances are you won’t be happy downsizing and will go back to upsizing. 
Integrated considerations Belles Aria  $2300.000 and Croft Integrated $1650.00 special or Rega Elicit R $2995.00 available from Gene Rubin Audio in California

There AvaHiFi ( Frank Van Alstine) in Minnesota offers a Set 120 Control Amplifier $1200.00  solid state

Hopes this helps, never heard any of these but I have heard Van Alstine preamp and amps back in 1978 driving Magnepan Tympani 3 panels versus Audio Research tube pre and power the Van Alstine crushed the ARC better control and no silibant S's to be heard.
Been there done that too....burn out. After 50 years of tinkering and excess of $250k spent, i finally settled on a simplified Melody Audio 300b and a home brew el34 system could live with for the rest of my days. I think most people in this hobby will downsize as they see their golden years. Best of luck in your search.
I guess it all depends on what your listening to, how loud and what the size of your room will be. In my case, I own many different amplifiers and depending on these factors, I will place the best sounding amp that will fit that bill. In my bedroom, I'm using a small amp that I've made a few years ago connected to small Klipsch bookshelf speakers. This set up sounds really good and I have no intention to changing anything. I do own a Naim Nap250, and even thou it sounds great, the small DIY amp sounds better in that situation. I'm using an all tube sett-up in my main listening room, as I find the magic of tubes is hard to beat. But if I had to downsize in order to move into a small place, that set up would have to go. Giving your ears a break would probably mean turning down the volume as well. In that case, may I suggest an amp that sounds good at low volume. That is why I'm using the small DIY amp in my bedroom. It's the one that sounds the best at low volume. Hope this will help.
NAID M10 Streaming Amplifier would be perfect for someone after digital and all in one good quality and pairs with all kinds of apps (ios/android/mac etc) so you can stream from Tidal and Qobuz.  You can decide what speakers to use but should be relatively easy to match with your new downsized lifestyle.
Streaming.

Simpler....use Nad 7020 instead receiver
Still use Suca pre....between pre out and main ins...
Arcam Rblink Btooth DAC.
Important! Use an Ipad Mini for Music Playing.lol...sq and imaging par excellence. 
PSB 300 or 300i Bookshelf Speakers.
Play them into room. Sound 10 times their size.

Keep it simpler .....

Sub carver for Nad 7020 receiver. 
Still use suca tube pre buffer..


Streaming.
Nad pre...(I use a 7130 Receiver).
Carver m200t amp
Suca tube pre amp as buffer between pre and amp..(45.00 on Amazon)
Arcam Rblink Btooth DAC.
Important! Use an Ipad Mini for Music Playing.
PSB 300 or 300i Bookshelf Speakers.
Play them into room. Sound 10 times their size.


I'd also recommend the Naim.. Uniti Nova.. and good speakers, all you'll need. 
Here is your system.

Streaming.
Nad pre...(I use a 7130 Receiver).
Carver m200t amp
Suca tube pre amp as buffer between pre and amp..(45.00 on Amazon)
Arcam Rblink Btooth DAC.
Important! Use an Ipad Mini for Music Playing.
PSB 300 or 300i Bookshelf Speakers.
Play them into room. Sound 10 times their size.



asvjerry, right, cross-grading. Point is to maintain course no matter what.
@inna ...One could call it/that 'cross-grading'; adaptation to a new set of variables.  Keep the TT, the cart(s), the CD, the streamer...whatever supplies ones' input....and, of course, an outstanding computer.
(I'm not a Mac fan, but to each....)

Driver development and variations on the theme have been underway for awhile now.  The LS50s' are addressing a number of the limitations of the 'radiating element' of a speaker, which has happened in the past.
The port is purported to have some novel features, but the design is still a 'polished' ducted port phase inverter cabinet.
Time and market will decide if it's a hit or a miss. ;)
The price is attractive for a 'high-end' smaller unit anyway...

(I'd opt for the sub, but that's just me....I like the 'tactile nature' of bass...)

Have you experienced them?  The +2 suggests a Yes...
I asked @analoguefan for more details before because I’d really like to help if I can, but there’s still nothing and I’m not going to waste my time making recommendations that may be totally off the mark because we have absolutely no parameters to go by.  Maybe you could see your way to at least sharing your budget, or is even that a national secret?
However, ideologically I agree with those who say never downgrade. You might have smaller room in the future and may need different speakers and amp but that doesn't have to be downgrading, just changing.
" ‘Yes. Someone’s noise is another one’s signal.’ ”

....just as I suspected....*smirk*
...just to muddy up the conversation.....

