Have you ever downgraded deliberately?


At the start of my Audiophile journey i had a Marantz PM8004 with a Proton D1200. Klipsch RF-82 Speakers and Marantz CD player. I had entry lv Cardas speaker wire. The system sounded very good and very musical.

If i’m honest i still miss that pre amp - amp combo. At the moment i have 2 Higher Fidelity 138 monoblocks and a black Threshold fet 10HE modded. Wadia 9 classic dac and Wadia transport. Soundwise it’s much better than before. But still i think about that suberb Proton and Marantz. Maybe i’m becoming a bit jaded with the hobby..... I sold Both components with a heavy heart. And wonder what would happen if i downgrade to a similar system (better speakers ofcourse).

I want to hear some downgrade stories of fellow Audiophiles. Why they did it, where they came from system wise. And if they are more happy with a lesser system.

PS
A couple of months ago i heard some Apogees "Duetta sigs" It rocked my world. Because most speakers are ugly, and sound mediocre. This was totally different from a design and sound point of view. It was perfect in my book. Never had that before. I'm trying very hard to scrounge up the $ to obtain it.

My gf also liked the Proton D1200 looks. What if i sell most of my stuff downgrade and Buy that Apogee with the Proton amp and a cool looking CD player? Looks are very important in my living room i guess. Maybe more than audio nirvana


jouri_knegt

Showing 2 responses by elizabeth

Selling to buy is not an option. I LIKE the junk I own. And would just buy the same stuff all over again. So thanks but no thanks for the idea.
In 55 years of owning a stereo, I only went backward once. After selling off my first system (after 15 years) to travel. When I came back (discovering the grass is greener right where I had been), I bought some ’cheap’ bits to have some music. And soon began moving up again.Over the years I made a number of ’mistakes’.. but never again a deliberate downgrade. Retired now eight years, I just spent another $30,000 this year on upgrades... Significant gains.
I AM taking it with me when i go......
I have purchased used gear from folks who decided to downgrade. One got married and decided the stereo was a no go with a hot new wife. One was losing his hearing and decided to get rid of the expensive stuff he no longer could hear. and the last because moving to a tiny assisted living apt, and (apparently) no room for a stereo.