Audiophile Q&A - HiFi Advice with Andrew Robinson

[@joaomanuelfabiaodasilva6854]

Very elucidating video about "power"!!! Thank you! You've solved alot of questions i had myself! Very well and simply explained!

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

Someone who talks sense for a change brilliant

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thank you. Appreciate it!

[@darensweeney5925]

Thanks for the clear explanation of the relationship between amp power and sound! i read all these audiophile sites that say, "oh, but you always want more power," or that having watts improved the sound of their (e.g.,) 88 db speakers, but they never say why that extra power is needed.

[@intermountainACHA]

Thanks for including my question on tweeters Andrew!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thanks for sending it in!

[@oysteinsoreide4323]

if that 102 db/1W/1m efficiency speaker is measured at 1KHz and it is horn driven. It might have woofers that needs much more watts to be ok. So it really comes down to speaker design too. Some Cerwin Vega speakers that are really high efficiency but need more than 500 Watts of power to be good sounding.

[@thecrazyslopoke]

The only reason I can think of as to why this video was suggested to me even though I've never heard of your channel before is I've been researching wireless ear buds for two weeks. But good video.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thank you and welcome to my channel!

[@Albee213]

You cant cut digital signals into vinyl. All music is analog. You can store it digitally but what comes out of your speakers no matter the source is analog. Love your show.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I think you get my point. 😉 That tracks mastered for say today’s streaming services is merely transferred to vinyl opposed to the entire process being more or less analog from start to finish. Thank you for watching.

[@Albee213]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews I only made the comment because you and I and many others might, but newbies to audio equipment don't. I've heard people say some outlandish crap against digital formats because they have no clue how it works.

[@jfb6922]

You continue to be the best.

[@edthefirst2859]

I always come back to stats (Martin Logan’s) or planars ((Maggie’s))... and ive been in audio for over 50 years. Little dome tweeters were novel in the early AR speakers (the 3a), but can’t do justice to large-scale music.

[@AnthonyLemma24]

I've been watching Deep Space Nine the last few weeks and realize you have the same name as the actor who plays Garack.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Yes, that Andrew Robinson was also in Dirty Harry if I'm not mistaken.

[@AnthonyLemma24]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews I'll have to give that one a watch!

[@beitie]

Just my opinion on Sound-Smith I think they are fantastic at what they do. Their B&O carts are well priced, and once you buy from them, their cartridges can be sent back for re tipping at very reasonable prices. I currently use the SMMC 3 on my Beogram 9000, and love it. I also use their Otello M cart on my Pioneer PL-707. I really like what they do. I also have a re-tipped MMC5 cart from Hans-Henrick (he's on ebay, or at least was as pickupservice or something similar). The MMC 5 is pretty good too, I'd say better than my Shure M97 xE cart, but the Sound-Smith is better sounding, and better value if you intend to keep the gear long term do to the re-tipping Sound-Smith allows.

[@paulgolub6823]

Great video. Do more please.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I likely will, thanks for watching!

[@ShellstaTube]

Thanks for answering my question Andrew (9:07). You are indeed embracing Minimalism :). Here's a thought - maximum of 30 records and 30 CDs - must sell/"dispose" upon new purchase. I am actually familiar with a Zappiti/Dune/NAS setup - perhaps more movie focussed (/dual-purpose). Alas, I have a finger in all pies. Much physical media, downloads and streaming (Deezer). Primary wireless eco-system is UPnP ... But have an LMS setup too. Hardware double/triple-ups - no, not minimal :).

[@jcjc1842]

Perhaps next time, you could discuss diminishing returns in audio or home theater. Would be nice to hear your experience when you notice diminishing returns with regards to $ spent.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Saving your question for it’s very own video 👍. I thought it was so good, it deserved more time.

[@jcjc1842]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews Thanks man. It will be interesting to hear your take on it as both a pro reviewer and somebody who previously downgraded from a more complex and costlier home theater setup. I enjoyed other KZbin audiophiles' thoughts on diminishing returns.

[@olsfield]

Absolutely love the Q&A!! I learn so much every time. I sort of had the same question on my Yamaha R-N303. It’s a 200 watt stereo. With Cerwin-Vega SL-12 speakers. I was thinking about getting the Crown amp also. Didn’t think it was powerful enough to drive the speakers .But your knowledge help me out with my answer. I am not trying to keep up with the joneses! But just wanted to make sure that I have a decent system. I also just purchase the Fluance RT-85 turntable and I love it. Thanks Andrew

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

You’re welcome. Glad I could help!!!

