How long do you or should you keep your gear.

@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.

Yes... I've thought about upgrading to the SEAS woofers also, but wasn't sure the improvement would be worth the cost, and difficulty.  I seem to recall that Don Naples said I had my ASP upgraded to the 3.4 (I sent to him to upgrade - don't recall the details), but I still have the Peerless woofers.  He did say I would need to replace a couple of resistors (or something) on the board, if I upgraded the woofers, and there was some minor spacers to add to fit the woofers in the current baffles.  

I'm not sure who I could have upgrade the ASP - I'm not sure Don is in business any longer.

I've also considered getting the Madisound kit and cabinets and building the LX521's - but, again wasn't sure the improvement would justify the cost and effort.  

Perhaps, it would be best to discuss via messages.  Maybe you could send me a message, or how I can contact you.  

as long as it pleases you playing music

@bassdude 

My personal e-mail is:
 

russ@russbutton.com

Drop me a line and we'll continue the conversation in e-mail.

Russ