Then and Now

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.

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.

I'd be lost...1980's, then 1990's change, then 2000's change, 2010's no change, now the 2020's completely different system...minus the alcohol and bad decision making, plus the women are prettier....