[@bilguana11]

I prefer the sound and resolution of diamond (Usher) and beryllium (Revel) tweeters over any soft dome tweeters. Even better is the ELAC Jet5 AMT tweeters. But beware of cheap AMT drivers, they just aren't the same animal.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I -me personally -am not the biggest fan of ribbon or AMT tweeters. I think they sound a bit thin and fizzy when pushed and can be more fatiguing than anything. Horns are great, but like ribbons, they can require a deft touch to get "right".

[@paulaj2829]

i feel if you have a hifi system for your vinyl / CDs.. a system for your Kitchen hifi.. a system for your guitars ..how could anyone possibly say that one is better than the other.. as long as you can enjoy what you have is making you happy.. is that ok..

[@poanesbitt]

Man! Don't get me started on google getting rid of Chromecast audio. Completly crushed my soul! Still wish I had picked up a few extras myself.

[@Cyberbronco]

This was good. Lookin forward for live chat!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I have been thinking about doing live broadcasts for these types of videos in the future.

[@donalddeorio2237]

People have odd ideas about power, sensitivity, and power ratings. My Infinity speakers are rated at 87db and i power them with a Carver AV 705x amplifier at 125 watts channel with built in powered subs at 250 watts. I have never felt that I needed more power. If i push them i can hit 115db without clipping the amplifier. I don't do that often.

[@mattgiunt]

Thanks so much for your amplifier explanation. I have a yamaha 2080 receiver at 140 watts.I know it probably gives me about 30 or less watts with all 7 channels driven and I was looking at an Outlaw 5000 amp but now Im wondering why. Im in a condo on the second floor and do run a sub and have never gone above 75db in listening to movies or music. My speakers are Polks LSIM 707 and 706C and they list at 86 efficiency. So at 7 ft from speakers Im only using 2 or 4 watts so no amp needed. Does that sound right? Thanks for your help, your channel is amazing.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

You’re definitely using more wattage due to room and distance factors, BUT it is likely, at 75dB levels, 30 or so Watts will still be sufficient. If you want “more” for that room a 100-Watt amp would likely be more than enough.

[@markielinhart]

I moved my bookies out from the shelf and onto stands. Think I just saved a lot of $$$. Need new ones? Don’t think so...

[@markielinhart]

And... I just this week added a sub! It’s a Yam like my (passive) speakers and it’s filled the ‘hole’ below 50 Htz beautifully

[@AndyBHome]

My 2¢ on outdoor speakers: go to the Goodwill store, get some El Cheapo speakers (that's a brand. I think they sold them at JCPenney) and connect them by wires to a Bluetooth enabled Topping amp. Crank them, cover them with stickers, worry about them 0% and when they break, no wait, before they break, just stop in at the Goodwill from time to time and see if you can find any cooler or bigger ones to replace the first pair with. Whatever you get, if it doesn't sound good, turn up the volume until it does. (outside use only [don't damage your ears]). The goal is to eventually end up with massive vintage super cool speakers that sound great and cost you about $20 after you've gone through about 4 pairs finding the right ones.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Good advice.

[@GuiltyRocker]

You mentioned Parasound a few times in the past. What did you pair up the JC 1s with pre-amp and speaker wise?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

My Parasound gear drove Bowers & Wilkins CT Series speakers. The preamp was either the Integra 80.1 (I think) or Emotiva's XMC-1 processor.

[@GuiltyRocker]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews thanks for letting me know. I have the XMC-1 driving the Parasound JC-5 (the stereo version of the JC 1) I think it sounds great.

[@GuiltyRocker]

Andrew I brought home the JC 2 pre-amp from parasound as my dealer told me the synergy is Amazing with my JC 5, I also heard it at the store once and the pair sounded great. But now when I heard them In my rig, it complely blew away the XMC-1. It is startling how much better it is. The XMC-1 sounds horrible after hearing the JC 2. Crazy.

[@jimalbruzzess2445]

Hello Andrew, I have had nothing but good luck with Crown & QSC power amps. Yes way overkill but reliable. Great video!! Cheers from Canada 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@musclecarfan74]

My speakers are 102 db and I cranked my Yamaha to 12 o'clock position, I question my decision as it was concert loud, I just did that for one song.

[@mikeierardi4256]

HI Andrew ,, I enjoy your channel ,,, why did you avoid the question on the JBL l100 s. Are they not treating you well?? would appreciate a straight answer since I am thinking about getting a pair, much appreciated thanks

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I didn’t avoid it. They’re great, they’re just a part of a new video series I’m not ready to discuss yet. I’m keeping y’all in suspense 😉.

