2. amps-preamps
  3. 151769-129549

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
wsrrsw's avatar
wsrrsw
1,092 posts
 
+1 

PrimaLuna
Rogue

Want to really simplify? Use a streamer with a DAC. The high res files are stunning.
A system made of three things and an IPad.  KISS. 
Speakers 
Amp
Music Server. 
That’s all. 
Simple.  
Full confession I just did this. I don’t miss records. You very well may and this was right for me. 


gratefuleric
112 posts
 
I went from bi-ammped separates, outboard DAC to a Peachtree  Nova 300 with built-in everything including a killer DAC and i absolutely love it! Best sound ive ever had and gobs of clean power.
https://www.themasterswitch.com/peachtree-audio-nova300-review
ps
769 posts
 
@gratefuleric

+1
While my bi-amped tube separates still sound better, I will say, that given enough break-in time, the Peachtree Nova is a damn good unit. I've got the 150. Clean power, runs nice and cool,  good-looking, small footprint, excellent remote, and more features than I'll likely ever need.  My Nova took at least 350 hours of run-in time before it started to make music.  I almost gave up on it.  :)
goose
711 posts
 
As mentioned Luxman, Accuphase or the Asthetix Mimas integrated where you can add a DAC and Phono Stage.  I heard the Asthetix amps  (not the Mimas) at RMAF and they sounded very nice.
audiobill1
51 posts
 
I worked in the moving and storage business in Atlanta for years, half the time as the GM for a smaller company, and the other half as Senior VP of sales and marketing for a large premium service oriented company. There are 6 million people in the area, some with 50 million dollar houses. There are celebrities, corporate state-to-state relocations, well-to-do people who have too much stuff, art collectors, etc. We moved people in the Witness Relocation program, lions for Zoo Atlanta, multi-million dollar art collections, and your next door neighbor. I am about to turn 59 and realize that I have too much stuff. If you don't downsize your system, then definitely downsize everything else. My first real pair of speakers were Cornwalls back around 1980. I now have KEF Reference 3's that I want to sell and have advertised. I'm going to find some decent bookshelf speakers and use my subs. If I move to a different place, then I won't have to carry as much. So in my old ranch house with 14 rooms, do I really need 8 systems? It's nice to have music everywhere, running on SONOS, but I need to take my own advice and go leaner and meaner. Lighter weight is better. Good luck.
More to discover