Struggling with lateral moves & multiple systems, is it just me?
- Thread starter HowlerMonkey
- Start date
I'm curious what the OP intended the last poll selection to mean, since 5 people so far have voted for it. Does it mean "I don't recognize this as a problem because I have tons of gear", or "You're an idiot and should get out of audio" 
or ? 
or ? 
HowlerMonkey
Active Member
I'm curious what the OP intended the last poll selection to mean, since 5 people so far have voted for it. Does it mean "I don't recognize this as a problem because I have tons of gear", or "You're an idiot and should get out of audio"
It was the "none of the above" type of answer....I meant it as a reminder that we should not take this hobby too seriously...
I allowed for multiple votes so I expect that one to be very popular
I have not had a chance to add to the conversation but I have read some very clever approaches
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sensei91
Active Member
Nice to hear about the other solutions.
I am down to 3 systems, I actually just finally put in the OPPO UDP 203 I had new in the box for over a year in the Living Room. I have an older OPPO still going strong in my basement cave system, but spending less time down there now.That’s In a small space and is dedicated to DVD Audio and surround. I wanted The option to listen to those disks and more movies upstairs so that’s why I finally hooked up the new OPPO.
My main system is in the dining room/kitchen, the largest space in the house. It is on almost all day, as there is a great Classical Public Radio station on FM that is crystal clear. It took me some time but I was able to put together a Mcintosh tuner, preamp and amp over the years.
Of course, like many of you , I still have unused pieces of equipment and speakers put away.I still have a C 28 Preamp that I am on the fence about getting a rebuild. If I do, I will then have to complete the rest of a system for it , but not sure where I would put it.
Part of my issue, maybe with some of you, is my change of taste for type of music. My DVD Audio and DVD concerts are all rock, and my taste for music is now mostly Classical . That of course is mostly exclusively in stereo.My most recent disk purchase last week was Liquid Melancholy, an absolutely stunning recording of clarinet music. I actually haven’t played it on the new OPPO yet, only on the Mcintosh equipment with a Cal Labs CD player.
I am down to 3 systems, I actually just finally put in the OPPO UDP 203 I had new in the box for over a year in the Living Room. I have an older OPPO still going strong in my basement cave system, but spending less time down there now.That’s In a small space and is dedicated to DVD Audio and surround. I wanted The option to listen to those disks and more movies upstairs so that’s why I finally hooked up the new OPPO.
My main system is in the dining room/kitchen, the largest space in the house. It is on almost all day, as there is a great Classical Public Radio station on FM that is crystal clear. It took me some time but I was able to put together a Mcintosh tuner, preamp and amp over the years.
Of course, like many of you , I still have unused pieces of equipment and speakers put away.I still have a C 28 Preamp that I am on the fence about getting a rebuild. If I do, I will then have to complete the rest of a system for it , but not sure where I would put it.
Part of my issue, maybe with some of you, is my change of taste for type of music. My DVD Audio and DVD concerts are all rock, and my taste for music is now mostly Classical . That of course is mostly exclusively in stereo.My most recent disk purchase last week was Liquid Melancholy, an absolutely stunning recording of clarinet music. I actually haven’t played it on the new OPPO yet, only on the Mcintosh equipment with a Cal Labs CD player.
Oft I wonder if my LSA 1 2 ways might better fit the room than the mighty XRT 20's.
Yeah, it's a good space, if all you have in there is a minimalist setup. I've gone way overboard, tho.
And you STILL dont have the Imperials recapped and running! LOL
Your square footage is more than twice mine and you can probably stand up in yours, you can’t in mine
Moving into a tiny house sort of helped with the red part
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shelly_d
Not An Audiophool
I used to have 2 systems, one in the bedroom and one in the living room. Since I live in a two bedroom condo, I am not in the same quandary as the OP. When my kid got a little older and our lives changed somewhat, I stopped using the bedroom system. It was hooked into the TV in there and we used it for movies and the like. After we got an HD TV in the living room we moved all our watching in there and that is where all my efforts moved.
My front systems has been static for a while now. I use vintage Marantz for two channel and modern Marantz for 5.1 movies and TV.
I have two bedroom systems that I change around all the time. Changing those systems ( I have a spare bedroom full of speakers and receivers/amps) takes care of the urge to buy more. Since I love the sound of many speakers and receivers, whenever I get bored, I just dig around and find another combo I have never heard.
Right now I am loving the STA 220 and Ditton 250 combo along with the G-5700 and Optimus 5 combo.
I have two bedroom systems that I change around all the time. Changing those systems ( I have a spare bedroom full of speakers and receivers/amps) takes care of the urge to buy more. Since I love the sound of many speakers and receivers, whenever I get bored, I just dig around and find another combo I have never heard.
Right now I am loving the STA 220 and Ditton 250 combo along with the G-5700 and Optimus 5 combo.
