What component have you switched the most in the last 5 yrs?

jasonc · « **on:** 28 Jan 2006, 09:29 pm »

Like to see what level the disease has reached in others.
Me.. the dvd player, I've had 7. Integrated amps are a close second (6), followed by speakers (3).
Whose next..?

markC · « **Reply #1 on:** 28 Jan 2006, 10:16 pm »

Not quite as "ill".

CD player-2
Amps-4
Preamp-2
Speaks-2

Pretty happy with my rig now, but speaks are begging to be next. Unfortunatley, cash on hand is the problem. Then again, isn't it always? Could always use the plastic and pay it off later, but I'd have to get that past the wife.

_scotty_ · « **Reply #2 on:** 28 Jan 2006, 10:47 pm »

DVD players, 2 Only because the first one was a SACD 1000
preamps, on my second and last 2ch preamp
poweramps,2
speakers,3 Most recent speaker is the first speaker not DIY in 13 years
and it's a keeper
IC's and speaker cable, 4
Before the most recent changes to the system occured the power amp was in use over a decade,the preamp,for 7years and the Aiwa/MSB combo for over 5years. My system has been fairly stable over time and only recent significant advances in preamp design, digital power amps and loudspeaker
driver technology made changing these components a worthwhile endeavor.

maxwalrath · « **Reply #3 on:** 28 Jan 2006, 10:48 pm »

cd player - 7
integrated amps/single input amps with volume control - 8
preamps - 5
amps - 4
speakers - 6

Charles Calkins · « **Reply #4 on:** 28 Jan 2006, 11:06 pm »

A wallet full of money to a wallet almost empty.

Cheers
Charlie

maxwalrath · « **Reply #5 on:** 28 Jan 2006, 11:11 pm »

you too Charles?

meby · « **Reply #6 on:** 28 Jan 2006, 11:13 pm »

speakers: 7 pairs
Amplifiers: 5
pre-amps: 3
integrateds: 2
Turntables: 4
CD players: 2
Cables: lots
Racks: 3

Charles Calkins · « **Reply #7 on:** 28 Jan 2006, 11:22 pm »

maxwalrath:

Yes Max and not once but several times. It seems that I'll never learn!

Cheers
Charlie
P.S.
"Buy high sell low or give it away"
Sound familiar??

Merle · « **Reply #8 on:** 28 Jan 2006, 11:43 pm »

You have GOT to be joking!

Way too many of everything to even count. I have come to the conclusion that I'm a seriously addicted gearhead. To try and counter the amazing amount of money I spend on audio equipment, [I probably could have bought a new sports car with the money I've spent in the last five years] I have embarked on a new twist. Vintage. Yes, vintage. For very little out of pocket, I can have the gear I lusted after as a teenager. Right at the moment, I am awaiting delivery of a Pioneer SA9500 integrated amp. Completly gone over, all caps replaced, cheezy spring loaded binding posts replaced with RCA 5 way binding posts. I discovered the AudioKarma site. There are quite a few people there who have excellent reputations for restoring vintage gear back to like new condition. I also am awaiting delivery of custom made, walnut cabinets for the Madisound Cygnet speaker kit. I found a local guy who does stunning cabinet work at VERY reasonable cost. The Cygnet is a large, 2 way 8" "bookshelf" speaker that should be a great match for the restored Pioneer. I build a pair a few years back and know it to be an excellent speaker. Throw in my Technics SL1210MK.5 turntable with the KAB arm damper and Denon high output MC cartridge and suddenly, I feel like I'm 18 again with the baddest stereo on the block! Seriously, I am expecting this system to be, if nothing else, a hell of alot of fun. Lets just hope it keeps me entertained for a couple of years. High priced, high end audio is a dead end. You ALWAYS want better. This system will just be what it is, nothing more, nothing less. I think I'm on the right track. Time will tell.

Rocket · « **Reply #9 on:** 29 Jan 2006, 12:37 am »

Hi Guys,

Quote

I have come to the conclusion that I'm a seriously addicted gearhead

Yes i am totally addicted to replacing gear.

Quote

I probably could have bought a new sports car with the money I've spent in the last five years

Not quite a sports car but i could have had a Much nicer and newer car than my current bomb that i drive around in.

Cdp's - 2

Dac - 1

Preamp - 1

Amps - 6 (4 in 2005)

Speakers - currently building a pair.

Regards

Rod

RoadTripper · « **Reply #10 on:** 29 Jan 2006, 02:23 am »

Speakers -3 Pair (still have all three)
CD player - 4 (2 are actually DVD players) - Still have 3
Amps - 5 (Sold 2)
Cables - Speaker - 3 (Bolder, Virtual Dynamics, Zu Libtec) Sold VD
- Digital - 2 (Bolder, VD) Sold VD

Note: Never had a pre-amp
All CD players are retired (SB3)

GHM · « **Reply #11 on:** 29 Jan 2006, 02:49 am »

Don't laugh!!

