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What component to hang on to?

Hello all,

So - the search for a new truck and house infrastructure needs make me consider selling off my main listening system. Having said that, I remain a consummate audiophile who knows I’ll eventually rebuild my system. However, I;’m thinking I should hold onto ONE element in the chain to serve as a building block for my future system. Any advice on what component to hold on to would be appreciated. Or sell all of them?

Components:

Acoustic Zen Adagio speakers (sold)

Hegel 160 integrated

Oppo 105 BDP

VPI HW-19 MK4 turntable with SAMA with Benz Micro Ace SH cartridge and Sumiko FT-3 tonearm

Jolida JD9 Mk 2 phono with Mullard tubes

AZ Tsunami IC’s

Decware Styx cables
128x128simao
2channel8
758 posts
 
I agree, @simao , that the Oppo will be very, very hard to replace at a decent price; so I'd keep it; especially if yuo have a nice SADC/HDCD/DVD-A collection.

I don't know how acute your need for capital is; but it seems there is much demand for the VPI. You'd probably get the best ROI from selling it. Too bad since you really like it.
simao's avatar
simao OP
1,838 posts
 
I'm not particularly wedded to any component. I'd be happy tebuilding my system starting with a Well Tempered or a Rega 8 or even another VPI. 

But that HW-19 is exquisite. 
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,485 posts
 
Get rid of it all and start anew when you're ready.
simao's avatar
simao OP
1,838 posts
 
So - the Hegel 160 is gone, sadly. What a beautiful component and well deserving of all the praise it received.

I replaced it with a forgotten Sony receiver I'd bought from Crutchfield a few years ago. Set it up, made all the IC and speaker connections (still the Adagios - which will be picked up by the buyer in a few weeks) and started with Roxy Music's "True to Life", followed by "More Than This."

Verdict: What you'd expect. Flat soundstage, little instrument separation, somewhat muddy presentation. The Adagios and the Oppo tried their best to present the music well, but were limited. Still, the Sony wasn't especially bad, considering what it was made for.
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