Before You Buy Another Audiophile Component Watch THIS…

In this video I interview Amir Majidimehr of AudioScienceReview.com (ASR). ASR is a science and engineering website and discussion forum dedicated to audio. During the interview we discuss objective measurements in hifi audio and how Audiophiles can use them to make better buying decisions when choosing audio components.
More About AudioScienceReview.com
The cornerstone of the site are reviews of hardware products which Amir churns out on almost daily basis from speakers to electronics and headphones.
Where can you Find Amir?
Amir @ www.Audiosciencereview.com
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Timecodes
0:00 - Intro.
3:01 - How Amir got started in electronics?
8:06 - How Audiosciencereview.com began.
10:52 - Amir starts measuring speakers with KLIPPEL.
14:18 - The number of audio reviews in 2020.
15:58 - Amir buys a GRAS 45CA to headphones
16:18 - The goal of Audiosciencereview.com.
17:51 - No useful information from manufacturers.
18:31 - Separating good Audio Engineers from bad ones.
19:20 - Perpetuating myths.
21:40 - An example of The Principle Local Rationality.
23:25 - Threshold of hearing.
24:28 - Dynamic range of hearing.
24:54 - Level of audible transparency in audio components.
28:52 - Lowest level of acceptable transparency.
30:27 - The enemy of truth.
31:38 - Is AudioScienceReview a business or a hobby?
34:50 - What’s your conflict with SuperAudioBestFriends about?
42:13 - The purpose of Amir’s audio reviews.
43:22 - Why do audio manufacturers add distortion to their products?
50:55 - What other test equipment do you use?
57:46 - What do you say to Audiophiles who say “I listen to music not graphs…I use my ears!”
59:32 - How measurements tell a story?
1:02:19 - Is sound shaping real?
1:11:58 - A few major points of the video.
1:15:00 - Why don’t you contact audio companies when you find problems with their product?
1:26:38 - Other important factors to consider before buying audio equipment.
1:36:32 - The measurement game.
1:42:51 - Have Audiophiles lost credibility with consumers and Audio Engineers?
1:49:08 - Is there a difference in sound quality between streaming and/or wireless audio and locally stored audio?
1:54:25 - Where can you find Amir?
1:55:19 - Wrap up.
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MY SPEAKERS
Adam Audio T8V 8-Inch Powered Studio Monitor - amzn.to/3LZFGu0
MY DAC/PREAMP
Soncoz SGD1 Balanced DAC/Preamp, w/Remote Control, Bluetooth 5.0, Dual ES9038Q2M ES9311 Chips - 32bit/768kHz DSD512 - amzn.to/3Ea4Pj4
MY FAVORITE BLUETOOTH EARBUDS - IOS
Apple AirPods Pro - amzn.to/3uxNahX
MY FAVORITE BLUETOOTH EARBUDS - ANDROID
Sony WF-1000XM4 w/Alexa Built-In - amzn.to/3vl1Z6V
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Affiliate Links: Some links above are affiliate, meaning we make a small percentage if you buy through the link but it won't change the price for you! Thank you for helping to support the channel.

[@erics.4113]

Favorite comment from Amir. Said without emphasis and somewhat brushed off, but so poignant: -your ears go to your brain, and your brain lies to you. Doesn't that just sum up human experience though? Love it

[@hionhifi2]

Yes, Amir said it best. :^)

[@dungysphincter7974]

I love Amir for his role in the audio arena! He makes a REAL difference in peoples lives, and purchasing decisions. He saves people from being ripped off, uninformed! TY AMIR!

[@hionhifi]

And for some reason Audiophiles try their best to discredit his work. Without much valid proof of course.

[@RennieAsh]

I did end up buying a pair of speakers based more on other things, including KZbin comparisons of all things. That being said it seems they do measure quite well which was a consideration. A combination of everything lol

[@killbasa2000]

@@hionhifi they ain't audiophiles, its either audiofools or charlatans...plenty of them on YT

[@marcb.935]

@@hionhifipart of the "hobby" is the upgrade game and the vodoo and beliefs... if amir takes this from them saying "you system is perfect enough, no updates needed", the hobby is killed and people who want to sell overpriced needless stuff will also make less money, so a lots of people get angry.

