AUDIOPHILE stuff you should know!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

*There’s an Audiophiliac/Steve Guttenberg imposter scamming my viewers, There’s no FREE gifts. DON’T respond! I don't do giveaways or ask for money (except for my Patreon)*

[@Theupgradeguy]

You're a gift! 🎁

[@sc51153826]

I liked my chat with Mr imposter, he (I think) replied so quickly and seemed to be really interested in me and my system. Oh well, I guess I knew it wasn't really you all along but, enjoy the chat anyway

[@keplermission]

@@sc51153826 You get what you pay for and as Steve says: "ENJOY WHAT YOU HAVE!"

[@scottwolf8633]

I ignore it. Just keep making these really great videos!

[@johncain3212]

So, do I have to return my free gift?

[@jakus514]

So true about the "enjoy what you have" mentality. When I get too judgey and analytical, the music literally sounds crappier than when I let go of the hyper focus and drop into being grateful for what I have 😅

[@jmad627]

That’s what I do. I have three rather simple systems and I love all of them, without spending all too much money on them for what they bring to me.

[@arancourt5623]

It’s funny, because I love listening for imperfections in my music, it’s like a where’s Waldo for my ears, there’s a Bach recording that I loved listening to, and then I put in a pair of planar iems and was getting this on and off crackle, it took me 3 listens before I realized I was listening to one of the musicians turning their sheet music. On one hand I laughed, but on the other now I cant unhear it. Lol

[@jakus514]

@A Rancourt Ha, like why does my system have to be this good, never heard this cackle on my megaboom?! Lol, I guess I've never heard a reference rig with my whole music collection, so I'm more paying attention to how I could improve my sound, vs imperfections in the recording. Interesting differences person to person!

[@keplermission]

@@jakus514 What is your system? There was a guy on the thread here an he said he had neither the time or inclination to speculate on most people's opinions and he was replying only to Steve. You know at 9:15 Steve points out how tastes vary and you know just listen to the video.

[@jimmyBside]

@@arancourt5623…I heard a guy cough, in the audience, listening to a Elton John Live record…I was thinking this new set of speakers is going to be just fine…🍻

[@robertpittman5207]

steve you are the philosopher-king of audiophilia! It has taken me years to learn what you so succinctly said in 10 minutes. I have learned that it is a journey and what a great hobby!

[@octothorpe12]

Multiple systems is where it's at. I've been actively listening to music for as long as I can remember, and I tend not to sell my old gear. Now I've got a lot of really fun stuff which allows me to have collections of different gear for different experiences.

[@erics.4113]

I second that. Sometimes better is just different combo. Having a few decent pieces to rotate around can really scratch the itch

[@ericanderson7059]

Spot on !

[@davidc.2279]

Spot on, I own truly own/use 5 separate systems that I've collected and upgraded and tweaked over the decades; two at my office and 3 stations in two rooms at the house and I'm no millionaire. But putting your important $$ in the slow & steady AND patient accumulation in smaller systems that can be mix/matched, easily moved around, even repaired and improved is MY experienced recommendation folks.

[@LA-db9xj]

The best part of the "Viewer's System" is those cinder blocks that the speakers are sitting on. You're not a "real audiophile" until you have used some cinder blocks for something at some point in your journey. That's a sign that you are just into the hobby...and it ain't about what anybody else thinks!

[@cathodebias]

Hi Steve, Thanks for featuring my system! I got the tube subwoofer (Ojas style superwoofer) and the R2R and more!

[@samuelreggio1611]

I honestly love the look of gear on cinder blocks.

[@pauldemara7633]

Absolutely awesome comments Steve !!! ... IMHO, everyone who starts in our magical hobby should watch this video first. Simply put, you check all the boxes on what to pay attention to when starting your journey. Thank-you for doing what you do. (posting and saving to notes to pass along to others)

[@timothyfreeseha4056]

I love the emphasis on great for you & the learning process that comes packaged with revelations about who you are & what you love. A sound investment!

[@maxhirsch7035]

Another potential strategy- I've found that (from time to time) when I go too much down the audiophile hole, it grounds me to shift back to a more intense focus on exploration of new music.

[@ConnorHammond]

@SobrietyIsForRedditors What's your social security number?

[@218maryland]

Wow, the whole journey analogy really nailed it for me. It makes you truly appreciate those upgrades as they come along over the years. It’s just so much damn fun!

[@jonkraeme2]

Well said Steve! It took years to get the sound I was truly looking for but STILL look at other speaker/amp options. I do enjoy trying smaller tweaks that are now available. It will probably never end!!!

[@TroppoAlto]

"What is it you are looking for".. this is absolutely spot on. Once I had figured out what I really wanted out of a 2 channel system I was able to move on with making it happen, feeling good about continuing the process, and enjoying working towards a more defined audio goal, instead of just "let me toss some money at a cool amps and speakers, I hope it sounds good."