David_NC
Super Member
I see a 1060 in that second pic. That's one of my favorite vintage lower powered SS integrateds. They look good, sound good, and are really easy to service. I hope to have a wooden case for mine too, soon.
Have 5 systems, enjoy them all for what they are. The bedroom system is awesome, but was never intended to compete with the main system so I don't expect it too. The main system is a step up, but not the equal of the two systems in the media rm, wasn't intended too. Being in the main living rm aesthetics had to be taken into account. My lady loves our music, would let me set up anything but what kind of a jerk would I have to be to take advantage of her kind heart.
The media rm systems are where I concentrate my efforts to reach that next level. But I have to admit I'm pretty happy with where they are now and don't see any changes in the near future unless a real score presents itself.
Last but not least is the system I put together for my 27yr old son that still lives with dad. Nice speaks, ok modern stereo receiver from Parts Express, my son only uses it for gaming and video, not really into music.
Nothing wrong with lateral moves if you're happy where your system is concerned.
The media rm systems are where I concentrate my efforts to reach that next level. But I have to admit I'm pretty happy with where they are now and don't see any changes in the near future unless a real score presents itself.
Last but not least is the system I put together for my 27yr old son that still lives with dad. Nice speaks, ok modern stereo receiver from Parts Express, my son only uses it for gaming and video, not really into music.
Nothing wrong with lateral moves if you're happy where your system is concerned.
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Yes, recapped many years back, but I have to admit, it's the one pair of speakers I did NOT hear an improvement with. They were great before, are great still.
They're in a mother in law house on my property that's dilapidated, but no, not connected. Cannot bear to sell them.
Yep, it's a 1060. I love it to death. When it is in the front system I usually power it with a Sony 330ES and when it is in the bedroom, I use the 160s amp. Either way it makes some sweet sounds. I will put the 1060s pre amp section against most anything, new or vintage.
And the wood case brings it all together.
Sam08861
Super Member
4 systems
My solution has been to use the different systems, for different purposes, so different levels of concern for fidelity. Leave 3 as they are and spend my time perfecting one.
3 of them in one room.
Audio system - big bi-amped stack with all the input components and floor standers. My OCD, tweak, ultimate fidelity, critical listening system for music. (DAC, cd, hires, turntable, reel to reel, power conditioner, etc). Since I'm on a craigslist budget, it's a lot reading, stalking, buying, trying, rotating. Lot of fun though in the hunt and trying different items out. Almost there though on the audio bliss.
HT - across the room, 5.1 (beefy satellites, big ported sub). For movies, after room EQ, and screen calibration, I find this to be set it and forget it. Maybe a semi-annual recalibration.
Tube system - next to critical system, tube receiver, turntable, floor standing speakers. - Radio, nostalgic listening, showing off how good 'old stuff' and flea power. The level if fidelity is part of the charm.
Other room,
50s tube stereo Console + - Christmas music, background music, showing off furniture / decorative with a surprisingly good sound.
My problem child, of course is the 1st one.
My solution has been to use the different systems, for different purposes, so different levels of concern for fidelity. Leave 3 as they are and spend my time perfecting one.
3 of them in one room.
Audio system - big bi-amped stack with all the input components and floor standers. My OCD, tweak, ultimate fidelity, critical listening system for music. (DAC, cd, hires, turntable, reel to reel, power conditioner, etc). Since I'm on a craigslist budget, it's a lot reading, stalking, buying, trying, rotating. Lot of fun though in the hunt and trying different items out. Almost there though on the audio bliss.
HT - across the room, 5.1 (beefy satellites, big ported sub). For movies, after room EQ, and screen calibration, I find this to be set it and forget it. Maybe a semi-annual recalibration.
Tube system - next to critical system, tube receiver, turntable, floor standing speakers. - Radio, nostalgic listening, showing off how good 'old stuff' and flea power. The level if fidelity is part of the charm.
Other room,
50s tube stereo Console + - Christmas music, background music, showing off furniture / decorative with a surprisingly good sound.
My problem child, of course is the 1st one.
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Nixxuz
Super Member
I don't fall into any of the voting categories. I have extra ****, but all 4 systems are pretty much fine.
Main system listed in sig.
PC system which is a pair of BIC DV32B's and a Dayton SUB-1500 with a Dayton APA150 and an FX Audio DAC X-6, with a Little Dot Mk2 as a preamp.
HT system is a Denon AVRS510BT hooked to a pair of Focal Superbirds for fronts, Mirage Omnisat CC for center, and Mirage Nanosat Prestige for rears. Another SUB-1500 in that room as well.
Kitchen has 4X BIC DV32B's running off a little Nobsound NS-01G Mini BT amp. Used to have a 12" sub under the sink, but the goodly wife kept complaining when anything fell behind it and I snapped one day and just hauled it out and put it on FB marketplace. Sold the same day.