[@ramencurry6672]

True but I like snake oil and voodoo magic. There is an entertainment factor to quack reviewers

[@2ChannelListening]

Hi Thomas, lots to unpack here. Maybe add some time stamp notations for specific questions in the future? Nice job bringing out the big guns for your second video debut!

[@raybudau9920]

I have met Amir a couple of times at the Seattle audio club. I found him to be a straight up honest guy. Who is trying to help audiophiles make a sound decision. Not like reading manufacturers b.s. snake oil ads or reviews in magazines that are b.s. Thanks Amir for your great work

[@nicktan4530]

i thought most US audiophile are subjectivist

[@DuanePortal]

Thank you for providing this interview, 40 years into the audio game, and I’m still learning like a newbie

[@bunsw2070]

Audio Science Reviews thinks a Topping A90 sounds better than an Audio Note Ongaku. Enough said.

[@saverioricchiuto5386]

Such an enjoyable conversation...2 hours flew like minutes. Thank you both!

[@bwoody1090]

Nice to see Amir out spreading the word. Good luck with the channel! Off to a good start.

[@nunonozelos]

Great to see Amir in such a long discussion. the interviewer should let him finish his sentences and IMO, not tell things about himself but let the guest speak.

[@puresound1856]

Great interview! All the best for your channel!

[@herrtrigger7220]

Amir is a rare man of integrity and expertise in the internet age. Of his 45 DACs on hand, what does he listen to? RME ADI-2. Did it measure best? No. Did it sound best? Yup. Best thing I've added to my system in years. He's the best thing that's happened to this hobby in a long time.

[@rodpinfold8824]

He didn’t have a vid testing it that I have seen but knowing he had one I went out to hear and twinkle it for myself. I now have an ADI 2 since Xmas

[@normanbott]

“I listen to music not graphs…I use my ears!” reminds me of a cartoon in a UK magazine decades ago featuring a system with no speakers - just a pair of 'scopes.. The guy says " Why do I need speakers - this way I can SEE it's perfect"

[@JetEarlewood]

Thanks!!! Measure this!

[@ArjunCaprihan]

I suspect you've got things a little mixed up : We are talking sound quality, which is measurable, as distinct from "music" quality, which is subjective.

[@normanbott]

@@ArjunCaprihan What does your reply have to do with my mentioning a a non-serious CARTOON in an old magazine in response to the leading statement in quotes?? You've clearly missed the point of my post. Personally I have always taken measurements very seriously since I have an engineering background and aware of what they can tell me. And what they can't

[@tweedpenguin712]

@@ArjunCaprihan JTR speakers measure well but he says they don’t even though he showed they do.

[@simonzinc-trumpetharris852]

Don't even what?

[@andrewvigil2040]

Such a treat. This is something I have been waiting AGES for. It's a gift to hear talks from folks like Amir. Thank you so much for putting this together.

[@Deathrape2001]

WHAT gear talks? What is his favorite speaker?? Favorite headphones? Etc. = something USEFUL would be nice! =) BTW: If U want a nice 'dac' get an old Dell 'junk' PC with an AD1984 chip! =D The AD1981B also sound nice, but depends on the analog section in different models (HP, IBM, etc.). U can spend $10,000 on an 'Elite DAC' but it's not going 2 beat a Dell OptiPlex 755 MT LOL Try it. = BTW this is the kind of talk that got me 'BANNED!' there = because I give good, helpful, factual advices... even though it may 'offend' some fools who WA$TED a ton of $$$ on something 'fancy'. So $ELL it then = problem solved, & pocket the difference! =) I've worked in 'ahdiophile' & other stuff in the 'audio world' & know by directly comparing, like a cheap 'junk' amp like a Behringer EP2500 sounds better than all that 'vintage' $hit people R grabbing crazy $ 4 receiver-wise. It's just nuts LOL Yes, A/B comparing them. Really like half the 'sound quality' of any amp is having lots of 'headroom' so cleans up nice, with depth = solid & smooth. Worst I ever tried was Threshold, almost as bad as a cheesy little PC speaker amp from Altec Lansing LOL

[@christakimoto8425]

Great interview and nice to get to know Amir better after enjoying the content at ASR. Thanks for doing this interview!