[@mikeierardi4256]

ok thanks for the quick reponse Andrew .... somethimg to look forward to.

[@Gabesafish]

Question regarding speaker sensitivity ratings: The standard is decibels with 1 watt of power mic’d at 1 meter...but what type of test tone(s) are we talking about? I’m guessing pink noise? The reason I ask pertains to your comments about where hearing damage can occur. Understanding this is also a function of time exposure, I know that higher frequencies can cause hearing damage at much lower dB levels than lower frequencies.

[@rohitkumar-rp3tc]

Hi Andrew, i am in need of help on deciding to choose between two amplifiers for my HIFI audio progressing setup. Currently i have B&W 603 s2 anniversary edition floorstanding speakers and a pairing subwoofer (Rel T7x) Options i have for the amplifiers as part of purchase from a friend are 1. Arcam SA20 2. Rotel A14 MII Any help is greatly appreciated. I will be using this setup in my living room for both HIRes audio and also as Home Theater. Anything that can be a great pick for the above use will be awesome. Thank you in Advance.

[@DrTorf]

Mhmm In regards of the watt per channel output of amplifiers: What’s about the "headroom" you want to get the best possible dynamics?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Headroom is important, BUT I do think people take it to an extreme at times.

[@RasheedKhan-he6xx]

Right in the beginning when you say "front wall" you mean the wall behind the speakers right? And for Brian - check out Teufel from Germany.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Front wall, yes the wall behind the speakers or the wall you face when listening.

[@xfoolsgoldx]

Klipsch r-51pm or Kanton 6pm?👍

[@HistoryAmazigh]

Hey Andrew (as always thx for the content). You really need to try Roon ! It's exactly the solution to the downsides you mentioned (clunky interfaces, too deep software...). They did a good Job with roon. However ! Since you don't use Neither Tidal nor Qobuz, and you abandoned your local library, it won't be of much use, but just for the sake of streaming future check-it out it has one of the best interfaces out there, and if you have Tidal or Qobuz it blends all your libraries together. Powerful algorithm for discovery... They do offer 15 days free trial, maybe they can give you 1 month if you wanna review it (since you KZbinr)

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I have a sinking feeling I'll have to give it a whirl sooner or later.

[@joedinatale5913]

Andrew, I using a powered sub that is connected to a class’e audio pre amp I have it connected to the line out connection and have it set at 40 hz. I have the the XLR connection for my mono amps. am I drawing power from the mono blocks to drive the sub .also is it more beneficial to connect the sub to the tape in or out.

[@bigjay1970]

You do a fantastic job with your recommendations!😬 Side Point: Please research Celery Juice for your Digestive ailments. It can really, really and I Mean REALLY help! Its 1000% worth a shot. Plenty of youtube videos here to document its ability in what it can do. It literally made me a new person in that area!🤗😇😁

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I'll check it out! Thanks for the tip.

[@bigjay1970]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews Your very welcome!😇🤗 I am as passionate about this as you are as passionate regarding Audio!🤪 How it works is a mystery to me but it really Cools/Relaxes the system like Magic! Believe me, I wouldn't believe it myself if I hadn't witness the results myself. Any additional questions just ask! And just as you, I have nothing to sell but free knowledge I never new about until recently.😇🤗

[@alexandrevaillancourt5535]

Hi Andrew, thank you for your answers. I was wondering if you can explain to me what room treatment (like Anthem ARC, that I have) his doing to the "signature" sound of a speaker? I'm asking because last year I got Totem Sky tower speakers (replacing Aperion Versus Forte Tower) and ARC is changing so much of the "sound" that it feels like different speakers switching ARC on and off. With my Aperion, the change was more subtle and felt more like a subtle enhancement. (Everyone else is invited to comment also, thank you)

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

There in lies the rub of automated room EQ and tone controls (yes I know they're different). I love room EQ software, I do, but I understand that automated systems such as Audyssey do try and conform things to a sort of "house sound", which may or may not align with the loudspeaker's inherent sound. Additionally, when people use tone controls to "tune" the sound of a speaker to their liking, they are effectively changing the voicing of the speaker to fit their needs. Neither of these two scenarios are bad, but it's important to understand that undertaking either is going to change the sound of your speakers to a degree. It's up to you whether or not you like the results in the end. I'm not surprised you've noticed a change in sound/tone and that it does vary from speaker to speaker. Conversely, you may ALSO be reacting to your room being removed or partially removed from the equation too. So the sound of your speakers beforehand was colored by the room, which you got used to and maybe even liked, but now that coloration is being removed. It's possible you're hearing your speakers anew in your room for the first time, but again, whether or not this is a sound you like as a result is up to you.

