Downsizing: can I get a similar sound for much cheaper?

[Revolutions]

I've been presented with an option for a completely new life adventure. One that would mean I couldn't reasonably take my belongings with me. It's coincided quite nicely with a nagging feeling that my ever growing collection of vinyl, books & guitar paraphernalia isn't sparking joy as most of it sits unused/unloved.

The idea of downsizing my vinyl is pretty stressful, so I'm actually considering selling all of it & my turntable. Which gets me to my question...

My current streaming setup is Linn Selekt DSM w/ Organik dac into ATC SCM40a. I love the sound. I don’t ever know how to describe sounds, it feels really refined, tonnes of detail & the dac has an analog sounding warmth. If I were to look for a similar streaming amp (no need for phono input) & possibly some less cumbersome speakers, is there a way to achieve a similar sound for a lot less money?

For example, I do love the sound of the Gold Note IS-1000. It's possible to get a second-hand one of those for about £2k. What passive speakers might get me a similar sound for around the same budget? I suppose some smaller ATCs might be the answer. That’s still £4k or so. What would £3k buy?

Also interested in experiences with chifi etc, and bookshelf speakers would definitely be considered as part of this. I'm getting way ahead of myself, but it's sort of a fascinating thought experiment. And it would be a brilliant excuse to get to some shops & demo stuff 😎

 

[abacus]

Basically ATC design speakers for studio and pro production, so there domestic series follow this same mantra, have a look at some smaller active speakers from the pro world, then get a streamer pre-amp, rather than one with an amp built in and you should be good to go.

Bill

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

I've been presented with an option for a completely new life adventure.

Sounds like you intend to take it, so may the road rise up to meet you!

 

[daytona600]

Enjoy your adventure
Put your records in Storage for your Return

 

[skinnypuppy71]

I sold my vinyl in 2015-16...I felt nothing but regret..I restarted from scratch in February 2022.......don't do it...get them into storage as has been previously mentioned....you will thank yourself for it in the future.
As for downsizing...that's a task only you can navigate as you're well aware of what's out there and what you've got, which is a fantastic system, it's going to be very difficult to find a happy medium, unless you are truly focused on such a undertaking....
For Speakers I'd recommend listening to the Neat petite classic standmount and there bigger brothers the Majistra they have a isobaric configuration, and also Audio Physics step if you are trying to get into some compact standmounts..oh and I'll throw The PMC Prophecy 1's in the mix also....haven't heard them but I used to own the original 20 21's...and I can only imagine a larger sounding more revealing speaker than them, which will be a very enticing option.
I'm not for a minute saying these are competing with the atc scm40a.....but you're looking for a compromise by the looks of it.

 

[RoA]

Works both ways. You still get great sound for much less. It's just an anal obsession. Imho, keep you fav albums, get rid of the rest.

View: https://youtu.be/WSO54BCgwnA?si=piw7xWQFPao3F_TE

 

[gasolin]

Harbeth p3esr or these https://www.galion-audio.com/pages/ts-voyager-tl

 

[Witterings]

If your quest is to try and stick some money in the bank and still have decent sound, Acoustic Energy AE1's may at least be worth a listen.

 

[skinnypuppy71]

If your quest is to try and stick some money in the bank and still have decent sound, Acoustic Energy AE1's may at least be worth a listen.

I have owned the AE1 active speakers and..yes they are very good at there respective level...but fall short in the company of speakers and amp pairings at the price bracket we seem to be in.....although the op hasn't mentioned a budget per say....more like...less mass to move around with similar sound quality, with compromises.....or that is how I'm seeing it....so far?

 

[Revolutions]

Thanks for the replies everyone!

@abacus that’s a really smart idea, starting with similar style speakers & go from there. Of course, as with all things, everything will change when I get to a room & hear things.


@skinnypuppy71 about keeping my vinyl, I get what you mean. Aside from my dad’s collection, over the years I’ve ended up selling all my original vinyl from the 90s, and now that everything is being repressed I can source stuff in the future if I needed. My challenge is when I think about storage I’ve also got tonnes of books, a few guitars & amps too. It all adds up to a lot of ‘stuff’.

I downloaded my Discogs collection the other day & have started a brutal cull by marking what I could sell. Then it’ll be interesting to pull all those out one-by-one & see how I feel about selling it, then play it. I’m very all or nothing though, so if I’m keeping some I’ll want to keep many.

My dream of my possessions being a few books, 2 guitars & an amp, then streamer + speakers is probably a bit far fetched 😂

..although the op hasn't mentioned a budget per say....more like...less mass to move around with similar sound quality, with compromises.....or that is how I'm seeing it....so far?

Yes, this is exactly my thinking. The 40a weigh 30kg each, a bit more of a pain for lifting/shifting vs your average floor stander.

When it comes to the Linn, it’s more a case of getting the same quality for less money, esp. if I won’t need phono preamp.

 

[JDl]

I've been presented with an option for a completely new life adventure. One that would mean I couldn't reasonably take my belongings with me. It's coincided quite nicely with a nagging feeling that my ever growing collection of vinyl, books & guitar paraphernalia isn't sparking joy as most of it sits unused/unloved.

The idea of downsizing my vinyl is pretty stressful, so I'm actually considering selling all of it & my turntable. Which gets me to my question...

My current streaming setup is Linn Selekt DSM w/ Organik dac into ATC SCM40a. I love the sound. I don’t ever know how to describe sounds, it feels really refined, tonnes of detail & the dac has an analog sounding warmth. If I were to look for a similar streaming amp (no need for phono input) & possibly some less cumbersome speakers, is there a way to achieve a similar sound for a lot less money?

For example, I do love the sound of the Gold Note IS-1000. It's possible to get a second-hand one of those for about £2k. What passive speakers might get me a similar sound for around the same budget? I suppose some smaller ATCs might be the answer. That’s still £4k or so. What would £3k buy?

Also interested in experiences with chifi etc, and bookshelf speakers would definitely be considered as part of this. I'm getting way ahead of myself, but it's sort of a fascinating thought experiment. And it would be a brilliant excuse to get to some shops & demo stuff 😎

Come on then, spill the beans, are ye goin' to sea?

 

[Pedro2]

I tried a couple of years ago to move away from my Linn streamer (Akurate DSM Kat) but the experiment failed - just couldn’t get the same sound from the (cheaper) separates. Good luck with your quest but I think to match the Selekt/Organik with cheaper separates is going to prove interesting 😉 - that flowing, easy, addictive sound takes some finding.

As to your active ATCs, you have literally hundreds of options, but again, it may not be easy. If you want smaller, then the new Linn 119 stand mounts driven by a Selekt Organik sound extremely good. I’ve never really found a Linn speaker that I liked before but these new models are superb.

Good luck with your adventures (audio and beyond)!