[@InvestingwithKurt]

Love this! Awesome that you had Amir and fantastic discussion 🔥🔥🔥

[@marcosofsky2605]

If I won the lottery, I would spend a fortune on an audio system. Probably never happen, so I choose to take the time to learn audio electronics and I hope to be able to do some testing and repair of reasonably-priced vintage audio. I am only just starting out, and am actually looking into online courses and my local Community College. I am older, retired and disabled so it is something I now have the time and inclination to do. Thanks for the excellent video and interview, Amir is quite knowledgeable and well spoken. Great Job!

[@hionhifi]

Thanks.

[@iowaudioreviews]

ASR is my favorite forum. I been donating a little every month for a year and sending in gear to be tested. Love it, keep it up Amir and team.

[@dungysphincter7974]

I know you have...I remember when you sent him the Behringer A800 class D pro amplifier!

[@Prophet1cus]

Nice to see the face behind the name. Interesting chat on so many topics. It feels like there was enough material to separate out at least three video's of 20-30 mins each on a specific topic. Small remark: if someone is filmed from the 'front quarter', I would place the video so that it looks like they're looking at you instead of away from you. In this case it would've made sense if Amir was on the right.

[@gerihifi]

Thanks for your efforts!! Amir is such a great nerd, never have heard about so much about his background. I was also someone criticicing some of his measurements. BUT it changes a lot, because he provides some transparency no one else is doing! Yes, still it is engineering subjective and we all know audio/sound can dramatically change how you combine it and your room, still it is always a good foundation to look at this measurement tables! Thanks a lot😊

[@amanieux]

great review, i learned a lot. i read amir reviews before buying my dac but did not know the guy, he is an impressive human being ( humble, knowledgeable, dedicated, honest ) , thanks

[@acbarnard]

Just listened to the full two hours. Great job, it’s nice to put a face and voice to ASR! Looking forward to your upcoming interviews.

[@tjkadar]

Bought a pair of speakers & headphones based on Amir's work. The headphones were the best $13 I've ever spent on audio gear! I really, really appreciate what Amir has started.

[@thegroove2000]

Which headphones?.

[@Tinez87]

Yeah how about those headphones chief? Which ones?

[@tjkadar]

@@Tinez87, looks like my reply got deleted because I posted a link to them. I bought a pair of the Sony MDRZX110. They're cheap, so they're going to have cheaper fit and finish to them. But they sound pretty damned good. And if they get lost, broken, stolen, I'm not going to worry about it too much.

[@edgar9651]

Thanks to both of you!

[@fonsjac]

Great discussion. Thank you both!

[@williamc7367]

A great interview with great information. Thanks guys.

[@anarchohelenism]

Great interview. Amir does amazing work!

[@pavelpavlov954]

Amir is Great person! This is the spirit of people who really love audio and helps the community!His forum is also great!Big respect to both of you and thanks for the great episode!Cheers!

[@yourchildrensghost9736]

This was Awesome, Thanks guys.

[@aaanekre]

Great to see Amir live and put a face to the man I feel is the best that has happened to the audio industry. A little disappointed it was "only" 2 hours :D I understand the need for a program and getting through a lot of questions, but I did not enjoy many of the interruptions in the middle of a sentence. Anyway, good job :)

[@durhamtiger]

Amir is a breath of fresh air, like Peter Aczel of "The Audio Critic" from years ago - grounded in solid engineering and science instead of the mysticism and mythology that has too much influence in high end audio / audiophiles.

[@Deathrape2001]

Best what? Bunch of random babbling, but no RANKING by SOUND QUALITY!? HOLY WTF BATMAN! =)) Talk about a USELESS site! =)) "Woo it 'measures better'... he never even says what HE likes, after $pending all that $$$ on gear, & comparing all those things = how would HE rank them? U need a REFERENCE!! Like U can go hear a sampling of things from some guy & if their reviews align with yours U can bet their 'top class' pick is worth checking out, but he won't even do that = USELESS! =)) The site is about WA$TING people's time 'arguing numbers' rather than $hopping-oriented 2 SOLVE the 'challenge' of 'best audio performance. Fux sake ~ Oh HAHA 'whats best audio forum' is similar = when U tell them what's best, they BAN you LOL!! like 2 say 'sorry, that is not expensive enough nor do we get advertising money from them, so U R BANNED!!! =))

[@hionhifi2]

@@durhamtiger Peter Aczel is a hero of mine in the audiophile space. He was 1 of 1. Through his publications I learned how to be a thinking audiophile.