Speakers - 11
Preamps- 4
Amplifiiers/integrates- 12
DAC/CD players Sources- 9

This doesn't include the components I've tried at home and returned.
Yeah I know it's NUTS!!

For the first time things have calmed down..there won't be any future components for sometime. I'm finally happy with the system. Until this thread, I didn't realize how many components I've burned through over the last 5 years.

Wind Chaser · « **Reply #12 on:** 29 Jan 2006, 02:59 am »

Quote from: GHM

Speakers - 11
Preamps- 4
Amplifiiers/integrates- 12
DAC/CD players Sources- 9

This doesn't include the components I've tried at home and returned.

You're a true audio slut!

GHM · « **Reply #13 on:** 29 Jan 2006, 03:07 am »

Quote from: Wind Chaser

Quote from: GHM

Speakers - 11
Preamps- 4
Amplifiiers/integrates- 12
DAC/CD players Sources- 9

This doesn't include the components I've tried at home and returned.

You're a true audio slut!

I prefer the term audio MANWHORE!!

meilankev · « **Reply #14 on:** 29 Jan 2006, 05:59 am »

My previous system was retired almost exactly 5 years ago. With my new main system, I have replaced no components since I bought it - that's right, absolutely zero. In fact, I fully expect this new system to last another 10-12 years without any changes/upgrades (keeping my fingers crossed)

Any and all money I spent since then has been spent on more music - plain and simple. At this point, I would never think of upgrading a component unless it was kaput. I got off that merry-go-round 20 years ago.

I've always been a music-lover, and for me, that is what this hobby is all about. Oh, I agree that music can be more enjoyable on "better" systems. I would never argue against that. But I learned long ago that I needed to get off the revolving upgrade path because it can consume you (not to mention your pocketbook).

Remember, "change" does not always equate "improvement" - sometimes it's just change for change's sake. And my hard-earned money is too precious to spend on a sideways move just to satisfy my curiosity. After all, I'm not looking to become Mr Audio Guru - I'm only looking to enjoy my music.

Kevin

mjosef · « **Reply #15 on:** 29 Jan 2006, 07:38 am »

Amps. 12
Preamps 6
CD/DVD players. 5
Speakers. 4

My apt. is beginning to look like an equipment room. I really need to stop buying more stuff until I sell at least 50% of the amps I have lying around. Lately I have been buying lots more music...just built another CD shelf (takes about 300 CDs) and its almost full. Don't think I will stop buying music though, I can be sane with equipment purchases, but not when it comes to the music.

bunky · « **Reply #16 on:** 29 Jan 2006, 10:36 am »

Ive had five pairs of loudspeakers, four preamplifiers and two recievers and now i am on my third power amplifier well actually the last two times the amplifiers have been pairs of monoblocks. also four redbook CD players all over the span of the last five years.

JLM · « **Reply #17 on:** 29 Jan 2006, 02:33 pm »

Pairs of Speakers - 2 (still use them both in separate systems)

Integrated/power amps - 3 (2 are pending sale below)

transport/DAC - 1 each (replaced with RWA modded SB3)

meilankev,

I believe you're on the right track. Other than adding room treatments and maybe a tube buffer, I'm done with equipment. This has been a 4 - 5 year learning process. Adding too much of some parameters of the sound (detail and deep bass are the worst IMO) is a never ending chase and takes away from musical enjoyment. For me "close enough" is close enough, but for others it's all about the ear candy gear.

GHM · « **Reply #18 on:** 29 Jan 2006, 02:59 pm »

It's unfortunate, but the only way to know if you are in getting the most out of your current system, is to taste test what you can. If you didn't you would be happy listening to your speakers on a Kenwood reciever.

Never experiencing what your system was always capable of from just a little experimentation and open mindness is a waste IMHO.

I agree some component moves are just pissing in the wind. It's all apart of the learning curve.

Cheers

meilankev · « **Reply #19 on:** 29 Jan 2006, 08:07 pm »

GHM,

I assume your post was directed at me, since I was the dissenting poster.

Certainly, it's fun trying different components out in your system (and you components out in others' systems). But for many of us, there is no reason to spend any money to do so.

It's unlikely you know anyone who shows off their system any more than I do. Hardly a month goes by without me having folks over for an audio get-together, and I spend just as much time at other audiophiles' homes. From this exposure, I've had guys give me loaners to try out indefinitely in my system, as well as weekend loaners, as well as people just bringing over some component for a friendly "Afternoon Battle of the Titans". I've also taken different components from my rig over to others' homes to see how they fare when surrounded by other components in other rooms.

Keeping my money in my pocket doesn't mean I don't like to try different setups. What I oppose is buying a replacement DVD player simply because I found out about a new one from Company X that has more bells and whistles (and I want to retain the bragging rights of never being left behind the proverbial curve).

Experimentation is cool, and doesn't have to cost a dime.

Kevin