How long do you or should you keep your gear.

This hobby allows you to keep what works for you (and still operates properly) or change in new items as fits your mood.

While I have several new items in my system, I still love my Denon DP-2000 drive and my Stax UA-7 tonearm. These pieces are mid-70s classics so that makes them about 46 years old.

Enjoy what works for you.

Happy listening!

@builder3 As far as I'm concerned, the SX 50 series was the high point of vintage pioneer receivers. The 750 is stupendous. I remember I so wanted a SX650 but my teenage budget could only stretch for an SX450, which to this day I remember fondly. I no longer have it as I loaned it to a relative who after a few years moved to a micro-system, and promptly discarded the 450 without asking if perhaps I would like it back. 

I follow one rule very strictly: I will never commit to buying a single

new piece od equipment without having the requisite cash on hand.

@russbutton

12-24-2021

"I’ve been an audiophile since Nixon was president... But now at age 70, I’ve gotten to Audio Nirvana.

... But then I fire up my custom built Linkwitz Orions and urge to make a change goes away. I’ve had my Orions for 15 years now and they are my forever loudspeaker. Being multi-amplified and calling for 8 channels of amplification, you don’t readily change out your power amp..."

Me too... 

I've had the Linkwitz 3.4 Orion's for 5+ years now with his ASP and the ATI 6012 multichannel amp (his set up).  And... like you... I think they may be one of the best sounding systems available.  I've got Harbeth 40.2's, Magnestand 1.6's (modified Maggies), and others, but - I think the Orion's top them all.  

I have thought about getting the LX521's from Madisound, but I'm not sure their sound would be much better.  

Just wondering if you ever had the original setup and how the set up you noted above is much better?

@bassdude 

I've heard both the Orion 3.x, the Orion 4 and the LX521.   I *LOVE* my Orion 3.3 system as I mentioned.  I haven't heard them side-by-side with the LX521, so I can't tell you how the imaging might be different.  My room isn't exactly perfect either, but it's enjoyable.

The place where the LX521 will certainly excel over the Orions is in the low end because of longer throw SEAS bass driver.  The Orion 4 system had the SEAS bass driver and I was deeply impressed as well there.

I could have swapped out bass drivers on my system and updated the crossover to match.  I would have also required me go with a much more powerful power amp as the SEAS bass drivers need it.  That would have been a LOT of money and it just wasn't that important to me.  

For a couple years I added some subs to the system and at first thought it helped, but have since pulled them.  I'm really quite happy with my Orions now, even with the stock Peerless bass drivers.

The thing I especially love about the Orions is the clarity and detail in the mid-range.  They're just wonderful on voices.  OMG.  After 15 years, it's still a joy, and they have no shortage of headroom either.

You *COULD* do the bass driver upgrade, but it's gonna cost you.  The drivers alone are $330 EACH.  That's about $1300 just for the updated drivers.  Then you have to update the crossover and get into some serious amplification.  The low end will be better - deeper and more headroom.  But it's going to cost you some loot.