Thinking of starting over....
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nooshinjohn
Posts: 25,102
I am considering a massive overhaul of my two channel setup and simplifying everything. No component is off limits, as I am thinking of going to an integrated amp of some kind and selling off just about everything, including the amps and the 1.2tl's... Any advice?
The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
Comments
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I have a simple piece of advice......
Have The Noosh drop you off at the looney bin for a nice long "rest". -
nooshinjohn wrote: »I am considering a massive overhaul of my two channel setup and simplifying everything. No component is off limits, as I am thinking of going to an integrated amp of some kind and selling off just about everything, including the amps and the 1.2tl's... Any advice?
Why?
2 channel:
Bryston 4B3, Bryston BDA3, Cary SLP05, Shanling CDT1000SE with parts conneXion level 2 mods, Nottingham analogue ace space 294, soundsmith Carmen MKii, Zu DL103 MKii, Ortofon MC 20 MKii, Dynavector XX2 MKii, Rogue Audio Ares, Core power technologies balanced power conditioner, Akiko Corelli power conditioner with Akiko Audio HQ power cable, Nordost heimdall 2, Frey 2, interconnects, speaker and power cables, Focal Electra 1028 BE 2, Auralic Aries Femto, Black diamond racing cones, ingress audio level 1 roller blocks, JL Audio E110 with Auralic subdude, Primacoustics room treatments.
Theater:
Focal Aria 926,905,CC900, SVS PB ultra x2. Pioneer Elite SC85, Oppo BDP93, Panamax M5400PM, Minix neox6, Nordost Blue heaven LS power cables. -
Makes sense,, the best rigs that my old ears have heard were simple,, one was the rig that Jesse had at a CF years ago,, the other was mine
JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut) -
Just one, hold the 1.2tl's until I get there with my $28.
All kidding aside, sometimes starting over can be fun. What direction are you going besides simple? Are you downsizing as well? 2-channelBelles 22A Pre, Emotiva XPA-2 Gen 2, Marantz SA8005, Pro-Ject RPM-10 Turntable, Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3B, Polk Audio Legend L800's, AudioQuest Cable throughout. -
Why get rid of the 1.2TL's? You will kick yourself if you do.
Tube power amps can get tiresome. My brother bought Ted's (Reeltrouble 1) BAT VK-60 mono's. He has since moved them on because he just didn't want to futz with tube power amps. The heat, the warm up, the tweaking.
Sometimes simple isn't better. Once you get a taste of superb system, it's hard to go back unless you retrain yourself.
H9"Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul! -
I say go for it John.....but your not dumping the vinyl setup you just spent new car kinda money on are you ?HT SYSTEM-
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Polk Sig. 20's
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
Grant Fidelity tube dac
B&k 1420
lsi 9's -
I think selling the SDA's would be a mistake. If you're going to go for it, go for it. I'll be curious to see what you get and what you think.afterburnt wrote: »They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.
Village Idiot of Club Polk -
John does live in the land of the most brick and mortar audio shops left alive to listen to gear.
Suggestion would be to go to THE Newport show to start
The Hotel Irvine
17900 Jamboree Rd
Irvine, CA 92614
6/3-6/5
man-O-man you have great gear, process would be slow acting2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC
erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a -
Single ended 2A3s and Altec (or Great Plains Audio) Duplexes.
Whatever source you like (half-track stereo tape @ 7-1/2 or 15 ips is nice if you want to go a little off the beaten path).
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Wow, John, what do you feel you're missing?
I'd say shelve what you have as a sort of backstop. At least the stuff that would be difficult if not near impossible to replace, should you find that your current setup is better than you're feeling. I think seller's remorse can be worse than buyer's.I disabled signatures. -
I'll take #12 on the Karma for the Carver amps! oh wait... any advice. At that level, none, I'm still a long ways from getting to that level!VA HT HK AVR20II, Sony S9000ES CD/DVD/SACD, Polk Audio RC80i / Polk Audio CSi3, 60" Panasonic Plasma, Nordost / Signal Cable A2 / Wireworld / Pangea / Magic Power
VA 2 Channel Focal Electra 926 speakers, Pass Labs X150.5 Amp, Eastern Electric MiniMax Preamp (Tutay mods), Eastern Electric Minimax CDP (Scott Nixon mods), Music Hall mmf 5.1 Turntable, Parks Audio Budgie Phono Pre , Audioengine B1 streamer, MIT S3 IC's / MIT Shotgun S3 Speaker Cables / PS Audio power cables
Noggin Schiit Valhalla, Pangea, Phillips Fidelio X1, Polk UF8000
Polk SDA1c modded
Polk CRS+ 4.1TL modded (need veneer)
Polk SDA2BTL (fully modded)
A/L 1000VA Dreadnought Canare 4s11 SDA cable
SACD Marantz DV8300
Sony S9000ES CD/DVD/SACD
Yamaha YP-D6
Soundcraftsmen PCR800
Audible Illusions L1 Preamp
Vincent MFA based Cocci Tube Preamp
Pho-700 Phono Pre
Signal Cable Silver Resolution IC's -
george daniel wrote: »Makes sense,, the best rigs that my old ears have heard were simple,, one was the rig that Jesse had at a CF years ago,, the other was mine
That was a damn fine rig you had, simply musical.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
nooshinjohn wrote: »I am considering a massive overhaul of my two channel setup and simplifying everything. No component is off limits, as I am thinking of going to an integrated amp of some kind and selling off just about everything, including the amps and the 1.2tl's... Any advice?