[@mochipepper]

Sage advice, Steve. Audiophile is a journey, embrace the differences, and there is no perfect system, I agree with you 100%. Your comment on many of albums being poorly recorded is also so true. When I listen to music, I often imagine myself being a music producer or recording engineer and think about how I could add different instruments, where to place the microphones, etc.

[@JoeMartinez-eb3xc]

Good one! I think this episode should somehow be tagged as the first one to watch, for those beginning their audiophile journey.

[@bzdtemp]

For sure - lots of great advice. Including that one can get speaker stands at Home Depot. At one time I had a stereo/record made of concrete and 2x4 beams, but as it weight 400 lbs+ I retired it after the second moving.

[@Reflectiveness]

The best audiophile I ever met was someone who celebrated whatever others had. And less opinionated, and a lot more grateful.

[@vinylveteran]

Enjoy what you have is something we should remind ourselves more often. Regarding the journey: I felt in mine that for a long time I did not know what I want (and still struggeling with it). It was hard to hear differences and more than once I added a new piece and came to the conclusion that either I heard no difference or it was not worth the investment because the difference was too little. Latest at that stage, you sometimes imagine to hear something which is not there, simply to justify your money spending… That said: things are not getting better with more and more hifi shops disappearing and the whole business being online more or less. Great video Steve!

[@keplermission]

Try Steve's video: Confused by audiophile words? The Audiophiliac is here to help I have a number you know amplifiers and I change them with a few speakers but it's difficult. Steve reckons that horns are forward and uh ... with the same radio tuner on stereo FM, the Sanyo JA 220 has the performer's voice right with us in the room whereas uh ... the Hitachi SR-603 has his voice like, out in the hall, it's not in the same room as we are and that is using the Realistic Optimus X-100 that are you know supposedly 'forward' ... horn speakers and you know with a boasted 'wall shaking bass'. The SR-603 has an amazing stereo tuner that was perfected up to only 12KHz and my ... (you know not speculation) Technics ST-S8 does up to 18KHz, but the SR-603 really is an amazing receiver with the Optimus X-100. Back in the day the SR-603 was reckoned to outperform a QUAD FM3, and 33/303 combination but was nearly as expensive and even today is not available at a low price, but I repaired mine and, it's a way to get you know other stuff. The point here is that these systems are engineered to work with known speakers. The Sanyo JA-220 has a forward voice because it's meant to run with a 2-way speaker and the mid has to come from a mid/woofer. The Hitachi SR-603 has a neutral sound suggesting that middle range was carried by a mid/tweeter and the sound came from a source nearer the listener. There was a person on here that bought a Pioneer rack amplifier and uh instead of its engineered system speaker, he bought Zu DW6 ... now we don't do that! The system speaker is the best one and the Zu Audio DW6 is best with a whole different set up.

[@elvisonwax]

Steve, your analysis is SO right. A lot of records are horribly mastered or pressed and they sound lousy. I spent probably twenty years trying to build an inexpensive system which can ‘play anything’ and I have succeeded to a very large degree, in part by ‘blaming’ the record when I hear things I don’t like instead of ‘blaming’ my set up. If you clean your records properly, use a proper pick up in both stereo and mono, if that’s what you fancy, then you will get the best that any record can offer. Great video, full if much needed common sense.

[@mgrsdgfsdafsdgrsdgfsdg6980]

My biggest mistake was one of the most ridiculous. After putting together my system, I felt I had little left to do. So being bored, I decided to upgrade to a power conditioner. Biggest mistake. I immediately knew something was "off" but decided that because there was less "noise" it was "better". After about 7 months, on a whim, I decided to go back to just the wall. Wow, was I wrong for thinking I needed a conditioner. The conditioner sucked the life out of my sound. Im sticking to the wall for now on.

[@tonyd9998]

Thanks for this comment as I find it the most interesting and not really discussed issue. I have a high end DCS headphone system. I have it all plugged into a PANAMAX strictly out of fear of my regular wall outlet not protecting the components???? I have always been skeptical that these things ZAP the energy of systems . I love to hear more on this

[@robertwoodward9231]

I just spent some good bucks for a conditioner and my hearing isn't quite what it was as I'm 73 now. So I will do the switch and hope I can distinguish any difference. Thanks.

[@antonyharding5360]

Hi,, which conditioner did you have,.., Regards Antony Warrington Cheshire.

[@robertwoodward9231]

@@antonyharding5360 Startech good reviews steel body 19 inch fits nice in rack system also lifetime guarantee. 8 outlets in rear. I don't think it is draining anything from my system but in conversation here it was suggested that some do. I think they were talking about the class 1As of the 2 to 3 hundred range.

