How long do you or should you keep your gear.

I’ve been an audiophile since Nixon was president. Like most audiophiles, I’ve upgraded various pieces from time to time. I’ve always prioritized audio over other expenses, like cars. I’ve never owned or operated an SUV or other premium vehicle, but my audio rig was always solid. Even so, I’ve always been very cash conscious. I built Heath, Dyna and Hafler kits back in the day. The Hafler gear in particular was solid. I’ve also been into home brew and kit design loudspeakers since forever. But now at age 70, I’ve gotten to Audio Nirvana.

Like many, I do experience audio lust. I’ve always deeply admired the Avalon line of loudspeakers. They do inspire lust. But then I fire up my custom built Linkwitz Orions and urge to make a change goes away. I’ve had my Orions for 15 years now and they are my forever loudspeaker. Being multi-amplified and calling for 8 channels of amplification, you don’t readily change out your power amp. Fortunately I run a B&K MOSFET 12 channel amp which does the job just fine. My rig is such a sweet system and I’m in love. I did get into a VTA tube preamp about 6 years ago and again, it’s love.

You can see the system at this link.

@bassdude 

I've heard both the Orion 3.x, the Orion 4 and the LX521.   I *LOVE* my Orion 3.3 system as I mentioned.  I haven't heard them side-by-side with the LX521, so I can't tell you how the imaging might be different.  My room isn't exactly perfect either, but it's enjoyable.

The place where the LX521 will certainly excel over the Orions is in the low end because of longer throw SEAS bass driver.  The Orion 4 system had the SEAS bass driver and I was deeply impressed as well there.

I could have swapped out bass drivers on my system and updated the crossover to match.  I would have also required me go with a much more powerful power amp as the SEAS bass drivers need it.  That would have been a LOT of money and it just wasn't that important to me.  

For a couple years I added some subs to the system and at first thought it helped, but have since pulled them.  I'm really quite happy with my Orions now, even with the stock Peerless bass drivers.

The thing I especially love about the Orions is the clarity and detail in the mid-range.  They're just wonderful on voices.  OMG.  After 15 years, it's still a joy, and they have no shortage of headroom either.

You *COULD* do the bass driver upgrade, but it's gonna cost you.  The drivers alone are $330 EACH.  That's about $1300 just for the updated drivers.  Then you have to update the crossover and get into some serious amplification.  The low end will be better - deeper and more headroom.  But it's going to cost you some loot.

@bassdude 

My personal e-mail is:
 

russ@russbutton.com

Drop me a line and we'll continue the conversation in e-mail.

Russ