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Bragging rights.....

I recently conducted an experiment and ended up moving from a very good sounding system consisting of separate components that I carefully assembled over time to a "future fi" system. Only part of the  phono rig, old speakers, their setup within the rooms, and speaker wires remain.

A Cambridge Evo 150 all-in-one replaced 9 different components including interconnect wires. I held onto all the old stuff until I reached the point where I was convinced they were no longer needed and recently have started to sell some of it to others.

The new streamlined system sounds really good! I’m not missing all that older stuff nor the work that went into assembling a good sounding system myself. ALso the flexibility to listen to music in many ways utilizing many different sources as desired is incredible!

So I think I lose some bragging rights.... it was easy to buy that one unit, hook it up, and deliver the good sound I always crave. Anybody could do it!

Also I think I no longer would lay any claim to being an "audiophile" anymore having made things so relatively simple. I will call myself an "audio enthusiast" now, however I still will always want to keep an eye on what else is out there...especially the latest and greatest innovative applications of technology that might still move things forward. "Future Fi" is the term I have read that seems to describe these kinds of transformative products these days.

Thoughts?

 

128x128mapman
mapman's avatar
mapman OP
21,879 posts
 

@asvjerry

 

Other than spls now limited to the low 90s at my main listening position, the amp in the newer Cambridge took everything to a higher level especially with the big Ohms than the gear it replaced, which was somewhat older….Bel Canto ref1000m monoblocks and Audio Research sp16 tube preamp, no slouches.  Listing for almost $8k together in their day. That’s with both digital and phono as a source. Everything is clearer, more detailed, better imaging and more dynamic. Not nearly as laid back as prior. The biggest differences can be heard with the best classical recordings as one would expect.  The Cambridge Evo 150 cost $3K back earlier this year. 

grislybutter
2,344 posts
 

after going full-on vinyl, this would feel like falling off the wagon. I hate streaming for it being so easy, and making me lazy.

But there is nothing wrong with all-in-one, probably way better synergy than anything else for this price

cns1946's avatar
cns1946
66 posts
 

Age has a way of having one look at simplifying one's life. Less things to deal with, and stop chasing the next best thing. We Like having an Integrated amp with separate DAC and music server though. Congratulations on your new streamline system..

asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,338 posts
 

@mapman , I've suspected a 'proper' D amp would mate well with Ohm units...

I've a couple of inexpensive units that have paired well with mine, so...

Happy to hear (no pun) that you're enjoying your new future. ;)

It is an impressive byte of tech, scary in that it only weighs < 12 lbs. in some ways.

Keep us appraised about any burn-in details you notice...which I'm sure you'll spend some time trying to ignore listening for.... *G*  Always nice to have 'something entirely different' in one's company. *L*

pcrhkr's avatar
pcrhkr
261 posts
 

Hey,  you already bragged! Ha,ha, but that's OK.  One part (of many) rewarding things of reading on this discussion forum is to learn what good products are out there. I am happy you found one you like.  I tend to pick components and live with them for at least a few decades until components start to affect the sound.  Like you I went from separates and went integrated and very happy with it.  Some people like to change systems and are on a journey. I have many interests and not the cash to dump into Hi Fi. It is fun though following the technology and others experiences. 

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