[@carlitomelon4610]

Thanks for the distilled wisdom Steve! I would add : Audition new MUSIC as often as possible. Streaming makes this a painless adventure. When you find something you love, add it to your favorites and by all means buy the recording to support the Artist . Gotta love Qobuz via Blusound ! 🎶🤫🎶

[@angusbeef880]

Ditto on the journey part. I'm 20 years old in nyc and I started collecting audio gear in 2018. started out with a no-frills vintage Sony receiver and im now listening to my music through vintage high end pieces Threshold, Perreaux, Infinity speakers, etc... It's been a great journey finding, upgrading to "new" gear

[@guystpierrecomposer]

Nice discussion! Room treatment (and speakers placement) is the only thing that could help ANY kind of music or mastering/mixing.

[@mattdudamusic]

Your Nelson Pass interviews were stellar! I enjoy all of your interviews as podcasts, especially when there’s no need to see a particular product, album cover or system of the day. KZbin is my personal preference when the visuals are more important.

[@TedHull]

Great episode and great advice. Regarding the podcast, I agree with a few of other comments here that I would love to hear your take on music. You have certainly hinted at recordings you have attended or added tidbits of color to music you use to audition. I’d definitely listen to a podcast introducing us to the music you know and love. Happy New Year and please keep up the great work!

[@CultureWars_]

All this is NOT a knock on your Channel, in fact it is praise worthy. This is one of your greatest videos, You hit point after point that hit this topic right on! Great Job! Also thanks for the podcast info.

[@thomaskandersen7250]

In my +35 years with this amazing hobby, my most important learning, has been first of all set-up. But as iv'e been moving a lot in life, and therefore used a lot of different rooms, it learned me over time, that the room itself, is the one most important and difficult thing to deal with in home Audio. Not every room sounds good from the get go, and many rooms i had, has been so bad that, no matter how good my system was, i didn't get the best of it. There are things to do, but overall, the room itself is the key to magic (or not). ✌️❤️🇩🇰

[@jjquinn2004]

Another nice video, Steve. In some ways, my journey has been made simple over the past 37+ years because I've lived outside of mainstream markets, e.g. Middle East and North Africa where my choices are limited. When I moved to Dubai in 1985 I bought a new system, but my only choice at the time were Kenwood components and Bose speakers (I bought a pair of 601s). Was very happy with that until about 12 years ago, when I found myself back in Dubai. I looked around and found an Arcam dealer (bought an integrated amp), a Denon dealer (bought a CD player), and a Tannoy speaker dealer (bought a pair of DC8Ts). Couple of years ago I decided to buy a streamer and the only brand name I could find here in India was Yamaha, so Yamaha it was! I'm very pleased with my system and I don't spend any time wondering "what if I had a better such-and-such?"

[@markt4385]

Steve nailed it with a lot of points, and one of the most frustrating issues to deal with as an audiophile is the highly variable sound quality of different recordings! One moment you've got an awesome sounding system and all of your hard work and money has paid off. Then on the very next song, the system sounds mediocre!

[@colanitower]

Sometimes a journey brings you to a spot where the view is unexpectedly so good, you have to stop and enjoy it. Audio journey is no different. Sometimes you stumble upon a HiFi system that gives sound so good, you have to stop upgrading and enjoy it. I'm lucky, I ended up with a system like that after spending just half my budget. Next step is psychological: not take the next step 😊

[@BluesSky]

My needs are very specific at this point, I am constrained to a small and low volume, portable system. I listen nearfield 100 percent of the time, and mostly recording, producing music. I discovered Fostex FF85wk full range speakers and they are incredible for my needs, they’re completely involving and have that quality of “disappearing” with things like vocals and cellos. You dont need a huge system, or an expensive system to have an incredible transcendent musical experience. The closest I can describe the FF85’s is that they’re like listening to headphones almost nearfield, the detail is incredible. Thanks for the thoughtful content!

[@KingOath]

Steer clear of accurate, transparent speakers if you mainly listen to popular music, find the colouration that complements the music and relax knowing that spending more probably won’t lead to any more enjoyment, and often will lead to less. Sometimes that might mean a really affordable pair of speakers is all you need.

[@budgethometheaterandhifi]

This is really great advice Steve. I'd also recommend starting small and upgrading as you gain knowledge and experience through watching videos, reading articles, and auditioning equipment in people's homes and stores. Look for a local audio club! This is a great way to audition equipment to see what you might like to try for your next upgrade.

[@chaky1978]

Steve’s video of the year? As 2022 winds down, surely gets votes , one of the , anyways , well done 👍🏽

[@mrpositronia]

I found, through playing with the parametric EQ on my Lyngdorf, that you can make all your music sound correct by adjusting the EQ to make it more flat in my room (not totally flat, but that's to taste, of course). Just as you mentioned, Steve.

