You can keep only one component from your system - what would it be?

[MattHooper]

As I’m contemplating retirement, and the possible shedding of gear at some point, I started to wonder what I could live with in terms of my system and what I could sell.

It brought to mind the question that is sort of an offshoot of this:

If your system was going to be taken away, but you got to keep one single component, from which you can move on and rebuild your system with different components, which component would you keep?

I guess it might be a version of “ what is your most cherished component in your system that you feel you could not do without?”

For me what sprung to mind is that I would choose to keep my Conrad Johnson Premier 12 tube mono amps.

They’ve been the most consistent factor in my system, as I’ve had them for something like 25 years now, powering all sorts of floor standing speakers, through periods where those were sold and I only had more modest stand mounts, and then back up to more expensive floor standers again when I could afford them.

It didn’t matter which speakers I had hooked up, every system truly sang to me with the CJs.

At this point, I don’t care whether it’s how they actually sound, or whether it’s a partial bias effect or entirely a bias effect. It does the job for me and I would want those on the end of any speaker I would use next.

How about you folks?

(I suspect I would get some slightly different answers here versus other audiophile forums, which is partially why I am curious).

 

[GD Fan]

For stereo equipment, probably the Genelecs on my desktop setup.

Off topic, but for the guitar rig I'd say the Klon clone.

 

[Axo1989]

This won't be what you are thinking perhaps ...

I wouldn't say it's my most cherished component (or maybe it is and I just won't admit it) but the only piece of the audio system that I really wouldn't substitute is my Mac. It runs the software (Music and Sonarworks) and holds (or connects to) the music itself, so it's kind of how I relate to the music. Every other element (DAC, amp, cables, loudspeakers) could be replaced with a different brand that I'd like just as much as the corresponding original, but not that one.

Now, thinking more in line with your intention, and somewhat similarly, I'd probably replace my Krell with ... a nicer Krell. And for the same reason/s you cite for your CJ. So there's that.

 

[levimax]

I have active speakers so I guess I would keep one and drive it with Qobuz from my phone.

Nothing I have can't easily be replaced with something the same or better, so nothing sentimental like your amp.

If I wanted to be practical I would sell the stuff I am not using.

 

[sfogg]

My dedicated listening room.

For actual equipment, up until very recently it would have been my Lexicon MC-12B HD EQ.

Now, I think it would be the Lexicon QLI-32. It took me almost 10 years to find a used one at a reasonable price.

 

[RayDunzl]

 

[Doodski]

I know it's a cross over between the audio system and the computer entertainment/home office system but I would keep the PC as the corner stone of the operation. It is too versatile to place behind prioritizing any other gear. For your system if it where mine I think the Conrad Johnson Premier 12 Tube Mono Blocks would be my choice as well.

 

[Robin L]

Nope, I've got everything I want right now in as tight a space as I can manage. I'm happy with my laptop (streaming source, also I-Tunes on a flash drive). I'm happy with my near-universal Blu-Ray player. I'm happy with my DAC (performs better than just about anybody's hearing). I'm happy with my headphone amp (performs better than anyone's hearing). I'm happy with my IEMs, my amp, my speakers. Nothing I can sell, no reason to make any changes. And I'm retired anyway.

 

[Gary_G]

Wife

 

[RexrothPigeon]

I already did this (Dutch & Dutch 8C)

 

[mglobe]

I’m going to assume that a pair of speakers count as one item. Given that, my KEF Reference 1 Metas.

 

[Tatr76]

Nakamichi tape deck even though lowest fidelity of components. Everything else is modern and easily replaced.

 

[MattHooper]

I’m going to assume that a pair of speakers count as one item. Given that, my KEF Reference 1 Metas.

Yes, I would certainly count a pair of speakers as one item.

I can understand why you’d want to keep those!

 

[Chrispy]

Have pondered this a bit and can't imagine how this would ever happen, plus only one component to rebuild several systems with, not likely.

 

[MattHooper]

Have pondered this a bit and can't imagine how this would ever happen, plus only one component to rebuild several systems with, not likely.

It’s a thought experiment. It doesn’t require being likely. That’s usually the point of thought experiments - you can use unlikely scenarios to zero in on a principle.

 

[Chrispy]

It’s a thought experiment. It doesn’t require being likely. That’s usually the point of thought experiments - you can use unlikely scenarios to zero in on a principle.

LOL be like trying to imagine only having one bike. Ain't happening. What principle outside of consumerism?

 

[Petrushka]

If you are serious about only one component, it would have to be the Sonos soundbar.

Anything else, by itself, would be useless.

 

[Chrispy]

If you are serious about only one component, it would have to be the Sonos soundbar.

Anything else, by itself, would be useless.

That was kind of how I read it at first too, just one component isn't sufficient mostly. Then he mentioned you'd just go shopping again instead of using what you already had.....

 

[MattHooper]

LOL be like trying to imagine only having one bike. Ain't happening.

It’s perfectly fine if you find yourself having trouble to use your imagination like this. No need to answer then. I guess some people struggle with thought experiments and imagination more than others. Plenty of answers from other people poured forth quite quickly.

What principle outside of consumerism?

Strange comment. This is a place where enthusiasts gather to discuss audio gear. Why would anybody come here if they’re not enthusiastic at all about audio gear?

What do you find hard to process about anyone finding a certain component in their system to be the most impressive, or most valuable or most responsible for the sound they enjoy their system? Or that they enjoy a certain piece of gear for nostalgia or aesthetics or whatever?

It’s OK to be enthusiastic about something. Even some audio gear. It really is. It doesn’t mean you stopped caring about everything else.

 

[Chrispy]

It’s perfectly fine if you find yourself having trouble to use your imagination like this. No need to answer then. I guess some people struggle with thought experiments and imagination more than others. Plenty of answers from other people poured forth quite quickly.



Strange comment. This is a place where enthusiasts gather to discuss audio gear. Why would anybody come here if they’re not enthusiastic at all about audio gear?

What do you find hard to process about anyone finding a certain component in their system to be the most impressive, or most valuable or most responsible for the sound they enjoy their system? Or that they enjoy a certain piece of gear for nostalgia or aesthetics or whatever?

It’s OK to be enthusiastic about something. Even some audio gear. It really is. It doesn’t mean you stopped caring about everything else.

I think we just have different angles on what a forum like this is about. I doubt I fetishize gear like you do in any case. Let alone need thought experiments to guide my system assemblies or just using what I've got vs going shopping in my imagination. Good luck with the whole thing, tho....