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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
rny
54 posts
 
Yes, I think the process of simplification can be the solution to a general over-involvement with the gear. When your objective is reduced complexity, refinement is key to avoid compromises in any area. For me it cost more to get less, but the result was well worth it.

There is no denying the thrill of the chase for great audio equipment. But when you get to the point of "the minimum amount you have is the best you'll need", the value once held by audio magazines and dealer showrooms is gone. I enjoyed the journey and felt a little depressed when I arrived.
isellstuff
99 posts
 
YES, but then I realize that my brother has gone through
4 cheapo all-in-1 units from best buy within the last
4 years. Each one was at least $140 min.
for a bedroom system they`re okay, but for a
music/home theater room like I have, I wouldn`t even
bother looking at them.
pin
10 posts
 
That's exactly what I have - A NAD C372/C542 combo, a pair of Monitor Audio Bronze B2's modified by Rick of Selah Audio, some VDH C5 IC & Audioquest Type 2 (double-run) speaker cables. A very simple kit that makes music enjoyable.
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.
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