[@Ssection31]

So true i use mathaudio room eq for instance Steve even does not mention these kind of solutions using a measuring mic. Measuring is knowing.

[@stevenoconnor5693]

Parametric EQ I use it too and definitely has a positive result on everything

[@andrewwebb4635]

Thanks for a really entertaining video. As ever you make all the right points! The only thing I’d like to suggest after my own 50 year journey is that tinkering with your system gives you a slightly different way of enjoying your own collection. Changing amp or speakers is obvious but even upgrading your turntable or CD player often lets you hear new things in your loved recordings. I’m pretty convinced this is behind the current mania for posh / expensive speaker cables and interconnects. I think the changes, if any, are incredibly subtle and short-lived after you’ve got a basic good-quality setup but each ‘upgrade’ does allow you to hear your favourite recordings with fresh ears. Whether it’s purely psychological or not doesn’t really matter: if you get renewed pleasure from your system the ‘upgrade’ has worked! Thanks again. I love your friendly and informative ponderings. All without a measurement in sight, as well! Most of us listen to music, not analyse it with instruments.

[@riccitone]

Sound, sound, sound advice (pun intended). But seriously, this is all important for us to hear, regardless of where we are in our respective journeys 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@joeolejar]

My journey started in 1964, building an integrated amplifier Heathkit. With the help of a talented friend I modified the kit design to get the most out of it that my budget allowed. Changed output tubes from 6BQ5s that had cherry red plates to EL84s that were likely the tubes from the original design. It has been a journey of learning and relearning. Still learning.

[@AprilSnow3121]

Lots of great advice as usual Steve - spending a lot of money does not always give you the best results or will give you the best synergy in your system setup. Also I have been listening to Andrew Hickey's Podcast for a long time and listened to every one of them, it is a brilliant Podcast - I also appreciate one called "Strong Songs" that does a breakdown of actual songs. Both are great companion podcasts for any music lover & presented beautifully.

[@osroff]

Steve, I just found your podcast two days ago; and, just this morning I emailed my audio friends to check out your show! Then you announce you’re going into a holding pattern! 😢 Please DON’T STOP THE SHOW! You are doing such a service! And, I was just about to join your Patreon group! In any case, even if you decide to take an hiatus, please know that your show is very appreciated! Thanks again!

[@baranjen]

Thank you so much for all the effort that you have put into this video Steve. Such wisdom and sage advice. We all need to learn to embrace and enjoy where we are and what we have.

[@petervlaminck2960]

Steve, to me you are THE best reviewer ever period. Love you man.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thank you so much!

[@danielgeiger7739]

With tubes, a headphone amp is also good starting point. The Woo WA6SE was my entry, including tube rolling. Now have tube phono-pre (EAT e-glo petite) and a pre-amp (PrimaLuna EVO 300).

[@wng8993]

Awesome channel! You know your stuff! Also, I think I have my system sounding pretty good, the police could hear it last night and paid me a visit!

[@TheMirolab]

Over the years I've got 3 pairs of speakers that I switch out about every 6 months, with 3 types of HF.... Dome, Horn, & Electrostatic. Each shines a different light on the music, and favors different types of music. I've also found a studio EQ that is great for tweaking LP playback. Most audiophile pressings don't need it, but most commercial pop & rock pressings can be made to sound MUCH better with some gentle re-EQ-ing. (check out the Skyline M3D eq if interested)

[@ryanschipp8513]

Steve, I applaud you greatly for just the fact that you admitted essentially no matter what your system comprises of the system itself cannot magically change the recording quality. Without a doubt having three rigs in my place has proved to me that the overall Sonic blissfulness dwells 80% or so in the recording itself. With three systems in my place I can say to myself yep, that recording truly isn't very good or yep, wow that's a fantastic recording. It's not often that a Hi-Fi reviewer admits to this. If one does they risk the chance of a listener or viewer just chalking up their search for different components and sticking with what they have since most of the Fidelity is going to come from the recording itself. I commend you for having the balls to bring it up.

[@marshallhughes4514]

I have just recently purchased a pair of Kef LS50s. These are the original models. I got them for more than 50% off so I was willing to take a chance. They are a little bit forward as I had expected but I have to put them in my living room in a townhouse which is between two other houses. I don't want to disturb my neighbors so I try and keep the sound level below 65db max. I had an old sub Klipsch RW-12D which is way overkill and imho is too flabby for anything other than movies and I haven't used it in years. My solution is to add to the sub and now I can listen to my music without having to turn it up in order to get full sound.

[@markmiddaugh9359]

Steve, I've gone with Cornwall's hooked up to an Audio Nirvana 10-watt tube amp. For tone controls I use a Schiit equalizer. I live in the desert and stay away from LP's...too much dust here. A Tascam Pro CD player. The sound is outstanding. The Cornwall's (1981) were purchased here, in New Mexico, for $400...I refinished the cabinets and replaced everything inside the cabinets with parts from Crites. The finished system...around $2,000.

