Did you ever just want to simplify?


Have you ever longed for a simpler system? Or a less complicated version of this hobby? I prefer simplicity, but somehow my audio system got complicated. Tubes, digital seperates, expensive cables, various tweaks, 100 lb. amps. I studied a lot and each bit of knowledge caused me to think about every aspect of an audio system, and every audio review or online commentary caused me to dream of new components. Some days it sounds good, others it doesn't. It's a resolving system and every tweak has an impact that seems to cause the equilibrium to resettle. Of course, it's never perfect, just different flavors. Sometimes I wonder if it was worth it. Sometimes i dream of a simpler system. Just turn it on and enjoy the music. Not have to worry about now which tube is going bad, trying to find the perfect tube for the DAC, what happened to my bass today, do I really need that big audio rack, why can't I rearrange the living room to get perfect sound forever? A nice integrated, a one-box (front loading) CDP, some unobtrusive speakers, a few good cables, a power conditioner (a luxury item in a simple system, but worth it in my experience) -- good. Now for the music.
budrew
Keep it simple, but no simpler-I believe Albert Einstein said this or something like this.
Interesting commentary. Sounds like we all struggle a little with the idea of simplicity. Obviously I still struggle with it. The one component I have not searched carefully for is speakers. Early on I ended up with some Tannoys and so far I've been happy with them. But at least I'd like to shop around and let my ears hear the options. I was considering a pair from the Tannoy Prestige line which is said to be a step up from the line I have. One speaker I'm looking at, the Yorkminster, weighs 135 lbs. each and are huge. The idea is appealling, but I wonder if I'll kick myself later for not getting something more manageable.

I can totally relate to what Rny said about reaching the end. I made a deal with my wife and so until October I can't change out any components. But there are so many I haven't tried yet! It's depressing. Sure, it's simpler not to be spending time demo'ing stuff, but my curiosity gets the best of me. I miss the journey.
Taking this concept to the extreme, I replaced some very well regarded tube and ss seperates with a 47 labs gain card which is about the size of a paperback book.
Mine's already pretty simple, but I am an extreme minimalist...what would be the ideal for me would be 2 active monitors (PMC etc.) and just one GOOD dvd/cd/sacd player...oh...and a pint size room shaking sub. Just dont know if there would be drawbacks to active monitors.
oh...also...I'd need that combi player to have a volume control (dont know if those exist)...or do they?

2 channel home theater zen...ahhhhh