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

@deone - sticking with Sonus Faber and standmounts are good choices. But maybe demo Harbeth which sonically matches Hegel electronics to evaluate another option. 

 OP  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

There is no better accurate sound all-in-one than my Wiim amp ultra (upgraded) with my Antero V2 speaker combo. Wiim comes with an attached Wavetouch power cable.  Compare sounds to popular Pass int amps. Alex/Wavetouch audio

My Wiim amp ultra -P. Domingo.

My Wiim amp ultra

Pass Labs INT 250 

Pass Labs INT-25

Jay audio - Pass labs INT 250 

Pass Labs INT25 - Focal Sopra

Your on the verge of enabling yourself to have access to a few exceptional experiences in 2026 in the UK if the timing works out for when your move to London, which I believe you may be reasonably settled and comfortable with the idea of going on a excursion to the North West of the Country.

I suggest not to Spend a Cent, not even to create a Shortlist.

I suggest making yourself available to visit two events which occur annually in the UK.

Event 1, is the Maverick Forum Event - being The Maverick Show, which has been   Formerly known as The Wam Show. At this event there are up to 50 Exhibitors of which the larger number are audio enthusiasts meeting the Public which can reach 500 as an attendance. It is totally social and the next best thing to having Elevensies at their homes. At this event, there will be Audio Equipment demo'd by certain individuals that will be quite capable to blow one away and change ingrained ideas for ever.

Event 2, The Cranage Show (North West Audio Show) it is here where one wants to be, if they have a need to spend on a Audio System, the show is very popular and has a much increased commercial presence with the enthusiast showing of their creations as well. There is enough going on here to influence an individual in a way they were not aware could happen to them. 

The real attraction is that a System will be discovered that is difficult to avoid as being a very worthy contender. Other devices in a system will undoubtedly be discovered that are very attractive. When doing the Math the budget will have coffers left, the UK producer, especially the smaller producer, creates substantial performance for their asking prices.

Where better to find a selection of Audio Devices that are through design, engineered to work at their optimised in a Typical British Structure. Where the management of the signal will meet a Speaker that is very very accommodating within a British Home. 

I could introduce you to a selection of individuals immediately, but I would like for you to potentially stumble on them in the Events I am suggesting to be attended.    

Wow, thank you all so much for the recommendations for speakers, components, and shows.  The actual search will start late summer when I move and so I'll report back then.  In the meanwhile I'll also hear some of the recommended components/speakers at my dealer locally and see if they connect with me.

In terms of European brands, the Mola Mola Kula garners incredible reviews: it can come with the Tambaqui DAC and class D amplification.  No one has mentioned that yet in this thread: any thoughts on this and given that this is ~4 years old, is it worth considering?