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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
headphonedreams
522 posts
 
Congrats to the good hearing after years as a music lover! If you like your system you don't have to change anything but if you want to, or think a smaller system would suit you better in the long run thete are a lot of pretty serious integrated amps, some with built-in dacs. I just heard Absolare at a small show/demo and they were really good but expensive and quite large. I am thinking about a Hegel and just saw that their H390 just won an Eisa award. Both of these are strong amps and might not suit your Klipschorns but my point is that there are a lot of exciting products out there.

If you ever want smaller speakers I also heard Dutch&Dutch active speakers. Like a whole system in the speakers. 
audition__audio
1,304 posts
 
I was never a fan of Sonic Frontiers and was glad to see that you didnt have one of their amps. Considering your speakers, I would be very tempted to go all tube. Dont be afraid to get more than flea power! I am very impressed with the Resolution Audio int. amp for S.S. Perhaps a tube line stage preamp with a built in phono stage. If you like your Khorns you might find it difficult living with a different speaker,
wsrrsw's avatar
wsrrsw
878 posts
 
+1 

PrimaLuna
Rogue

Want to really simplify? Use a streamer with a DAC. The high res files are stunning.
A system made of three things and an IPad.  KISS. 
Speakers 
Amp
Music Server. 
That’s all. 
Simple.  
Full confession I just did this. I don’t miss records. You very well may and this was right for me. 


gratefuleric
112 posts
 
I went from bi-ammped separates, outboard DAC to a Peachtree  Nova 300 with built-in everything including a killer DAC and i absolutely love it! Best sound ive ever had and gobs of clean power.
https://www.themasterswitch.com/peachtree-audio-nova300-review
ps
740 posts
 
@gratefuleric

+1
While my bi-amped tube separates still sound better, I will say, that given enough break-in time, the Peachtree Nova is a damn good unit. I've got the 150. Clean power, runs nice and cool,  good-looking, small footprint, excellent remote, and more features than I'll likely ever need.  My Nova took at least 350 hours of run-in time before it started to make music.  I almost gave up on it.  :)
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