Back to the audio future, going backwards


I do not know what is happening. I happen to have started in the audiophile race with a pair of carver amps, before and during the crummy college years, and since getting some sort of paying job, have invested heavily in a multitude of audiophile amps, speakers, sold, bought etc... I can count all the amps I have had since this race began fullfledged. In the last 3 years, I bought and sold 2 Audio Refinement Completes, 1 used PA-7 Nakamichi, a Sonic Frontiers Power 2 (new), a SFL-2 Preamp, have acquired a pair of Blue Circle BC-2 (on trade), a McCormack DNA 225, an Assemblage SET 300 amp, have sold a pair of EPOS ES11, have bought them back, also bought a pair of Sub monitors, handmade a pair of full range drivers etc...It is a never ending thing. Now, I wonder if there are people out there who have actually minimized their systems and have gotten more satisfaction than running their 500+lbs Godzilla amp+preamp, as well as their monoliths of speakers in their livingrooms. Lately I have been perousing more at the DYI and the SET websites. The problem is that I do not have the DYI or the technical background to start any major project. Also, I have been more interested in what the Brits do with their underpriced integrated and their measly monitors. Are they really having more fun than we do here in the States or are they simply exaggerating their perceptions of audio, disregarding the limitations of their living spaces and budgets? Any recommendations in actual simplifications in audio as well as simple technical titles for DYI beginners would be much appreciated!
bemopti123

Showing 1 response by sugarbrie

My work office system is all British except for the tuner. I agree that for compact lower cost audiophile systems, British gear is really great and leads the pack!

They usually win in the styling department also.

A partial list of compact sized audiophile British brands speaks for itself....
Creek, Arcam, Musical Fidelity, Linn, Naim, Rotel, NAD, Cambridge Audio, Roksan Kandy, REL Subwoofers, B&W Speakers, Epos, Tannoy, Mission, Mordant Short, Wharfedale, KEF, and so on....

I could easily limit myself to that list and be very happy. I would only cross the English Channel over to Holland for cables (Van den Hul and Siltech).

I like Canadian gear once I move up the line a little; and do like the "budget" offerings by Blue Circle, Sim Audio and Bryston as well.