[@keplermission]

Yeah but you know, the 1981 Klipsch Cornwall was aimed a USA designed tube amp with around 16 as the Damping Factor whereas the Indian origin Audio Nirvana is 5, so what difference does that make? Well there are speakers that were designed for Damping Factor 5 but if you bought an American Audio Research tube amp from that time, well the Audio Nirvana would be up for sale. Yeah but Audio Nirvana are a whole hog easier to come by - I'd give you that. The Damping Factor is the electrical signature of the speaker as regards its behavior with speaker loads at different frequencies. It's complex, D. F. 5 is very old, maybe 1955 year, harman kardon HK 20 from then was DF 5.

[@jissanhuq3792]

So agreed on the EQ. Bought the schiit you mentioned for that reason even if it does alter the source… it makes my speakers a lot better with most of my music

[@tomkeegan8175]

Hi Steve - Regarding your podcast, I could listen to you and Herb Reichert daily. Great conversations and incredible knowledge - now that's a podcast!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thank you

[@bradknight2618]

Happy New Year Steve🎉 Great advice!

[@Lobishomem]

Helpful commentary as usual. Happy New Year!

[@paulbristow320]

Amen to these words of audio wisdom. No one pulls it together like Steve does 👏

[@OldTooly]

This system of the day is incredible. For anyone who has spent serious time with audio systems one of the best and easiest ways of getting very well controlled sound image, and stage is using single point source speakers. But usually they are on the small side. But these Altec's do a phenomenal job with a solid large speaker sound while maintaining point source perfection in detail, imaging and sound stage. I made the mistake of trading mine off in 1973 because I already owned the full size Voice of the Theater's. In retrospect, these 604's are sooo much better suited to high end sound in a home stereo system than the huge A7-500's were . Outdoors or very large rooms, just the opposite was true. And the Mac power amp is going to drive them to "Rembrandt" quality sound, meaning exquisite detail, but artistic coloration as well. Kudos to this system. Well done. Oh and great info on main vid as well. Happy New Year Mr. G.

[@jonathandranoff1721]

First things first - Andrew Hickey is a brilliant podcaster. A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs is so exceptional that it inspires me to rethink all of the music I love. Second, I appreciate what you have to say about the journey being valid at all points. I still use parts that I spent little money on decades ago, and I'm happy every time I spin a record. My system may not have exceptional imaging, and I have to use a little EQ, but the smile when I'm in my listening chair is what I'm there for.

[@lsaideOK]

Just bought the dirty weekends. Watched your review a few times trying to catch all the subtleties of the performance from your listening experience. I got the same superfly upgrade and bought the house cables as well. 60 day free trial definitely desired so I can check them out for myself. Thanks for all your great content!

[@charlesdavis5542]

@@cosmicenforcer2534 Zu Audio,that's "whut?" Look 'em up.

[@melprophet1936]

Congrats on picking those up! I've been so tempted to buy the Dirty Weekends. I know one person who has them and loves them, but I've never heard them as he lives far away. Enjoy them!

[@waltergist8923]

I also made the decision to try the DW6s, also with the superfly option.. Steve's views tipped the scale for me. I was concerned and on the fence for a while because listen to a lot of rock, jazz and American, which a lot of rivers seem to think the Zus handle well, but also a lot of classical, both chamber and symphonic music. Although Zu says the speakers are suited for ALL music, I wasn't too sure. I took the Guttenberg " just go do it"" attitude and I'm glad I did. They are unlike other speakers I've owned but in a good way and they handle any well recorded music well. I'm loving them. The 60 day return period is just about over and I'm happy to be keeping them. (Also happy to not be packing up a couple of speakers that weigh a ton!)

[@kellyl9198]

Larry, hope you are enjoying the DW6’s. I received mine in November, same configuration, and I couldn’t be happier. So glad I took the plunge. When dialed in just right they sound incredible and seem to get better and better with time.

[@ahheng6402]

I started my Audiophile journey during my electronic course college years. Started with a 25W RMS mono DIY transistor amplifier with a softdome tweeter & a 5 inches full range speaker (both pass through a self made crossover), tuck the 5" at gap of my bed wooden plank, act like a open baffled speaker. Bass extension travel below my bed, so smooth... Later work at Yamaha Audio Video as production & then engineering & design really give great knowledge of understanding of sound amplifying from one end of a point to other point. Greetings from Malaysia

[@adrielrowley]

Well said, a lot of great information, thanks. All I would add is our tastes can also change over the years. What I preferred in High School is different now approaching 40.

[@louisM384]

Steve, Andrew Hickey’s History of Rock and Roll in 500 Songs is an extraordinary podcast. (So too are the Mixcloud supplements for each episode.) Many thanks for recommending this!