Nothing wrong with changing things up.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
I am lacking nothing in this rig, and the tubes have been trouble free, so maintenance is not an issue either. I am first looking to pay down sone debt with a little one on the way soon, and a simple integrated with some 705's and the turntable would go a long way to accomplishing that.
I can always build more tube amps, as I have a set of transformers ready to go...The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson -
I have always want one these bad boys and they are made 20 miles north from where I live!
http://echohifi.com/details/5865/Modwright_KWI-200 -
george daniel wrote: »Makes sense,, the best rigs that my old ears have heard were simple,, one was the rig that Jesse had at a CF years ago,, the other was mine
That was a damn fine rig you had, simply musical.
What did these two setups consist of?afterburnt wrote: »They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.
Village Idiot of Club Polk -
I have always want one these bad boys and they are made 20 miles north from where I live!
http://echohifi.com/details/5865/Modwright_KWI-200
I own one
great piece indeed the integrated M2Tech dac is not bad either2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC
erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a -
nooshinjohn wrote: »I am considering a massive overhaul of my two channel setup and simplifying everything. No component is off limits, as I am thinking of going to an integrated amp of some kind and selling off just about everything, including the amps and the 1.2tl's... Any advice?
It would help if we knew the motivation behind this radical change.
1. Want to devote the time and money to another hobby?
2. Wife is tired of "big stereo"?
3. You are tire of "big stereo"?
4. Just basically not as interested in audio any more?
5. Other __________?
With all of that said, I'd love to say "been there, done that" and sell all my two channel gear and replace it with a nice integrated amp, DAC, digital player, and bookshelf speakers and sub...but my stereo addiction is stronger than my desire for a simpler life.Proud and loyal citizen of the Digital Domain and Solid State Country! -
nooshinjohn wrote: »I am lacking nothing in this rig, and the tubes have been trouble free, so maintenance is not an issue either. I am first looking to pay down sone debt with a little one on the way soon, and a simple integrated with some 705's and the turntable would go a long way to accomplishing that.
I can always build more tube amps, as I have a set of transformers ready to go...
Well that's a different story entirely. You didn't mention that initially.
H9
"Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul! -
nooshinjohn wrote: »I am considering a massive overhaul of my two channel setup and simplifying everything. No component is off limits, as I am thinking of going to an integrated amp of some kind and selling off just about everything, including the amps and the 1.2tl's... Any advice?
I know the feeling. I have been really enjoying my HT stereo the last three months as the house was being remodeled. I started purging my past by giving/throwing away a ton of stuff. Now that the remodel is almost done it is time for phase two of the purge, and I am seriously considering just a single system versus dual systems.
Anyway, no advice, but if me, family will always come before hardware. Good luck.
Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
DarqueKnight wrote: »nooshinjohn wrote: »I am considering a massive overhaul of my two channel setup and simplifying everything. No component is off limits, as I am thinking of going to an integrated amp of some kind and selling off just about everything, including the amps and the 1.2tl's... Any advice?
It would help if we knew the motivation behind this radical change.
1. Want to devote the time and money to another hobby?
2. Wife is tired of "big stereo"?
3. You are tire of "big stereo"?
4. Just basically not as interested in audio any more?
5. Other __________?
With all of that said, I'd love to say "been there, done that" and sell all my two channel gear and replace it with a nice integrated amp, DAC, digital player, and bookshelf speakers and sub...but my stereo addiction is stronger than my desire for a simpler life.
All good questions DK, but I am not tired of the hobby or the big stereo, and my wife has not said a word. There are no other hobbies in mind at the moment, and I am even liquidating my Franklin/Danbury mint car collections because I have not taken them out of their boxes in 7 years.
