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 ghdprentice

ghdprentice
7,989 posts
 

While I did not keep my last system, I have a very good memory of it as I had it without changing a component for six or seven years. My design goals were very different.

My old system, while sounding very good, was exceptional at highlighting details: the venue and mastering techniques… these stuck out. The bass was fast and slam substantial. My system now is actually more detailed, but it is not, “in your face”. The system is much more musical, with tremendous mid-range and bass bloom… in exchange for slam the details of bass are separated into individual components. The rhythm and pace excel and it is difficult to pull myself away from it. It has a deep rooted emotional connection with the underlying music.

 

My design goals changed when I started listening to live acoustic music weekly. Fundamentally these are two completely different sounding systems: the new one much better in every way.

More to discover