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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
dwmb
76 posts
 

I have similar space and budgetary constraints. So, for me it’s the Pass Labs INT-60 and MSB Discrete DAC with the MSB Renderer module for streaming with Roon from my NAS and through Tidal. Since you are going to the UK, you might also consider a Sugden integrated amp and possibly Harbeth speakers or ProAc standmounts, which I believe pair very well with the Sugden. You might also want to check out the following two articles in The Absolute Sound:

https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/building-a-compact-reference-system-part-1-requirements/

https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/building-a-compact-reference-system-part-2-implementation/

 

deep_333
2,431 posts
 

Its not like you had some upsized system to begin with...for downsizing.

Just get a pair of headphones and try to enjoy some horrid British food and weather.

Bon voyage.

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.  

mds3017
10 posts
 

Dynaudio Focus 10. I have a pair in a similarly sized room listening to similar music. Happy with all aspects of their performance.

vthokie83
1,224 posts
 

deone

Take a look at all in one speaker systems, that contain streamer, preamp, amps,  DAC, DSP, and speakers. Just add internet and you are done, though you can always add a component like a CD player if you wish.

The one I have tried (and helped a friend downsize) is the Dutch & Dutch 8C, which provide excellent sound. They are larger stand mount speakers, and very easy to use.

Dutch & Dutch is also just now releasing a smaller version, the 6C with the same functionality......though it is new, and I have no experience with it.

cooperdude6
80 posts
 

First, I would definitely look into discussing options with London audio retailers. With today's world economy, tariffs, restrictions etc, it might be wiser and much more cost effective to buy over there. Your speakers are French, so you might also look into Devialet or Advance Paris. The British make a lot of nice gear as well; I know Cambridge integrated amps with DACS might interface with your streamer well to give you nice results in a small package. You can easily research the cost to ship speakers, etc. from here to London, but consider the insurance as well.

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