Help me down grade

A Squeezebox or Sound bridge are digital music controllers of sorts, somewhat similar in function to the traditional analog radio tuner.

However, they take digital signals in from multiple digital sources, generally over a wired or wireless (WiFi) network connection, the same as how laptop computers say connect wirelessly to a WiFi network and also the Internet.

Common sources of digital music that they connect to are various Internet based music or radio sources and digital music servers that might run on a laptop say in your home.

These devices also have an onboard DAC, though they are not as good as various outboard DACs available at reasonable cost today, so I would suggest that an audiophile will want to use these with an external DAC. They connect to the external DAC using the same kinds of wires typically used to connect CD transport or clock device to DAC. The DAC then connects to the pre-amp analaog line level inputs in the same way as would a conventional CD player.

See my system listing for an example of how this can work to deliver top notch sound on an otherwise conventional 2 channel rig. I use the Roku Soundbridge specifically in my system.

"Momma's got a squeezbox, daddy never sleeps at night."

My sincerest condolences on your upcoming nuptials. Losing your stereo system is but the first step in your emasculation.

That said, if you insist on downgrading, get a nice tubed integrated amp, like a PrimaLuna, hopefully it has a built in phono stage. Keep your analog gear, you could probably sell your Cary CDP and get a inexpensive replacement (Marantz CD-63SE). For speakers, you could get a pair of Proac or Dynaudio monitors.

Last word of advice, grow a pair and let her know that you can simplify, but it will cost more $$$, like a pair of Dynaudio Special 25 Anniversary speakers. I've been married for 25 years now, and I have trained my wife to stop asking for 'downsizing'. As each time I do it, it costs more and more $$$. Yeah honey, I can go from seperates to an integrated amp, because I love you. Then she finds out the $2K in seperates changes into a $5K integrated amp.....these new, smaller speakers cost $8K compared to those bigger, uglier speakers.....she learned fairly quickly.

I'm not a bad guy, I buy her some very nice toys too (diamonds, vacations, etc), but you have to train them that it's not ALL for them and NOTHING for you. Otherwise you will be in for a long, miserable experience.

Best Wishes,

John

Hi Mapman,

Thanks for your imput. I don't think I mentioned that selling the sterio was my idea. As I mentioned already, my hobby time is in photography now. If I had $8k for new small speakers, I'd have enough $ for a modest wedding and to keep my current system which is not worth 8k total. This is not about me losing a prized posession and her reaping the benifits. Its about hawking some things that have value and replacing them with things that make more sense at this time with our finances.

Actually, thanks for caring enough to give me advice on life and sterio equipment.

andrew

For wall/shelf mounting a pair of used Linn Kan II's (in good condition figure $400, or so) will sound good.

A used Linn Classik (all-in-one amp/CD + a tuner depending on the model) will mate well with the Kan's and the set should run less than $1500.

Unlike most speakers the Kan's do not suck when placed on the wall (they were designed for close to the wall placement).

You might also look into the small round Gallo speaker systems (two small/round speakers + their small powered sub).

Less expensive, but similar to the Gallo's, are Orb speakers (small round speakers + a small matching powered sub).

I'm familiar with tha Kan's and the early Gallo systems and would be fine with either.

Never listened to the Orb's.

What we use for casual listening (not listed with my system) is a Sharp SD-EX111 (all-in-one CD/tuner/amp) mated -w- small Polk RT15i speakers (placed on a bookshelf in the living room).

In that the speakers came from a local thrift ($15) and the Sharp was purchased @ closeout ($75 including shipping) this combo cost less the $100.

The Sharp retailed for $500 and the Polk's @ around $150.

If you are not in a hurry consider putting something inexpensive together like our Sharp/Polk combo.

Get a used Linn Classik k CD AM FM plus extras in one unit. Hook up a used pair of Linn Katan speakers and you should be good to go.