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Post by Cogito on Aug 28, 2022 18:22:53 GMT -5
Recently, I've been pondering the idea of selling all my gear off and starting over. It's not that I don't enjoy the gear I have and it's stimulating performance, but when I look at the rack of black boxes with lights, and a couple miles of cables and associated clutter, I can't help think that I've made this hobby too much about the gear rather than the music it reproduces.
I'm thinking, instead of a separate amp, preamp, DAC, CD, SACD/DVD, streaming connectivity hardware and dozens of cables, I could get a integrated amp with some sort of lossless streaming hardware like AirPlay or network streaming. The Cambridge Audio Evo 150 seems like a worthy contender. Any other options out there I should consider?
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Post by Boomzilla on Aug 28, 2022 18:26:53 GMT -5
Lots to be said for simplicity...
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Post by 405x5 on Aug 29, 2022 11:17:05 GMT -5
“Recently, I've been pondering the idea of selling all my gear off and starting over. It's not that I don't enjoy the gear I have and it's stimulating performance, but when I look at the rack of black boxes with lights, and a couple miles of cables and associated clutter, I can't help think that I've made this hobby too much about the gear rather than the music it reproduces.” …..then in the next paragraph the gear is all you talked about so, which is it.? I would kick back, not sell anything off and focus on your entertainment priorities and change things accordingly. I started with the loudspeaker performance (always first) that turned my ear and built on that. I do see you started your thread under all things stereo. After stereo I wanted to evolve into a one system to rule them all LOL…rejecting out of hand the notion that stereo was superior in any way to the home theater experience or vice versa. With the help of gear like the XMC, I listen to stereo music or watch A film being, equally enamored . |
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Post by Cogito on Aug 29, 2022 17:47:35 GMT -5
“Recently, I've been pondering the idea of selling all my gear off and starting over. It's not that I don't enjoy the gear I have and it's stimulating performance, but when I look at the rack of black boxes with lights, and a couple miles of cables and associated clutter, I can't help think that I've made this hobby too much about the gear rather than the music it reproduces.” …..then in the next paragraph the gear is all you talked about so, which is it.? I would kick back, not sell anything off and focus on your entertainment priorities and change things accordingly. I started with the loudspeaker performance (always first) that turned my ear and built on that. I do see you started your thread under all things stereo. After stereo I wanted to evolve into a one system to rule them all LOL…rejecting out of hand the notion that stereo was superior in any way to the home theater experience or vice versa. With the help of gear like the XMC, I listen to stereo music or watch A film being, equally enamored . Like I said, I think I've put too much emphasis in the gear over the years. I'm simply looking to minimize my gear to the bare essentials. A "one-box" solution would appeal to me if I don't have to compromise too much performance or features. Just looking for options. |
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Post by creimes on Aug 30, 2022 0:25:06 GMT -5
My Mac Mini USB to my D70 DAC and XLR to my Airmotiv 6S is simple and fantastic  |
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Post by brubacca on Sept 2, 2022 11:20:06 GMT -5
Can't say I haven't considered this as well.
There is a lot to be said for simplicity and just listening to music.
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Post by 405x5 on Sept 2, 2022 14:31:05 GMT -5
If I sold off all my gear I would not be starting over. I’d be finished
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Post by vcautokid on Sept 3, 2022 0:30:11 GMT -5
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Post by Cogito on Sept 3, 2022 21:27:08 GMT -5
For amplification check out the Kinki Studio integrated amplifier. Exquisitely built with 215 watts per channel into 8 ohms. Dual toroidal linear power supply. At $2400.00 or so, this makes options that cost thousands more tough to justify. If I was doing it all over. This would be my Preamplifier Amplifier solution and I would be done. Pick what streamer DAC you want, and even a Phono stage inside too. Quality parts inside for long service life, and feel of all the controls make it a joy to use everyday. Knobs big and easy to use. Not the low profile knobs that frankly are irritating to use. A large easy to see display that is not blue if that means anything to you. You will be engaged with detail, great sound staging, a great listen. Go here and learn about all they do. www.kinki-studio.com/. www.kinki-studio.com/ex-m1 gets you what I am talking about. View AttachmentView AttachmentView AttachmentView AttachmentView AttachmentGorgeous stuff. Thanks for the suggestion! |
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Post by mfeust on Sept 20, 2022 9:34:33 GMT -5
Don't have much time right now but will come back. I just went through this out of necessity. Went from around 35 cables and all kinds of equipment down to three pieces of equipment and three cables. Look at a Buchardt A500 system. I've had it for a week now and am very pleased.
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Post by martindktm on Sept 22, 2022 20:13:53 GMT -5
Had separated components before and change for an integrated unit. I was not sure at first and for awhile... But I would not go back. I love my Mf M6si. Like some said earlier or in other post I rather now enjoy music than equipment. When the M6si will die Ill go for another integrated. Maybe a McIntosh..Love their look but never heard one, or other. If Emotiva had a 180-200 + watts 2ch integrated a few years ago when I switched I would have had a look at it cause i really loved the sound of my previous Emotiva equipment.
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Post by mfeust on Nov 6, 2022 7:26:51 GMT -5
Recently, I've been pondering the idea of selling all my gear off and starting over. It's not that I don't enjoy the gear I have and it's stimulating performance, but when I look at the rack of black boxes with lights, and a couple miles of cables and associated clutter, I can't help think that I've made this hobby too much about the gear rather than the music it reproduces. I'm thinking, instead of a separate amp, preamp, DAC, CD, SACD/DVD, streaming connectivity hardware and dozens of cables, I could get a integrated amp with some sort of lossless streaming hardware like AirPlay or network streaming. The Cambridge Audio Evo 150 seems like a worthy contender. Any other options out there I should consider? So Cogito have you taken this thought any further? I liked the Buchardt A500 so much that after 35 days with them I upgraded to the A700 system. I am very happy with the Buchardt A700 system paired with Platin Stereo Hub it can be as simple as a 3 cable streaming system to as many as 8 different sources connected to the Stereo Hub. I will, for the first time, not be keeping the boxes. I'm done. Mark |
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