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Did you ever just want to simplify?

Have you ever longed for a simpler system? Or a less complicated version of this hobby? I prefer simplicity, but somehow my audio system got complicated. Tubes, digital seperates, expensive cables, various tweaks, 100 lb. amps. I studied a lot and each bit of knowledge caused me to think about every aspect of an audio system, and every audio review or online commentary caused me to dream of new components. Some days it sounds good, others it doesn't. It's a resolving system and every tweak has an impact that seems to cause the equilibrium to resettle. Of course, it's never perfect, just different flavors. Sometimes I wonder if it was worth it. Sometimes i dream of a simpler system. Just turn it on and enjoy the music. Not have to worry about now which tube is going bad, trying to find the perfect tube for the DAC, what happened to my bass today, do I really need that big audio rack, why can't I rearrange the living room to get perfect sound forever? A nice integrated, a one-box (front loading) CDP, some unobtrusive speakers, a few good cables, a power conditioner (a luxury item in a simple system, but worth it in my experience) -- good. Now for the music.
budrew
reubent
3,587 posts
 
I've done that! I've used a high-end CD plyer w/ built in volume control connected directly to a pair of small mono-blocks (either solid-state or SET) powering a pair of monitors on lead/sand filled stands. Excellent sound in a moderate sized room, but only a single source component. Bang for the buck is VERY high!!

I also sometimes use a small tube integrated amp/ CD player setup.

Enjoy,

TIC
gliderguider's avatar
gliderguider
293 posts
 
I pay a lot of lip service to this idea as I cruise the web looking for More Audio Stuff. While my system may not represent Henry David Thoreau's ideal to any non-audiophile observer, I always try to focus on using the least to get the most. This hasn't extended to integrated amps and monitors, because I want things from my system that this approach doesn't provide. However, I have stuck to the notion of a single source, two channel, no bi-wiring, no subwoofers and no more electronics than are required to do the job.

I really identify with Rny's sense of depression when you realize you're all done. I'm practicing at reorienting my lust for the hunt onto music rather than gear, though. There's no prospect of being "all done" when it comes to fulfilling the real point of this hobby, and no music collection can ever be too complex IMO.
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,699 posts
 
Yes, I have thought about a couple of low powered tube mono-bloc set amps with high efficency monitors. Although I don't think my system today is that complicated; amp/pre-amp, cd player and speakers. However; the speakers (thiel 3.6's) are rather large and dominate the room (18x24).
carleton11's avatar
carleton11
11 posts
 
Yes,done just that!Woke up on the wrong side of the bed,looked at the audio rack and said your outta-here.Put together a small bedroom system with a big fat fleshed out mid-range that calms the soul,very happy,for now?JVC-XL1050Conrad-Johnson MV-45AMorel Monitors JPS Superconductor-2 Am I done,for now yes!!Good Luck,It can be done....
timo
610 posts
 
Keep it simple, but no simpler-I believe Albert Einstein said this or something like this.
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