Why Does My Current Music Sound So Much Better than It Did in the 80’s?


I’ve got to ask…maybe someone here knows…is my current system more realistic sounding than what I used to listen to in the 80’s? I’m just impressed by the sound I have now, I just don’t remember it sounding in the 80’s so real, present and full range.

Then I had a Marantz 2245, JBL L166 tower speakers, usually vinyl on a Dual turntable with a Shure V15 Type 2 or 3.  This was decent stuff at that time.

Now I listen to internet radio on my iPad, usually radio.garden jazz, through an Apple AirPort Express router, to B&O BeoLab8000 speakers, a Hsu ULS 15 Mk II and a Paradigm Series 7 12in Monitor sub.  I set up In a big 20ft by 40ft room now with lots of hard surfaces.  I’ve invested very little in this system, yet I’m amazed at the sound.

it’s unlikely that my ears are better…anyone care to rake a stab at why things sound so better to me now?  It would be interesting to understand the evolution of sound.

128x128tcotruvo

@tcotruvo 
Don’t underestimate the effects of the room. You might be in an acoustically great room. Enjoy it while your ears are still good 😊. 

I don’t know what it is, but the effect is a whole different level of experiencing music.  Fun!  Since not everything I listen to has the same clarity, I wondered if the quality of the source varies on radio.garden.  Or, maybe my room and speaker placement is ideal for certain sounds.  From what I know, my room is not great for music.  It’s large - 20ft x 40ft, 8ft ceiling - concrete floor, no carpet, Sheetrock ceiling, 6 double patio doors, and the rest is 50% glass.  No curtains, the only upholstery is a couch, and I’ve added about a half dozen 3ft x 4ft utility door mats to soften things.  My listening triangle is in a corner with about 9ft sides.  The subs are turned down to a level where I don’t hear the bass as a separate source.  I’m hearing deficient in high frequencies. Amazing what I get from an iPad.

Agree about the re-pressings from the 80's and 90's - they were terrible. Whenever I would find a new title back then - something that in original form would go for hundreds of dollars - I would get really excited until I listened to it. Record companies were in the market of selling vinyl, and latter plastic. They didn't need to worry as much about public scrutiny of their repressing's since there were no forums like this where people got together and criticized the actual sound. Compare any original 78 or 33 against any 80's repressing and you'll see what I mean. There are a few exceptions - Edsel and Charley come to mind. Over the years I have found that some stylus shapes deal with these better than others. The denon 103 is my go to cart for bad pressings.