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Collecting Within One Brand

As a reader of Audiogon for years I've taken note of many people collecting across brands. While I'm always tempted to buy a different preamp or Cd player (and have indeed done so), adding to my speaker collection is done strictly within a single brand. I wonder how common this is.

How many people try and collect the best from one manufacturer? For me - its like collecting all of Van Morrison's releases or making certain I have every Eva Cassidy single and album which has been placed for sale. I'm more curious about how the artist or manufacturer who has captured my ear has progressed throughout the years than I am at comparing them to a band or brand I don't have the same strength of feeling for.

So far - this compulsion has just been limited to speakers - and of course to music. Anyone else addicted to a single line of speakers? Mine is KEF - especially the reference series units of the 1980's. Anybody else out there?

Warm regards,

Scott
martlet
martlet OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for the replies. Collecting McInt is a passion for so many - it should have been the first brand to come to mind. I think unless I am careful I could find myself in that company too.

With regard to the KEF attraction I have to say I get a special kick out of occasionally parting with a pair (and oh how that hurts every time I do it). I purchased a pair of 103.2 ref ser and as they were on the West coast arranged for a friend to try them out before shipping to me in the east. I'll never forget the call from my friend and two relatives (over to help "test" the speakers) and how they decided on the spot that the speakers would never reach me. Due to their overwhelming approval I agreed, though it took six years to catch up with another pair (this time locally).

Likewise I was separated from a prized pair of 101.1 ref ser when I promised to provide a complete vintage system to some friends - certain that I would find a reasonably priced pair for them in a three month time frame - a mistake I won't make again anytime soon!

I recall having the hardest time getting my ear use to KEF speakers (104/2). The sound quality was so "implicit." It was almost like training my hearing to a new sound. Once there, it has been hard to either turn back or to a different direction.
Post removed 
martlet OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for the reply on Eva. I join with you in celebrating different musical tastes. For the purpose of qualifing my inclusion of her name to this forum may I respectfully point out one of the many mentions her recordings get in audiophile circles...

http://www.stereophile.com/content/esoteric-k-01-and-k-03

Additionally - it should be noted that Nightline (Ted K.'s era) aired a profile on her three times, a rare number of repeats for any news based program.

http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/video/rainbow--10170062

Of course even with substantial sales of her music, it is understandable that some will prefer other musicians and/or styles. Thanks once again for the comment.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
For me it was Meadowlark Audio speakers. I never got around to the top end products from the company as we moved an my room got smaller instead of larger. At one point I had three pairs of the entry level Kestrels.
adam18
670 posts
 
Martlet..... THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for linking us to the ABC story about Eva Cassidy. It is a wonderful piece of TV journalism about a truly fantastic singer. My eyes are moist with tears and my heart is full of joy after watching it. I've been a big fan of Eva's for quite some time now, and her "Live at Blues Alley" disc is one that I play over and over again, more amazed with each listening session. She was quite a talent, taken from us at far too young an age. Rest in peace Eva, and thanks for the tunes. Bravo.
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