[@dionisispoulis9657]

Great discussion, thank you.

[@pnaubry]

well done... look forward to your future videos... Best

[@jimshaw899]

There's a gentle lesson here, Thomas: when you have a guest of the stature of Amir, don't interview yourself. A gentle but firmly backed lesson. .... Elsewise, good job. Amir is a refreshing force toward fact in an industry that seems bent upon too much deception. Amir seems to be a real engineer, armed with the science and mathematics, and with the unusual quality of trained hearing. Overlaying that is Amir's actually caring about the reproduction of music. Better, his ability to explain his findings, that they can be understood. Amir reminds me of the very best of professors I studied under as an undergrad engineer.

[@hionhifi2]

Jim sir, thank your for watching the video. These things are subjective. Interview styles are a matter of opinion. I like to hear myself talk as much as I like to the other guy. It makes me feel smart. ;)

[@EddyTeetree]

@@hionhifi2 🤡

[@rolandd5397]

Smart man :) as an audiophile this is the most important video i have watch regarding equipment swapping and placebo effect.

[@gumbygreeneye3655]

An excellent interview and discussion.

[@musicxxa6678]

Amir is a good speaker. I was just checking out but i watched it all.

[@vitalii1372]

Great interview 👍🏻

[@rafacq]

I learned who is Amir when I saw his Allo Boss 2 review. I did buy the Allo Boss 2 and love it. Thanks for all the dedication and work to help folk like me appreciate hi fi better.

[@pedrotavares3555]

Great interview.

[@robertmoi8400]

I heard somewhere that the reason why tubes sound warm is because they are high-voltage devices, and operate at more than 100 volts, hence they have a higher region of linearity than transistors which operate at low voltages and use feedback to try and increase the region of linearity. Linearity usually equates to warm natural sound. I can't support or dispute the claim since I am not an electronics engineer.

[@AlejandroSanchez-xn4zz]

I love two see two different generations getting along so well and so respectfully and supoortive around a common passion 💙

[@hionhifi]

Thanks.

[@tomk7087]

Thank you very much for this great interview! I enjoyed every minute. Amir provides such important information for consumers👍

[@hionhifi]

I’m happy you enjoyed it. I enjoyed my time with Amir.

[@HeyYall398]

Amir is amazing. Great questions!

[@Rehbet]

Audiophiles might enjoy some distortion without realizing they're hearing distortion. It could sound "warmer" or "airier" but it is distorted.

[@hionhifi]

Agreed about the distortion thing. Essentially enjoying music is a game of choosing which distortion profiles you like.

[@cryptout]

Amir is great, I’ve seen the light and buy based on measurements and not magic dust!

[@anthonyrondolino8148]

Outstanding!

[@davidmcaughtry465]

Brilliant interview

[@johnolson4977]

What a entertaining and intelligent conversation.....

[@samuelsalins8309]

Wonderful job.

[@dl6519]

Great questions Thomas, I learned quite a bit about topics that I don't normally focus on. Amir thank you for using your superpowers for good.

[@timothyfreeseha4056]

I will say that the benefit of the magazines I read back in the day - and the online venues - reviews of products ,etc, is that they did influence me to listen more intently. I agree with Amir that blind tests offer the best opportunity for revelation.

[@ruger6049]

And when blind listeners can pick out a particular cable 9/10 times, what is that called?

[@ericmiller254]

Well that's a very strong start to a channel in this niche. Have a thumbs up, sub, and comment. Thank you

[@DeAudiofilosyLocos]

Excelent interview, thanks!

[@hionhifi]

Thanks. Glad you liked it.

[@AreGulbrandsen]

You guys are my new audio heroes!

[@MachielGroeneveld]

Apart of the extra attention there is also when buying (expensive) equipment. Your brain is making you feel the choice you made is awesome, just because you decided it

[@rix0]

Hi Great job, hope to see some more quality content from you ! Just a little constructive criticism for future interviews... Don't talk over your guest all the time :), let him first say what he wants to say then chime in :)

[@Canadian_Eh_I]

Thanks fro the great podcast. Amir has done a tremendous service to audiohphiles by helping us separate alot of the bull from what matters in audio. I have to also credit Earl Geddes from DIYAUDIO I learned alot from him about what really matters in audio. Both he and AMir are engineers

[@hionhifi]

Yeah, Amir, Earl, Dunlavy, The Audio Critic are all my inspirations. They had it right and paved the way to objective audio which is a nice change from the pseudo-science we’ve been putting up with for decades.