I guess I am tempted to build some built in cabinets for a pair of Lii Audio 8" FR drivers backed up by some HiVi planar tweeters, in the kitchen. Kind of seems like overkill, but otherwise they are just sitting in the basement doing nothing.
Main system listed in sig.
PC system which is a pair of BIC DV32B's and a Dayton SUB-1500 with a Dayton APA150 and an FX Audio DAC X-6, with a Little Dot Mk2 as a preamp.
HT system is a Denon AVRS510BT hooked to a pair of Focal Superbirds for fronts, Mirage Omnisat CC for center, and Mirage Nanosat Prestige for rears. Another SUB-1500 in that room as well.
Kitchen has 4X BIC DV32B's running off a little Nobsound NS-01G Mini BT amp. Used to have a 12" sub under the sink, but the goodly wife kept complaining when anything fell behind it and I snapped one day and just hauled it out and put it on FB marketplace. Sold the same day.
I guess I am tempted to build some built in cabinets for a pair of Lii Audio 8" FR drivers backed up by some HiVi planar tweeters, in the kitchen. Kind of seems like overkill, but otherwise they are just sitting in the basement doing nothing.
Mister Pig
Pigamus Maximus
One system for me, built to be the best I can afford and to meet my personal taste...not anyone elses. My splurge is three turntables, and a pair of subs. I have the living room for my listening area, and gear is set up to sound goos yet keep rhe room functional.
Speakers. Jbl 4365
Subs. Velodyne HGS12 X2
Amp. PS Audio BHK 150 Signature
Pre amp. Halcro DM8
Digital. Audio Magic Kukama DAC/MAC Mini server
Turtables. SOTA Cosmos Eclipse/SME V/Transfiguration Audio Proteus
Well Tempered Reference/Ikeda 9 Rex
VPI Prime/HW 40 12"arm/ZYX 4D
Phono Stages Esoteric E-03
Graham Slee Acension and Elevator
Power Conditioner PS Audio P10
Speaker wire. Wireworld Eclipse 8
Interconnects. Analysis Plus Silver Apex
Power cords PI Audio and Mission Audio
Cabinet. Salamander Audio Geneva credenza
Cheers
Mister Pig
Speakers. Jbl 4365
Subs. Velodyne HGS12 X2
Amp. PS Audio BHK 150 Signature
Pre amp. Halcro DM8
Digital. Audio Magic Kukama DAC/MAC Mini server
Turtables. SOTA Cosmos Eclipse/SME V/Transfiguration Audio Proteus
Well Tempered Reference/Ikeda 9 Rex
VPI Prime/HW 40 12"arm/ZYX 4D
Phono Stages Esoteric E-03
Graham Slee Acension and Elevator
Power Conditioner PS Audio P10
Speaker wire. Wireworld Eclipse 8
Interconnects. Analysis Plus Silver Apex
Power cords PI Audio and Mission Audio
Cabinet. Salamander Audio Geneva credenza
Cheers
Mister Pig
The Well Tempered has been on my want to own list for decades.
Nightwisher
Farer In The Goldilocks Zone
My approach is to have one main system that's "the best", then every time I upgrade it, the secondary, etc. systems get an upgrade. And at the end of that switch, something is probably going to get sold. I try not to put much money into the secondary, etc. systems, and definitely much less than the main system. It's been working quite well for me.
DavidZak
Well-Known Member
Wow. Sounds like you're talking about me. Lol. I learned to integrate my systems with good results also.I had a similar struggle some years ago. My "main" system was really a listening system but morphed into an HT system with some inherent compromises.
Once I learned how I could create a pass through from my listening pre-amp, through the AVR (the compromise) without the AVR processing the signal and on to my amps without having to switch amps, speakers, etc...things got a LOT better.
I did put together a small 2-channel vintage listening system in another room I can retreat to if the Mrs. has her friends over for drinks, dinner and dice. It's a good system but just not as good as the main system. But I'm gonna keep it just in case I get sent to the dog house.
RunOutGroove
Addicted Member
I would just dedicate one system as the "good one," which would probably be the "cave" in your case. I personally care more about the quality of time that I spend listening to the quality so even if you spend a greater amount of time listening in your living room, it doesn't sound like you do as serious listening there. It's nice to have a space that has the really beautiful sounding stuff that you can escape to even if you aren't able to do so very often. I might first swap a few things so that you have a very good sounding, well matched system in that room and then look at the weak link... I personally think that speakers, more often than not make the most difference so I light look at upgrading there. Come up with a list of ones that seem like they'd be your style and then watch the ads. You might just find something on your list for pennies on the dollar... and then if you sell your old gear you can get the benefit of a nice upgrade without having to spend too much. Other than that, look at the small things, if you're running a turnable, think about a new stylus and/or a separate phono preamp, if you don't have one. For digital, look at a DAC. Sometimes very small upgrades like that add enough sparkle to the music to make you feel like you're not missing too much by not investing in expensive new components...
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