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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.
jadem6
entrope
482 posts
 
Write down your options on a smaller system that will take you to the musical place you want to be. It may be hit or miss with some pieces but take a stab at setting an overall goal - maybe even going someplaces you have never been before. These could include SET, planar, horns, single drivers, ribbons, passive preamp, integrated amp etc. Do your research.

Sell your current system piece by piece as time permits trying to extract the maximum dollar value and start acquiring pieces of your 'new' system as you do. Hopefully, price differences and deal shopping will allow you to put cash in your pocket as you do and not be without music.

Hopefully, the change in the sound dynamics and focus by going with a totally different system synergy will minimize the impact of downsizing.
kthomas
911 posts
 
I haven't had to do it, but I like Cruz123's suggestion - sell it all for the most you can get for it, read some books or watch some movies for a few months, and then re-enter the hobby. When things aren't going well, change some things - do things you wouldn't have considered if things were basically going well. It'll be interesting, at least, and hopefully rewarding.

I hope whatever you do, it works for you. If I had to scale back, a Linn Classik with a pair of Dynaudio Contour 1.1's would carry me quite a long way, but giving up something you love is always hard.
joeylawn36111
574 posts
 
I agree with KThomas. The Linn Classik is a great all-in-one system (I have the Kan 4's for speakers). Also, IMO, lose (sell) the 'Northeast' cables.....
lugnut
1,190 posts
 
Let's help with this one guys. J.D. is seriously ill and isn't going to get better any time soon unless he lives to make the heart transplant list. One must be very near death to get a shot at a transplant and there are too few donors.

From one that has been the recipient of many gifts from this community I can only tell you from my heart how much impact it has had on my life. From my standpoint this is a rare opportunity for me to give a little back. J.D. is one of the best people that has joined this community.

I offer:

Audible Illusions Modulus II preamp
Two eight foot pairs of Speltz anti-cables

J.D., I love you buddy. You've got a heart, though diseased, that is made of gold. Being able to do this is putting a huge smile on my face.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,132 posts
 
JD- I think that you should seriously consider a quality integrated (save cabling $), and an older but high quality digital front end. Very steep discount on older digital products. Another possibility would be a CDP w/a volume control and a power amp. Used Res Audio 55 (I think it has volume), maybe a single Threshold Class A amp, used pair of monitors. Another possibility would be to try out an SET integrated and a pair of reasonably priced single driver horns. Sell those Valahallas for AU-24. If you had an integrated or a CDP w/volume, you could get by with one pair of ICs and speaker cables (well under $1K, if lengths are moderate)
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