I have one system but own four amps, a Naim pre/power and three integrated amps. I have thought of downsizing and selling some but hate the hassle (of selling) and for the fact that I still love all the current equipment which I own. Nevertheless, some will eventually need to go and it’s just a matter of time.
I have several amplifiers too. The cheapest one is a quarter of the price of the Naim. I like it just as much. It does things the others don’t do and vice versa. I could easily live with just this one. I could easily live with a Denon Micro system, similar to the one Pete has in his kitchen and which I had a long time ago. Humans are exceptional at adapting, the rest is mostly gear love.
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I went from a multibox system to a Unitlite just after I got diagnosed with my cancer. Looking back, it was the right choice for me at the time. Whilst it was a choice I made, it was a choice, albeit one that I felt was forced on me. For me, one of the main reasons was having a remote control to control the system, as I knew from friends how harsh the treatment could be. Having a remote was wonderful. The box number wasn’t a primary issue. If I had felt financially more secure, I would probably have upgraded my then multi-box system to a current one. A few years later, I got a Star. Then, more recently, I upgraded back to a multi-box system. I have no regrets about going one box for a few years, as it was the right thing to do at that time.
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This can be a hobby that demands a lot of investment if you’re super passionate or obsessive. I think I’m a bit of both so for me I always have to channel the investment in the right components.
I’m currently selling gear that I really don’t want to in order to get up to the statement level of amps with Naim. Not exactly what you’re talking about but I would love to keep my tube amps. In their respective price category they bettered Naim which for a Naim fanboy like me was a complete surprise.
One thing I think I’ve done well in this hobby is take risks. I admit it’s a risk changing my setup once again in the hope that the new amps will be better. However, there is no guarantee of that or it could just be that I just prefer the sound of tubes.
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i had to sell everything 7 years ago due to a (non serious) health issue that didn’t allowed me to listen to my system.
as someone here said, this is more than boxes, i felt that a part of me was taken.
i bought a Muso because being a simpler and much smaller “system” it allowed me to listen at lower volume.
downgrading is not that easy, especially when you listen to the same music you listened in the better system. our brain remembers what is missing 
but with time, one gets used to it.
as soon as i got (unexpectedly) better, and because i was again able to listen to some friend’s systems, i knew that i needed some black boxes, having them (and many times being pissed with Naim), is part of i am.
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I am a little concerned this is now becoming a race to the bottom comments wise.
I stretched to buy my low end Naim system. I found a way to make it happen. That was really good financial planning not bad and my priorities - prioritising the things which give me pleasure outside of family and friends - were spot on thanks.
There is a danger here of confusing your lifestyle choices, beliefs and options with those of the world at large. Sweeping generalisations are unhelpful.
I hear what @Dan_M says about keeping his boxes and why and can totally appreciate that. Equally, it cannot be assumed that the OP or others have those choices. For some the boxes were an easy choice within their income and career options. For many they were not. No-one should be judging either group.
For some the loss of the boxes would be a crushing psychological blow in the midst of others. For others the boxes are a means to an end and it could well be a case of needs must. My health over the last 3 years has been appalling. I downsized in part, but not entirely, because of the sheer impracticality of faffing around with boxes and cables. The uptick in sound quality has been extraordinary.
I do find the assumption that the 500 series is the only acceptable pinnacle in audio to be silly in the extreme. If you enjoy it, brilliant, but there are many pinnacle products and manufacturers in audio and nowadays the trade offs in downsizing are extraordinarily small.
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I have run my own manufacturing business for 20 years. The equipment was very much affordable when I bought it. But I am a (calculated) risk taker, anyone who goes into business has to be. I bought second- hand Naim and I bought carefully, knowing the depreciation would be slow. And I get a tremendous amount of joy from it. Of course I will lose money if I sell it, but most of the value will retain. That was part of my financial planning from the outset. And what price do you put on that joy?
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Really appreciating all the comments. I’ve been bottling things up for a while, but talking about it and listening to others experiences really helps. And my little CB NAC42/110/Hicap is going nowhere 
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With respect, that statement is a great example of black and white thinking. Some people are more dynamic with their finances.
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It’s common.
