Good post. I have the same experience and probably spend considerably more time listening to my 2nd and 3rd systems than my main one.
The office system is mostly lossless files connected by Toslink from an iMac to a Simaudio 100D DAC, then to a Jolida EL84 tube integrated and on to a pair of JohnBlue JB3 speakers. Very satisfying sound in a nearfield situation and having immediate control over thousands of tunes, both from files on the hard drive and the world of music available online makes for interesting listening.
In the garage is a system that most here would consider low-fi, an old Airport Express getting the stream from the iMac in the house, an Audioengine D1 DAC, a DIY chip amp and a pair of Boston Acoustics speakers I rescued from a trash bin at work, total outlay less than $200. It sounds pretty damn good and makes working in the garage much more enjoyable.
If I'm playing music I love I can completely enjoy it almost anywhere, played through almost any system.
The office system is mostly lossless files connected by Toslink from an iMac to a Simaudio 100D DAC, then to a Jolida EL84 tube integrated and on to a pair of JohnBlue JB3 speakers. Very satisfying sound in a nearfield situation and having immediate control over thousands of tunes, both from files on the hard drive and the world of music available online makes for interesting listening.
In the garage is a system that most here would consider low-fi, an old Airport Express getting the stream from the iMac in the house, an Audioengine D1 DAC, a DIY chip amp and a pair of Boston Acoustics speakers I rescued from a trash bin at work, total outlay less than $200. It sounds pretty damn good and makes working in the garage much more enjoyable.
If I'm playing music I love I can completely enjoy it almost anywhere, played through almost any system.