I am just thinking out loud at the moment, wanting to get a feel for other options that may be of interest. An Ayon integrated was at the top of my short list, so sacrificing quality would not be an option.The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson -
nooshinjohn wrote: »
All good questions DK, but I am not tired of the hobby or the big stereo, and my wife has not said a word. There are no other hobbies in mind at the moment, and I am even liquidating my Franklin/Danbury mint car collections because I have not taken them out of their boxes in 7 years.
I am just thinking out loud at the moment, wanting to get a feel for other options that may be of interest. An Ayon integrated was at the top of my short list, so sacrificing quality would not be an option.
OK, when I responded, I hadn't read your follow up comment about wanting to pay down debt and having a baby on the way. I'm glad you have the option of simplifying and maintaining high sound quality.
Proud and loyal citizen of the Digital Domain and Solid State Country! -
Perspectives change when expecting. I know mine did. So I completely understand where you are coming from. Like you said, you could always start over.
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@nooshinjohn
Can I be the first to say CONGRATS on the little one on the way!
Second, your call, I went through the same but I kept my HT the way it is. I'd keep what you have for now.
Just make sure to play lots of tunes when rocking the little one.
You've worked really hard to make that room work for you and nooshin, so utilize it as the family room it is, that just so happens to have a rocking stereo system!"....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
Hard decision for sure.
Congratulations on new family member.Pio Elete Pro 520
Panamax 5400-EX
Sunfire TGP 5
Micro Seiki DD-40 - Lyra-Dorian and Denon DL-160
PS Audio GCPH phono pre
Sunfire CG 200 X 5
Sunfire CG Sig 405 X 5
OPPO BDP-83 SE
SDA SRS 1.2TL Sonicaps and Mills
Ctr CS1000p
Sur - FX1000 x 4
SUB - SVS PB2-Plus
Workkout room:
Sony Bravia XBR- 32-Inch 1080p
Onkyo TX-DS898
GFA 555
Yamaha DVD-S1800BL/SACD
Ft - SDA 1C
Not being used:
RTi 38's -4
RT55i's - 2
RT25i's -2, using other 2 in shop
LSI 15's
CSi40
PSW 404 -
george daniel wrote: »Makes sense,, the best rigs that my old ears have heard were simple,, one was the rig that Jesse had at a CF years ago,, the other was mine
That was a damn fine rig you had, simply musical.
What did these two setups consist of?
IIRC,, Jesse's was AA Modded Jolida Cd. Joule LA 100 MkIII. Manley Amp (Spanish version) SDA 1 C's. (Stock,, do not remember if they had the RDO's) with MIT's. It was by far the most captivating system at the fest,,alot of folks spent a lot of time listening to this rig,,it was Magic!
Mine was,, Rotel Cd ,, EE Minimax( Tutay modded) Manley VTL compact 100 mono's,, Tyler Acoustics Taylos Reference Monitors,,and MIT Terminator 2 cables if I remember correctly.
Jesse knew what he was doing,, me,,I am like the blind squirrel,, I ocasionally find a nut now and then. Those were some great times brothers!
JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut) -
Congrats on the coming addition to the family. If you can swing a simpler system at this point without taking too much of a financial hit.....it would be a good time to simplify your life IMO.....and maybe smaller is better pending on your house size.
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Congrats on the upcoming addition to your family.
There are lots of ways to save money that people don't think about, but it depends on what kind of debt that you are talking about.
If it is in the thousands of dollars (outside of a mortgage) then we are talking high interest that just won't go away. In which case paying it off all together would be best if possible.
Maybe you can consolidate everything into one bill and just work on clearing that up which would make life easier.
As for saving money...If you smoke stop, you will be healthier and the money that you would save would be a lot. If you go out to eat a lot stop, go once a month and make it a date. If you go to Starbucks a lot stop. Invest in a thermos or two and bring it from home. Bring your lunch from home instead of buying it out. If you go to the movies a lot stop. What's the point of having such a terrific system if you are still going to go to the movies outside all the time.
The only time I go to the movies is when I'm down in DC with my brother. The rest of the time I enjoy myself at home with my 5.2 system.
You put a lot of money/time into that system John, and it is not guaranteed that you will get back what you invested into it. Consider it very carefully...good luck.Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2 -
You put a lot of money/time into that system John, and it is not guaranteed that you will get back what you invested into it. Consider it very carefully...good luck.
I agree, don't be hasty in your decision. You weren't hasty when choosing and pairing all the gear together.
H9
"Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul! -
If you do decide to downsize....Music Direct is offering some no interest finanancing deals......I had to force myself to rip up the postcard which came in the mail the other day.