You can have been comfortable in the top 1% 6 years ago with savings and investments growing and now you can be in that 1% still but the way costs and salaries have gone in opposite directions be struggling even at that income. It just takes enough kids and a big enough mortgage.
Almost nothing I bought pre 2020 I could afford today. The world went t%%s up before our eyes. It’s not your fault.
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If one needs to realise some funds for whatever reason, then nothing wrong with that whatever.
As its only a few boxes that make a noise, you can certainly live without them, and you can certainly get cheaper products that will also make music.
Times are hard and only going to get worse i feel, and you have to do what you have to do, and hifi is one of the things that can go i guess. The only problem is, when times are hard selling is the problem and the price you think you will get can be much lower, plus dealers dont wont it so private is your only path.
But sorry to hear and good luck in selling your gear.
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If you really believe that, it begs the question as to why you invest so much time on here talking about them…
They are definitely not just boxes to me (and most people on here) - the pleasure they provide is way beyond most other material possessions.
Naim boxes (and the music of course) helped me through a time when I gave up smoking years ago, which is something I’m eternally grateful for. The hifi provided me with a means of escape and distraction - without which I would have struggled and probably failed. More recently they helped me through mental health issues and continue to do so.
I think, for a lot of people, the boxes mean so much more than you seem to think.
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I guess because they are just boxes.
Yes we all enjoy the boxes we have, but i would enjoy say living more.
If you need the money to say keep the roof over your head, etc. Then needs must.
Everyone circumstances can change for the worst and if they do compromising has to happen and if it was me then for sure the hifi would go, wouldn’t even think twice about it.
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Because I recently bought a Naim box and because its a Hifi forum, at least I thought it was though I am starting to have doubts.
Probably the nicest Naim amp I’ve ever owned overall for sheer enjoyment. Very fond memories of it indeed. You’ll certainly never be without music with this.
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Just because something is common, that doesn’t mean it can’t be avoided or it’s the correct way to manage finances. It’s common for people to be in credit card debt. Does that mean you should be?
By the way, the markets are hitting all time highs. Using your example, if you were in the top 1% of earners with savings and investments 6 years ago you would be doing very well right now. On the other hand, if you weren’t saving and investing while at the same time spending all of your disposable income on material possessions you may be having trouble right now.
Let’s say someone spent $40k on their system 20 years ago instead of $50k. Far from slumming it in this hobby. They then invest the extra $10k in mutual funds and easily earn an average 8% on their money annually over the course of 20 years. Today, they would have $46k in investments and the same $40k audio system. I wasn’t suggesting to be a miser, but maybe just dialing back the hobby just a little to the point where these things don’t have to happen.
My comment was not meant to be insulting, nor a judgement of the OP. It was meant to invoke reflection. Anyone who took offense should ask themselves why. Maybe it’s because it hits too close to home.
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Man I’m so sorry to hear that she was so ill, but delight her she’s recovering.
I hope your mental health is much improved, I’m glad you’ve had the love to support you.
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Sorry to hear about your situation, I hope it stabilises/improves. Music remains music, I remember listening to music when played on an old-school portable cassette recorder when I’d taped it on a C90 from a cheap AM radio and loving it. All the best.
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Some thoughts spring to mind regarding your business @Stu299.
For me the building industry is tough. I am a self employed builder. I have in recent years found that I get more smaller jobs at times. I used to have constant large projects. I still get large projects but do a lot of repairs, decorating and re-pointing nowadays. I have had to diversify more. Having said that I stopped advertising a year ago. Things are okay workwise, not full on. I may need to advertise again. To be honest I enjoy some downtime every now and again.
I am prepared to adapt to the market forces and diverisfy and am even considering other schemes such as podcasting, You tubing and even politics!
I can do many different things as I have previously had Area Manager roles prior to self employed construction.
The solution is to change your work to cope with changing demands to business. Selling your system is one thing. But then what next? Sell your car, your house and move to a smaller dwelling?
You need to get tough and ride things out if that’s within your options.
I have had situations when I have had no work and no money, a mortgage to pay and so on. Sometimes going through adversity compels you to take action. I have been there and bounced back. It’s not easy and I have had to dig really deep and take extreme measures as necessary. Raise your game bud !
But, I never downgraded! 
BD
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I downsized cds3 252 500dr 300dr for luxman 509z and D10x and never looked back.
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