AUDIOPHILE 101: Your Questions ANSWERED! DON'T Start Without WATCHING THIS!

[@monybclaudioc.6647]

Hey Bob, this is a 56 y.o. italian Cop, passionate about music from the 50s, 60s, 70's & 80's. I'm watching your interesting and entertaining videos from Italy, close to Venice. So, now you know it. Congrats on your fantastic channel. Makes me wanna buy a turntable again, still have some old Elvis LPs (the one and only king of R&R😊) at my place. Eager to start all over again in the analog Hi-Fi scene... Thanks for all your effort and time that you put into yiur videos. It's greatly appreciated. Hugs. Claudio.

[@Star1933-y8w]

Been loving audio since my first turntable in 1965. It's the one constant in my life. Took your advice on the Gremlin and what a pleasant surprise. The sound is beautiful I'm blown away. Just paired it with some Arya Stealth headphones. I'm a happy camper.

[@DavidOrton-p7y]

Your “don’t buy a turntable unless you can do these 10 things” resonated…I found myself walking into space monkey records in Indiana where I fell in love with an Audio Technica LPW50BT with a high gloss MDF piano black finished plinth..it was a piece of art to me and it spoke to me….love at first sight…thanks for your videos!!! They rock 🎸

[@jakedavis2838]

Not a beginner audio nerd, but love watching your videos because you’re entertaining and make me laugh. Thanks from Tucson, az

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Appreciate the kind words! Thanks for being here!

[@mikecampbell5856]

I bought my first system in 1975 when I was a poor sailor. I have owned many systems, none that were super expensive. I never called myself an audiophile. Just a Hi Fi Nut! I lean toward digital for beginners because of cost and convenience.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Well said... and thanks for serving our land!

[@judih.8754]

Haha. Me too! 1975 also!

[@cpta03]

Me too, but I’m still listening to my system purchased in 1975 - Kenwood amp, Sansui turntable, and Dynaco speakers. I’ve just replaced the stylus and belt.

[@TimMihalko]

​@@cpta03I got my first system in 1973. Ha!

[@JuanTorres-k8p]

Hi Bob, I currently have some B&W 602 speakers from 1997, and they sound great, I really like the sound in English, very good video, I congratulate you, greetings

[@AswinLai]

Malaysian here, 32 yo music lover, learned alot from audiophile like you! Continue your good job my friend

[@kempfand]

Hey Bob : You got my pin already in another video, but here comes the backup pin: Switzerland, city of Basel. Thank you for sharing from your huge box of experience !

[@jimx1169]

I'm with you, Bob. IMO an audiophile is someone who actively listens to music for enjoyment. Meaning, someone who takes time out of their day to do nothing but listen to music they enjoy. With that definition in mind, the equipment is somewhat secondary to the process. An audiophile can absolutely start the journey with a smartphone and a pair of cheap earbuds. Everyone has to start somewhere and we shouldn't exclude those who's beginnings are very humble. Said another way, music first - gear second. Thanks for what you do on this channel!

[@johndonovan9234]

Great stuff! Love your humor. Keep teaching. Set my son up with Sony Amp and Swans and he loves it. Don’t need a lot of money to get great sound. Love your advice.

[@garrinchatuga]

Hello from Europe , Portugal !!!!

[@CarlosBrewer-Incera]

Watching from Panama City, Panama ... Still rocking with a vintage Pioneer receiver and a Technics SL1900 turntable that is in for major service, not damaged, just major adjustments, change a few things for the better, etc ... Enjoy your show and I just wished I had a bit more budget for better speakers ... BTW, I still listen to cassettes

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I hear ya... I always want better speakers!

[@richarddarrington5345]

Hey, 52 years young audiofile, watching from Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England. I have a modest set up, Audiolab 9000a amp, Audiolab 6000n streamer, Technics Sl-1500c turntable with an Audio Technics VM740ML cart and Monitor Audio Silver 100 7g speakers. I love listening to R&B, Reggae and Neo Soul, mainly on vinyl.... great channel by the way 👏 👍 👌

[@gaborozorai3714]

Regarding budget breakdown: if you go for an analogue front end more should be allocated there. If you intend to play classical music then even more so. Better resolution, stability etc. give greater rewards than almost anything else with that kind of music.

[@waynes4491]

Hi Bob. Watching from Yorkshire, UK. I hope you're well

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I miss the UK! Thanks for watching! Cheers!

[@HeyPuskas]

Hello from Venezuela! Love your videos and suggestions, I'm going to start my collection cuz of one of your vids, pick the turntable, and the upgrade road 👍🏻

[@ShaneTheHiFiGuy]

Hey Bob. Shane here from Houston! 🎉🎉

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

@@ShaneTheHiFiGuy What's up, Man? You going to the Dallas audio show in March?

