1. Home
  2. speakers
  3. 197095-125670

Need to downsize my system

I have a lovely system with Sonus Faber Serafino Tradition speakers, Ayre AX5-Twenty integrated, Chord Dave DAC, and a cambridge audio streamer.

I’m moving to London (from US) this summer and am liquidating the above system: among other factors, I will not have a dedicated study/listening room but instead will need to either double duty with the family room or a smallish (12x13 feet) bedroom.  So ideally I’ll move to a system where speakers are less imposing and smaller footprint (so likely standmounts) and an all-in-one streamer-dac-integrated system.  A two box setup (streamer+dac and integrated) could also be feasible.

I would love some recommendations on where to start.  An obvious alternative is to buy the Sonus Faber Guarneri G5 (which are basically the standmount and newer version of my Serafino) and Ayre EX-8.  I’m also open to the idea of a sub to complement the standmounts.

I listen mostly to classic rock and Jazz.  I’m sensitive to hard/shrill sound so the Sonus Faber house sound has been perfect for me.  Most important is the sound but looks also matter: an ugly rectangular box that sounds wonderful will likely not work for me.

I would love to hear any ideas.  Thinking of spending total of about 25-30K UKP and will consider demo/used.

deone
ddrave44
158 posts
 

Tough to do, but explains why bookshelf speakers are so popular over there with lovely midranges for small rooms. Its not so simple to place and wire pieces on those smallish rooms. Subs tough if you have neighbors.

Of course voltage there is 220-230v so not all of your existing stuff will work without a large transformer. 

I did that once in a semi-attached with my then system: Mirage bookshelves, Denon integrated and Rega TT. It was fine, but in retrospect I’d have done better with a Naim system like this....

https://www.naimaudio.com/products/mu-so-2nd-generation

https://www.naimaudio.com/products/mu-so-qb-2nd-generation

Ping me privately if you want to chat.

Good luck and enjoy London!

tkhill's avatar
tkhill
99 posts
 

I will happily store it for you in my smoke-free, child-free,pet free, climate controlled home here in Wilmington, N.C. For free. I am serious - I paid to store some serious amplification (BGW, Hafler) and speakers (JBL, Wharfedale, CSI) for 13 months while living in Asia & wish someone had made me a similar offer. Message me @ [email protected].

yoyoyaya's avatar
yoyoyaya
1,053 posts
 

@OP. If aesthetics matter along with sound, Luxman is worth considering. The 509 amp and 07 streamer is a lovely combination. You could use a pair of Olympica Nova IIs in a room that size. That would make a nicely balanced system and should leave room for decent cables in the budget.

mihorn
907 posts
 

OP    A two box setup (streamer+dac and integrated) could also be feasible. I would love some recommendations on where to start.

Check my upgraded Wiim amp ultra (all-in-one streamer + DAC + amp). A small box and small speakers for world-class sound. Can’t be simpler than this. Even a power cable is attached. No more cable synergy or matching horror. It accepts 230 volts. Alex/Wavetouch audio

Upgraded Wiim amp ultra (all-in-one streamer + DAC + Amp)

celtic66
1,925 posts
 

A pox on all of this!  Go have a boutique store experience with the Brits and decide from there after seeing your new digs.  Full adventure, full on immersion.  And yes, I've lived and worked overseas in Europe (Austria/Switzerland) and followed that very route.  Great experience.  Have fun.  Cheers

More to discover