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How do I go backwards?

I need the help of those people who have cut back on their systems. Due to the deep financial problems my health has created I need to sell off my system, either fully or partially. My system is a Sony SCD-1 (modified) front end, an Aesthetix Calypso pre-amp, two Plinius SA-102 amps bi-amped vertically, Dunlavy IVa speakers and all Nordost Valhalla cabling. My initial feeling is that the front end and speakers have the least value, in that Dunlavy is out of business and the Sony is modified. The cabling is by far the most out of line cost wise for the system I have so I’m looking at them first. So my first question is for people who have tried or sold their Valhalla cables for something substantially cheaper without loosing the detail, speed and transparency. Please speak from experience and what you felt was lost by going “backwards.” Secondly I’m going to need to sell one of the Plinius amps, and possibly both and replace with ????
My biggest concern is my system is so good and soooo musical I’m afraid stepping backward will result in a system that will no longer be enjoyable, and thus my love for recorded music will be lost. I hate to think of no music, but I know if my system looses too much, I’ll simply quit listening. I hope to avoid that.
Please share your experiences and your opinions on how to cut back.
Thank you
J.D.
128x128jadem6
jafox
1,348 posts
 
JD, JD, JD, ......, JD, You just had to play some more and now look at what you did! 8-)

I think if any of us went back to a system we had 3 or 4 upgrades ago, we too would be experiencing much the same as you. For me, such changes would be easier to accept if I did one at a time. It sounds like you did one or two things too many before you gave yourself a chance to regroup. Hopefully we can turn that around and get you back to where you were over the weekend.

Before you do anything wild with the Sony, I'd like to bring over a DAC or two and see if anything changes. Also, if you have any prized pairs of 6DJ8's, put them aside and I can try them in the Counterpoint amp this coming week when the 6V4 tubes arrive.

And who knows, a Callisto might just bring on what you need. Other power conditioning, cables, CDP changes, etc., might all be unnecessary. So I'll bring that over one night too.

John
laurentgilles
28 posts
 
JD, you can live with much less and still be happy and enjoy life and music. My system- old fisher xp7c speakers-toshiba3850 cd player and a sonic impact-t- amps with about 50 cds. I can't downgrade further than that.I have a great wife and kids. This is worth much more than the most espensive system. I really hope you get better.Keep focusing on the positive of your life, there's always something positive to hang-on to. If you want to write -you're welcom. gilles.
jadem6's avatar
jadem6 OP
1,071 posts
 
John, as an Engineer I expect people like me drive you crazy. Unfortunately I tend to react and think so time down the road. Call it the right brain, creative half of me. I appreciate your patience and understanding as you work with my half baked ideas. I am very lucky to have a friend like you who can help level me out. I look forward to another system session. Besides, it’s a lot more fun discovering this stuff with a friend rather than being frustrated on my own. Apologize to your wife as I continue to steal you away from home. At some point she’s going to wonder who Jadem6 is. Are you having affair with a woman named Jade, or what the H#*% is going on? I promise I’ll try not to wear lipstick next time we meet.
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
Please no pictures of the lipstick!
jafox
1,348 posts
 
Oh gosh, pictures or not, no lipstick please! And even though it is hotter and more humid lately, cool it on the perfume too.
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