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Has a component ever changed your focus?

I’ve just made a change in my system  that changed my priorities. Swapping out a 2m black for a dL 103r.  Suddenly I’m listening to the music more than the system without having to think in such terms. 
Gone is the etched, hyper-detailed, scientific sound.... Instead, smooth, musical ease and emotional involvement. 
 Just as important, record surface noise has been cut dramatically. Opening up access to hundreds of LPs and I was reluctant play before. 
 And the new cartridge is still running in.
  I’m finding that after just a couple days, though collecting records was my favorite aspect of this hobby, now it seems to have so much more potential. I’m no longer thinking constantly of my next tweek.
 Has this happened to you? What component did you change that made you change the focus of your listening experience?

128x128lwal22
jsm71
141 posts
 

For me, the component change was my room.  I was running and enjoying Maggie 1.7s but I knew speakers well out into the room wouldn't cut it if our next retirement house didn't offer a dedicated listening room so I needed to find my retirement speakers.  Talk about a change of focus. 

JansZen came to the rescue with his Valentina hybrid ESLs.  This was a big jump up in cost and quality, but removed all the room limitations.  I have since changed out nearly every other component.  Linear Tube Audio's ZOTL40 amp and MZ2 preamp proved to be the best match for the new speakers.  The amp/preamp swap created the need for a new phono stage.  Don Sachs' custom phono stage now sits on the rack.  The last change was planned to align with retirement; my last turntable, the Technics SL-1200G.  All set now but needing to consider the room changed everything.

PS - my new house did give me a new and slightly bigger listening room, but I don't mind all the changes.  My new system is way better.  Room treatments and full cable upgrades were the finishing touches.

tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
how is the bass on the Denon?  I used one years ago and it lacked bass but that could have been a compatibility issue on my end.  They track wonderfully.  What is yours loaded at?
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
jPS Labs supuerconductor balanced interconnects between amp and preamp.  very neutral balanced sound.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
@iwal22 It’s important to go back in time, after you enjoyed your new toy, go back to what you replaced and critisized. Sometimes we’re looking for a change, but for how long we could live with something new? Your oldschool Denon LOMC (Conical stylus) is completely different compared to the modern MM cartridge, but would you like to try some decent vintage LOMC with advanced stylus profiles (not conical)?

If you like low compliance MC cartridges you can try Fidelity-Research FR-7f with its unique AIR-COIL, or RF PMC-3 (both utilized Line Contact styli). Compare those carts to your Denon next time you want something different.

In the past i’ve mostly rotated cartridges to find what i really like. Same with tonearms and tube rolling. Various phono stages too. Not so long ago i’ve changed one tube amp to another. Now i’m looking forward to change tube push-pull integrated to a First Watt power ampo and Pass Lab preamp.
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 

I have no idea why people hate simple answers and prefer

complicated. By each increase in my income I bought better

stuff.

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