[@sharagan]

I have the utmost respect for Amir and the work he is doing. The forum is a great source of information and help. Thanks for this interview.

[@reviewmirror591]

Love this discussion, I just bought a Gustard x16, perfect DAC! But that does not mean I don't love a good tube amp! 🎸🎷🎶

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Nice to put a face to a name. Good stuff here. 😀

[@dihydrotestosterone]

I like your channel too.... with all your measurements.

[@richardherbert3519]

Brilliant! !

[@LL-qb2sy]

Perfect debate between those two gentlemen..

[@GuilhermeMenegassi]

Nice Channel!! Subscribed

[@Black_Cat_997]

This would be a great "podcast", if the two of you were to do this on a semi regular basis. Mr. HionHifi is a good interviewer who is knowledgeable about hifi, and of course Amir has a lot to say on the topic.

[@dennisbohner6876]

I believe that the numbers are critical as you guys say. I used to subscribe to X that used only 'golden ear' style reviews. Used to. I still do Home Theatre and Stereophile, primarily because I can get underlying facets of the results of design choices. I also read the Manufacturers Comments which is usually amusing for the ones who have been panned and the resultant waving of hands about the product or the gloating when they do well. BenchMark's replies were straight forward, informative and benefitted me with insight to them. That's rare. They give a damn about what you think their stuff should sound like. Their stuff is designed to sound like what you put in. If I were strictly a stereo dude, I would start and stop with their products. With their construction standards, it would most likely be 'good enough' for my lifetime.

[@frederf69]

Thanks for this. Amir is the man 😎😎

[@hionhifi]

I agree.

[@stevemiller9480]

Question- Did you use the microphone we see in your frame? Because it doesn't sound like it.

[@georgec1779]

Great interview. Lots of interesting and useful information Amir may not be the last word in the audio enthusiast world but he offers a valuable service. Thanks guys.

[@hurkamur1]

Who is the last word? Until we see the jewelry dealers do real blind tests, we shouldn't be buying.

[@danawhite384]

One of the most reliable tests I do is to record the same audio track before and after the changed variable. Using solo-in-place in the DAW, aligning to the sample and seamlessly switching between A-B can easily reveal audible differences. Whether you prefer one or the other, is best done with an A-B-X tester and longer term listening.

[@you2ber252]

Yhis is a GREAT interesting video and thank you, Amir, for what you do! Regarding the maximum dynamic range that us human can hear, ok 115 dB, but perhaps wearing a headphone iside an anechoic chamber! In reality, in a normal domestic encironment, the background noise can be like 20dB, so evrn the 96 dB of 16 bit quantization is likely more than enough to fill the entire dnamic range of our hearing apparatus!

[@harris0254]

gem interview

[@davidhinson5467]

I've bought several products in the past couple years based on Amir's reviews, including a VTV Purifi amp, Revel F208's, Schitt Freya+ along with a couple Topping DACs. He's an invaluable resourse.

[@herrtrigger7220]

Glad I'm not the only one.

[@davidhinson5467]

@Not Sure thanks- for me it's a dream system. Love it!

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

Most systems that measure well sound better, even if they are less expensive. Bad measuring gear usually sounds worse. When in doubt try the less expensive, better measuring item. They will be usually be both better and less expensive in the long run.

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

He's a game changing pioneer that helped cut through the BS and improved the sound of our systems. There is "before asr" and "after asr" audio. Many manufacturers addressed issues and problems and started building better gear.

[@iowaudioreviews]

I've read CD can reproduce up to 120db with dithering. I still haven't really been sold on 24bit audio....

[@chrisvinicombe9947]

Great start for your channel m8. Enjoyed the interview look forward to your future content. Nice to see Amirm talking , now I can visualize him while reading his reviews.

[@DBSTH0R]

Thoroughly enjoyed the interview. Can't remember the last time I listened to a 2h conversation, well worth it. Would love Amir to get in contact with The HEADPHONE Show and Andrew over there. Seeing how he entered the headphone measurement "business" stuff recentely. Good luck with the channel, this exclusive should net you nice viewing numbers. :)

[@noself1028]

I totally agree. Andrew is one of the best headphone reviewers in the business and, like Amir, understands the importance of technical measurements in evaluating audio equipment.