[@MostlyBuicks]

That is the hardest part, most recordings just do not sound all that good. I cannot even sit down and listen to a lot of my favorite music due to the crappy sound. So, I reserve that music for when I am doing chores in the garage or driving in the car when critical listening is not even a consideration. The rare occasion when great music is also recorded well, that is a treat. And audiophile records usually have the lamest and safest performances. Modern popular music has WAY TOO MUCH compression and reverberation. Modern artists tend to turn EVERYTHING up in the mix. They do not understand when NOT to play. They also like to add noise intentionally, they full every possible space with some synth or digital effect that is intended to add "atmosphere". It just jumbles and obscures everything.

[@therevrockinrollin]

I feel like the acoustic tiles in the background keep growing in number and will eventually consume Steve.

[@richhudnut5110]

I got lucky with B&W 805's way back when, have never wanted something more, then even more luck that my Pioneer E amp died the same time I got my fathers 60-80's LP collection. Went full analog with Risong A10 "cheep entry into tubes" and the hook was set... Last bit was preamp, went with Mcintosh C8 to future proof my setup... I am SO happy with this landing spot...

[@saedamad]

Happy New year from Singapore Steve

[@isaacestep3321]

Live a block away from Rattleback Records in Chicago. Dangerously close. Staff is great at suggesting records and artists to try out.

[@itsjim2875]

Thanks, Steve! I ALWAYS enjoy your videos and perspectives on all things audio. Though my emphasis is on analog/vinyl, I do have some digital where analog is not available. My concern is that a LOT of vinyl produced in the last 40 years is NOT pure analog, but has been digitally remastered (some think that is a good thing), so if one wants analog they must be careful even when buying vinyl.

[@Andrew-cp7mc]

Thanks Steve. Glad I caught this early in my journey - I was rushing too much into this - will slow down and enjoy the music.

[@jamesdowdy2861]

An excellent summary, Steve. The one thing I would add and strongly encourage is: ego control...your system only needs to please you, and no one else! So many people waste incredible amounts of money (and time) based upon someone else's opinion/review. I'm not saying that you should completely ignore opinions/reviews, but I am saying that once your system reaches a certain point, you should make changes very carefully and s-l-o-w-l-y. Your friends/reviewers don't enjoy or live with your system - you do.

[@richardwhite2344]

Great video Steve!!!!! Very informative!!! Stay well and take care!!!

[@InPursuitOfLiberty]

I recently demo'd McIntosh and Accuphase and now my Cambridge 851 separates just don't sound good to me anymore. While both the McIntosh MA12000 and the Accuphase E5000 are great sounding integrated amps I was literally blown away by the McIntosh which to me was more musical and engaging. And then I heard McIntosh separates and decided that I definitely needed to replace my Cambridge immediately.

[@robertgustafson4507]

This is a comment on how much that I appreciate how you share what you listen to. I listen to CD's and Vinyl. I discovered a Steely Dan audiophile grade release and recently run across newly release vinyl that us an upgrade to current CD's, but probably not in the same league as the audiophile. As you share what you use to review, you might consider mentioning the range of vinyl that has become available. Thank you! I have enjoyed the many Chesky CD's that you have recommended. Thank you! On one of your video's, you mentioned that many watch to be entertained. I am always on the look out for good listening resources.

[@chrischarles6747]

Wonderfully detailed overview of this fascinating hobby. Thx Mr. G.

[@captpeady2176]

Picked up a set of tower floor speakers at the thrift store, $10 Dahlton 1500, comps were $100-200. Learned about "white van speakers" that day. They combined two great names like Dahlquist and Eggleston. The Dahltons did not sound too terribly bad.

[@richardpowell5653]

Love your channel. Your passion and knowledge is infectious!

[@richardpowell5653]

I enjoyed what you said about subjectivity over technology. I recently repaired a pair of 50 year old Kef Cadenzas that were my late fathers. I recall the house shaking classical and Jazz he used to play on them, then later the house parties I had! Boy they were loud! I know they are not the best sounding (although still quite good) but when you combine the emotional dimension that no EQ can add... Man! It does something to you...

