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
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
I agree with the system upgrade! I must fight that urge! One thing that I will upgrade are the speakers. Tyler Acoustic's upgrade plan is a no brainer. 100% of your money back toward an upgrade, you can't beat that. While I love my Ref. Montiors, I know that I will love one of his bigger models even more!
Jax2, what would recommend for EL34's

Just the swtich from the mediocre Chinese tubes to some decent Russian tubes like Svetlana or JJ Teslas would be an improvement. If you want to spend some serious money go for NOS Mullards, but buy from a reputible tube dealer (The Tube Store, Vintage Tube, VTV...or?). For a more modest price the 1990's JJ Teslas in the blue and yellow boxes are damn fine for the money.

Marco