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Where do I go from here?

We finally moved into a home that allows me to unbox the remnants of a system that I boxed up almost 20 years ago.  After two decades, I'd forgotten what I had until I unboxed a pair of Martin Logan Class, a pair of Acoustat 1+1s, a Robertson 6010.  At one point I owned a BAT VK-60, butsold that and an Audible Illusions preamp around  2008...a decision that I regret today.  I also uncovered new replacement panels for the CLSs.  Since this stuff has been boxed-up I've been away from audio completely.  That's about to change.  I plan to continue enjoying the CLSs and plan to return to tube tube amps.  I loved the VK-60's sound and it looks fantastic.  

My question is more about streaming.  My sense is that I get away with a streamer, subscribe to a service, and use it as my pre-amp connected to the power amps. ..  Is it that simple?  I don't want to deal with  CDs or vinyl.  I want to simplify my life.  I'm looking for feedback.  Is my plan viable? 

patrickalston
jl35
3,981 posts
 

Just read some reviews on the WiiM Pro Plus. Worth checking out. 

patrickalston OP
9 posts
 

While I understand the potential benefits that come with separates, I really want to keep my system simple by having the digital source rolled up into one package.  I'm not a critical listener anymore.  It just needs to sound (and look) good to us.  My home has  an open floorplan and, although we're still unpacking from our May move into this home, I suspect we'll be moving from our current location in two years into a home that we plan to build.  Ideally, I'd Iike a one-box digital solution that can act as a pre-amp, a power amp (perhaps dual monos), the CLSs, and a sub or two.  That's it.  As I approach 60, I want to shed the excess stuff in my life. 

For the amps, I was a big fan of the BAT VK-60 and would love to find a pair, but I'm also interested in the Cary monos.  I've got a line on a set of the 211s that may become available.  Love the way they sound, but not sure if they'd be the right match for my CLSs which aren't going anywhere.  

jl35
3,981 posts
 

For simple and good, Cambridge and Bel Canto Integrated Amps including Streamer/DAC...lots of Streamer/DACS with volume control...though a pair of CLS, a sub or two, and tube mono blocks hardly sounds simple...some great choices though and lots of good stuff out there in all configurations and prices...

ghdprentice
6,967 posts
 

Have a look at Linn. They have some very good sounding units from streamer / DAC all the way to everything in a single box. They sound stunning.

patrickalston OP
9 posts
 

After having a back-to-back comparison between streaming and vinyl.  I've decided that I am not going to used a streamer as my primary music source. We listened to Hugh Masekela's Stimela [Coal Train] (Analogue Productions AAPJ 117-45) and The Blind Mice's Midnight Sugar (Impex AIMX 6022-45).  The  the vinyl was unequivocally better than the streamed version which, by comparison sounded flat.  I never expected such a difference. 

I haven't owned a turntable in over 40 years, but that's about to change.  I'm not sure which table, but I looked at VPI and Feickert Analogue (about 8K just because that's what was available.  This is an area where I am most ignorant about what I should purchase.  The Feickert Woodpecker at around $8K may be more than I'm willing to spend on a turn table (I'd like to be around 5K all in for a table)...I don't know.  So, I'm interested in any thoughts.  

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