Changing Amps?? Are you Sure??

Frap, thanks for starting this thread. I was thinking the same thing reading my recent issue of Stereophile which by the way contained the annual recommended components section. Does anyone know if the press, such as Stereiphile and the like, ever publish the recommended components of the decade or a wider range of time other than a year? I think most of us would be more interested in products that can last a life time and not just a year as mentioned by Frap. We want long term advices and directions from the press. I certainly like to believe that newer is not necessary better.

No Frap, you are definitely not from Mars, or if you are, you now got company. The D-150 was a classic if there ever was one and with the Quads a bit of heaven on earth indeed. On another thread by the way, I told the story of my Threshold Stasis from the seventies, which now and again I insert into my system, when one of my amps is defunct or ailing. Again and again I am flabberghasted at how good this ancient piece of gear indeed is! The mags need to elect new kings of the hill frequently, otherwise they would bore us soon to tears, have hence less readers and soon no more advertising. They have to be read to stay informed about what is going on, but always with a very critical mind. Easy for us old birds, who have been burnt a couple of times, hard for newbees though. Thanks for starting this post.

I see your point Frap. Detlof I totally agree that the newbees will have a hard time not getting caught up in the hype of new technologies and features. I'm a newbie in regards to taking the equipment that I listen to my music on more seriously and listening more critically. However, to most of us in this hobby it's hard to deny the feeling that runs through your body when you have a box at your door that's supposed to be the "end all" unit of the century. If magazines tend to influence your decisions on equipment more than hearing and having the need for the equipment, then you are in trouble. I have to read these magazines like I read the newspaper. Objectively and honestly from both sides of the coin. I understand that these magazines actually create appetites for these new pieces and continuously offer them to you until you feel that your system doesn't sound right unless you have this piece. I used to feel that it was hard to listen to music when I constantly had the hot new must haves floating around in my head. I tell you fellow "audiogonites" if you have the recommended list floating around in your head more than Dianne Reeves (Tribute to Sarah Vaughn) then you need to come back to earth, reground yourself and get back to the basics of your present system and the music you love hearing through it.

Old Newbie

I agree with you completely !!! I currently own my fourth pair of Jeff Rowland Model 7's, world class Classics by anyone's standards. Every time I sold them for the "newer better" I would always go back to the 7's. I purchased one of the first pair that Jeff built; I currently have one of the last pair that were built. As I am now getting older, poorer, & seemly much harder for hearing, I am sure this pair will be left for my sons to fight over. Great thread & good advise for some of the younger guys with this sickness. I could have saved myself countless hours & lots of money if I would have just stayed with what I started with. My current system is antique by current standards. Rowland electronics & Duntech Sovereign speakers, EAD CD & DAC. All the state of the art at the time of introduction. While everything is top of the line from the past, 1992 to present, I enjoy it all everyday. I am retired now. I think there is certainly a lesson to be learned here. Again, Great Thread !!!

I too agree, but with two caveats. First that certain amps/pre-amps and speakers are meant to go together. Your quads are exceptional speakers, but from what I understand a tough match for an amp. The second thought is maybe even more on point. The products mentioned above are all top flight products. Someone new to our hobby may not be starting out with class A products from the start, and for them upgrading is a must. The trick, like anything in life is knowing when to stop. From your post Frap I would assume the time to stop is when you love what you have. Once perfection in you own ear is found, STOP! I agree, this is excellent advise. J.D.