2. speakers
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new member, some questions, need help please

Hi, my name is Jaime.  I've been lurking this site more intensely over the past few months as i'm at the end of my career and would like to assemble a very nice, better than mediocre equipment and listening environment.  I was heavily into audio and considered myself an novice audiophile for a few year back in circa 1988.  Got into med school, married, children, mortgage, fast cars, fine wines and, well, you know how it goes thereafter.  fast forward onto the current epoch, a few lbs heavier, tinnitus in one ear and still have the bug and still covet some equipment that I could not afford back then.  Well, don't hear too much of Mark Levinson, Wilson Audio is still around, cassette player are out (remember Nakamichi :-) ), now there's so much digital this and digital that, servers, streamers.... I've got much to learn.  But, for now, I just have one question regarding one piece of the audio chain...... speakers

I've alway wanted to own Wilson Watt puppy ever since I first heard them in 1990 paired with Jadis amp and preamp.  Wow, still remember back then the music was palpable and haunting (remember i was and still am a novice).  I"d like to return to Watt puppy and a great amp, but here's my question:  Specifically regarding Watt puppy series 8..... are they too old to be meaningful in 2024? Do speakers lose their magic to an extent that renders them less capable to a significant extent after 15-18 years (assuming proper physical condition condition for their age) or do they still have enduring quality sound after all these years?  I know that my ears and temporal lobes of my brain ultimately have to please me, but I do have to start somewhere with some knowledge moving forward, hence my ask for help.. thank you very much in advance.

Jaime

jaimeromero
willywonka
237 posts
 

@vthokie83 This is what I'm doing. This will be my 4th straight year going to AXPONA. Already have my hotel and airlines tickets booked. Many of the rooms are not ideal for listening but it gives you a good idea of what is available and helps you narrow down your choices. Speakers are also on my purchasing list this year. I prefer planers/electrostatics and OB speakers. Also have been to numerous shows in Southern California and a couple of Rocky Mountain shows before they shut that down. If you don't have a higher end dealer close to where you live, then attending these large shows is the next best thing.

vthokie83
852 posts
 

willywonka

I am lucky enough to live in the Chicago area, about 20 minutes from where the show is held in Schaumburg; so I go every year. It really is a great way to find new gear and manufacturers, I still remember the first time I heard a couple of different Joseph Audio speakers; brilliant. Next year I will be focusing on streamers, and possibly speakers

rjinaz86323
3 posts
 

I retired a few years back and also wanted to get a nice system. In the past (since the 70’s) I have had pretty economical systems. I wanted something more high-end. In listening to systems I discovered that my hearing is not what it was when was younger. Yes, I could hear the difference between a $5k system and a $50k system, but couldn’t afford the later. I started auditioning systems at different price points and found the point where I was happy with the sound and still in my budget. I settled on an all in one streamer, preamp, DAC, and power amp from Linn Audio. I added a nice turntable (vintage LP12) and a pair of bookshelf speakers, as my listening room is very small. My total system was around $7.5k and does everything I need. I could have spent a more and not gained much, or spent a bunch more and moved to the next level, but not worth the cost vs. benefit for me.

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