[@iowaudioreviews]

I bought the JBL Stage 130 on Amir's recommendation.

[@rodpinfold8824]

Amir has made gear guys to Audiophiles loving their music.

[@ZaFrostPet]

what is the model of Amir's headphones in this video?

[@aight365]

Hey, please help me answer this question. First, your conversation is really helpful! Thank you! Its interesting for me to hear! My question is that I'm trying to decide between the AKG k371 and Meze 99 Nior. I don't have an option to try both. I need a do it all kind of headphone. More so a pair to use with a digital piano and Rhodes. I'd much prefer to go with the Meze's for their build quality and look.. I understand these two pairs are completely different but for a good sounding closed back I think they can both work.. idk

[@vitoralmeida3078]

Late Peter Aczel from The Audio Critic started in the 70's, an for some open the rabbit hole and we get free:-)

[@gregworrel2623]

My favorite audio magazine.

[@Rob9mm]

@@gregworrel2623 Yes, loved the Critic!

[@mankepoot9440]

Next to the CE Europen Quality badge, there is also a Chinese Export badge that is almost identical.

[@friedmule5403]

3:54 The direction arrow may in fact have a measurable purpose, if one end of the shielding is connected to the ground, but the other end is not, can it mean the difference between noise and less noise. You find the same done on cables to oscilloscopes, precision DC measurements on 6-8 digits DMMs and a lot of other places.

[@thomothomo1078]

Hi Fi Choice magazine conducted unsighted group listening tests for years.They also comprehensively measured the products .Significant differences were heard between components and they were rated accordingly.This included comments on things like imaging and musical communication.Things which cannot be measured.There seemed to be quite weak correlation between listening preferences made by experienced listening panels and how they measured.Only a naive objectivist would assume that which measures well will also correlate with their listening preference.A nice theory but it does not correspond to the real world listening.To further cloud the issue people who think that because something measures well it will sound good will also experience expectation bias.

[@marcosofsky2605]

I am not really surprised by what Amir says about tube amps and "warm sound". I believe what he says-that the distortion is high and there is some fascination with the glowing tubes. He knows his stuff-I wish he taught classes here in Medford, Oregon, I would be first in line to register.

[@hionhifi]

I’d consider the interview as a beginners class to buying high-end audio gear. 😎

[@hometheaterjoe9489]

Love this interview, really like Amir’s work. I have a silly but serious question… can one be an audio file at the budget level? Is that even possible? I just got into separates, but I have a very budget system. 5.2.2 theater setup, I don’t have the resources to buy crazy expensive gear. Does this limit me in my listening experiences?

[@Gamez4eveR]

Absolutely! The only requirement for being an audiophile is loving good sound! Ergo, enjoying accurate reproduction more than lackluster reproduction. Surround is way out of my expertise, but in terms of stereo, you can achieve amazing results with accurate monitors with good directivity and a well integrated subwoofer. I for example have EQd Yamaha HS7's (they have good directivity which means the EQ translates well in any environment) with a Monolith 12 THX subwoofer. Having listened to this setup both midfield and nearfield, I can safely say that posiioning makes up at least 50% of the sound impression. My speakers cost under $500 a pair and my subwoofer goes for less than $1k on discount. That's a $1500 setup that to my ears is more enjoyable and revealing than $60k systems in high end showrooms and $7k+ headphone setups.

[@munmunyee]

