How do I go backwards?


I need the help of those people who have cut back on their systems. Due to the deep financial problems my health has created I need to sell off my system, either fully or partially. My system is a Sony SCD-1 (modified) front end, an Aesthetix Calypso pre-amp, two Plinius SA-102 amps bi-amped vertically, Dunlavy IVa speakers and all Nordost Valhalla cabling. My initial feeling is that the front end and speakers have the least value, in that Dunlavy is out of business and the Sony is modified. The cabling is by far the most out of line cost wise for the system I have so I’m looking at them first. So my first question is for people who have tried or sold their Valhalla cables for something substantially cheaper without loosing the detail, speed and transparency. Please speak from experience and what you felt was lost by going “backwards.” Secondly I’m going to need to sell one of the Plinius amps, and possibly both and replace with ????
My biggest concern is my system is so good and soooo musical I’m afraid stepping backward will result in a system that will no longer be enjoyable, and thus my love for recorded music will be lost. I hate to think of no music, but I know if my system looses too much, I’ll simply quit listening. I hope to avoid that.
Please share your experiences and your opinions on how to cut back.
Thank you
J.D.
128x128jadem6

Showing 1 response by david_berry

Jadem6,

You know, a funny thing happened in the time that I sold my Merlin VSM-MM speakers and received my VSM-MX speakers (about a one month time span). In that time, I had a pair of Paradigm Titan v3 bookshelf speakers in one of the basement systems that I took out and placed in my main system. Just threw them on some wicker chairs and pointed them in my general direction. Really. You know what? I still really enjoyed the music even though the Merlins are about 40 times more expensive! What a strange hobby.
My specific recommendation - one step at a time. Sell off the expensive cabling and purchase some great "home made" VH Audio Pulsar interconnects (or Element Cable twisted 89259/89248 design, based upon Jon Risch's recipe). There are also several DIY-based designs for speaker cables that one can purchase already made as well.

Best of luck upon your journey.

David