Just to chime in really quickly there is one comparison here on the forum. Link here.
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Yes, great point @cpp. The whole Covid-19 issue makes everything a pain in the ass.
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Let us say we divide all the audiophile gears into 4 based on their cost brackets - the numbers themselves can be a little different but taking these as example brackets:
- low-fi: cost < 300 USD
- mid-fi: 300 USD < cost < 1000 USD
- hi-fi: > 1000 USD < cost < 2500 USD
- summit-fi: 2500 USD < cost
I am curious to know from the members - what are some of the non summit-fi HPs, IEMs, DACs and Amps that one will be hesitant to let go (or don’t want to let go) even after buying costlier gears.
These are how the gears I feel they fall under broadly, when I purchase and sell them.
- They may cost a lot - hi-fi and summit-fi, but don’t justify their value as compared to others in their or lower category (and might as well make you feel guilty or regret for spending this amount).
- They may not cost a lot - low-fi, mid-fi and hi-fi
2.1 but perform great for their category and may also punch way above their weight - possibly even perform better than a category one above.
2.2 but scale very well with better chain and can compete with TOTL / hi-fi
Basically you don’t regret buying these even though these may cost more.
To give examples that suit my likings -
HPs - Senn HD650, Stax L500, Hifiman Arya
IEMs - Stax SR 003mk2
DAC - Chord Mojo (and to an extent Hugo2 - given the form factor)
Amp - Cayin iHA6, Sapphire DIY Amp
I would like to get member’s thoughts on this topic - what are such gears that you think you will keep it for long or don’t regret buying ? (basically fall under 2.1 and 2.2)
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hey @bmkmanoj I think you maybe asking like 3 different things in this post (not sure if that’s your intent?)… Are you looking for the stuff people would keep no matter what else they buy later?
yes, effectively things that they would keep no matter what else they buy. Apologies, if the post is confusing in any way, i just wanted to provide context while i am seeking inputs from forum members.
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I am relatively new here and don’t have YEARS of accumulation, but I have a few I know ain’t leaving.
iFi Signature: So small and yet so robust. I cannot imagine a better “mobile” solution in reality.
Sundara: This basically closes the, idk, $700-ish and below market for me. I have some pricier stuff on the way from various places but I am thinking there’s limited use case for another set of planars sub $1k for me.
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Rega Planar 3: no matter what other turntable I may get, for the kind of music I listen to a P3 with a Denon DL 103 will never leave my listening space.
Sennheiser HD 660s: just love it, it seconds the way I listen to music.
Ampsandsound Mogway OG (custom): reference amplifier for any kind of listening, no matter if for pleasure (with 6550 tubes) or for reviewing (with EL34L tubes).
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What is it about that particular combo that makes it special? I’m in the market for an upgrade.
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I could add the category of digital transporters, and in that category I’d highlight my Lumin U1 Mini. For about $2000, it provides pristine streams to my DAC - or my next DAC in the future, which is the real value; my stream isn’t tied to my DAC, giving me more flexibility at less cost for future purchases.
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To my ears great synergy. P3 with LPSU is very accurate supporting cartridges, the rigid structure of the turntable seconds very well the characteristics of the DL 103. Sound is very detailed with deep, rich basses. Midrange is clear and precise. Treble is accurate without resonances. The combo sound very natural to my ears, very spatially open. Combine this with a tube amp and 660s sound like they are capable of a detailed staging.
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I just know that if I sell my HD6XX I’ll regret it. And my Fostex T60rp is too beautiful for words, and sounds so great, too. And if you want my collection of Etymotic IEMs, you are going to have to pry them from my cold, dead fingers. Cheers!
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Ever compared Rebel and the Singxer SA-1? Similar price point.
Nope, but @hottyson did:
Many comparisons to Rebel will show up in the Rebel thread.
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Thanks. As is rather customary in life, the paralysis by analysis is real here.
I have run from Kenzie OG to Rebel to Singxer to Burson to SPL and all over. Probably no closer to actually doing something, naturally.
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Have you settled on the power amp(s)? Some power amps (usually older ones or pro audio oriented) have input sensitivity or gain controls, which could be adjusted to solve your problem.
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Thanks. Not yet. I’m still shopping and want something that’ll be different from what I have now. It may be Class A, tube, or unusual.
Perhaps just dive in the ampsandsound deep end like I am in the process of doing? 
HAve you looked at these? Goldpoint SA2X Level Controls / Passive Preamps
I’m in a slow buyer and in the “show me” category. Can I hear the difference? Do I care? How much will I use it? Would I use something else more? Once I get something I tend to test it heavily (unless its awful) over a long period.
I’m working my way through the price ranks, but also don’t want to lose track of price/performance. So, I keep around lower-end stuff (e.g., Koss Porta Pro, etc.) and test my reactions across the value spectrum. I can, and have, listened to extremely expensive equipment in local stores too. While it’s always solid, sometimes it’s not appreciably better than a good mainstream setup…
A scientific soul, and I’m also more into music than gear.
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They look great, but I’d likely shift over to a full preamp in that price bracket.