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How I simplified my audio life OR when is enough enough

Posted by ecl876 (A) on February 28, 2015 at 19:15:54

Like many others here, I'm always on a quest for better sound. I've upgraded, changed components, including turntable, tonearm, cartridge, amp, preamp, integrated amp, speakers, cables, audio stands, cleaning solutions, etc. Some of the changes have proven very worthwhile; others not so much. But a couple of years ago I asked myself what was most important. Did I want to continue in this vein, constantly dissatisfied, always in flux, often feeling there was something better right over the next hill. Yes, I wanted great sound, but at what cost, both to my pocketbook and my sanity.

I know many of you love the process, constantly upgrading, tinkering, even building your own components. You love the technical aspects of creating a great system, and for some perhaps the quest is more important than the final outcome. I can readily understand this passion, but I admit I do not share it. I'm uninterested in the technical reasons why one tonearm or cartridge or phono stage is superior to another. I'd just like to play records and I'd like the process of doing so to be as simple and unencumbered possible. I'm not ruling out a possible upgrade in the future but I certainly want to feel it's not the primary focus of my attention.

Here are several things I've done in the last couple of years to expedite this process.

1) I sold my TW Acustic Raven One and bought a Rega RP 6. I've posted about this before. Briefly, after using a Rega 25 for several years, I decided to see what a high end turntable sounded like in my system. I had the Raven for about three years and used a Clearaudio Maestro cartridge. I can honestly say that I heard very little difference between the two tables. Some have pointed out that this could be due to the MM cartridge or not having a better amp or phono stage. ( I had a Rogue 88 amp and 99 preamp with built-in phonostage). Of course, this is possible. But when I auditioned the Raven at Jeff Catalano's apartment in New York, I brought my Rega 25 and played it against the Raven using Jeff's very expensive amps and speakers. I still couldn't hear much of a difference, but bought the Raven anyway, thinking I would grow to be able to better appreciate its sound. I never did. I should say the Raven is a wonderfully built machine, clearly outshining the Rega in this respect. But, for me at least, it did not produce better sound. Of course, there's always the possibility that my ear is not that discriminating and therefore can't fully appreciate the more expensive table.

2) I've been very happy with the Rega RP 6 since I purchased it 18 months ago. Like other Rega tables, it is truly a set and forget table. The cartridge ( Exact 2) is easy to mount with three screw system. There is no VTA or azimuth to fiddle with. There is no record clamp. I love being able to change records without stopping the table. (I missed this with the Raven).

3) as is clear in the photos, I have my turntable and Rogue Cronus Integrated Amp next to me within arm's reach. I love this set up and wonder why it took me so long to do it. It's really not a matter of pure laziness here. I just found it annoying to get up from a reclining position every 20 minutes to change a record. I felt I could never fully relax. Now when the side ends, I just reach over to change the disc. This may not seem like a big thing, but I have found it to be a real boon, especially for 45s.

4) I no longer need the Rogue amp remote volume control because the volume knob is within reach. And since I often play music with dim lighting, I've glued a small bead to the volume knob at the 12 o'clock position so I can easily assess by feel where to set the volume.

Again, this is not for everyone; this is what I have found works for me. Obviously, because of room placement, not everyone can have their table next to them. Some might have mono blocks. Some of you might enjoy the up and down exercise that vinyl demands. Some love to fiddle. Each to his own. Amen!

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Herbie's Audio Lab

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