Thread: We Are Living in the Golden Age of Affordable High-End Audio

Yeah I like uber boxes on racks rather than some slimmed down "system". I am all for say something like an SACD transport to plug into the i2s port in the back of an enthusiast DAC.

I would be rather interesting to know the ages of the posters on here suggesting huge separate systems and speakers that take a fork lift to move and listening rooms that dominate a home.

We in March downsized, from 3800 to 1900sqft. Yep a shock and yep, your shit doesn't fit anymore. I'm 70, picking up amps, TT's or heavy speakers well its not happening anymore. These days I'm looking at an integrated amp or maybe an active system, but haven't gotten there yet. Still having a remodel take place in the new place.. Hell my turntable and Pass are still in the box, since I'm not allowed to bend over and pick up over 50 lbs anymore. Life changes that will impact your music and audio choices, so enjoy the music the best your can.

I'm 60 and yes starting to develop a few "issues" --uncomplicated belly hernia, way overweight, swollen feet w/bad leg veins, but none that are slowing me down significantly work or go wise---may a bit running and biking-wise. I have my gear in an acoustically treated 11X12 room that is a dedicated one man listening room. I also have a secondary separates system out in the loft in my computer work area- it also houses additional Kallax for my vinyl overflow. 2500ish sq ft.... I get the grown son to help if I have to move anything too heavy. As far as getting heavy boxes up the stairs, the "roll" method works great.

Originally Posted by CPP

I would be rather interesting to know the ages of the posters on here suggesting huge separate systems and speakers that take a fork lift to move and listening rooms that dominate a home.

We in March downsized, from 3800 to 1900sqft. Yep a shock and yep, your shit doesn't fit anymore. I'm 70, picking up amps, TT's or heavy speakers well its not happening anymore. These days I'm looking at an integrated amp or maybe an active system, but haven't gotten there yet. Still having a remodel take place in the new place.. Hell my turntable and Pass are still in the box, since I'm not allowed to bend over and pick up over 50 lbs anymore. Life changes that will impact your music and audio choices, so enjoy the music the best your can.

Originally Posted by AJ Soundfield

Bottom line, if any recliner engineer wants to put their cobbled system up against a pair of my actives, I'm game. Usual caveats - will be on Youtube for world to see/share the humor ;-).
Otherwise, just stick with, it's what X prefers, sound be damned.

I've heard your loudspeakers 3 years in a row now at Florida Expo. I won't lie, they're impressive. I heard what they're capable of. That being said, I'm also well aware of what my "cobbled" system is capable of, and playing a lot of the same exact tracks that you demoed your speakers with... Well, I don't know if you would be "sharing the humor".

But that's neither here nor there. You like what you like, I like what I like.

I would argue that we're in the golden age of audio gear at any price and the golden age of music availability.

Originally Posted by chops

I've heard your loudspeakers 3 years in a row now at Florida Expo. I won't lie, they're impressive.

You like what you like, I like what I like.

I think that's the point. There is no loss of SQ with actives done right, just a whole lot less boxes/shrine etc. The choice is not SQ related. More like simplicity (or in my case, wanting three different spatial renderings from one speaker at touch of button, something no passive extant can do).
However, I also agree 100%, it is whatever one likes most, including a bunch of equipment (a requirement for different type sources like tape, LP, etc). No argument there.
cheers

Originally Posted by Hear Here

As with all audio, choosing the right unit that suits your listening preferences and your room is key. If Dutch & Dutch doesn't float your boat, then another active speaker system will.

You change speakers every 10 years or so, so careful selection is vital. The difference is, you make this selection once, whereas you have to make the right choice every time you change any part of a multi-box system and your choice depends, not only on the 2 factors already mentioned, but the new item has to be compatible with and work in perfect harmony with the rest of the system.

They look really cool, just did some reading. They cost what I recently dropped into an INT, CDP, TT, Speakers and Cables. Would love to hear them someday

Originally Posted by petek

I'm 60 and yes starting to develop a few "issues" --uncomplicated belly hernia, way overweight, swollen feet w/bad leg veins, but none that are slowing me down significantly work or go wise---may a bit running and biking-wise. I have my gear in an acoustically treated 11X12 room that is a dedicated one man listening room. I also have a secondary separates system out in the loft in my computer work area- it also houses additional Kallax for my vinyl overflow. 2500ish sq ft.... I get the grown son to help if I have to move anything too heavy. As far as getting heavy boxes up the stairs, the "roll" method works great.

I am with you and Chris. I am 61, have had back surgery, both shoulders, the trifecta of hernias and more. Some from childhood idiocy, some from heavy machinery, and some from moving heavy amps and speakers over the years.

I have a digital file only system in the office, a separate system in the family room, and a newer Integrated in the living room. Going to have to downsize sooner or later and will start with keeping my main system and hoping it is not too much for wherever I end up. A dedicated room is really not in my future.