Considering simplifying my system... talk me down (or whatever)


I few weeks ago, I turned eighty.  I don't know how that happened to me, but it did, so I suppose I've officially entered Geezerhood.  Although I'm now ancient, I am anything but deaf.  I have been gifted with extraordinary hearing throughout my life and it continues to this day... I love music (my wife is a professional pianist), and I have enjoyed my current system for several years.

That said, I have been considering simplifying my system by selling my current line stage preamp, phono preamp, and power amplifier (Sonic Frontiers SFL-2, Sonic Frontiers SFP, and Audio Research VT-100, respectively), and replacing the three with a single integrated amp.  

To my ears, this system is extraordinary.  These pieces drive what may be among the best Klipschorns on the planet: 1972 K-horns, modified with Martinelli tractrix mid horns with TAD2001 drivers, JBL 2404 tweeters, and Al Klappenberger's extreme slope networks (20db/octave).  I'll be keeping these until I need some nursing home money (!)

The last time I visited the Klipsch factory (in Hope, Arkansas!), they were using a Cayin something-or-other in their listening room... it was glorious, I think one of those would do quite nicely for me.

Perhaps there is no logic at all to this "simplifying" idea.  I've just been thinking that sooner or later we will find ourselves in a different living situation and perhaps simpler might be better.  So, I'm leaving it  to the brain trust here to talk me down.

Have a nice weekend, y'all
128x128pinkyboy
If I make it to eighty with good ears nobody's changing nothing I listen to. Unless I upgrade.

You may have someone close that wants to pick up where you left off. They may even feel you around them when they listen to it . That is of course your system lives longer than you . 
Long may you ride 

Look at it this way- from what you have to something like say a Prima Luna integrated isn't really simplifying. Its really an upgrade.
Simplifying is the way to go!

Integrated tubes may be in your future. I suggest you try out:
  • Rogue
  • Audio Research
  • Luxman’s tube integrateds


On the solid state side:
  • Ayre
  • Luxman



Best,Erik
Accuphase is releasing a new integrated in the next few months with the new E800, 50 watts pure class A 8 ohm, 100 watts 4 ohm and 1000 damping factor. 

Accuphase doubles power down to 1 ohm.