How often should unused gear be rotated into your system?

joeinid

joeinid

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Please, no snippy comments mep. :)

I cannot be the only one with more than one amp for one system. I usually rotate through most everything (except for a few odd pieces) every few months, some pieces every few weeks.

I know gear ages with or without use, but how long is really too long for a piece, amp for instance, to sit unused?

I’ve been wrestling with the idea of selling gear that’s not going to be used for a while. I’d rather keep it and eventually use it. Some of the gear is not easily available once sold and except for one or two pieces, I really love what I have.

Plus, just changing up the system a little brings a fresh perspective and renewed excitement.

The longest I’ve gone so far is a year, maybe a little more between uses.


Thoughts?
 
I love cycling between my SIT-3 and VAC 200iQ. They both have marvelous qualities.


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I think there is no right or wrong to this question, as it speaks to one's whole philosophical approach.

since cost in assembling systems is such a variable issue and we all have our own comfort zone and scale, it's hard to apply any sort of dollar figures to this question.

so we are left with those who like to have a system which has many different versions of synergy, and those who look for the ultimate one way......super tweaked and optimized for specific gear. I do have multiple arms on my turntable and have had multiple cartridges. I own three tape decks but they are all the same model. I only have one digital player.

I've tried to have a tube amplifier I can switch in and out of my system, but it was too compromised by the attributes of my system and my musical tastes. and with a -4- 750 pound tower speaker system......... swapping out speakers is not going to happen.

so for me switching gear in and out is not where I'm at. so my answer to the question is......never.

yet I respect it's an essential part of the hobby for many and I can see how it could be fun. of course; if you are a dealer then it's expected and all that gear has to work well enough in your system to have it be able to shine with many approaches. so you need to swap it in often enough to make sure the system still works with it.

there is no one answer. I would only hope if you have multiple pieces of gear that you switch in and out you remember to enjoy the music and not get too caught up in the churn.....for the churn's sake.
 
In all honesty, it's not about the time it sits there. It's the feeling that I really don't want to hook it up. Even tho I love the _______ . Fill in the blank.
 
Thank you Mike (L.)

I love the different flavors I get but don’t want caps, etc. to break down or fail. I guess no matter what, that could happen. I don’t worry about it but I was just curious. I know there’s a ton of vintage gear that people use and love.

I feel my Duo don’t need super expensive gear to shine. As long as they can handle the resistance, they are wonderful. I’m very fortunate.
 
joeinid said:
Please, no snippy comments mep. :)

I cannot be the only one with more than one amp for one system. I usually rotate through most everything (except for a few odd pieces) every few months, some pieces every few weeks.

I know gear ages with or without use, but how long is really too long for a piece, amp for instance, to sit unused?

I’ve been wrestling with the idea of selling gear that’s not going to be used for a while. I’d rather keep it and eventually use it. Some of the gear is not easily available once sold and except for one or two pieces, I really love what I have.

Plus, just changing up the system a little brings a fresh perspective and renewed excitement.

The longest I’ve gone so far is a year, maybe a little more between uses.


Thoughts?
Click to expand...

I started from a very low bar so to me every move represents a no-looking-back kind of upgrade. And since I only have one set up, that means the old gear has to go!
Hopefully someone will enjoy it as much as I once did.
I do try to keep a picture or two for the memories. [emoji51]
 
IMO, the most expensive part of the hobby is not using the equipment.

Either it’s ran, or it goes.

Now my wife and her accumulation of trash is a different story.


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I recently purged all my idle gear, except for the spare preamp. Then over a year later, my Pass pre broke, and the spare was put into use. However, if I didn’t have the spare then I would have just used my HT/stereo until the Pass was repaired. Basically, what I am saying is I love my stereo, and hate storing unused gear. Now that I have gotten rid of all the idle gear I can fit two cars in my garage. :)
 
Hmmmm.... been feeling that I hate having a piece sitting there not being used, so I feel guilty and (try to) sell. Like having extra amps... was enjoying the T+A so I figured sell the toobs.... I just pulled my Audio Mirrors back out.... dammit, they are so nice that I might have to pull them off the market.
 
I totally understand “love the one you’re with” but hooking up something else either makes you appreciate what you had or makes you love what’s new and different.
 
Well, I was one gear and multiple speakers guy now Joe made me these. Sitting with 4 different amps. Sigh [emoji23]


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Ha! Now you are one speaker and multiple amps. Good job!
 
I am stepping up and willing to help anyone on the forum to rotate their gear in and out of my system. Terms on time etc. are flexible. I'm willing to text pics of your loved one having fun in my system. Promising to treat your gear with TLC as my own.

Let me know, currently no waiting.
 
Mr Peabody said:
I am stepping up and willing to help anyone on the forum to rotate their gear in and out of my system. Terms on time etc. are flexible. I'm willing to text pics of your loved one having fun in my system. Promising to treat your gear with TLC as my own.

Let me know, currently no waiting.
Click to expand...

Now if you promised a proper review on AS, you may have something!


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Hmmmm Mr. Mike, I promise a review on the Stein for you :).... if you really need help any of those SS amps, for that matter, any T+A :D!
 
I have a suggestion, Joe.

Rotate through every quarter (3 months). That way you will have time to really enjoy each new system for a nice spell, it will keep things like the caps "formed" and you'll be able to spot if anything changes in between use-periods.
 
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