I'm 83.5 and have been working on downsizing with limited success for several years. The real downsized setup is an Ayre A7e integrated, Codex DAC with microRendu that plays files sent via Ethernet from a Mac Mini by Roon. The speakers are KEF LS50s. The sort of downsized setup is Ayre QX-5 digital hub that plays files sent via Ethernet from an iMac, KX-5 DSD disco player, KX-5/20 preamp, and VX-5/20 amp. The speakers are KEF Ref 1s. I think the ultimate downsize when we move to a local retirement complex will be a merger of the two: Ayre QX-5 for streaming, DX-5 DSD disco player, A7E or AX-5 integrated, KEF Ref 1s.
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
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
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- 68 posts total
- 68 posts total