Here's one commentary about why some prefer tubes vs. SS....

https://www.wired.com/story/the-brains-background-noise-may-be-meaningful-after-all/?bxid=5c49090a24...

When you get to mid-article, there's a reference to a study on 'vacuum tube noise'; later a reference to nVidia (the software company) taking an interest in the research....

That, and the reference to audio begins to make this individual wonder if tube 'noise' rubs some the Right Way as opposed to SS gear....

You may prefer tubes because you can't help it psycophisilogically...conversely, SS....

The same may apply to 'sources'....you don't like streaming/CDs'/anything digital because it rubs your brain the 'wrong way', much like your cat.

*L*  I like that concept....You like what you like because you're wired that way from a DNA kink....as opposed to being 'anti-progress'...*L*

"We can make an app for that..." *LOL*
First task is to choose speakers. The rest is easy.
Least expensive set up that I can think of is Dynaudio active speakers, Burson Audio dac/preamp/headphone amp and Mac mini computer. And a few good cables.
Sorry for some of the ridiculous comments people made regarding your question but if you read this forum much it will not come as much of a surprise. 
Sounds like a Roon subscription with either a Tidal or Qobuz source
might be the best. I have no idea what the best sounding, simplified system is these days but I think you can get by with one box-integrated,DAC, Streamer, storage? . Add a 2 way pair of
speakers and you are done. Maybe even wireless. Supposed to be getting better these days. 
Please keep us posted with what you decide to buy. We are all
on the same path.
I recommend the Gold Note IS-1000. Integrated amp with DAC and Roon-ready Streamer and a pretty nice phono stage built-in. Choose your speakers and you are ready to go...
Get the Vinnie Rossi integrated amp with built in DAC is you need that.  Not cheap but one of the best built and sounding components I have heard and I build audio components.  I just don't build integrated (at least not yet)!

Lower priced would be Electrocompaniet, Naim, and Luxman.

Happy Listening.
Hello,
CAKYOL suggested tone control. If you need this I suggest the Parasound Hint6. Fully loaded integrated amp. It has a basic phono stage and the remote lets you turn on and off the sub. Great for apartment living. You still need a streamer- BlueSound Node or Lumin. And speakers. Another option is DALI speakers. Very, Very good for the money. Oberon 7s speakers. Total cost without a sub is around $5000 plus tax. It has a built in crossover for the sub. I still say the KEF kc62 sub since it is so small. $1500 for the sub. https://holmaudio.com/
I agree with cakyol

A ’Loudness’ fletcher munson automatic filter boosting bass and highs progressively only at low volumes would be a great feature to have, for any ears actually. For me, at low volumes, it preserves involvement with the music.

Most modern equipment, say that very interesting McIntosh unit, other choices, do not incorporate ’loudness’.

Chase RLC-1 Remote Line Controller has ’loudness’ built-in

It would not work with modern wireless, however any source via RCA cables could go to it first just for it’s automatic loudness feature, then to your system, whatever you buy, IF it has an RCA input option

This one is sold, but it shows it well

https://reverb.com/item/12411621-chase-rlc-1-remote-line-controller

They pop up on eBay, none listed now, it can easily be added later if one shows up.




Hello,
Before this turns into a 1000 post thread can you give exact details?
room size
type of music
what hour keeping
book shelf or floor stand speakers
close to wall or in the room
tube/ SS/ or a mix
used with tv or just music
color of products
and the final cost $$$.
Right now I’m at a Amazon Echo $100
Their was a good post about detailing the questions in the past. NAD M33 with Revel B126 and matching subs $13000. Blue sound built in. There is a new usb card and HDMI card options if you want video switching. Runs cool and speakers are beautiful. Hegel series in charcoal or flat white with a Lumin or less expensive BlueSound Node option with KEF LS50 Meta and the new sub that is 12”x 12”x 12” that goes down to 20hz in its sleep. The KEFs and BlueSound can be ordered in black or white. Starting at $6500 with Hegel20. If you are in the Chicagoland area I go to my
Local store: https://holmaudio.com/
They can ship. If not please find your local brick and mortar store. I hope this helped to start the journey. 
Thank you all for great recommendations and for sharing with me your thoughts on downsizing.

"down sizing my home"  Does this mean from a 10x16 listening room to a 10x16 studio apartment?  My divorce made that happen to me.
Looking at the system in your profile.   Appears to be a good system.
I would keep it.  All paid for!  Make them work in the new space.  Trim down by selling the vinyl reproduction components and the Magnepans.  Keep the Digital stuff, Intergrated amp and Fynes.

