toro3, that is very kind of you to think of me and send me some positive vibes! I could certainly use some. I don't want to begrudging you with all my woes but the renovation only started a couple of months ago after waiting 7 months for permits. Couple this with supply chain issues, lack of skilled labor and some brutal weather, it's been a pretty tough go.
In the meant time, I am trying to keep my chin up and the drive alive!
I do have a pair of KEF R11's paid for and sitting at a dealer north of Seattle waiting for me to finish my mess along with a 50% deposit on a SPL s800 power amp and a Director Mk2 pre-amp awaiting full payment at a audio shop in Chicago.
All I need now is a source (digital only) and a few cables and I should be ready to go!
Again, a small world. When my Dad retired in Renton, he moved to Mesa AZ, so been to Phoenix many times as well
I am beginning a major remodel on our new place so won't be purchasing any audio equipment for a while. It's fun to research but hard to find places to listen the vast amount of product out there. I really want to get this one right. I will be retiring in a few years and won't have so much cash to throw around for this hobby!
I can relate to systems disappearing after certain life situations. When the Great Recession hit I had lost my job and was practically living out of a car. Move forward a few years and I was able to piece a few things together. Then things went south and I had to sell another system. Too much back and forth, but to be frank, it allowed me to experience some brands I would have never thought of when I had initially became interested in this hobby.
You're correct. I'm from Seattle, but I've been living in Arizona (and now Phoenix) for the past 14 years. I feel like I may have had undiagnosed seasonal affective disorder (SAD) due to the amount of grey weather I experienced while growing up in the NW.
Speaking of the Buchardt's, I had sold a some stuff to guy in California who was running some A500s. He had nothing but great things to say about them. Somewhat similar discussion to the one we're having right now, back and forth with systems throughout his life, but these were his first actives. I wasn't expecting such accolades for an active speaker so it made me take a closer look at this type of speaker.
I've never listed to Totem, but they are definitely on my short list. Intrigued on where you'll land on this one - heck, I may follow!
I didn't read your profile before I posted my comment and the fact, you're from the Seattle area. Seattle was like a second home for me. My Dad lived in Renton and sold electronics at the Bon Marche' at South Center Funny too, my first system consisted of a Carver C500 power amp and a Carver C4000 pre-amp.. Originally from Canada, I also owned an Oracle turntable, (Black Widow tonearm with a Shure V15 III cartridge) SAE equalizer, Teac Cassette deck all played through a pair of AR 9 speakers. Had to sell the whole thing when I moved into an apartment (for $1,000...UGH!) Then purchase a B & O 9000 with a set of Beolab 8000 speakers. Divorce took that system out. Then Covid did the last one.
I also had a lot of BJC cables and connectors over the years, great stuff at a great price!
I was actually considering going active. Maybe a set of Buchardt A700's? I have a smaller place now, with a lot of hard surfaces. With fewer cables involved and DSP it looks interesting. But then there was a killer review recently on YouTube of some Totem Tribe speakers (from Canada). Small towers with a supposedly BIG sound. Might work well in my new place?
The problem is hearing this stuff. My wife and I recently made a trip south (living in Blaine at the time) and check out numerous audio shops in the Seattle area and even then, didn't find anything that struck our fancy. Closest was a pair of Legacy Signature SE's over at Kitsap Audio at $7,800.
Since I was in my early 20's I had some decant set ups.
My last being a Coda CSiB integrated amp, Wyred 4 Sound 2v2SE Dac, OPPO BDP93 CD player, Roon Nucleus through Martin Logan Spire speaker. Great sound, it was difficult to give up, especially at the prices it all sold for. I would hope to rebuild somewhat in the same caliber, but in looking around of late, it is very confusing on what road to take. Thank you for asking though!
