Audio myths & dogmas #2: comparing audio sources

[@mikeorange7845]

The Wrap up sums everything. Although your technical explanations are 100% accurate, in the real world we're going to make decisions. In my 35 years of musical career (from session musician in studios to music producer) I have one rule: if something doesn't sound different to my ears on a blind test, then I'll not choose the "new" version coming from a piece of hardware or a plugin/software....no matter how the "new" one is advertised or praised by others. This makes life easier, and less prone to spend money on anything. Just focus on music :) Thanks for sharing your expertise.

[@Thunderbird139]

“Love your limits and they will become friends” 🤘🏽

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

👍🏼

[@emiel333]

Great saying!

[@waynetoneseekerandersen2213]

Because we cannot quantify how the brain works, we cannot rely on measurements to determine whether we will find one component sounds better than another. I love that this is what you are saying. It is the absolute truth.

[@bryanlloyd6024]

That is not the case with speakers. Measurements have been shown to correlate very highly with people's preferences.

[@waynetoneseekerandersen2213]

@@bryanlloyd6024 What I believe Hans is saying and I am agreeing with is that for example, My friend likes very round and full sound from speakers with very dropped off highs, I like lots of non harsh highs with lots of body to surround them... We are both correct in what each of us think is better... for us only. I am new to Audiophile style equipment, wish me luck, I have been for years a music enthusiast, and guitar player and live sound listener and band player. I have been on a journey the last three years in getting better sound. I have found that I must first differentiate between good sound and good songs, it has been a hard lesson to learn. Tonal bliss = Good sound from recording and mix and good songs. That is my ultimate quest.

[@bryanlloyd6024]

@@waynetoneseekerandersen2213 I am trying to do the same thing, but the problem is there is so much equipment out there. From the research I have done, measurements can give you a head start in choosing speakers to audition. I am in that process right now with some bookshelves that measure well and that people like. So far, it is kind of fun and I am learning what kinds of things I like and don't like.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I'm afraid you can't for the simple reason that recordings are made using monitor loudspeakers and they have varied in sound character over the years. So depending on the monitors used, you would prefer one speaker over the other and that can be the other way around with the next album....

[@solarfall2728]

@@bryanlloyd6024 You most likely got that from Gene. Either way, there's no way to conduct a test like that and have it be accurate. There's just too many variables that you can't control. There's no possible way to know if what you are responding to is due to the speaker measurements, or something else. Before you challenge me on this, I would ask you to do 1 thing. Reference the test. I think you'll find that whoever told you this, was told by someone else, who was told by someone else, etc... I've heard about this test as well, and so far the people who were making these claims, can't back them up.

[@tabithamaydavis5792]

OUTSTANDING! Useful, simply, useful. 👍

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Great to hear!

[@javierartimemuniz7044]

Great explanation, Hans. Please stay course. Nuance and intellectual honesty is what brings many of us to your channel. We know what we know and the illusion of audio engineering as applied math is not helping us get any more understanding.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I will

[@stephenwhitelaw4873]

Greetings Hans from sunny Australia. Your knowledge of this topic is amazing and with knowledge comes the understanding of differences. Whereas those with little knowledge seem to have the loudest opinions - Dunning Kruger effect seems to be very obvious in audio. I always watch your videos despite listening almost exclusively to vinyl and your statement "Love your limits and they will become your friends" works so well for vinyl. That is also the best advice for life I have heard in a very long time, thanks.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

🙏🏻👍🏼

[@catherinelugg4321]

This is absolutely one of the best videos you've released. THANK YOU! And yes, embrace one's limitation is spot on. The most important thing I've done before buying equipment was to get my hearing tested, and then purchase hearing aids. They are my "anchor" for my music system. And because of damage to my hands, I am perfectly content to use the streaming services. In my life, "less stuff=more freedom." Thank you again for sharing what you know!

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

My pleasure

[@StevesStrayStuff]

Well done! With all of the variables you noted, how the master was recorded to how the sound makes to your ears, one's own ears are the best judge for one's self.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

👍🏼

[@colanitower]

Please keep the descriptions of internal components. It's one of the features making these reviews so unique and interesting

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I will where ever I can.

[@colanitower]

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Thanks! 👍

[@RoyFJ65]

Great article, I also believe that apart from measurements, its the voicing that forms an important part in the sonic signature of a particular brand.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

True

[@stuartgreenaway8999]

Well written Hans, a great piece. I came across a hardware review in the streaming domain just yesterday where I estimate the value exceeded €30,000. Capping my level at £1000 max per component I always look for ways developing technology can bring the costlier high end sound qualities to my price range. The engineering and auditory science contained here should I hope help many more people to understand how much skill is behind reviewing and building in hifi. I know I have learned greatly from this channel and there will be a lot more than me I am sure.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Enjoy the music.

[@alexanderfleming9104]

I truly admire your consistency. You are still wearing that blue shirt for all your videos. I salute you, Sir.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I appreciate that

[@guykeren647]

Hans thank you for everything. You are a real guide in this hobby. All the best sir.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Many thanks

[@RichardDurishin]

Wonderful! Thank you Hans. So well done. And, of course, "Love your limits and they become your friends."

