Need Advice on Downsizing :-


Recent tech layoff may force me to downsize my system in a couple of months, so I'd value advice on what two or three components I could give up in exchange for cheaper but acceptable performance. My system is as follows:

Audio Physic Virgo II
Blue Circle BC2 Monos
Sonic Frontiers Line III with upgraded tubes and extra tubes
YBA CD1a
2 sets of Nordost SPM Interconnects (1m, 2.5m)
FIM Gold Speaker Cable (8')
Pioneer DV09 DVD player
Cardas Golden Cross (1/2m)

Two potential options I see would be to sell the CD player and make do with the DVD player for a while. Another would be to sell the preamp and power amps and get an OK integrated.

Anyway, let me know what you think on what I might get rid of and what may work well in its place. I guess I'm looking to raise somewhere between $1.5k to $3k overall. Thanks in advance!
John.
128x128outlier
And you will... (land that job -- or better!). Been there before. Don't sell everything -- as I did!

May I second Bruce & Sugar's advice for the SPM, the FIM, and any expensive chords you may have. Replace all with OTA for now.
The only further option is the CD1a, which is expensive & should have a good resale value: one option there would be a reasonable cdp used as transport & a ART DI/0 (only suggesting this from hearsay)
John, I'm a fellow technology victim as well. Brutal downturn has had far reaching effects, the "tech wreck" of 2001 will be remembered as a slice of history best forgotten. I started up a company to address the semiconductor intellectual property niche, take a look at http://www.voyageurtech.com
The CDP you own is terrific, I'd hesitate to sell it unless you really have no choice. The cables and associated accessories can be sold and replaced with more modest stuff without having to resort to selling off the fine gear you've accumulated. Hang in there, the technology business is bound to recover sooner rather than later, it's hard to find a consumer or industrial product that is not using semiconductors (at an ever-increasing rate). Drop me a line if you'd like to exchange ideas on potential job opportunities.
I'm no expert on audio yet, but assuming your not making monthly payments... keep everything that your happy with. They're is a saying about cars, but it may apply to audio as well... "the cheapest one you'll ever have, is the one you already got".

When you do find another job, it will cost more to move back up to what you already have. So unless there is a piece you would like to replace anyway, I would keep it if at all possible.
I'd sell everything but the speakers and CD player. Then I'd buy a used Audio Refinement ("budget" YBA) integrated amplifier and Cardas Crosslink interconnect and speaker cables.
Outlier I am sorry about your dilemna as your system is very nice indeed. Actually my recommendation may be an improvement over what you currently have yet save you some money. I would suggest selling the amps and pre-amp, downgrading the cabling keep the speakers and buy a used Berning ZH270 Otl amp.

This amp has unusual flexibility and includes gain control 3 feedback settings to match with speaker damping, 70 watts a channel, weighs only 10 lbs and has sound from top to bottom riviling the best out there including control of the bass like few tube amps but the biggest. You don't need a pre-amp as it has 2 inputs on the back and is as quiet as death. A used one can be purchased for about 3K.

This may or may not work for you but it is certainly an option I recommend looking into. I know others will say it is a radical change to make in your system but I feel very confident in this recommendation. It will also free up some real estate in your room. If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me. This is one of the most amazing and innovative audio products I have ever come across since I've been in this hobby.