I'll give you my personal(non sonic)take on this.....
After years in this hobby,I finaly have a system that I have no desire to upgrade anymore(for a month or two,at least)since I feel I have the "sonic signature" I've been after......Yet...
My friends' set-ups,my own set-up,and the super set-ups I constantly hear at shows/dealers/acquaintances just seem to be getting far to complex.
This surely will invite inevitable downtime,due to the nature of "these" configurations.Yes,they do sound superb...but...
I have heard some horn set-ups which do quite a nice job,and if chosen carefully,require far less complexity in the partnering equipment.I've thought alot about this,and would think seriously about a "simple" horn set-up in the future.
Take a look at the circuitry in the latest "First Watt Amp"(perfect for horns).The F-5 model.
This amp will most likely last a lifetime,with NO relibility issues(very simple/beautifully carried out circuitry)but does not have the kind of power for speakers like my friend's power hungry Magico Minis.AHorn" though?Fabulous!!!
After years of occassional reliability issues,which we all have,or will experience(mine have had very happy endings)it becomes a pain in the tush to even "think" about repacking stuff up.Waiting for lengthly service.Worrying about multi tube heat/reliability,and....
just too many component boxes inviting more "mess-around" time,with less listening time.Some folks like this.I used to be one of them.
Now, I just want a superb/simple set-up,which does what my years in the hobby has earned me(I think).
Simple "set amp","pre" and non complex ancillaries(not the rediculous multi box/multi tubed/multi bucks monsters some reviewers pitch,which will also require a "refridgerated listening room")and you're good to go!
Just my two cents!
After years in this hobby,I finaly have a system that I have no desire to upgrade anymore(for a month or two,at least)since I feel I have the "sonic signature" I've been after......Yet...
My friends' set-ups,my own set-up,and the super set-ups I constantly hear at shows/dealers/acquaintances just seem to be getting far to complex.
This surely will invite inevitable downtime,due to the nature of "these" configurations.Yes,they do sound superb...but...
I have heard some horn set-ups which do quite a nice job,and if chosen carefully,require far less complexity in the partnering equipment.I've thought alot about this,and would think seriously about a "simple" horn set-up in the future.
Take a look at the circuitry in the latest "First Watt Amp"(perfect for horns).The F-5 model.
This amp will most likely last a lifetime,with NO relibility issues(very simple/beautifully carried out circuitry)but does not have the kind of power for speakers like my friend's power hungry Magico Minis.AHorn" though?Fabulous!!!
After years of occassional reliability issues,which we all have,or will experience(mine have had very happy endings)it becomes a pain in the tush to even "think" about repacking stuff up.Waiting for lengthly service.Worrying about multi tube heat/reliability,and....
just too many component boxes inviting more "mess-around" time,with less listening time.Some folks like this.I used to be one of them.
Now, I just want a superb/simple set-up,which does what my years in the hobby has earned me(I think).
Simple "set amp","pre" and non complex ancillaries(not the rediculous multi box/multi tubed/multi bucks monsters some reviewers pitch,which will also require a "refridgerated listening room")and you're good to go!
Just my two cents!