Hi-fi shake-up

[plastic penguin]

Have been pondering off and on over the years about downgrading, but unsure of the end game. None of the all-in-ones really make me go "wow!". Having also looked at Electro amps, can't stand the idea of plastic facia. Actives? what do you think? Nah.

If I am serious about a wholesale change I need to look at my past: The days of lovely VU meters are few and far between within my budget. The Accuphase amps are a tempting proposition, but way beyond my budget. Vintage amps still look great but due to age they are a liability.

Going to listen to Wharfedale Dentons next week. Pioneer was always a cracking sonic match with Wharfies but the aesthetics of modern Pioneer stuff fails to inspire.

(Before anyone starts alluding, still love the SQ of my current set-up... I'm yearning for something a little different).

 

[stevebrock]

PP,

Just listen to the music, like I have been doing this week - my amp woes are long forgotten and an amp upgrade has subsided, Just been playing loads of vinyl and really enjoying it.

The Brio is doing the business!

 

[plastic penguin]

I do. Since buying the PMCs it is just switch on and enjoy. Somehow the collective looks doesn't really do it: Never liked the look of the Naim CDP and the Leema is okay, in modern terms, to look at but...

Perhaps I'm hitting a mid-life crisis - Just want big, dancing VU meters.

 

[matt49]

Integrated amp with DAC. Nice neat format. Cutting edge tech. Dancing meters. Supposed to sound good too.

Though I have to admit the aesthetics are a turn-off for me.

 

[skippy]

Or this for a tenner or get two, place them on your amp, et voila.

Nostalgia and kinetics all in one

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Novelty-Dippy-Drinking-Bird/dp/B000A7MDS0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1392848038&sr=8-3&keywords=dippy+bird

 

[Tonestar1]

I've got one of these under my sofabed in the guest room.... Will be resurrected when I finally move to a bigger house and get some space to get it set up. Still worth a fair bit even though its at around 20 years old and man did it go loud.. Killed a set of B&W 602 speakers with it at a new years party about seven years ago.

 

[stevebrock]

Killed a set of B&W 602 speakers

how?

 

[davedotco]

I do. Since buying the PMCs it is just switch on and enjoy. Somehow the collective looks doesn't really do it: Never liked the look of the Naim CDP and the Leema is okay, in modern terms, to look at but...

Perhaps I'm hitting a mid-life crisis - Just want big, dancing VU meters.

If you are feeling brave you can ship the Jungson JA-88D from Hong Kong for about a grand.

Pure Class A too, 80wpc.

 

[Tonestar1]

New Year party.... Too much alcohol... Chemical Brothers we are the night playing .... Window shaking silly volume... Blew both the tweeters and god knows if any further internal damage was caused. Speakers are still in the wardobe in the guest room too. I'm always threatening to turn the cabinets into something cool but haven't quite got around to it yet.

 

[CarlDW]

How about the Onkyo P3000R/M5000R combo, fantastic looking kit.

Maybe over budget though...

 

[plastic penguin]

I do. Since buying the PMCs it is just switch on and enjoy. Somehow the collective looks doesn't really do it: Never liked the look of the Naim CDP and the Leema is okay, in modern terms, to look at but...

Perhaps I'm hitting a mid-life crisis - Just want big, dancing VU meters.

If you are feeling brave you can ship the Jungson JA-88D from Hong Kong for about a grand.

Pure Class A too, 80wpc.

Now that does look the biz. Tell me about the SQ?

 

[plastic penguin]

I've got one of these under my sofabed in the guest room.... Will be resurrected when I finally move to a bigger house and get some space to get it set up. Still worth a fair bit even though its at around 20 years old and man did it go loud.. Killed a set of B&W 602 speakers with it at a new years party about seven years ago.

Nice. Got anymore under the bed?

 

[Hi-FiOutlaw]

Nahhhh!

I think you need the glow of valves 8) , how about a hybrid or a all valve amp... :?

 

[ID.]

This calls for a second system. For the bedroom or somewhere else in the house, perhaps.

Maybe gives you the chance to indulge in things you felt were too risky or too out there for your main system. Cobble together something nostalgic from the 2nd hand market, or try your hand at some kit from brands without a strong following/distribution network in the UK.

I love my main system (Esoteric RZ-1 paired with PMC DB1is and an active sealed sub, currently all stowed away in a cupboard to keep it safe from my toddler ) but I'm currently also enjoying a desktop setup in my home office (NuForce Icon HDP working as DAC and preamp into some cheap Fostex PM04n. Not saying that actives are the way to go for you) which provide a different sound signature.

 

[plastic penguin]

This calls for a second system. For the bedroom or somewhere else in the house, perhaps.

Ideally, yes. But as we live in a bungalow, brimmed with equipement, it is a stark reality of stick or twist. Can't accommodate two systems unfortunately.

 

[plastic penguin]

Nahhhh!

I think you need the glow of valves 8) , how about a hybrid or a all valve amp... :?

Don't be so silly.

 

[Macspur]

PP, there's an Accuphase E302 currently on sale at Audio Emotion for less than £800

Mac

www.macsmusic.blogbubble.net

 

[ErwinC]

Have been pondering off and on over the years about downgrading, but unsure of the end game. None of the all-in-ones really make me go "wow!".

I just did this and 'downgraded' to a Naim Unitilite. I am still very happy with the sound and ask myself why i did not do this sooner. :rockout:

 

[ID.]

we live in a bungalow, brimmed with equipement.

I live in a Tokyo apartment, what I'd give for the luxury of a bungalow 8)

Where there's a will :cheer:

Anyway, it's always fun to think of upgrades, changes of kit and audition different stuff, even if you don't end up making any changes.

 

[matthewpiano]

Tread carefully PP, as you seem to enjoy your system

 

[plastic penguin]

Tread carefully PP, as you seem to enjoy your system

Trust me, I'll be tiptoeing very carefully thru the hi-fi tulips. It's true, the level of realism from my system is fabulous, but prepared to take a slight 'hit' on SQ with the right looking set-up.

 

[plastic penguin]

PP, there's an Accuphase E302 currently on sale at Audio Emotion for less than £800

Mac

www.macsmusic.blogbubble.net

Thanks Mac - I'll have a goosey later.

Accuphase have always come with a commendable reputation. What's their sonic signature? Are they smooth, warm, attacking or lively?

 

[CJSF]

Nahhhh!

I think you need the glow of valves 8) , how about a hybrid or a all valve amp... :?

Now there is a man with taste and vision . . . Buy Icon and it has an analogue bias meter on the front as well, turn the lights down for the 'blue haze', perfect atmosphere with a cup of Horlicks . . . :doh: CJSF

 

[plastic penguin]

Nahhhh!

I think you need the glow of valves 8) , how about a hybrid or a all valve amp... :?

Buy Icon and it has an analogue bias meter on the front as well, turn the lights down for the 'blue haze', perfect atmosphere with a cup of Horlicks . . . :doh: CJSF

You little charmer, CJ.

 

[roten]

I do. Since buying the PMCs it is just switch on and enjoy. Somehow the collective looks doesn't really do it: Never liked the look of the Naim CDP and the Leema is okay, in modern terms, to look at but...

Perhaps I'm hitting a mid-life crisis - Just want big, dancing VU meters.

If you are feeling brave you can ship the Jungson JA-88D from Hong Kong for about a grand.

Pure Class A too, 80wpc.

Now that does look the biz. Tell me about the SQ?

Have a look at what Troels Gravesen thought about it - he is a Danish loudspeaker designer who has used it in his test rig

http://www.troelsgravesen.dk/JungSon.htm