As an ageing Babyboomer my hearing is going. My hi-fi takes up too much space. I think I need to downgrade; the question though, is how? The current setup is Linn LP12/Lingo/Aro/Troika, Rotel RB 965, NAC 72, HICAP x2, NAXO, NAP 135 x4, SBL's. I listen mostly to 50's jazz and latin american music. I like my musicians to be "there" and be able to place them in space (nothing to do with recreational chemicals...). Just to complicate the issue I live in the States. What do I keep? What do I get rid of? What do I replace it with?
My initial thoughts are to go "System 5" Nait 5, CD5, NAT5, Flatcap, Intro 2's. I'm questioning whether to get rid of the Linn/Aro - I'm tired of the Aromatic collapsing, and I also think the Troika has seen its best days. One thought was Rega 25/RB600
Your help would be much appreciated!
Posted on: 23 October 2000 by Todd A
Just let me know how much you want for you hi-caps and 135s. I may even buy the crossover and speakers for the right price.
Posted on: 23 October 2000 by Phil Barry
I may be interested in the Troika....
But given the loss you'll take, I'd recommend keeping the LP12, etc....
Unless you want to get rid of your records cheap... :-)
Showing my even-handedness, your ability to hear highs may deteriorate, but your ability to hear transients may still be as good as ever. So maybe you should keep it all.
Posted on: 24 October 2000 by Martin Payne
Dear Mr Chef,
my hearing is nothing like as good as it used to be (mainly due to a Uriah Heep concert many years ago).
However, there is no question that I still get far more enjoyment from my expensive system than a cheap one.
I would certainly want to hear any suggested changes before I sol the old stuff.
Re the '5 series': according to my dealer the NAIT-5 seems to have some of the characteristics you're looking for in spades.
cheers, Martin
Posted on: 24 October 2000 by Rico
What about CDX/82/180 in place of what you have? It's somewhat hamstrung, but would be a lot of sound from a few boxes.
More realistically, retaining the SBL's, trading your 135's in on one 250, replacing the Rotel with a CDX... or if you're to ditch the LP12, I'd insist on a CDXII. Replace the 72 with an 82.
Good as the 5 series might be, you'll certainly be losing a fair amount. I'd reckon you'll need to audition carefully to evaluate the tradeoffs. Is a motivation that the system is big, but not working for you? - if so try an 82 or a 52/SC in the system [b]First[b]. If it is merely space constraints, the 5 Series may well be the solution.
May the force be with you.
Rico - musichead
Posted on: 24 October 2000 by Top Cat
...I can say that the brain can compensate for slight hearing loss quite a bit - I used to play a lot of drums, live gigs, etc., and have(had?) 1/4 loss at 3.5-5KHz in both ears due to the cymbals and so forth. Although I caught it early enough, it has had the following positive effects:
(a) made me appreciate what a gift hearing is;
(b) made me re-learn how to listen again;
(c) given me a much needed scare into investigating and using ear protection at gigs.
As a consequence, my listening levels are lower than they used to be, and I've become more discriminating in my choice of gear and music.
TC '..'
Posted on: 24 October 2000 by Le Chef
Thanks for your help - it's helped clarify my thinking down to specific issues. The space one is an issue with "she who must be obeyed". currently I have two Tripod stacks plus an Audiotech table for the Linn, and of course there are a million cables to contend with. The question "Why can't it come in a nice small box?" has been partially resolved, but it would still be nice to get it down to one stack (are there better looking and sonically sound tables available in the US?)
The issue on the Linn is more to do with my never really getting to grips (literally and metaphorically) with the ARO and its unipivot wobble, and as a secondary issue "deck maintainance" with the Linn, hence the thought of going Rega P25/RB600. Maintainance is also an issue with the SBL's and their gaskets, pressure pads etc.
The other unstated issue is whether I could get away with making changes that would meet my goals and not cost me any money...
Now that's a challenge! Any more help would be welcome - I certaainly appreciate all I have been given already.
Many thanks
Le Chef
Posted on: 24 October 2000 by Greg Beatty
...5 shelf rack would take the cd player, 72, hicap (for the 72), and the two 135's. Then keep the Audiotech for your TT, or get a wall shelf for the TT, or get a 6 shelf rack to begin with and have the TT on top.
If you jump back to a 180, you can lose two more boxes (replace the 2 135's with the 180 and lose the hicap for the 72). I'm not sure I would do this - I'm not fond of the 72 without the hicap. But its an option.
I think Frank said the Nait 5 did OK with the SBLs so that's an option as well. You also gain a remote control in the deal.
- GregB
Freedom is not in finding the Holy Grail but in stopping the search for it