[@PigVirusNBC]

Good evening Bob and everyone…… Watching from Toms River, NJ A 55 year audiophile thanks to my uncle who got out of The Marines and Vietnam and had brought gear from the military exchange in Okinawa, Japan. After hearing his system, I was hooked (as a kid) and by the end of the 70s I had gotten my own gear and he had gave me his Teac reel to reel (A-4010S) he had gotten from the exchange in 1970 in Okinawa, Japan. I’m also a technician formally I do it now as a hobby and repair my own gear. I got out about 30 years ago of having gear sold it all off stopped and wanted to go into a different career and trade

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I bet you had Sansui... if it was from an exchange!

[@PigVirusNBC]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalogMy uncle had a Dual belt drive turntable (not sure what model) a Teac A4010S, Pioneer CS-88a (if I remember correctly) & a Pioneer Receiver (I don’t remember what model) later on he had brought Bose 901’s series 2.

[@Robert-r4s4c]

The most important audio component in your stereo is the source component. The quality of the musical single coming out of this first component defines the ultimate ability of any music system. Every other component in the system merely passes on this signal with greater or lesser accuracy. Non can enhance or improve it.

[@Yakuzaka1412]

Would you rather have a 200$ turntable and 2000$ speakers or vise versa? Which will sound better? Thought so.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

@@Robert-r4s4c Settle down, Fellas!!! I still say speakers.

[@markcarrington8565]

Yeah, you’d be wrong. The better your speakers the more noise you’ll hear. The only way to reduce the noise in your system is to put more music information in at the source then preserve that signal through the electronics. I guarantee, if you listen to a $2,000 turntable through $200 speakers you’ll be hearing more actual music and less rubbish than the other way around.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

@ what kind of music are we talking about? I'm not so sure your premise holds up in 🎸 rock. Set it up... I'll come and listen!

[@markcarrington8565]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalog Half of my collection is rock music , mostly 70’s onwards. The other half is mostly jazz with some orchestral. Honestly, I would try it for yourself.

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

From Florida, USA, as always. Good to see and hear you online again, Sir. Thanks for your efforts and time to share this with us all. All the best and take care.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

@@Simon_Hawkshaw Hey Simon! I saw that you were on Randy's zoom last night! I hope you are doing well!!!

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

@UnitedStatesofAnalog All good, thank you, Sir. I hope and trust all is going well with you too.

[@craigepsa674]

Fun video Bob! Solid advice. Watching from rolling hills of SE Ohio.

[@terrywilliams7827]

Listening from Elkhart,IN. 69 yo. Love surround sound music. Prog, 70s pop, classic rock. King Crimson, Gentle Giant, Darling Buds, Go Gos, Steely Dan. DVD A, cds, blu ray

[@bobmalocca8534]

Hey Bob! Bob from Ireland here 😎👍

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I love me some Ireland. I've been there 5x

[@bobmalocca8534]

@UnitedStatesofAnalog Ah brilliant class wee island Keep up the great videos 👏

[@brochg]

Great video, Bob!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Appreciate that!

[@analogguy5548]

Just found your channel. Listening from North Texas after 70+ years in New Jersey. Caution, Hi Fi can be addictive! I’ve danced around all the craziness, but fortunately never bought into the snake oil nonsense. My system; a) McIntosh pre-amp & power amp purchased new 1973! b) Denon direct drive turntable with Grado cartridge purchased new 1987, note I replace the stylus every couple of years, available direct from Grado, c) Revel M-22 speakers purchased new, discontinued, 2014, @ 1/2 list price with dedicated speaker stands purchased used for $75!, d) NAD CD player purchased new approximately 15 years ago, d) McIntosh AM/FM tuner purchased used approximately 10 years ago. There is probably more nonsense surrounding cables than anything else in this hobby. I use generic 12 gauge copper speaker wire. Basic high quality inter-connects purchased front MonoPrice. Note: my speaker wire lays on floor, not suspended off the floor on insanely expensive insulators😁 I enjoy the music!

[@BoRerunn]

Tip: the best setting on your EQ is V , also middle section set to -8 😎👍🏼

[@derekkeith108]

Hey I'm new here, watching from Lafayette, LA as a very new audiophile

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Welcome to the Jungle!

[@vincentsatolaput]

Love listening and learning music.🇵🇭💐🤝🎶🙏 Daghan Salamat. Mabuhay from Cebu.

[@matifernandezmusica]

cheers from argentina!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Hey there! Glad you're hear!

[@thecat6062]

Subscribed and watching from Prince Edward Island ,Canada.

[@stevengoodman3636]

From the Detroit metro area. Congrats on 20K subscribers!

