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Considering simplifying my system... talk me down (or whatever)

I few weeks ago, I turned eighty.  I don't know how that happened to me, but it did, so I suppose I've officially entered Geezerhood.  Although I'm now ancient, I am anything but deaf.  I have been gifted with extraordinary hearing throughout my life and it continues to this day... I love music (my wife is a professional pianist), and I have enjoyed my current system for several years.

That said, I have been considering simplifying my system by selling my current line stage preamp, phono preamp, and power amplifier (Sonic Frontiers SFL-2, Sonic Frontiers SFP, and Audio Research VT-100, respectively), and replacing the three with a single integrated amp.  

To my ears, this system is extraordinary.  These pieces drive what may be among the best Klipschorns on the planet: 1972 K-horns, modified with Martinelli tractrix mid horns with TAD2001 drivers, JBL 2404 tweeters, and Al Klappenberger's extreme slope networks (20db/octave).  I'll be keeping these until I need some nursing home money (!)

The last time I visited the Klipsch factory (in Hope, Arkansas!), they were using a Cayin something-or-other in their listening room... it was glorious, I think one of those would do quite nicely for me.

Perhaps there is no logic at all to this "simplifying" idea.  I've just been thinking that sooner or later we will find ourselves in a different living situation and perhaps simpler might be better.  So, I'm leaving it  to the brain trust here to talk me down.

Have a nice weekend, y'all
128x128pinkyboy
jmolsberg's avatar
jmolsberg
467 posts
 
Happy belated birthday! 
This might fit the bill nicely......
https://www.lineartubeaudio.com/products/z10-integrated-amplifier
LTA is certainly showing it off a lot capital audio fest. And with some nice speakers! Doubtful your are near Maryland with the have a nice weekend y'all 😉



bjesien
1,236 posts
 
Love the two things every audiophile has—phenomenal hearing and a great sounding system!
I would recommend simplifying and trying A few different types of tube integrateds over time. Maybe rolling tubes after you find something you really like.  Check out Leben integrateds.  
Congrats on a new phase sir.
soix
8,644 posts
 
Yeah I’m with others to resist the temptation to change since you love your system so much the way it is now.  There’s a very good chance you won’t like it quite as much if you downsize.  And, really, what are you actually getting by “downsizing?”  To save a square foot of space, a pair of interconnects, and maybe a few tubes?  Really? Is it really worth the risk just for that?

As for Cayin, you need to be careful there.  They get great reviews, but there was one model that literally had a fatal flaw until they redesigned it — can’t remember model but something to watch out for.  FWIW. 
jtcf's avatar
jtcf
1,589 posts
 
Well I wouldn't do it.But if you're determined,audition a few integrateds before you sell your current equipment.Consider something with a good headphone stage and inputs for a simpler source much later on.Happy Birthday!
mcslipp's avatar
mcslipp
122 posts
 
If you're happy don't break up the band.
That said there's some truly amazing integrateds out there at all price points from Nad to Hegel to T&A to Soulution. Since you already have an Audio Research Amp maybe their new VSi75, although I don't believe it has a phono stage.
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