Sorry to tell you "Once an Audiophile, Always an Audiophile".  Can't make your ears "retire".
I thought I could get by with the FM off my smartphone and my computer speakers to listen to NPR. Talk radio!  Nope. 
I thought I could get by with an old Luxman intergrated, B&W bookshelf speakers and my dvd player to play cds.  Nope.
I found there are limits to what my Ears will accept of lowering my audio standards.  I had to spends more than I wanted to compromisingly satisfy it.  You already have that system.  Make it work.  And be okay with the compromises.  It still will be a darn good system.
Musikhead

I keep watching this venue and occasionally find some good info.  Not sure it's worth reading through all this infighting, though.

I'd take a look at the AVM all-in-ones.  Just add speakers.

Kindness and politeness rules.
+1 on the Kef LS50 Wireless II suggestion. If you want the bass the KEF KC62 Subwoofer or any small sub with a wireless option will help cut the cable clutter.

Please pay no attention to the arrogant suggestions to invest more into HiFi gear that your (as with us all) ever diminishing hearing is unable to take advantage of anyway.

If you haven't already invested in Roon, it might be a good option to manage your digital collection and Tidal/Qobuz streaming.
a minority opinion here, coming from somebody who dislikes the bose corporation. that said, i was surprised at how neutral and actually GOOD the bose SR-1 cinemate system sounds [with every kind of music] in every room i've tried it in. it uses semi-automated room correction to tailor its sound for the local environment. it is a compact soundbar unit with a wireless compact bass bin that must be placed in the general vicinity of the soundbar [or else the bass becomes localizable due to a relatively high crossover point and perhaps a bit of odd-order harmonic distortion] but properly dialed in, [with the right recordings] can fool the ear into believing the whole front section of the room is nothing but sound. you can sit or stand anywhere and the instrumental locations stay put at any listening position. it does not shriek or boom if adjusted correctly, and is possibly the best sound most folks [outside of the rarified 1% environ$ of audiogon]. the bass is usable down to the low 30s, the trebles are smooth enough, no peakiness. they don't make 'em anymore so if you want to try one, ebay is where it's at. 
I’d suggest you log onto the ASR website, in order to help guide you to your next point(s) of reference:

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php

Very cleansing, gets you back to a rational approach to musical enjoyment.
"...and you tell him, “downsizing is a mistake ...How is that not disrespectful..."

Well Matt, I am mostly here to share my experience with others with the hope they find what I say is useful. I gave my honest advice as to the way I might tackle the question/problem and that was to state that maybe an integrated amp and a pair of loudspeakers might be one way to go as did some others. Perhaps I am too blunt and I could have explained in detail that I at one time had tried to downsize and I was extremely disappointed in the result and perhaps someone else could learn from my experience and not make the same mistake I made. I spoke plainly, as I often do, but my only hope is the OP will at a minimum think about what I have offered or just dismiss my idea if it isn't useful for his situation. That's enough thread jacking for tonight, I'll move on...  
@russ69  - OP said, “I am now looking for a simple, enjoyable, good sounding and maybe all in one system to play mostly digital music. Any recommendations will be very much appreciated” and you tell him, “downsizing is a mistake”.

How in any manner is your advice in keeping with what the OP asked or helpful to them?  He’s very specific about what advice he is looking for and you tell him he’s making a mistake. How is that not disrespectful?

Matt
If money is no problem the RAAL sr1 headphone , or the Berning headphone amplifier with a top headphone would be my dream in the same situation....Downsizing in gear but not in S.Q. quality....

My best to you
"...Didn’t your mother teach you if you can’t say something nice then STFU?..."

Yes she did. Being retired and at one time downsizing the advice I gave was the best advice I could give (sometimes good advice is not what you want to hear but it's still good advice). My advice was in no way disrespectful nor did I tell him he was an idiot, it was offering hope and perhaps a different way to look at things. Sorry it didn't meet your standards.     
Astonishing the disrespect some posters show on this forum. The OP specifically asks about a simpler system for listening to digital. Two of the first three responders have the gall to tell him what an idiot he is for making his decision. @russ69  and @millercarbon we already know how you feel but your words are totally disrespectful to the OP. Didn’t your mother teach you if you can’t say something nice then STFU?

Matt
For older ears, I strongly recommend tone controls & a loudness switch on your amp.
Your ears will feel like they are 15 yrs old again :-)
from someone who owns two ( and a bunch of high end analog gear ), the NAIM Atom paired with a nice pair of even moderate 86-87db speakers will satisfy. Easy and there is a World of music out there.....
have fun, enjoy retirementÂ