[@EvanCasteel-th2qs]

Oh Bob… you’re just funny. Got a good chuckle out of that into montage. I can definitely see you anchoring the local news in a real small market, for sure. You’ve definitely got the voice, look, and you’re articulate - you don’t use filler words ( or “word salad” ). Hard to tell if your set is a listening room, a bar, or a bookstore - little of each. Watching from central Washington state. Oh, and don’t worry… I’m subscribed already… and hit the like button- maybe that’ll get ya a few extra cents. Keep up the good work!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I have a video on my channel about how I built my "jazz" vinyl bar. Check it out when you have a few minutes!

[@markcunneen3110]

Watching from Perth Western Australia

[@BobWilson-i2d]

I’m Robert from Oxford Indiana. Right now I’m listening to a fosi audio 10d , fosi audio q4 dad with a pair of C-notes that I just built

[@davidjoel111]

Speakers are king, it’s the last filter on the whole system, different speakers will emphasize certain frequencies more than others. Love from Ottawa Ontario!

[@bgroovin1343]

You need to pick up the Parasound Zphono XRM phono preamp. Direct from them it is $279, normally $500. Could be the best pre under $1k. Tons of options and versatility. Would be a perfect video for the channel.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Yeah... I saw Lenny review it!

[@bgroovin1343]

@UnitedStatesofAnalog I have one and it is a little better than the one in their Halo HINT 6 integrated. Should be end game for the average enthusiast. Great piece of kit for the price.

[@brucesamuelson7541]

I'm not an Audiophile, I'm an Aficionado hahaha, viewing from LA, CA

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Thanks! Stay safe out there!

[@PigVirusNBC]

A great informative video! Thank you Bob! And speaking of my mentor my uncle who was instrumental in helping me to become an Audiophile his name is Robert 😂

[@bobk3840]

First system. 1973. Updated 1976, 1979, 1993 and 2024. I lost my way for a while when I got in the CD phase. I woke back up in 2012. Never sold my vinyl. Had it stored properly. It still sounds great. In fact, even better with new high end equipment (Luxman). Southwest Michigan

[@manuelsalinas9863]

Greetings from Honduras 🇭🇳 Bob! I really enjoy your channel, your content is simple yet very useful and on point! Keep it up!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

@@manuelsalinas9863 Thanks, Dude!

[@myownbiggestfan]

Totally agree regarding 50% of your budget going towards speakers. But I disagree about not worrying about cables entirely. Start with some thicc speaker wire. It's relatively inexpensive and saves you the waste of inevitably changing it out later.

[@johnstump2433]

Viewing from here from Indio, California. Home of the Coachella Arts and Music Festival 🎶 AKA Coachella!

[@sevenpa1596]

Hi Bob, watching from Singapore.

[@derekschutte9734]

Hi Bob! Checking in from Melbourne,Fl. Never miss one of your videos.Thanks for putting out all the great content.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

The home of Geshelli Labs!

[@corndrape]

Listening from Santa Cruz, CA

[@boatformypotplants]

Great video, as always. And only 0.1k subs needed to get you over that 20k threshold. Thanks, and well done for sticking at it.

[@bobseehafer5414]

Wausau, Wisconsin In my early 60’s Raised in the times of great music

[@dingongify]

Watching from Austin Texas

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Nice place!

[@nupotacasa7605]

Hy, Bob! I’m Emil, Watching from Bucharest, Romania! I’m new in this real good hifi gear, just bought for Christmas a Rega P3 with blue Ortofon 2M, Updated with an external Fono Stage, Also Rega, Mk V. I intend to add external electrical source, also. I did all the tinckering with geometric and allining the cartridge.. So I have my source..I’m very happy with my choice. I try to understand what should I do next.. From all my yt watching there are at least 2 strong paths First, from sinergy point of view and cable management I should go with same brand Rega - Elex IV integrated amplifier.. Second, into audiofile point of view, I should get different pieces for everything like preamplifier, power amplifier, dac, etc.. and then deal with cables for everything, synergy, looks maybe.. At the end, get some speakers.. Another thought.. Maybe I should get the speakers next and amplifier after.. Thanks for reading all of this, I just felt the need to write here all of those above! Cheers!

[@kimberlyH1984]

Great channel. coming from Winnipeg.

[@MekdemAsfaw]

Viewing from Ethiopia. Hope this helps you and your map :)

[@ThePetersorensen1]

Watching from Copenhagen Denmark

[@johnluckritz2865]

You're great. St. Louis, Missouri

[@bongofury3176]

the greatest thing I can recommend is living in a house where you can make as much noise as you want at any time. It is an epiphany....that and B&W 800D's

[@9mmmike642]

Hey Bob, ZZ Top rocks! Sweet story.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

@@9mmmike642 True story! I wonder what he did with that pick?

