2. misc-audio
  3. 1395247086

Stopped looking for the best system

I've been in this hobby since I was 16 years old and, like so many of us, have stayed on a constant quest of finding the perfect, or at least best for me, overall system. It's a quest, though, that has no end; there are just too many variables as well as listening tastes to address.

Many times I have made changes, put in a familiar and favorite CD and said, wow, I finally found the answer, only to find that the next CD selection was a disappointment. With that in mind, it crossed my mind that the best solution would be separate systems dedicated to certain genres of music, for examples, acoustic guitar, vocal, concert, etc.

Of course, that wouldn't be practical and there would still be a question in each case of whether I had gotten it right. So, the only real alternative is to try maximizing one complete system for everything which means that some things will necessarily be compromised.

This all sounds a little negative but it really isn't the case because it, at least, gives us all something to do. After all, the value of any hobby is in the journey. This journey, though, can be quite expensive so I consider myself somewhat fortunate to have a limited budget that restricts the number of choices. Further, if I was given access to anything available, regardless of cost, I'm sure I would still find some fault. O.K., so I guess I am being a little negative.

I'm pretty happy with my present system which I believe most would consider at least good. It consists of the Shanling S100 CD player, CAL Sigma 2 DAC, Rogue Audio Sphinx hybrid integrated amp, Straightwire Octave 2 biwire cable and Martin Logan Odyssey speakers. I've tried quite a few different amps and have gone through many speakers including Acoustat, Magnepan X 2, JM Labs, and Martin Logan (SL3, Prodigy and Odyssey). I got the present speakers and cable together in 2003 or 2004.

I cannot hear the difference in speaker or interconnect wires which may have something to do with my age (72) so it is something that I don't mess with any more. As a last ditch effort I will try a good tube based amplifier and have made a promise to myself and my wife that this will be the final big purchase.

O.K., I'm rambling with no other real purpose than to vent and I'm sure that these issues are not unique to me but as Dietrich on Barney Miller used to say "it had to be said".
128x128broadstone
broadstone's avatar
broadstone OP
310 posts
 
Once again, JMC, we seem to be on the same page. In this case I agree with your comment about multiple systems but, even if I were inclined to do so, I don't have the budget or space for this approach. Some of the music that I listen to with my setup is completely enjoyable and some other recordings I find quite unacceptable. Perhaps the best thing to do, then, is stick to recordings that work well with what I already have and take the rest out of our inventory. There are, after all, already quite a few selections that I don't listen to anymore anyway.

I've tried using selector switching devices enabling me to use different speakers with my best amp and, as it is presently set up, two different amps into the same speaker pair. I have yet to try a full tube amplifier in place of the hybrid that I now use and maybe that should be my next/ last trial.
bgeofft-duplicate-0
174 posts
 
I can relate and after many deaths of those close to me reality really intrudes and changes ones past paradigm. For many audiophiles these what matter matters are way down the road or so they may think. Soon enough though, it's dehumanizing medical tests, procedures, waiting rooms with old magazines, the "always on" television and disturbing blare of cellphone rings. Audio bling then loses much of its appeal. OK bummer thoughts off. Enjoy the music how ever and whenever you hear it. Chow.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Enjoy the music how ever and whenever you hear it.
Wow, great thought. If you can't perhaps you're in the wrong hobby.
isochronism
2,893 posts
 
Broadstone, I always enjoy and respect your posts and insight.... with fifty six years in this hobby you must have much prior tube experience:)
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
Tubes may get you another "aha" moment but I predict it will be a temporary "fix."
I'm quickly approaching 60 and am happy to say I have been off the merry go round for a few years. Stopped looking to better my setup a few years ago. Even more satisfying, I stopped "listening" to years ago; totally non-productive IMO.
Life changes can have a major impact as Airegin points out. Now I just enjoy my time with my family and am thankful for those rare occasions when I have time for a solitary listening session.
More to discover