Start over--HiFi rig ---clean slate

I started over several months ago after my system (all Cary Audio even speakers) were fried in a power surge.

I opted for simplicity since I didn't have time to do lots of attempted system matching etc. Purchased the Wadia Intuition all in one 180 watt amp, preamp, and up converting DAC. Then Tyler Acoustic speakers here on Audiogon. Set me back less than $5k for everything and in many ways sounds better than my previous $20k system.

Ok it was a home theater setup but it also was Cary gear and sounded very very good in 2 channel.

One good power chord for everything and no interconnects. System comes already matched and sounds fantastic. I hear there's a Nuforce similar to the Wadia that does the same thing for closer to $2k. Supposedly sounds great as well.

By the way, my new system confirms once again (to me) that having stellar electronics matters more than having stellar speakers. As long as the speakers are good enough to be neutral and transparent, your big gains in sound quality come more through your electronics. Of course this is truest with somewhat limited budgets.

"Finding good performing products is not so hard. Getting them all to work together optimally is."

This is true, and the reason having fewer variables makes it easier. Instead of having to match interconnects, DACs, preamps, amps, speakers, speaker cables, power cords, etc etc - all in one units like the Wadia means you're just matching speakers, speaker wire, and the all in one electronics.

in this age of few high end stores and even fewer home auditions, removing variables makes the task much easier. And at least with the Wadia, no compromise in sound is required - quite the opposite.

The point to buying integrated products is that there's less mixing and matching to do. I think we're all in the habit of tinkering with the stuff, but it's not necessary for good sound if that's what you're after.

I was also concerned that there would be less room for sonic adjustments without all the expensive interconnects, additional gear to buy etc. But the integrated gear has the advantage of only and perfectly matching to itself. Get the one or two other pieces right and you've got great sound.

The Xeo and other powered speakers are another good way to achieve this, and was the direction i was going until I heard (got a deal on) the Wadia.