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Many thanks!

[@TiaanJonker]

Thank You Hanz. As always...

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Thank you too!

[@cdhankerson7586]

Music, such a beautifully Straight yet Diverse line. Thank you again sir.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

👍🏼

[@Haydarpasa12]

Hans, Weer een brilliante video. Dank je.

[@zebo6712]

Love your videos, keep up the great work!

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Glad you like them!

[@michaeldasilva8834]

Outstanding review Hans!

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

🙏🏻

[@isaacsykes3]

Great video, great wisdom, 👍🏿

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@myu4039]

Thank you Hans! Good episode :)

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Thank you too!

[@abrahammartinez3524]

Fantastic Video Hans. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Thank you too!

[@pede8000]

Thank you, very interesting! Have a nice weekend!

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Thank you! You too!

[@wouterkolkman]

Thank you Hans for your helpful explanations - including why playback from CD is not necessarily better than from a digital file. (I tried a CD played via a basic Pioneer DVD/CD/SACD player connected via optical to a Terminator Plus DAC - no comparison when listening to my USB optimised computer - DAC connection). A question: is balanced a preferred option - especially when carried through in the amplifier design?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Balanced architecture is preferred especially when both the source and the amp are truly balanced. Having XLR's on a source or amp doesn't necessarily mean it is balanced.

[@wouterkolkman]

Thank you Hans! I have a Denafrips T+ DAC - so considering Athena pre-amplifier.

[@tomlibertiny]

Hi Hans, another good video! Speaking of good quality: the audio quality of your videos is very good. Would you share with us the audio chain that you use for recording your narration during your videos?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I use a DPA 4060 lavalier microphone connected to a BlackMagic ViideoAssist 4k video recorder. Post is done in Final Cut Pro X

[@tomlibertiny]

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Thank you!

[@henriksrensen3220]

Great video Hans.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Thanks

[@johnberard330]

If the streaming services paid for more broadband, MQA is not needed.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

But then you discard the real benefits of MQA, lower bandwidth is only one of the claimed advantages.

[@mightyhail8707]

Thank you for sharing great thoughts :)

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Thank you

[@michaelmityok1001]

Don't go for gear you can't afford, 'sound' advice, but I think there is an honest geek factor in why some like me chase after the latest and greatest. There are worse addictions IMHO, just so long as one continues to first and foremost enjoy rhe music.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I agree completely as long as you can safely afford it. I was aiming more at those people that criticise expensive equipment because it is out of reach for them. Lots of them around, unfortunately.

[@howardskeivys4184]

Another excellent video!

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Thanks

[@iPTdar2I]

I would like to hear your opinion about usb c dac, which is a hot topic these days. I want to know about the problems, whether the sound of usb c dac is really good, how it can be compressed in such a small place

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I have no clue what you're saying. Sorry.

[@iPTdar2I]

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel thanks

[@emiel333]

Hello Hans! You’ve got such a great knowledge about audio, I’m learning each time I watch a video on your channel! May I ask you a question? Apple recently updated their Apple Music streaming platform with options for Dolby Atmos and also Lossless audio up to 24-bit/192kHz. And all of this without bumping up the subscription fee, which is awesome if I’m honest. I have Apple devices and also a subscription on Apple Music. The lossless audio (with the right equipment) is awesome! Dolby Atmos is interesting but I still prefer to listen in stereo. I think that music mastered in the Dolby Atmos format is just a gimmick and won’t get huge among the audience. What are your thoughts and/or opinions on the added lossless and Dolby Atmos in Apple Music? Best wishes, Emiel333

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I stick to good stereo. Having more than two - actually 5 to 9 - quality speakers in the room is rather expensive so many will opt for - say - 7 speakers (and amps) that cost the same as normally spent on 2 channel. It's quality vs quality.

[@presidentpotato222]

Wonderful forthright info .. some of which i will be googling ..lol

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

👍🏼

[@isaacsykes3]

I have a question: Roon on a MacMini or Roon Nucleus +? I want to utilize all of the DSP functionality.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

They both use the same Intel NUC motherboard but the Roon has passive cooling (no noisy fans) and allows for custom install functions. There will be no difference in sound quality or operation (apart from remote control functions if you use those expensive remote panels costing a few grand). I use a normal Intel NUC.

[@isaacsykes3]

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Thank you, I really do appreciate it! Stay safe and be well

[@kl9941]

You are the best man!

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

🙏🏻

[@waynetoneseekerandersen2213]

Bravo, nice speach

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Thanks

[@saverioricchiuto5386]

Is it psycovision or are you really smiling at 0:09? LoL Good one Hans

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Are you sure?😄

[@jeffkalina7727]

Go Hans Go!!

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

👍🏼

[@Audiorevue]

I would claim Hans the best source is the one that you enjoy listening to.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

The best source FOR YOU is the....

[@AkelyHQ]

To be honest I follow the channel because of the fact that it often do NOT support my view. Unless I’m subjected to the other views, opinions and to facts I’ve not yet considered I feel I’m less capable to come to rational conclusions. Echo chambers are bad, period.