[@dtracy03ss]

Limited Budget has no Bearing on Audiophile, I've heard 100k systems that don't have the Synergy of the Systems you and I and Average Joe Have because We put our Own Take on the quality Systems we "Build" Your Channel is for the Real HiFi Nuts / Enjoyers of Music, Not the wacked out Super High Specs that The Mega Dollar Audiophile is Constantly chasing and Listening for, the almost Unattainable little "thing" that cost Rediculous amounts of Money to Hear. Again You have US Music Lovers in Mind- Keep it up!!

[@sidesup8286]

If today's comment section is the usual, then this is the most boring comment section on KZbin. I did get something out of your comment however; because it is true (and not about what place you're from).

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Thanks... will do!

[@mansolomd]

Definitely wondering what the life expectancy of a DAC is. Buying a good one every 3-4 years may be the way to go.

[@judih.8754]

Interestingly I bought my first set of four speakers, (before I found the receiver I liked) way back in 1976 while I was in the Navy. Yes you do have an interesting face. Billy was right!

[@erskinespell6670]

I am from Bynum Alabama 69 years old and have been collecting records since 1968

[@shanedaiken2831]

Love your stories from the past

[@jukingeo]

I would probably go the other way around and spend 30% on the source and 20% on the amp. Changing out a phono cartridge or adding a dac to a CD player will produce more noticeable change in the sound than switching out an amp. Granted, if you change out a transistor amp for a tube amp, the change is very noticeable. Butfor a noob, it is highly unlikely they are going to drop the $1000+ on a tube amp. When sticking with vinyl, a big change would be going from a moving magnet to moving coil cartridge. Also, the sound is affected by the phono preamp used. So, given these variables on the source, it would be more prudent to invest in your source more than the amplifier.

[@michaelowens944]

Missouri

[@markcarrington8565]

Spend half your budget on your turntable and split the rest between amp, speakers and some better than basic quality cables. Buy your speakers second hand and save a fortune, especially if you need floorstanders to fill a large room. Speakers barely degrade over the years and retain their value, so swapping them out is cheap. Putting highly resolving speakers on the end of a cheap turntable will result in a deeply unsatisfying sound from your system. I’ve built many systems for folks over the years and upgrading the turntable always, without fail, makes people sit up in astonishment at what is lurking on their records just waiting to be discovered.

[@rickadams9]

Cables baby ! Cause without them you won't hear schitt.

[@robertreid2637]

From New Zealand 😎 1:30

[@mansolomd]

What streamer does Whim make?

[@dwayneanderson71]

To broke to have a great system but I try😅. From Red Deer, Alberta Canada

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

You got this!

[@EvanCasteel-th2qs]

OK, I would never attempt to setup my own turntable unless I owned at least 1/2 of what a new SUV would cost in obscure & esoteric measurement equipment to make sure my zenith, azimuth, and testosterone levels are all in check. Don’t forget the special cart north of at least $5K made with the latest unobtanium to balance out that carbon fiber (we used to call that a graphite fishing pole) tone arm. No, I’d only trust that setup to a bona-fide, real-life Brooklyn Hipster with the proper amount of flannel, tattooing, and furryness -or- alternatively one of those sell-your-soul dinosaurs over at Stereophile -wish they could use some of that magic on my humble setup. I know… in my dreams.

[@trentgardner9952]

I have a BIG problem with vinyl. I buy way too many albums, then I have to buy more ways to store the albums, then I have more storage so I have to buy more albums. Big problem!!

[@jsritharan653]

jersey city, hudson co!

[@howiewaterloo352]

Waterloo, Ontario , Canada - not a state. Lol

[@kevindillinger3699]

Moore, Oklahoma

[@marklennon4664]

Hey Bob are you Donald Fagan's stunt double? 🤔😉👉

[@Ian-wh8ut]

Billy is correct you do have a cool look. better story would be Are you holding?JK!

[@trombadude]

looking forward to hearing more about your vinyl collection. ☮

[@robmata474]

LOGAN OHIO IN THE 🏡

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Glad to have you!!!

[@insurrectionindustries1706]

If someone just rationalized buying a 9th pair of speakers does that person have a problem? Asking for a friend….

[@amosperrine1909]

As an audiophile for 50 years speakers are the least important component, garbage in garbage out…….unles the source is good, good amps and good speakers only make the imperfections more apparent. Source first, amp second, speakers third.

[@mansolomd]

Or just get the Cambridge Audio Evo One.

[@rumpleforeskin1275]

A minute into the video and you still haven't gotten to the point. Pass

[@killmerfamAZ]

I'm still in Cave Creek AZ.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Stay put!