[@vtkz]

@7:57 room treatment is THE way to get realy better results, not 20%, more like 60%. You cant solve muddy bass, long reverb in the room or lack of resolution with higher priced gear. Also the Placement Tipp is not realy correct or always the way to go. Specially subs are recommended to place exactly at the wall (check for example Genelec's Loudspeaker & Sub Placement Recommendations) - thats why a DSP, REW & a Mic are so important. Measure, look at your Problems and solve them with the correct Placement & DSP Correction. Room Acoustics is the key to get control over all Frequencie Response. Not the Speaker, not the source, not cables (all of course at certain quality levels) affect the sound so much as Roommodes & Acoustic Problems. Its the most complex Topic in Listening, thats why Hifi Dealers & Hifi Shows promote only Gear, because its way easyier to sell because your brain cant save Impressions long enough to realy tell differences. Consumers always beeing manipulated to spend more money into the latest cables, new DACs, new expensive Speakers and they hope that it gets better but thats mostly nonsense (specially in the passive Loudspeaker world). Full Room Acoustic Concept together with DSP / Room Correction is the way to get the best Performance Basics out of your Music Listening...its the Startpoint of the whole experience but People ALWAYS start with the speakers what nonsense is. But everyone can spend their money how he want. I can say after many Listening Sessions over all these Years, at a certain Point when the Electronic Parts are build and selected with care, the differences in Quality are so marginal that ,,better,, isnt anymore the correct description - ,,different,, is the word and the biggest Problem Solver is always the Room Acoustic. And People in general need to stop defend Analog as ,,the best and only way,, and accept that Digital exist and has his advantages, same story as Active Gear. The Market is big enough that there are so many ways to go and 100% everyone can found a Way to enjoy their way of Music Listening… and one thing to remember, even channels who has thousands of subscribers, doenst mean that everything is correct or the truth ;-) one manˋs experience & knowledge isnt automatically success and the way for a different person

[@MMK___]

exactly. great written

[@cletusberkeley9441]

Season's Greetings all. Great video, very salient points indeed. Audiophelia, quite the disease (lol), my journey with this affliction has spanned over half a century as a musician (guitar) and an electronics engineer (retired). I very much enjoy every moment of the evolution of my system. Presently it's a Raspberry Pi3/ Allo Boss DAC with 2TB hard drive, Pioneer PD-4500 CD deck, passive stepped attenuator, VTA ST-120 amp running KT88s, DIY Voice of the Theater speakers with DIY passive crossovers. Music player is Volumio on a dedicated 10" Android tablet. Did I mention I just love the sound? :)

[@fredflintstone8048]

All great points. Thank you Steve. Regarding the recordings we listen to, many of those are created according to the tastes of the engineer/s and often limited to the quality of, and type of technology they're using. Like all vocations in the world there are people doing the job who have exceptional talent, and then there is a lot of mediocrity. As such even if we have a great rig, not everything we push through it is going to be excellent. Many in the audiophile world will turn their nose up at using equalizers, but I tend to agree with Steve. They can really help some poorly made music sources sound better according to your own taste. I for one hate overdone/accentuated bass. It's fine for dance music, but IMO doesn't have a place in good listening experiences.

[@stimpy1226]

Over the past month I have been buying every Chesky CD at low Price mostly on Discogs and Amazon. You were right all the time about Chesky recordings… They are stunning!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

That’s nice to hear! Glad you’re enjoying them, I had fun working on them.

[@robertpetsel54]

So glad I found this show and your podcast. You have such a great style that I believe reaches all levels of listeners. Your love for music and for helping all of us improve our systems and enjoyment feels genuine. Thank you

[@chelillingworth9466]

It would be great if your podcasts maybe focused on something slightly different like music. I would love to hear a podcast that was all about. You're amazing! Eclectic taste and knowledge in music. Or maybe make it all about interviews? It definitely needs a clear identity that builds on what you do on this channel without duplicating it.

[@jawito5378]

A wise statement: Enjoy the music! YES. One problem with High End is, that people forget the reason why they want High End, that is: Enjoy the music. Me, I often struggle with some aspects of my system, may be the Mids are nice but the Treble is kind of enerving. So my entire focus is on the Treble instead of enjoying the Mids and moreover enjoy the music. When I was young, we heard great music over poor systems. But we did not care, because the equipment we had, was the only one we could use. So we got excited about the music no matter, wether the treble was strange or the bass could be better. I think this is the better way to handle things...

[@velchuck]

Steve, it really “NEVER ENDS”! 😆😆. Things change. EQ is a great tool for listening enjoyment.

[@pkflash2004]

Hi Steve. I wouldn't be too disheartened regarding the Audiophiliac podcast not taking off as well as you would have hoped. I thik it might be more to do with how successful your KZbin channel has become. People enjoy 'watching' you. You have have a great personality that comes through the screen and people enjoy watching you enthuse about audio/ music. Maybe the podcast only provides half of the experience to some.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thank you I appreciate the kind words

[@mohis4299]

Thank you, Steve, I'm glad you're enjoying doing the show and yes, seeing you next year and years to come.

[@davefreeh2892]

Steve, I really enjoyed this episode. I’m an old timer. I have been trying different equipment for 50 years. I am a bang for your buck person even though I could afford lots of expensive pieces. I think that a lot of equipment is over priced. For instance, I like Paul McGowen but his stuff is over engineered and over priced. Currently, I have Zu DW speakers with a clarity cap upgrade that I did myself, Naim Nait 5si, denafrips Ares II dac, Rotel Rcd 02 cd used as a transport and a raspberry pi 3 with a digi hat to stream. The sound is seriously really good. I’m talking $4,500. I’m set for a long time. The snap crackle and pop of vinyl is antiquated technology. Just my humble opinion. I do enjoy watching, thanks.

