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Considering simplifying my system... talk me down (or whatever)

I few weeks ago, I turned eighty.  I don't know how that happened to me, but it did, so I suppose I've officially entered Geezerhood.  Although I'm now ancient, I am anything but deaf.  I have been gifted with extraordinary hearing throughout my life and it continues to this day... I love music (my wife is a professional pianist), and I have enjoyed my current system for several years.

That said, I have been considering simplifying my system by selling my current line stage preamp, phono preamp, and power amplifier (Sonic Frontiers SFL-2, Sonic Frontiers SFP, and Audio Research VT-100, respectively), and replacing the three with a single integrated amp.  

To my ears, this system is extraordinary.  These pieces drive what may be among the best Klipschorns on the planet: 1972 K-horns, modified with Martinelli tractrix mid horns with TAD2001 drivers, JBL 2404 tweeters, and Al Klappenberger's extreme slope networks (20db/octave).  I'll be keeping these until I need some nursing home money (!)

The last time I visited the Klipsch factory (in Hope, Arkansas!), they were using a Cayin something-or-other in their listening room... it was glorious, I think one of those would do quite nicely for me.

Perhaps there is no logic at all to this "simplifying" idea.  I've just been thinking that sooner or later we will find ourselves in a different living situation and perhaps simpler might be better.  So, I'm leaving it  to the brain trust here to talk me down.

Have a nice weekend, y'all
128x128pinkyboy
goose
685 posts
 
As mentioned Luxman, Accuphase or the Asthetix Mimas integrated where you can add a DAC and Phono Stage.  I heard the Asthetix amps  (not the Mimas) at RMAF and they sounded very nice.
audiobill1
51 posts
 
I worked in the moving and storage business in Atlanta for years, half the time as the GM for a smaller company, and the other half as Senior VP of sales and marketing for a large premium service oriented company. There are 6 million people in the area, some with 50 million dollar houses. There are celebrities, corporate state-to-state relocations, well-to-do people who have too much stuff, art collectors, etc. We moved people in the Witness Relocation program, lions for Zoo Atlanta, multi-million dollar art collections, and your next door neighbor. I am about to turn 59 and realize that I have too much stuff. If you don't downsize your system, then definitely downsize everything else. My first real pair of speakers were Cornwalls back around 1980. I now have KEF Reference 3's that I want to sell and have advertised. I'm going to find some decent bookshelf speakers and use my subs. If I move to a different place, then I won't have to carry as much. So in my old ranch house with 14 rooms, do I really need 8 systems? It's nice to have music everywhere, running on SONOS, but I need to take my own advice and go leaner and meaner. Lighter weight is better. Good luck.
joshelston
53 posts
 
I’m 40 so I don’t know how much value my comments may have.  Another member asked what’s your goal in simplifying.  Less boxes, cables? Lower cost? What about budget?
I’m all in favor of simple.  My dad has an awesome system but it’s very complicated. I remember how awesome it sounded and how impossible it was to work.  Perhaps there was some strategy in there to ward off his kids from the system.  
Now, as a dad of 4 little ones I want them (and my wife) to enjoy music too.  To me, that means they can actually make it work.  
I like wsrrsw’s comments.  
3 recommendations I have along these lines: Gold Note IS 1000. You can find these used on AGon for $3k. It has all you could want in one box.  Second one is a Vinnie DiRossi LIO, it’s modular.  You can add and subtract capabilities as you wish.  Fully loaded can get quite high, $10k. Splitting the difference I would recommend a Naim supernait 3 which has a phone stage within the integrated amp, $4500.

Keep enjoying the music and the hobby.

mambacfa
75 posts
 
It's great to be happy with what you have, but why not make the changes you will eventually need NOW, when you can take your time and create ANOTHER great system?

I'm in the process of simplifying my system and it's going very well, without any loss of sound quality. I found a great deal on an integrated Esoteric F-05. Luxman makes an equally good product. One less expensive power cord and interconnect also makes this cost effective. 

I also got rid of my headphone amplifier after I learned that you can connect your headphones to the second pair of speaker taps. No danger of "blowing them up" - speakers are speakers - I just lower the volume a bit. I ended up with a few extra bucks in my pocket.
dwhess's avatar
dwhess
72 posts
 
When I first read your post I thought, yea good idea. But after reading some of the other posts, I think you might want to wait a while or at least slow it down. The last thing you want to do now is give up something that you spent so much time perfecting and enjoying. I'll bet some of your items have sentimental value to you also. Congratulations on turning 80.
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