It might be…

[lawrencedavanzo]

…my last system upgrade. Unlike many (very helpful) experts on this forum, I’m still in grade school, relatively speaking, in terms of my knowledge of the hobby. I’ve owned McIntosh gear for nearly 40 years (with one diversion to Classe) and, at 71 years old, I’m in the process of upgrading to what might be my last 2 channel system. With cars, motorcycles, and camera gear (my other hobbies) I make relatively frequent changes, but with this hobby I tend to buy and hold. My last system (MC 452, C50, MCD500 & Amati Futuras) was put together in 2012. Now, thanks to Ben at University Audio in Madison, WI, I’m upgrading to 611s, C53, MCD12000, MS500, MT-5, and Amati G5s. I had already decided on McIntosh and Sonus Faber. Fortunately, my wife and I were able to listen to both the Serafino G2 and the Amatis back-to-back (powered by MC462 and C2700), as I was uncertain which speaker to buy. We listened to a variety of classical recordings (probably 75% of our listening preference), Billie Holiday’s Stormy Weather, and a track from Peter Gabriel’s latest album. Of course, if the Serafinos were the only speaker we heard it would have been impressive to say the least. But we were amazed at how much more we preferred the Amatis. More detail certainly, and a sense of presence, being “in” the music. It made our speaker decision easy. Nothing like a brick-and-mortar store to audition equipment. We are a few weeks from installation, allowing the anticipation to further build. Will this system be my last? If I keep up with this site, maybe not. But it’s hard to imagine another big upgrade in the coming years given my age and past ownership duration. Many thanks to so many here for leading me to water and making me drink!

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by lawrencedavanzo

…my last system upgrade. Unlike many (very helpful) experts on this forum, I’m still in grade school, relatively speaking, in terms of my knowledge of the hobby. I’ve owned McIntosh gear for nearly 40 years (with one diversion to Classe) and, at 71 years old, I’m in the process of upgrading to what might be my last 2 channel system. With cars, motorcycles, and camera gear (my other hobbies) I make relatively frequent changes, but with this hobby I tend to buy and hold. My last system (MC 452, C50, MCD500 & Amati Futuras) was put together in 2012. Now, thanks to Ben at University Audio in Madison, WI, I’m upgrading to 611s, C53, MCD12000, MS500, MT-5, and Amati G5s. I had already decided on McIntosh and Sonus Faber. Fortunately, my wife and I were able to listen to both the Serafino G2 and the Amatis back-to-back (powered by MC462 and C2700), as I was uncertain which speaker to buy. We listened to a variety of classical recordings (probably 75% of our listening preference), Billie Holiday’s Stormy Weather, and a track from Peter Gabriel’s latest album. Of course, if the Serafinos were the only speaker we heard it would have been impressive to say the least. But we were amazed at how much more we preferred the Amatis. More detail certainly, and a sense of presence, being “in” the music. It made our speaker decision easy. Nothing like a brick-and-mortar store to audition equipment. We are a few weeks from installation, allowing the anticipation to further build. Will this system be my last? If I keep up with this site, maybe not. But it’s hard to imagine another big upgrade in the coming years given my age and past ownership duration. Many thanks to so many here for leading me to water and making me drink!

Congratulations! It sounds like quite a nice system upgrade. I think McIntosh and SF make good synergy together. System synergy is singularly one of the most important elements of a good sounding audio system.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by FreddieFerric

Congratulations! It sounds like quite a nice system upgrade. I think McIntosh and SF make good synergy together. System synergy is singularly one of the most important elements of a good sounding audio system.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by lawrencedavanzo

…my last system upgrade. Unlike many (very helpful) experts on this forum, I’m still in grade school, relatively speaking, in terms of my knowledge of the hobby. I’ve owned McIntosh gear for nearly 40 years (with one diversion to Classe) and, at 71 years old, I’m in the process of upgrading to what might be my last 2 channel system. With cars, motorcycles, and camera gear (my other hobbies) I make relatively frequent changes, but with this hobby I tend to buy and hold. My last system (MC 452, C50, MCD500 & Amati Futuras) was put together in 2012. Now, thanks to Ben at University Audio in Madison, WI, I’m upgrading to 611s, C53, MCD12000, MS500, MT-5, and Amati G5s. I had already decided on McIntosh and Sonus Faber. Fortunately, my wife and I were able to listen to both the Serafino G2 and the Amatis back-to-back (powered by MC462 and C2700), as I was uncertain which speaker to buy. We listened to a variety of classical recordings (probably 75% of our listening preference), Billie Holiday’s Stormy Weather, and a track from Peter Gabriel’s latest album. Of course, if the Serafinos were the only speaker we heard it would have been impressive to say the least. But we were amazed at how much more we preferred the Amatis. More detail certainly, and a sense of presence, being “in” the music. It made our speaker decision easy. Nothing like a brick-and-mortar store to audition equipment. We are a few weeks from installation, allowing the anticipation to further build. Will this system be my last? If I keep up with this site, maybe not. But it’s hard to imagine another big upgrade in the coming years given my age and past ownership duration. Many thanks to so many here for leading me to water and making me drink!

First, absolute congrats regarding your purchases!! I certainly "hear" you regarding age. Your choices of new gear are well thought out and impressive.

Best

Charles

[audiogear]

Huge Congrats on your new system! By the way, spectacular photography, thanks so much for sharing! Still browsing through your collection, just beautiful.

[lawrencedavanzo]

Charles, coming from you that's quite a compliment, thank you. And Audiogear, kind of you to take a look at my photography. Once the new system is up and running, I'll see what I can do to get some images posted here. While I'm waiting, I got a 20 amp dedicated line installed and new window treatments ordered to prevent any direct sunlight on the Amatis.

[Antonmb]

Very cool, what a great system upgrade! I'm sure you'll get immense satisfaction from it for years to come. I'm the same age as you and I appreciate the "last big upgrades" logic.

[crwilli]

Congrats, while I am in total denial about any ‘lasts’ I understand the desire. Enjoy it in good health and keep a bit of an open mind to another upgrade!

[80B]

Congrats, and we look forward to the photos of your system!

[Formerly YB-2]

Congratulations on your fine choices. Hopefully, I'm only "speakers away" from joining you in an 'end' system.