Component(s) of your audio system that are "end game" and you don't have the urge to upgrade?

Awesome combo. I almost considered going that route as an upgrade to the Totem Sttafs I had for years.

 

Easier said than done to build it right the first time. I had to test the waters first to find out what worked and what didn't and evolve my system from there.
I carefully purchased pieces that would maintain their value and the trade up if necessary. I would not call it a fool's game at all.

 

CD player- Finished, (Marantz SA8005)
Digital source- Finished. (Sony HAP-z1ES)
Cartridge- Finished (Ortofon Cadenza Blue)
Turntable- Finished (Technics SL1200 GR)
Phono Preamp Finished (Sutherland 20/20)
Amplifier- Finished (Rogue CM Dos)
Speakers- Hopefully but jury is still out (Spendor D7)

 

Nice system.

 

Endgame for everything except for the speakers. I would like to either upgrade in the Canalis line to the Amerigo 2.0 or try a Devore Orangutan one day. Maybe upgrade the headphones to the Audeze LCD-4 if I win the lottery or something. I'm really happy with what I have, however.

Honestly, it's really easy these days to find high-quality audio components as the cost of manufacturing decreases and more technology gets packed into smaller units. If something breaks, I may even see if I can get away with some lower cost components because the quality is broadly comparable.

 

I'm done with the amplification chain, where I seem to have spent most of my focus and time, thus it must have been core to my listening sensitivities:

CI PEQ-1 phono and Border Patrol DAC into Van Alstine tube preamp and PS Audio S300 power amp.

I went through a lot of variables and years to get here, but it's very successful now and I'm happy every day listening to it all.

 

Parasound JC2 BP and JC3+.

Audioquest Colorado XLR cables.

 

After years of swapping/upgrading components and loudspeakers I’ve come to that point where I at least understand my taste. I know what I like and have sorted out my system accordingly, achieving that oft-elusive synergy. I’m happy with my modest little system and have no desire to change anything. I listen for hours upon hours and rarely tire of it. My biggest “problem” is simple curiosity. With the break-neck developmental pace in technology the desire to try something else is inevitable. Christ, I’ve only recently adopted Ethernet rendering and now there’s optical modules and switches to obsess over!

I don’t see new loudspeakers in my future. Or amps. Or DACs for that matter. Maybe a new/improved streaming gizmo will strike my fancy. I dunno. Fortunately, I’ve kept much of the gear I’ve purchased over the years and can swap out, well, everything if I need a change of pace. End game? Not quite, but close. Of course, I could go back to vinyl. Nah ..

 

Sonus Faber Amati Aniversario !
Keepers for life.

 

I am no longer quoting U2 ("still haven't found what I'm looking for!"), but I still have comparisons to make with speakers and tube electronics. But I have most of the vintage contestants awaiting refurbishment, so it is simply a matter of getting around to the rebuilds. Since I already have a nice sound, I can take as much time as I want for the comparisons.

 

I forgot to mention the component of my system that is definitely not end game - the room. Would love to have a dedicated room, but do not see that as a possibility in the near (or even far) future. I may look into bass traps at some point, but need to find something affordable and aesthetically pleasing (I live with my girlfriend in a studio apartment.)

 

It’s great to upgrade but it’s also great to achieve a state of zen/nirvana with the system you already have.

 

Set up 1;

Sansui 2000X, Modded Technics SL1200MKII w/AT150Mlx cart, Onkyo TA-2026 cassette deck, Roberts 800X RtR, SONY SS-CPX22 speakers.
These very modest speakers [w/kevlar woofers] are way better than they should be. Perhaps an upgrade at some point.

Set up 2;

Kenwood KW-60 tube receiver, SONY XA-20ES CD player, Technics SL-QD3 turntable, Dayton Audio B652 speakers.
Obviously these speakers are place holders. Looking to buy some Klipsch RB-61 II's in the near future.

Set up 3;

Pioneer SX-880, SONY CDP-397 CD player, Wharfedale Denton 80th's, Technics SL1200MKII w/Ortofon Concorde cart/generic elliptical stylus.
The Pioneer/Wharfedale combo is magic. A more powerful silver face Pioneer is possible but not necessary. Want to upgrade the CDP. Want to get a Ortofon stylus 40 eventually. Perhaps have KAB do some overhauling/upgrading on the 1200.

I'm a receiver guy. Would like to get a classic Marantz and possibly keep as a fourth receiver to swap in/out on occasion.

 

Carver 2000 receiver
Bluesound Node 2 w/Airplay via Apple TV 3rd gen
Project Debut III TT with Ortofon Red
Oppo BDP 83
KEF LS50

Only the Node and KEF’s are less than 2 years old.

Considering swapping out the Carver for the Yamaha 803 receiver as a future proofing exercise, as well as the Oppo 83 for an Oppo 103 currently connected to a barely used TV, but am otherwise happy if neither of these events occur.

Any opinions on the Carver vs Yamaha question are welcome.

 

Good advice - for me I am close to that state of nirvana with my current system once I upgrade my preamp, amp, speakers, subs........ oh, and add a better CD player. <just kidding......... kinda>

 

Nothing is explicitly end game - though their owner is probably uncomfortably close.

Nevertheless I don't see anything changing anytime soon.

 

My headphone amp...Audio GD Master 9. The beast weighs over 30 lbs. I am mostly of the "wire with gain" school.

 

Definite keepers:
Altec Model 19 speakers
Audio Note Kit 2.1 DAC
Marantz TT-15 turntable

Really like my Croft Integrated amp - but have my eye out for an Audio Note Oto

 

VPI Prime Signature
Transfiguration Phoenix S
Marantz PM-10S1
Aerial 5T

 

How do you like the SA8005?

 

Rhodes? Really? You lucky son of a gun!

 

MoFi Ultradeck
Sutherland Insight
PrimaLuna Dialogue HP

All keepers.

I am thinking of selling my Magnepan 1.7is. I'm glad I bought them but may be moving another direction.

 

pretty sure my sonic frontiers line 1 premap is the endgame as far as preamps go... so much so that i'm starting to save $ so i can send it up to Parts ConneXion and have it upgraded to SE++ specs.

also considering sending my Sonic Frontiers/Anthem Amp 1 up there for the same treatment. Were I to do that... while not an endgame piece... it would take something really special to usurp it...

Speakers and DAC i think will probably be replaced at some point but since I have just upgraded everything except for my sub in the last 24 months i'm probably just going to hang tight for the time being...

 

Wilson Audio Alexia 2s.

 

My last turntable: Nottingham Analogue Ace Spacedeck

Ace Spacedeck by Jan Hammershaug, on Flickr