Would like to echo what George is saying. You don't need to spend crazy amounts of money in order to get the "audiophile" sound. The trick is to listen to a variety of different audio systems across the "high end" spectrum. Actually, scratch that, step zero is to understand and be able to verbally describe between "good" music and "bad" music - to be able to know what sound qualities make one record more aurally aesthetically pleasing than the other. My example would be to compare Daft Punk's Random Access Memories against Katy Perry's Prism - both released in the same year and were featured in the same Grammy award ceremony - albeit in different categories. But back to the gear. The best method of hearing a variety of different high end systems would be to go to a regional trade show and attend as many listening booths/rooms/halls as you can. The next is to do a little research and see if there are any local retailers with a physical, brick and mortar store - that carry hifi gear. More often than not, you'll come across shops that are dead set on making the sell, but to my knowledge, in most cities there will be at least one shop that wants you to have a good time, is more than fine with you simply enjoying good audio, and is totally fine with you walking away without having made a sale. Once you've heard enough systems at different price points, you'll realize that hifi is a hobby in which you'll quickly run into a wall of diminishing returns - marginal improvements for an exponential increase in price. Therefore, I think the objective for any budget oriented audiophile is to be able to piece together a system that gets you most of the way there. As George suggests, active studio monitors are a great way to start - since it eliminates the need to buy an integrated or power amplifier. However, if you're looking to piece together separates, it is possible to piece together a system (integrated + bookshelf) that undoubtedly sounds better musically than most soundbars for under $1000 before tax. To that end, I would suggest the Yamaha A-S301 paired with the Polk Reserve R100.

[@schlidenglickstein3633]

Learnt alot listening to Amir. Shame that the host didn't just let Amir talk without so much interruption.

[@pkal244]

Great interview, gained a sub! I still think measurements aren't the king when it comes to musical enjoyment. I have a THX 789 amp here which measures great but I prefer my Wells Milo and Dragon Inspire tube amp many times over. That said, he's 100% right about looking at a graph before purchasing something. Other than a subjective reviewer you trust, it's the next best thing.

[@lextr3110]

it's because amir is missing important measurements... volountarely.. dont trust

[@UpgradingAsUsual]

Glad I bought the Denon X3700h instead of the Marantz SR6015. Time for Marantz to fix up the Snake Oil. It's overall good news because they should improve their HDAM units because of people like Amir who show the real shit with real science.

[@RealHIFIHelp]

Interesting.

[@user-rn2jd8uo7m]

Who do you think makes phono preamp for moving magnet? Tube or solid state?

[@rockfidelity8229]

Great interview. Asked really good questions. Hope to see more of these from the channel. Maybe interview Steve Gutenberg next to hear the other side.

[@stevenswall]

46:00 The golden age of consumption of big speakers may be over.... But the Genelec 8260, The Ones, Dutch & Dutch 8C, and Kii Three make me think we are pushing forward the state of the art.

[@realhi-fihelplarry8047]

Interesting. I don't agree with a lot of this, but some few things are correct to a small degree like with the cable change.

[@donnbialik9085]

Amir about to be famous!!!!!!!

[@VerumAudio]

Very interesting interview. What question I miss - has Amir ever tried blind tests of audio equipment and how that corresponded with his own measurements.

[@bozoc2572]

Amir assumes that current set of measurements of audio electronics correlates strongly to perceived sound quality. Assumption not too well supported by research. He himself provided resistance to IMD measurements(now he includes those). Go figure... In this nonsensical objectivist/subjectivist dichotomy he seems more like a LARPING subjectivist.

[@telelaci2]

@@RaveyDavey You don't have to go far: www.audiosciencereview.com/ This is his web, and you can find some serious contradictions between his measurements and his listening experience. And he doesn't want to resolve those. We know nothing about his listening methods, rules, (blind test or double blind or neither, room size, room and wall preparations, speaker positions, other audio element of the chain, musics to play ... all unknown). This is not a tiny-lil indetermination. But we have to trust what he says we have to accept as well based facts. Although I don't think he would trust me when I'd do the same. This isn't very objectivist approach in my opinion. Bozo has got the point.

[@sidvicious3129]

@@bozoc2572 You hit it on the head. Measurements are a good start to help correct for problems and lead you to a conclusion, but good Measurements are not the definitive conclusion. I have had audio equipment that measured well, but sounded horrible. I trust my ears first and if there are problems, I will use measurements as applicable. I also trust no one who thinks they are a definitive on everything.

[@hugoanderkivi]

@@sidvicious3129 I have great measuring gear: Topping E50 and L50. Yet when I use a quality linear power supply to power the E50 over a phone charger or PC, the sound quality is noticeably different and better, more resolving, dynamic, life-like and less sharp. This according to measurements and Amir should not make a difference, as all power is the same and that the input stage of the DAC converts and cleans up the power. This "objectivism" does not match reality, and it often leads down of the path of reductionism, which impairs one's ability to understand complex systems. The more scientific and logical approach is to take both measurements and perception into account. Relying completely on measurements is pseudoscience; it does not match reality, although reflects parts of it.

