2. misc-audio
  3. 173706-1209

Then and Now

I may be one of the few that still had their original audiophile rig from around 2010 and can compare it directly to the current system.  I hadn't really thought about having this possibility before tonight, so here's what I did:

Then System

- Integra 50.1 Receiver (direct mode) fed with an optical input

- Focal 836v floor standing speakers

Now System

- Maverick Audio TubeMagic D2 DAC with upgraded Sparkos Labs op amps and a 1950s Western Electric 396A tube

- Pathos Classic One MkIII Integrated Amplifier with 1960s Mullard Tubes

- Focal 836v floor standing speakers

 I didn't spend a lot of time listening to them, but I was reminded of hearing Jason Stoddard of Schiit Audio essentially saying that after a couple of beers it's hard to tell the difference between DACs.  There's clearly a difference between Then and Now, but Then doesn't sound all that bad.

Anyone else able to make a similar comparison?

 

 

mceljo

Showing 1 response by brianh61

brianh61
85 posts
 

I have recently done a comparison of Then and Now.

My Then system after selling off my Counterpoint NPS-400 due to repair needs is now the following-

VAC CLA1 MKII Dual Mono Tubed Pre, An OPPO 93 (Replaced my Rotel 1072CDP) and an Odyssey Stratos+ into a pair of Dynaudio Audience 82s

My Now system is now-

Rotel 1572 CDP, Rega P3, Luxman 505UXII, and a pair of Fyne Audio F502SPs

There is a clear and different sound but the Then system still kicks ass in the Bass department along with a smooth silk tweeter. Not as lively or in the room as Now system but still enjoyable and if it was all I had or could afford, it would still be good enough.

 

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