replace a full Cello System?


an open question, and your comments are highly regarded...
I have a family friend with a Cello system (Palette, Performance II Amps, PS, Stradivari Speakers, strings). Its a monster system and she likes it. However, she has moved and believes the system is too big for her now. Given the current quality of her gear, can anyone suggest a 2009 approach to the following listener needs...(I know its subjective and apples/oranges, but please humor me)

- full sound, high definition
- power not as important (small apartment)
- speakers can't be huge
- she likes the palette, is there another pre that has parametric eq out there?
- CDs will be primary source, need input for one or two more sources in the future
- need to be able to pay for the new equipment with the sale of the old (preferably with money to spare)

I'm afraid I've been out of the game so long I'm not sure of a starting point. Any suggestions toward a solution would be helpful. thanks.
amfibianandrew
Your requirement is really quite unusual. Most serious audiophiles can only dream of acquiring a full-blown Cello system! After living with my own Cello system for an extended period, I can tell you from experience that your friend will likely regret any “downward” move she makes. Having said that, I have a suggestion that may solve her space and money requirements, and still preserve most of the sound quality she is accustomed to.

Your friend should keep the Audio Palette & Cello Strings. She can sell off the Performance Amps and replace them with a Cello Duet 350 (certainly not as powerful, but maybe even a bit better sounding). The Strad. Masters can be sold and replaced with a pair of Cello Legends. The Legends are substantially smaller than the Masters, and can even be placed on a large sturdy bookshelf if necessary. The Legends were magnificent speakers, and have a very similar sound to the Masters.

Feel free to contact me if you wish. I am the west coast rep. for Viola Audio Laboratories, and may be able to assist you in swapping out the equipment.
Ken G.
I have a couple of friends that had Cello electronics (Performance II + Encore and Duett 350 + Encore) and they moved to Viola Labs (Spirito + Bravo).

I think it´s the correct step if you have money, like Cello neutrality and control and are searching for more else like liquidity and refinement with that both aspects. Both Tom Colangelo and Paul Jayson are/were involved in this absolutely amazing world class components.

I seriously recommend your friend to listen Viola Labs.
Again, thanks to everyone for recommendations. The system is now for sale here on Audiogon.
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1233627102&/Cello-Music-System:-Stradivari

Feel free to contact me with questions or for a link to the image gallery.
I saw the owner kept the Palette. Is it the less expensive Palette Pre or more exotic Audio Palette? If it is the latter, I suppose she has an Audio Suite. Better keep this combination as the preamp/equalizer and replace other components. Suite/Palette are the SUPREMNA!