If you had to sell all your audio equipment but one piece. Which one is left?

RichardS · « **Reply #40 on:** 31 Jan 2009, 02:56 pm »

Probably my modded Tact 2.2x. It enables all my other equipment to integrate with the room for good, clean sound. Since I bought it 5/6 years ago, I've gone through three pairs of speakers, three amps, three DACs, five transports and cables up the wazoo, but the Tact has stayed. Maybe someday upgrade it to the xp version (maybe not).

Runner up would be my RWA-modded Olive music player. Has changed the way I listen to music -- it's all there on the drive so I can be lazy and not have to get out of my chair as my music mood changes. And Vinnie's not modding them anymore....

richidoo · « **Reply #41 on:** 31 Jan 2009, 05:14 pm »

I would to have the cash from my Usher Be-20s, but life just wouldn't be the same without them.
Just looking at them makes me feel rich.

sfox50 · « **Reply #42 on:** 31 Jan 2009, 05:21 pm »

My Magnestand MMG speakers- the most essential part of my system. I could probably live with a vintage receiver driving them, rather that the GB150D amp, Foreplay II pre, and Bugle phono stage...

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #43 on:** 31 Jan 2009, 05:34 pm »

Well obviously if everything but one item was gone, it would be pretty useless, but I think I see the point of the question.
Bar-none, my HawthorneAudio Silver Iris drivers. aa
The modded SqueezeBox would be second, but if it really came down to it, it's small enough I could shove it in a dark place to hide it from those individuals wanting to take it from me.

Bob

jimdgoulding · « **Reply #44 on:** 31 Jan 2009, 06:08 pm »

Suppose I would have to hang on to my isolation thingies, some Rollerblocks jr's and a Svelte Shelf cause I expect whatever I would replace my stuff with would sound the better for them.

Brown · « **Reply #45 on:** 31 Jan 2009, 06:10 pm »

My Snell type A speakers. Classics. Havn't seen many for sale.

mcgsxr · « **Reply #46 on:** 1 Feb 2009, 12:04 am »

The Bolder modded SB3 for me.

I could argue the old Magnavox amp, but my JVC EX-A1 backup does a credible job.

I could argue the DIY Visaton speakers, but I could build other speakers I am sure I could live with.

I could argue the Felicia I have, but dirty power wouldn't end my love of music.

I could argue the dedicated PC I have created for use with my audio system, but the truth is that I could always just load s/w on my work PC, and use an outboard drive.

In the end, it is the combination of fidelity, convenience, and simplicity (I use a single source system, so I was able to sell off pre, dac and source when I converted to the SB3).

JerryM · « **Reply #47 on:** 1 Feb 2009, 12:32 am »

My AVA Fet Valve Ultra 550. Telefunken's inside.

Plus, if you're really hard up, you can tap out some pretty cool tunes on the heat sink with a pair of drum sticks!

Have fun,
Jerry

Doublej · « **Reply #48 on:** 1 Feb 2009, 12:53 am »

Naim (Wiremold) power strip.

Everything else messes with the sound to a greater degree than the Naim.

Rocket_Ronny · « **Reply #49 on:** 1 Feb 2009, 01:08 am »

Toss up between my Metric Halo ULN-2 Recording/Dac, McAlister PP-150, GR Research OB-5s, and the SP Tech Mini's. Each is a standout product.

I would have to go with my Mac Laptop as it can play music on it's own and has all the music on it.

Rocket_Ronny

Wind Chaser · « **Reply #50 on:** 1 Feb 2009, 02:06 am »

My willys... I means mys woolies.

GBB · « **Reply #51 on:** 1 Feb 2009, 02:21 am »

As others have pointed out, 1 piece in isolation isn't good for very much at all. So I'll offer up one component but then list a few others as well so people have some context for the rest of the system.

The one piece would be some homebrew speakers built around the Altec 755 full range driver. I've got these in some homebrew 2ft3 sealed boxes and they are amazingly musical. They're a bit rolled off on the top and bottom but they are just amazingly musical and fun. They seem to make everything driving them sound good. I've used them with single ended amps (Sun VT-25) and also Class D amps (Fly Moles or Nuforce) and they bring out the best in both of these.
Hook them up to a nice tube preamp and a good source and you'll be in for some great listening.

---Gary

denjo · « **Reply #52 on:** 1 Feb 2009, 03:27 am »

My recently acquired Accuphase E-450 Integrated Amplifier, with DAC and Phono, the cornerstone of my audio system. It took me a year to reach this point, finally!

Mister Pig · « **Reply #53 on:** 1 Feb 2009, 03:45 am »

If I could only keep one piece it would be my Audio Magic Kukama DAC. To the best of my knowledge there are only two examples of this particular circuit configuration in existence. The designers, and mine. There are earlier versions out there, but these two are the final step in the evolutionary process of digital design.

Unfortunately, TI no longer offers the test board that this DAC is built upon, so it may no longer be possible to bring this piece to widespread production. So if I were to sell it, then it is possible another one could never be found.

Besides, it is the best sounding 2.5K DAC I have ever experienced. Beautiful performance, dynamic, lively, detailed, and a huge soundstage. Living proof that multi bit chip sets can still deliver the goods.

Regards
Mister Pig

timind · « **Reply #54 on:** 1 Feb 2009, 03:53 am »

This thread makes me realize just how happy I am with my current set up as I can't choose.

So I would sell everything and buy an ipod.

rotcoddam · « **Reply #55 on:** 1 Feb 2009, 04:07 am »

Hagerman Chime DAC.

JeffBrown · « **Reply #56 on:** 1 Feb 2009, 04:49 am »

What the heck is good in one piece going to do me. My amp doesn’t make a sound with out the preamp and source? If I had only one piece of the total system it would be pretty, but pretty worthless too. If I had to sell it all, I would just sell it all. Some of it isn’t worth the time and effort to sell but that isn’t the same issue now is it?

How about what is my favorite piece in my system? It used to be my Quicksilver Silver 90 Monos, but I sold them last month! I don’t think I could go back to dealing with my library manually again, I would have to keep my Roku and PC setup. I could even loose the Roku, as long as the library was still in tact!

My LJM Original’s Loudspeakers are completely irreplaceable. (LJM died, and took his designs with him.) So back to the original spirit of the question, I could never part with my loudspeakers! Mostly because I could never get them again.

mgalusha · « **Reply #57 on:** 1 Feb 2009, 05:13 am »

Probably my DIY Teres 'table. I will likely never be able to afford to replace it. If that had to go for some hideous reason, at least I have my tools, so eventually I could build some new stuff.

denjo · « **Reply #58 on:** 1 Feb 2009, 08:11 am »

I forgot to mention my Bent Audio TAP TVC with silver transformers from Stevens & Billington. The TAP is no longer fitted with the S & B transformers, making it uniquely the very few that came with these transformers before S & B decided to stop supplying John Chapman with these transformers. This preamp is definitely a keeper.

WerTicus · « **Reply #59 on:** 1 Feb 2009, 08:22 am »

id sell myself on the street corner before i sold any audio gear... good thing im so damn sexy, its probably time for some new cables!