RockAddict
14-03-2022, 08:56
To the Mods: not 100% sure this is in the right section - feel free to move if need be.
This is a conversational post about finding a setup that works but also the realisation moving further forward would require a budget that simply isn't available.
Over the last 3-4 years, I've stumbled from one buyer's regret to another and then, by way of a series of fortuitous lucky breaks, ended up with a system that makes listening to music the most enjoyable it has ever been (for me). The setup (components and cabling) has been stable for 6 months now and gone are the moments when that feeling hits, the horrible sinking feeling when realising, once again, it just isn't quite right. The main setup is listed below (in case the signature gets changed in future):
Sources: Bluesound Node 2i (streamer) / Sony UHP-H1 (universal disc player)
External DAC: Denafrips Pontus II
Pre: Quad Artera PRE (doubling as a headphone amp)
Amp: Willsenton R8 (being used as a power amp)
Speakers: Dynaudio Special Forty
Curiously, only the speakers were demoed. Previous components were demoed and still didn't work out. Moral of the story? Demos are fine but be aware they won't necessarily reflect how they work in-situ at home. Evidently, it also seems my ears aren't as good at tuning into components at demos as my brain is when tuning into reviews that are more likely to reflect how a component will work for me.
So, what next? Most would probably regard my setup as happily "mid-fi" and any change in kit at a similar price point is unlikely to elicit a significant improvement in SQ. When idly perusing potential replacement components, they are invariably at a level (cost) well beyond reach. In other words, I've hit my "upgrade ceiling", even taking into account potential trade-in values. Some examples of components that a lottery win might facilitate:
Sources: Auralic Aries G1 or G2.1 (streamer) / new universal disc player should one of high enough quality come to the market
External DAC: Denafrips Terminator Plus or the new Chord Dave (maybe with a Hugo M-Scaler)
Pre: Pass Labs XP-12
Amp: Alluxity Power One (stereo power amp)
Speakers: Fleetwood Sound DeVille SQ
Near enough, that little setup would run to the small matter of £40k to £50k, depending on spec (and stockist).
There is an upside to reaching the upgrade ceiling: there isn't any doubt about where you're at. None at all. It's at a point where not even the phrase "...at a stretch..." can tantalise or lead to misplaced temptation - my "stretching" was done with the Dynaudios and the Pontus II. In turn, the focus stays with the music with an appreciation for having what I (we all) have; especially in such dark times.
Happy listening all.
*listening to music, not hi-fi :)*
This is a conversational post about finding a setup that works but also the realisation moving further forward would require a budget that simply isn't available.
Over the last 3-4 years, I've stumbled from one buyer's regret to another and then, by way of a series of fortuitous lucky breaks, ended up with a system that makes listening to music the most enjoyable it has ever been (for me). The setup (components and cabling) has been stable for 6 months now and gone are the moments when that feeling hits, the horrible sinking feeling when realising, once again, it just isn't quite right. The main setup is listed below (in case the signature gets changed in future):
Sources: Bluesound Node 2i (streamer) / Sony UHP-H1 (universal disc player)
External DAC: Denafrips Pontus II
Pre: Quad Artera PRE (doubling as a headphone amp)
Amp: Willsenton R8 (being used as a power amp)
Speakers: Dynaudio Special Forty
Curiously, only the speakers were demoed. Previous components were demoed and still didn't work out. Moral of the story? Demos are fine but be aware they won't necessarily reflect how they work in-situ at home. Evidently, it also seems my ears aren't as good at tuning into components at demos as my brain is when tuning into reviews that are more likely to reflect how a component will work for me.
So, what next? Most would probably regard my setup as happily "mid-fi" and any change in kit at a similar price point is unlikely to elicit a significant improvement in SQ. When idly perusing potential replacement components, they are invariably at a level (cost) well beyond reach. In other words, I've hit my "upgrade ceiling", even taking into account potential trade-in values. Some examples of components that a lottery win might facilitate:
Sources: Auralic Aries G1 or G2.1 (streamer) / new universal disc player should one of high enough quality come to the market
External DAC: Denafrips Terminator Plus or the new Chord Dave (maybe with a Hugo M-Scaler)
Pre: Pass Labs XP-12
Amp: Alluxity Power One (stereo power amp)
Speakers: Fleetwood Sound DeVille SQ
Near enough, that little setup would run to the small matter of £40k to £50k, depending on spec (and stockist).
There is an upside to reaching the upgrade ceiling: there isn't any doubt about where you're at. None at all. It's at a point where not even the phrase "...at a stretch..." can tantalise or lead to misplaced temptation - my "stretching" was done with the Dynaudios and the Pontus II. In turn, the focus stays with the music with an appreciation for having what I (we all) have; especially in such dark times.
Happy listening all.
*listening to music, not hi-fi :)*