Down graded, with fantastic results


I sold some gear recently to raise some cash. I sold a pair of Cary/AES Six Pacs mono amps, a Cary/AES DJH preamp and a pair of B&W 703 speakers. I purchased a pair of Tyler Acoustic Ref. monitors and a Jolida 302b integrated amp to go along with my Jolida CD player, all wired with Signal cable speakers. My wife does not usually comment on the "sound" of our system, but last night when the Jolida amp finally arrived, she loved the sound of it. I must admit, it does sound fantastic! And at a fraction of the cost of my former gear! $2,050 is the cost of the new stuff. $6,200 was the cost of the AES and B&W gear.
gretsch6120
Yes indeed, purchased a new Gibson 175, jazz box! My new stuff is awesome! It has such sweet, beautiful mids. I was listening to some Wes Montgomery, he was IN my living room. Next came "American Beauty" by the Grateful Dead, the HDCD remaster, another fantastic listening experience. Now, my old gear was very nice, maybe a bit more bass slam, but my new stuff is warmer and more intimate sounding, if that makes sence. The Tyler Acoustics throw such a huge sound stage.
Good on'ya man! The 302B was my first tubed integrated. I enjoyed the heck out of it too. I'll second the recommendation to roll tubes in it, especially the EL34's. I really don't believe you have to spend a ton of money to have a very engaging system. Congrats and enjoy!

Marco
Gretsch6120 ... now, if you can only ignore the urge to "upgrade" when it starts to gnaw at you! It happens to everyone ... all that new gear, some attractive prices on AGon used components, the certainty that for just a few more dollars you'll find Audio Nirvana ... when the system you have, the one you've put together and love, is exceedingly satisfying! You've found inner peace ... work hard to keep it!
I recently did the same thing and am more satisfied with my system now than ever. I went all Signal cable as well and I went with Tyler Freedom series speakers. Those are two things we have in common with our "downgrades". I really like the Tylers alot - extremely musical. Great sound with minimal cash outlay feels really good.

Jack