2. misc-audio
  3. 179773-40

Bragging rights.....

I recently conducted an experiment and ended up moving from a very good sounding system consisting of separate components that I carefully assembled over time to a "future fi" system. Only part of the  phono rig, old speakers, their setup within the rooms, and speaker wires remain.

A Cambridge Evo 150 all-in-one replaced 9 different components including interconnect wires. I held onto all the old stuff until I reached the point where I was convinced they were no longer needed and recently have started to sell some of it to others.

The new streamlined system sounds really good! I’m not missing all that older stuff nor the work that went into assembling a good sounding system myself. ALso the flexibility to listen to music in many ways utilizing many different sources as desired is incredible!

So I think I lose some bragging rights.... it was easy to buy that one unit, hook it up, and deliver the good sound I always crave. Anybody could do it!

Also I think I no longer would lay any claim to being an "audiophile" anymore having made things so relatively simple. I will call myself an "audio enthusiast" now, however I still will always want to keep an eye on what else is out there...especially the latest and greatest innovative applications of technology that might still move things forward. "Future Fi" is the term I have read that seems to describe these kinds of transformative products these days.

Thoughts?

 

mapman
mapman's avatar
mapman OP
22,927 posts
 

@juanmanuelfangioii the Cambridge has been pretty reliable. It can be fussy when pairing bluetooth sources for input or output and usually requires a restart prior to pairing new devices, but once paired works well.

Also the on-board music library streaming application is very limited but I typically never use that, rather I use PLex then connect from device running PLex to the Cambridge using various means. Roon would accomplish same. Were I not using Plex I could connect my usb drive with music files directly and that would probably perform faster with library ops than current wifi connection, but Plex ( server running on small home computer) allows me to stream from anywhere not just my house and also provides advanced music discovery features similar to Roon (using Plexamp app) so that is not going away in the foreseeable future.

The Cambridge allowed me to retire my old Squeeze System-based streaming, including Logitech MEdia Server and multiple Squeeze devices (Squeezebox Touch) I had used for many years prior.

 

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,795 posts
 

@mapman

Ah….I remember that now. I bet LS50 + SW308 sounds pretty awesome in your smaller room. My first “future fi” experience was 14 years ago when I dumped the Onkyo receiver + 5 Polk Audio speakers in favor of SONOS Soundbar. 

mapman's avatar
mapman OP
22,927 posts
 

@lalitk

 

Yes that combo in that room is very tuned in and is really good for hearing all there is in any particular recording. .

noromance's avatar
noromance
10,184 posts
 

No way. I've got to justify my 28 tube turntable based kit. 

elliottbnewcombjr
5,929 posts
 

all in one tube unit?

remote: vol; mute; (remote balance would be nice);

stereo/mono modes; mm phono (external sut ok for mc); dac (upgradable); 4 line in; ht bypass; tape loop; processor loop; two out

preferably 6sn7

More to discover