[@alexandrevaillancourt5535]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews Thank you again for the detailed and informative answer. With ARC I can see detailed frequency responses graph, before and after room treatment. Without any treatment applied, the Totem frequency response in my room is not flat at all, more like a V shape, while the Aperion is closer to a flat line. So your answer confirm my impression that I'm loosing a part of the "personnality" of the Totem that I felt in love with, when I auditioned them at the boutique. Evidently they don't sound has good in my living room than in the dedicated boutique room either, so that is why I hoped that the ARC could help... but it seems to aggressive in it's treatment. I will try other approach then, maybe like moving them a bit and/or manually adjusting tone controls lightly. Would you suggest anything else?

[@johnnycashlives316]

Why don’t you review Polk or Elac????

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I’ve actually reviewed both.

[@couhpmi5526]

what should i buy, a budget preamp on amazon or a vintage integrated amplifier ? i'm going to buy a Harman Kardon t40 turntable and already had an Audioengine A2+. thank you

[@MH5tube]

For a record player?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Those are two different products. Do you already own an amp? If so you need a preamp. If you have neither, an integrated amp is a great way to get started.

[@AndyBHome]

Vintage integrated is great if you can find something that's working perfectly. The hitch is that anything with controls in it (volume, balance, source switch, etc.) wears out and often has some kind of problem. I've had some old amps that were great, but preamps and integrated are a hard thing to find in good working order at a good price. As unexciting as new budget gear is, I'd buy new. It really does sound great, at least compared to the way things did 30 years ago.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Your speakers are powered. If the turntable has a phono preamp built in you don’t need anything more. If not, a simple phono preamp is ALL you need given your speakers.

[@felixlaboy1453]

Love all your videos buddy. But of topic I have a Sunsui old amp that’s 26 watts at 8 ohms. About 40 at 4 ohms. I’m looking for bring the receiver to my bed room. But I don’t want big speakers. Can you recommend a set of small speakers I can use with this receiver Thanks buddy

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I am really loving the XTZ Audio Spirit 4 bookshelf speakers. They sounded brilliant with the Denon integrated a few weeks ago and that was a low Wattage amp like yours. Other options include Paradigm Atom SE monitors ( amzn.to/2Sm6Ot6 ), Elac Debut 2.0 (amzn.to/3bduhoW) or Emotiva's got a new bookshelf that I hear is great. It's an update of an older model I liked very much!

[@djsoulfilter]

Felix Laboy I also recommend the Emotivas that Andrew mentioned. The B1+s are impressive for $229 a pair.

[@djsoulfilter]

I'd also recommend the Klipsch RP-160M's or if your budget is higher then the Klipsch RP-600M's. Those both have a higher sensitivity rating which might work out better since your amp is only 26w at 8 ohms.

[@emiliosainz7665]

I am old as ...,but new to audiophiling, probably not a word. I wanted to ask you a question about a pair of speakers. A person I met said they have a pair of energy 22 reference connoisseurs that I can have for free, I just have to pay for shipping them. He said they are old but still work great. Are they worth it. I have an equally old receiver a denon avr 3300. Don't know if it's worth bothering with. Thank you for your advice. Emilio

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I don't know as I haven't heard them. You might just need to take a chance.

[@emiliosainz7665]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews thank you Emilio

[@kvrhifi]

To me , Roon is miles ahead of any streaming OS. Period. End less discovery. We can spend on hours track down each and every artist .

[@gufiaito69able]

I can't believe I missed to ask a question!! 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@djsoulfilter]

Tito Rodriguez I’m sure he’ll do more of these type videos.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Will likely do them live in the future.

[@joelryu]

Hi Andrew, greetings from Venezuela. I have a question: what do You think about small Home Teather systems like the Logitech Z5500 (actually discontinued)? They offer THX certification and also dts and Dolby Digital. I have two of them (one in My bedroom and other in the living room) but the speaker are starting to ripping the ruber edge and i don't know if i can restore those or get a new Home Teather receiver. What do you think? Is worthit to keep the Z5500?

