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 oldhvymec

oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 

 

I have a lot of the reference stuff from the 70, 80, 2000, 2010, 2020s.

The 20 year gap is actually raising kids 1980-2000. I keep everything unless it earns the bridge toss. Two have through the years out of 200 at least. Every now and then I sell stuff.

Simple, dig the hole deeper, and load my dead A$$ on top.. I'm takin' it with me.

Regards

Unless I can figure this robot thing out. Termination is imminent in. It's just how the cookie crumbles, or in my case a fractured hip happens. :-)

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