One Component You Would Never Change One Type You Would Return To

I thoroughly enjoy my system. I really don't have that serious a connection to my components. I have changed my system many times and continue to do so, but have never gone back. Every change I made was to improve the sound of the system.

There's one exception. I did a rebuild on the 1980s Paragon System "E" preamp that I purchased new back then. It sat gathering dust for more than 40 years. I am now retired with plenty of time on my hands. I chose to rebuild the "E" and I'm glad I did. I fixed all the old problems (mainly a noisy pot and the whole power supply).

Compared to the refurbed SP-6B, the "E" holds it's own. I was very surprised by the sound. I rotate both regularly. Both use 12AX7/ECC83 tubes.

If I redid my entire system, my Boulder 1108 phono-stage would have to stay. There is nothing from the past I want to return to.

Given that I really like my system as is, but if I ever put significant money into it again I'll swap my Naim 252/SCDR/300DR electronics for Boulder 1100 series.

I wouldn't change my Quad 57's. Now have two pairs. My first pair of 57's I stupidly sold after 19 years. Also my Julius Futterman H3aa OTL monos and the Futterman Harvard H3 OTL stereo amp. Priceless!

I would return to the DCM Time Windows after previously owning two pairs in the 1970's/80's/90's. Now I have another pair of TW's in daily use for 8 years. The TW is still one of the all-time best sounding speakers!

I recently was trying to decide whether to spend a chunk o' change on a new preamp or just get new tubes for my existing one (old ARC). I even got the green light from the warden on a new pre. In the end I decided to replace the tubes. I know I can improve my system with a better, newer preamplifier, but I would rather spend the extra dough on music. 

Also, even though I will likely change my speakers at some point, I don't think I will move away from electrostats/panels of some kind, I just don't enjoy a box speaker as much, and boy have I tried!

@jasonbourne71 I feel much the same about my Quad 2905 speakers: keeping them is not negotiable. I have replaced all the panels in them and they should see me out. Curiously, while they were out of service for that, I went back to a pair of old DCM TimeFrame 700 speakers that are as close to electrostatic sound as you can get without actually going all the way. The immediate responsiveness for transients is something you can't forget. That may be why I love my other keeper component, the London Decca Reference.