Wife hates me, need a low profile amp reco….

The AS-501 is a big b*gger. Looks the biz, really, if there's room.

Have you discussed with your good lady the details of exactly what would be acceptable? That might be a good starting point as it will prevent any assumptions or dashed expectations on either side.

Also, have you considered asking her to help you with your search for replacement kit? A different pair of eyes and ears can be useful, and co-ownership of the problem is often a better route to a solution.

Finally, as others have suggested, is there a possibility of relocating the gear to solve the issue? The best position for my rack is behind the settee, out of immediate sight, but it means looong speaker cables. It works for me and my good lady, however, inasmuch as it actually leaves our lounge looking like a lounge and not a listening room but without compromising the listening experience.

 

The Brio-R would be my next move if/when I inevitably find myself in your position. Happy wife happy life!

 

That was my thinking as well.

However you have one of those amps I'd least want to hide.

Bill

 

I had the same but different gig like yours. My wife divorced me for partying non stop yadda yadda, but rarely said anything about the stereo or speakers or racks of cd's. Even in the divorce, I got the stereo. Not much else tho...

 

The Mytec products look great, sound fantastic, and are low profile. You could find one within your budget.

 

Tell the wife to deal with it.

 

Rega Brio is a great choice.

Bel Canto C5i is another.....and they are built right in your town!

C5i Integrated Amplifier - Bel Canto Design Home Audio

 

Or, you could box up your wife and save yourself...

 

Ah, good suggestions from all.

So, she really is wonderful but here is what got this started…..my wife saw the Rega Brio the other day at the record store (we made an impromptu visit while on the same street running errands) and she asked myself and the gentlemen why I needed so many large “boxes” hooked up to my record player and all he had was that? It was hooked up to his in store playback.
I walked up and she said honey, this man has that little box and that’s all he needs, why do you need your big ugly things…..
Thus how the conversation in to this started….

 

No, just tell her to deal with it . . . you know, compromise, like grown people do.

 

Well now that you've explained it it's a whole different ballgame! Your wife has gearlust! She wants a Rega Brio who are you to deny her that pleasure?

 

we have a winner!

 

I gaze at the meters when no one is looking.

 

LOL.

Maybe when the pandemic is over I could come by and gaze alongside you?

Bill

 

My first receiver. My dad bought a Marantz 2230 for me (knowing music was my life) when I turned 14. Greatest gift ever. Paired with a set of Marantz Imperial 7 12" bass-reflex 3 way speakers. I felt like the luckiest boy on earth.

Many years later, I lost them to a break-in. In recent years I've thought about trying to find a used one, but they've certainly become collectable. Damn!

Things of beauty.

Bill

 

Bring Starbucks

I'll have my wife grill some steaks.

She's a good wife.
If I put that on the kitchen table and all she would do is toss a tablecloth over it

We have reached an understanding after 30 years and 2 kids out of college.
We like each other 99% of the time.

 

make her happy and get her involved with the situation...the things we do for love. ; )

 

Caffeine is my drug of choice (and love steaks), so providing coffee is the least I could do. LOL.

The only problem I envision, is will your wife indulge in us having the cabinet open?

Bill

 

It was MY idea, lol, she really cuts me more slack than I deserve. I'm not into the frat house look, been there, done that.

Plus it keeps the carpet crawling nieces and nephews from it.

 

Initially, I read the thread title as: "Wife hates me, also need a low profile....."

 

When were frat houses outfitted with Macintosh amps? i might have joined such a frat. LOL.

The protection from crawling nieces and nephews is an excuse that I'm almost willing to accept

Bill

 

Instant classic!

 

This!

 

The baby Lyngdorf is not only small, but also very smart (Roon, Tidal, AirPort2, etc streaming), but also a great partner to your turntable (has built in phono). I also runs super cool, so you can hide it anywhere.

 

Tell her there's no problem, that the solution is powered monitors and you're willing to go that route AS LONG AS SHE PAYS FOR THEM, or a smallish amp of your choosing, but SHE's PAYING. She'll change her mind immediately.

All that failing, take her to see some vintage receivers (like my SX-980, so she realizes that your Yammie is NOT BIG AT ALL.