[@mikeg2491]

@@bozoc2572 When I learned Amir owns expensive $10k+ speakers and amps that is when I knew he was full of it. If you believe these $200-$500 amps and DACs are literal perfection, why are you spending a person’s salary on more expensive equipment? Why would you reward “snake oil” companies with your hard earned money?

[@ousi00]

1:07:15 - Essentially described the loudness war of the CD :)

[@chrisbarnhart7944]

Holy Heck, its JJ walker!!! :)

[@veniceog]

What I got from this is that Amir likes absolutely transparent sound. He is an engineer and he is passionate about engineering perfection. Understood. A couple of things, not all people are the same. Not everyone has the same objective, or tastes. Secondly, each component in a system can affect the sound. From source to speaker, even if the entire signal path is perfectly flat, the speaker is not. The synergy of the whole system dictates the sound. That said, nothing will be perfectly linear, as there is no speaker that will produce a perfectly linear response. Thus, putting all the perfectly linear components together, given the load they put on each other, the performance of the speaker, and the room, results into a specific sound. At the end of the day, if we are going to ignore the listeners opinion on what that sound is, then the conversation is moot. If that floats your boat, then cool. I just don't understand why everything outside of their opinion is garbage. Some people like realistic photos, some like surrealistic paintings. The analogy is a bit exaggerated, but it makes the point.

[@vintageflanker7096]

Hey Thomas, I'm not that OK with this updated title. It looks like you're trying some clickbait where there's no need to. The original title or another one telling factually exactly what it is: "(First) interview with Amir M of AudioScienceReview". I hope your channel will become some great one (as Erin's) but you don't need that kind of tricks. Cheers.🙂 By the way: you got a new subscriber.🙂

[@vintageflanker7096]

@@hionhifi Thx for your reply an explanations, Thomas. Much appreciated. As you noticed, English is not my first language at all and maybe we use the word with some slightly different (or incorrect) meaning in France: The way I see it, "Click bait" is not necessarily meant to be completely misleading or wrong whatsoever, it brings attention to only one point (mostly the most controversial - not the case there) over the all prescious content. This video contains so much topics that I found it a touch pity summarizing it about "before you buy...". I mean: there's a tons of people around, who are not necessarily after some purchase (I'm not), and spent or will spend great time watching this during two hours. That's about it. BTW, I shared this video on some French discutions and got good feedback about it. Not only about the sensational effect of Amir's first public appearance as the founder ASR, but about the all conversation! Shame we suck so much at English.😉 I could work on some subtitles, It will just take me hours to do so.😱

[@cristiandarie]

Agreed that an informative and factual title would be better.

[@shaunfaesolar]

@@cristiandarie @vintageflanker - this title will have got the interview a hugely increased number of views vs the original. You should check this video for an explanation - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWPbeY2GfZqGpMk&ab_channel=Veritasium

[@shroud1390]

What specs tell me about soundstage width?

[@daeejon3100]

Thanks for your explanation s that was awesome I also talked to a few engineers and read quite a few articles about cabling and all say the same thing it's all about marketing. I learned it the hard way I have lots of audioquest cabling and sound the same as regular decent cables. I recently ordered mcintosh mono blocks any recommendations regarding Power cables? Thank you

[@hionhifi2]

Thanks for watching the video. I’d recommend a stand power cable that has the thickness to support the electrical load of the amplifier. Without knowing the housing wiring, and the amplifier output I couldn’t say which power cord would work best.

[@daeejon3100]

@@hionhifi2 I have dedicated 20 amp 10 gage cable to my system Niagara 7000 and mcintosh mc901s are coming soon they were pushing me 5000$ power cable each but I don't want do it

[@shaunfaesolar]

@@daeejon3100 I would use the manufacturer supplied cable as recomended in the product user guide, unless it is not long enough or doesn't match your aesthetics. You will hear absoloutely zero difference with an exotic power cable if you blind test it. The macintosh draws 12.5amps at 110v so as long as the cable can comfortably handle this that is all you need to worry about - (ie standard 20amp cable will be perfect)

[@kristiantizzard7796]

Thomas, do you have any more interviews planned?

[@kristiantizzard7796]

hionhifi I’ve just looked at Tom’s amplifiers; if only more manufacturers took that approach! local built SME products don’t have to be car priced snake oil.