[@mark0385]

Hello dear Audiolovers! I just bought a FiiO Q5s DAC/Amp and was supposed to be blasting my headphones collection through the balanced 2.5mm and 4.4mm. Since all of my cans are designed for 3.5mm, I bought balanced adapters to 3.5mm and a 2.5mm to 3.5mm cable. Unfortunately, the output sound is not as strong as the SE connection and the sound quality is definitely worse. Anybody could please tell me what is wrong? Any idea of how to get the best out of the balanced connections, besides getting a new pair of expensive headphones? Thanks a lot

[@mark0385]

@behexen250 My dear friend, your words are sent from heaven. Thank you so much for taking the time and sharing your knowledge. Definitely, I need a proper plan and to structure my expectations realistically. From what I have seen from Fiio’s Q5s specifications, this DAC/Amp combo seems to be designed for a proper balanced connections (2.5mm or 4.4mm), although I wasn’t putting into the equation the fact that I had to use balanced headphones with a balanced cable, preferably opting for a XLR cable, which input is not present in this Amp that I bought. I wasn’t being reasonable from what I could achieve with the Q5s, and if I mainly wanted raw power, I could have chosen many other different amp options. I went today to a Sony store and was trying their balanced options, which include the MDR-Z7M2 and MDR-1AM2, both with 4.4mm balanced connections. I could discern a slightly noticeable improvement in audio quality, although the overall volume and punch of the same flac audio files was not so different from the one that I’ve got from the 3.5mm connection with my Bluedio’s Victory (The good old version) and Sony’s XB950N1. It looks like standard factors such as impedance levels and the range of frequencies play a bigger role than the balanced connection, when it comes to a robust and detailed sound. Your suggestions sound so accurate and from now on, I won’t risk messing with advanced cables for headphones that are not optimized for them. There are a couple of brands that I want to try for now (Audio Technica and Hifiman), and I’ll keep researching until I find an affordable balanced option worth investing in, and which could be paired with proper XLR cables to avoid any electrical interference. Additionally, next time I’ll go for a desktop amp powerful and sound-enhancing enough to power up any audio cans that come my way. May someone brighten your week as much as you did for me. You are my star. THAANNNKKKKKSSSSS!

[@audible67]

@behexen250 the FiiO Q5s has balanced 2.5mm and 4.4mm ouputs as well as 3.5mm SE.

[@audible67]

@behexen250 balanced stereo audio for headphones is not and will never be done with three contact points. 2.5mm trrs. 4.4mm trrs. you seem to be making this more complicated than it needs to be, possibly based on your OWN misunderstanding.

[@audible67]

@behexen250 hahaha. no, it's not complicated...to ME; you do seem confused, however. and now you're conflating differential audio and balanced headphone audio...which are entirely different concepts electronically. also you do not seem to recognize what a trrs jack is. Your posturing is pretty adorable...but also a bit sad. You seem like the last person on youtube that should be attempting to explain things. seriously. but keep trying! I need another laugh.

[@divertiti]

You need a better amp not for power, but for sound quality, and Crown is definitely not gonna give you that.

[@gordonm6128]

divertiti yeah totally agree. Crown is pro audio and they’re just built rugged and most of the time have fans. They’re certainly not made to sound good... just pretty much indestructible. They’re the Honda Accord of audio. Crappy but last forever.

[@RasheedKhan-he6xx]

Sorry for double ping - technical youtube question. I have no problem with ads. None. I think you deserve to get paid for your time and work and one of the reasons I haven't purchased an ad-free tier is I can clearly see Google making money but I don't know if content providers still do (and if its fair). But do you have any control over when the ads play? Cos its jarring when one just starts and you're in mid-sentence. That's why TV shows have someone say things like "after the break" or "a word from our sponsors" etc.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I try and get KZbin to place the ads in specific places when I can, but they don't always adhere to my requests or placements (from what I'm told). It's frustrating. I'm trying to figure out a better system. Thanks for letting me know, and thanks for watching the ads, it is appreciated.

[@RasheedKhan-he6xx]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews am watching the Edge video. It worked! 👍

[@scottvolkman5034]

I just picked up a pair of Polk 703s because they were so cheap. Now I need to pair it to a new stereo amp. Any one have an idea. 11 by 11 size room and under $1000. Thanks

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Marantz NR1200 would likely be a great fit.

[@scottvolkman5034]

Andrew Robinson thank you. That was one I was thinking about.

[@michaelmityok1001]

Rega Brio if u r looking for 2 channel purity and not HT

[@scottvolkman5034]

Michael Mityok thanks I will check it out

[@gregarioussolitudinist5695]

A poor quality NEW record, and a good quality OLD record sounds a lot like a CONCLUSION to me.

[@sufsanin1917]

Well no. Survivor bias, Look it up.

[@Antoon55]

Check Roon pls, I like to hear your opinion