Downsized and still happy, can it happen?

For reasons of space I went from McCormack separates, a DNA-0.5 amp and TLC preamp, to an Audio Refinement Complete integrated. That was quite a move down in terms of the original cost, as well, but I'd always liked the Audio Refinement and decided to give it a try.

I'm very happy with the switch. Combined with a pair of reasonably efficient ProAc Response 1s monitors and a subwoofer I actually prefer the sound in the new space to what I hold in a larger space with floor-standing ProAcs and a stack of separates.

I switched from a separate transport and DAC combo to a one-box player at the same time and gave away my tuner because there was so little decent music on FM locally.

So, I went from five boxes to two and got rid of a tangle of cables that always took a minute or two to comprehend. I like the simplicity a lot and the sound suits my space better.

I know even if I make the switch, it will not be the end of the road for me component wise. Just the thought of consolidating and upgrading in one stroke is appealing. I am actually pretty happy with the performance of my system, so I am a little reluctant...but I know there is better out there.

Hi…I love this topic….

8 years ago I had a 9 component set up (separate monos, pre, power conditioner, DAC, Transport, Correction engine, speakers & sub). I now have an integrated, CD and a pair of speakers. I do not regret the transformation in any way and the sacrifice in sound quality is negligible. I have not shirked my love for audio in this process at all, in fact I have become a reviewer for positive-feedback and as a result get to listen to a lot of cool stuff and even then I do not feel pulled to return to the mega-set-up. I have reviewed several integrateds before I settled on the Edge G3….

If you do it right a smaller equipment set up is very satisfying. This is not to be confused with a cheaper set up, good sound CAN still be expensive….but as with a mega-set-up it doesn’t need to be…

I think you can be very happy with a modest set up, John Brazier

Another alternative worthy of consideration, but may require replacing your system altogether:
CD or DAC w/ volume control and analog input option (e.g. Theta Gen VIII, Audio Aero ???, MBL 1611)->I/C->active speakers (e.g. ATC).
IMHO this is even better than using int amp since the amp-speaker interface is greatly optimized.

Dlwask your reluctance is duly noted as you know where I've been. Could find yourself posting on a thread: "Any Regrets" but there are some very good integrated amps out there like for example the Portal Panache which sells for $1,295.00. If I were to make the move to integrated, without reservations, that would be the one I would purchase. Its preamp section is strictly passive and its amplifier section closely resembles the distributed node design found on McCormack amps.