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Has a component ever changed your focus?

I’ve just made a change in my system  that changed my priorities. Swapping out a 2m black for a dL 103r.  Suddenly I’m listening to the music more than the system without having to think in such terms. 
Gone is the etched, hyper-detailed, scientific sound.... Instead, smooth, musical ease and emotional involvement. 
 Just as important, record surface noise has been cut dramatically. Opening up access to hundreds of LPs and I was reluctant play before. 
 And the new cartridge is still running in.
  I’m finding that after just a couple days, though collecting records was my favorite aspect of this hobby, now it seems to have so much more potential. I’m no longer thinking constantly of my next tweek.
 Has this happened to you? What component did you change that made you change the focus of your listening experience?

lwal22

Showing 1 response by jsm71

jsm71
141 posts
 

For me, the component change was my room.  I was running and enjoying Maggie 1.7s but I knew speakers well out into the room wouldn't cut it if our next retirement house didn't offer a dedicated listening room so I needed to find my retirement speakers.  Talk about a change of focus. 

JansZen came to the rescue with his Valentina hybrid ESLs.  This was a big jump up in cost and quality, but removed all the room limitations.  I have since changed out nearly every other component.  Linear Tube Audio's ZOTL40 amp and MZ2 preamp proved to be the best match for the new speakers.  The amp/preamp swap created the need for a new phono stage.  Don Sachs' custom phono stage now sits on the rack.  The last change was planned to align with retirement; my last turntable, the Technics SL-1200G.  All set now but needing to consider the room changed everything.

PS - my new house did give me a new and slightly bigger listening room, but I don't mind all the changes.  My new system is way better.  Room treatments and full cable upgrades were the finishing touches.

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