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

[wadude]

The volume knob!

I’m with you on that one...

If for no other reason that it will likely outlast the rest of the system.

 

[Audionaut]

As I’m contemplating retirement, and the possible shedding of gear at some point

I overlooked that and didn't even notice.
Isn't it true that, especially in retirement, the hi-fi system that you have devotedly built up over a long period of time makes even more sense than in your working life, where you often can't use it properly due to lack of time?

 

[Mart68]

I overlooked that and didn't even notice.
Isn't it true that, especially in retirement, the hi-fi system that you have devotedly built up over a long period of time makes even more sense than in your working life, where you often can't use it properly due to lack of time?

Suspect he means surplus equipment he's not using. Some of us have enough of that to stock a shop.

 

[sergeauckland]

Suspect he means surplus equipment he's not using. Some of us have enough of that to stock a shop.

On the other hand, I can't remember the number of times I've looked for something then remembered I'd sold it or otherwise disposed of it. More than once bought one again.

I have too much stuff, but it'll come in handy one day...

S.

 

[Gorgonzola]

Good question but easy for me to answer: my main speakers because (a) they are very good, and (b) because they are by a fair margin my most expensive component.

 

[Mart68]

On the other hand, I can't remember the number of times I've looked for something then remembered I'd sold it or otherwise disposed of it. More than once bought one again.

I have too much stuff, but it'll come in handy one day...

S.

As soon as you get rid of it, you suddenly have a use for it.

I always used to say that when I retired I'd consolidate it, which seemed like a good excuse for kicking the can down the road; but I'm a year into that now and nothing's happened yet.

 

[Philbo King]

I'd have to say my Shibata stylus. Wouldn't be much use unless the rest of the system went with it though...

 

[jareinertson]

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).

My Nakamichi Dragon.

 

[jareinertson]

Don't even understand the Harley riders for the most part, seems it would be more like riding the worst functioning bikes possible unless loud and poorly performing were key.

With a 100,000 miles on my 2009 Electra Glide, with only 1 unscheduled service day in 10 years of riding, that my experience had been excellent and very reliable.

 

[Sal1950]

On the other hand, I can't remember the number of times I've looked for something then remembered I'd sold it or otherwise disposed of it. More than once bought one again.

I'd hate to think about the numbers of albums I've bought more than once.

With a 100,000 miles on my 2009 Electra Glide, with only 1 unscheduled service day in 10 years of riding, that my experience had been excellent and very reliable.

Yea they sure like to repeat that old BS saw started around the 1970s when us ex GI HD guys were riding bikes from the 1930s 40s and 50s and their brand new rice burners didn't break down or leak oil. At least they didn't for a year or two.

 

[BetterSound]

To my over 60 ears, the AsciLab F6B would stay since they put a big smile on my face every time I listen to them, and because it took some patience to score a pair.