[@pmpgonzalez]

Just so you know, Steve, my system was built on your advice: Leak Stereo 130 and CDT + B&W 607 Anniversary Edition. Great, great combination that you’ve tested and loved. So do I. Perfect for my small listening room.

[@dank.6942]

I literally have Klipsch heritage and Magnepan speakers and it's not ENTIRELY Steve's fault. 😆...and while they are quite different, their similarities far outweigh their differences. They are all speakers of course. You'd definitely prefer one or the other for listening to 1 specific genre, but to me they are all speakers and they all play recorded music...often fabulously. In fact, JAZZ is exquisite on both! I swap them for months at a time, not frequently.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Great strategy

[@PDCRed]

Love your podcast Steve. Hope it attracts more listeners and succeeds 👍

[@stimpy1226]

There are a few reviewers that I really like one of them is you Steve. Jonathan Valin definitely is in line with my feelings about the sound of the equipment he reviews. I'm always in line with him.

[@greganderson1681]

Awesome viewer system from Chris. Awesome!

[@millermark445]

When it comes to classical and opera, it's much more about the performance than sound quality. There's a live recording of Aida with Maria Callas (1951) performed in Mexico City. Mono, of course, but terrible sound quality even for an old live recording. But Callas's performance, including that of the other singers as well, is so good and powerful that it transcends the recording's sonic limitations.

[@bmj4052]

Another great video. Hope you had a blessed Chanukah and/or Christmas. Hope 2023 is awesome for you and your family.

[@tugboatamerica]

Steve you have really enhanced my ability to enjoy what I have mainly rotel and Klipsch klf30 speakers, and throwing more money at it won't make it better but following your advice has, Thank you

[@myleghurts3546]

I agree with the enjoy what you've created as a system mentality. This gives the owner added satisfaction knowing they alone have chosen to marry the components in question. In the end, the room itself has more effect than the electronics, to a certain level. A well thought-out listening room performs miracles! A song which moves a listener to tears will certainly move them equally coming from a mono transistor radio, so why all the bells and whistles then? Because I can

[@mrpmj00]

Streaming lossless is for me such as Apple Music. I get suggestions that introduce my ears to more beautiful music!

[@shipsahoy1793]

So true Steve, multiple rooms, multiple systems, multiple sources, analog & digital, it never ends. Bottom line, enjoy the moment. 🥳Thanks for the podcast heads up..

[@boris994]

What a nice and smart man! And pleasant. All the best in the New Year Steve and to all of us! Thank you

[@bobb.9917]

HOW? With many false starts and financial pain! 😅 HOW ELSE! Finding out (by paying close attention) what sound I liked was a valuable part of the process. 👍🏼 YES! LOVE my current set-up "for me and my room"!

[@timothyfreeseha4056]

Most of the music I love is not only well recorded, it's silly bad! But, gosh, I love it, and I start there. We can pray I become a person who appreciate well composed and executed music- good for me I suppose. But the connection I make is emotional/ nostalgic. Thankfully, my system is forgiving enough that I can enjoy the improvements as I experience it. So- as always, your advice is wise. Your content is awesome. And I wish you well for the New year!

[@richardbixler]

The biggest and most common mistake I see is lack of consideration of the space that the system will be in. I’ve seen so many large low sensitivity speakers in tiny rooms. If your in a smaller room go near/mid field, low dispersion, high sensitivity, speakers. You’ll have a better sounding system for less money!

[@neywinm5431]

Hi Steve Thanks for you and your channel. Belonging to a remote place Most things are beyond approach for me but Imagination is a thing.

[@marcbegine]

Go to classic concerts and learn to listen this live! Then try to reproduce this at home as best as possible😊

[@tesmith47]

Live American classic jazz is harder to find

[@jimmilroy693]

Maybe not unique. but after my kids left home I got back into audio. Turn 63 in January and worked at Kmart and Radio Shack in college. Never could really afford what I sold (even at KMart) let alone the top brands. So I started collecting workingmans stereos and speakers..what I remembered. And I worked my way up from like 1971 to 1981. I learned everything, from what I did not like. I have no idea what I truly like..but I do know what I don't like..kinda like voting. It's a measured art form. I had more fun discovering from the bottom up than anything. I adore my latest main system. It's a mix of new and old with heavy 70's aesthetics (knobs and lights). I do have 3 listening rooms. I did keep a lot of the stuff I did not like to listen to, but like to look at (MCS 3275 for ex). Keep rocking in the free world Steve! I had no idea how to post pictures...sorry.