AshKSome music lovers buy a set of speakers, an amp and a source and then don’t replace them until the gear expires, or the owner snuffs it and it doesn’t matter any longer. Others are solidly on the upgrade ladder, which is more often than not the sideways ladder (different, not necessarily better) and sometimes all that gear swapping leads to regrets.
I’m more than happy with most of my current hi-fi components. The speakers, CD player, phono stage, cartridge and power amps have been in there for ages. When I think about the audio choices I’ve made, I don’t have too many regrets but there is one that’s really annoying me.
I do kind of miss the B&W speakers that I sold to ex-Tone Editor Tim Grey (that I originally bought from ex-Tone Editor Gary Steel) but I’m not all that torn up about them, I’ll keep my open for a replacement set but I’m not stressing about it. My missing Technics SL-1210 turntable on the other hand, is gnawing at me. Even though my Well Tempered Simplex is well ahead of the 1210 sonically, I just really want to own another direct drive piece of history.
Having just picked up the April 2011 issue of Hi-Fi World magazine and read over the review of the Origin Live modified SL-1210, I want one even more than I usually do. The review unit was fitted with the new power supply featuring a transformer upgrade, new isolation feet and platter mat and the high-end Origin Live Encounter tonearm. It looks so damn cool, apparently sounds very, very good and like any 1210, it will be bulletproof for decades. I should never have sold mine, it should have been stuck in storage until I was ready to return to it. I won’t be getting rid of the Simplex but I suppose I’m doomed to buy another SL-1210 at some point in the future.
Funny how some things creep into your psyche (or heart) and move in for good, leaving a big hold when they go. A wise man once said: “the things you own end up owning you”.
