If you could (afford to) start again?

It's a difficult one SJB. For some it's all about the music, for some it's all about the equipment and for most it's somewhere in between. 

If i was starting again, it would be a very simple system - it's really all about the music for me now ( It hasn't always been) and the attraction of a lot of boxes, cables and the attendent upkeep to ensure peak performance is not really there. I want consistent performance, something that sounds good with whatever i play on it, getting the most from the best and the worst recordings in my collection. 

You've built up what most would consider to be a very nice system - if you enjoy it then why change ? I'd certainly listen to the competition (Devialet, Linn and the active ATC approach does look very interesting too) just to make sure that i wasn't missing anything but if you're happy....

If i had to do it again, i'd likely have moved house when i had the finances to do it some years ago. The room is by far the most important factor in any of this and a simple system in a great room will most often trump a sophisticated system in a compromised room. 

DAC: Playback Design or MSB Analog or Aqua Formula (main source)

Digital: Aurender and MicroRendu

Vinyl: Garrad 301 or LP12

Amp: Pass or Leben or Octave or NAP300

Speaker: Devore O/96

Sloop John B posted:

Thanks for all the replies, what I'm really trying to get at is

if one wanted the sound quality one has at the moment, would you attempt a different road if you could sell it all and start again.

For arguments sake if some mishap befell your current system and your insurance paid full replacement value, would you buy the exact same system?

SJB

 

If I was spending the same amount of money as I have on my current system (adjusted to today's prices if different), almost certainly yes.

The alternative insurance payout angle is a different matter. With new for old cover, assuming it coughs up as described, I would receive significantly more than the current equivalent of what I spent, which was mostly bought secondhand - and as I would still buy most things secondhand I would have the opportunity to consider upgrading further. But first I'd have to find the speakers:  if I can't find my present speaker model (it Is very rare on the secondhand market and is no longer in production) I'd be reconsidering which of a couple of alternatives to go for, though both being more expensive they'd make less money available for other upgrades, hence why speakers have to be the first consideration. Then, depending how much is left, I'd consider upgrades: if lucky there might be enough to consider either a HugoTT plus the next model up Bryston amp, or a Dave (and original model amp), though I'd probably take the opportunity to assess Devialet, never having heard.

gary yeowell posted:

If i had to do it again, i'd likely have moved house when i had the finances to do it some years ago. The room is by far the most important factor in any of this and a simple system in a great room will most often trump a sophisticated system in a compromised room. 

I'd certainly agree that if the insurance claim included rebuilding or moving home - great opportunity to minimise room issues.

I don't see where the insurance claim comes into it from the OP's post. This is just my personal answer to the question as originally proposed.

gary yeowell posted:

I don't see where the insurance claim comes into it from the OP's post. This is just my personal answer to the question as originally proposed.

See his post listed about 22 hours before this. 

Ok well if that's the new question, i'd do exactly the same as i have done, as it works and i have heard nothing i'd change it for that i could afford.

I would have skipped the XS2 and gone straight to the SN2. 

Active is just coming into its own and wasn't an option for me when I got started, so no hard feelings. That said, I would like to audition it. I've only read amazing things about the N272 + Dynaudio Focus XD600 combo as being nothing short of phenomenal.

Could I afford to start again?      Yes.
Can I justify it?      No.            (Well not at the moment, but that might change.)

Most importantly:  Did I make the right decision at the time, with the information available at the time?        Yes, so I'm happy where I am.

gary yeowell posted:

SJB, it was a couple of months back now, but i remember i found it all a bit overwhelming. Detailed, layered, nuanced, dynamic with harmonics and all, just that it seemed at the expense of real emotion and musical flow. It was interesting on some level, but ultimately i found it mechanical, clinical and bright in excess. There were others in the room who seemed to like it, but just not to my taste. Didn't listen for more than 3-4 tracks as i couldn't bear it any longer.

Having tried DAVE in my own system a couple of times now I found exactly the same as Gary. At first it sounds wonderfully detailed and spacious but then you realise the music's done a runner. My trusty old Chord QBD76 is much nicer.