Biggest Stereo Misconceptions We Hear Around The Shop- Part 1

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[@roberttoews2775]

Ironically, speaking of "therapist", your channel is my audio therapy. Your channel is down to earth with great advice and common sense. Rare things now-a-days.

[@grants7390]

especially with the copious amounts of snake oil in the industry.

[@user-handlethetruth]

Such common sense. I wish he would run for president. But that bar is too low for him.

[@randywilliams-fl9vb]

I'm a 64 year old collector of vintage gear. Love your videos and try to watch them all.

[@davidbaer4388]

Your point about the mastering is spot on - CD's that are poorly mastered can sound worse than vinyl. However, vinyl degrades with every play.

[@ProudDigital]

As a teenager growing up in a town of 40,000 people in the late 60’s and early 70’s we had 6 high end stereo shops! Myself and my friends would hang around these shops after school and weekends just shooting the breeze with the owners and employees while drooling over the equipment and hoping one day to be able to buy some of those beautiful pieces of equipment. Hifi was huge back then. If you didn’t have your own stereo system, 9 times out of 10 your parents did even if it was just a Magnavox console. To me, your channel reminds me of those days hanging around the stereo store asking questions of the owner who always took the time to chat with us even though we probably only had enough money to buy an album, if even that. But those stereo gurus knew that one day, we could become future customers and treated us no differently from the buying customers. Working as a dishwasher after school and weekends in 1970, I was able to save up enough money to buy my first true hifi system, a Marantz 1060 integrated amplifier, an AR Turntable w/ Shure Cartridge and a pair of JBL L100’s. I still have this system and it works just as well as it did in 1970 albeit with a few repairs over the years. I paid $997 for the system which works out to $7720.94 in today’s money. Presently, our town has grown to over 80,000 people and with the exception of a very marginal Best Buy, there are no stereo stores selling new or vintage equipment. Having your channel to watch on KZbin, while not a replacement for these stores, is the next best thing and I thank you Kevin, for the service and memories you provide!

[@rv6205]

I have a new pair of $7,000 Kef R11 speakers and i use a 1976 Pioneer sx1050 reciever , which i run spotify thru and it sounds great ....There is nothing like vintage !!!!....The quality was off the charts !!!!

[@audiopyle3606]

I have always been into audio ever since I was a kid. I was a pre teen during the stereo power wars. My brother who was 10 yrs older than me had a pioneer sx1080 and large advents and a pioneer pl540. It sounded great. I used to love to hang out in the audio room of service merchandise, brendles, audition hi fi, and radio shack. I have quite a vintage audio collection now and still love it. It's like a time machine to the past. Thanks, you have an awesome channel and audio store.

[@rv6205]

@@audiopyle3606 great comment, a time machine to the past ..i love it

[@jmad627]

I can really identify with the drooling. It’s one of the reasons I sprung for a vintage Pioneer SX-780. It sounds great, looks brand new out of the box, came with its original box, and was reasonably priced. Good for you that you kept your system. I gave my first receiver, HK 330i, to my niece and now she’s enjoying it.

[@rickc661]

Yep. ' stereo stores' like wall to wall in near every mll ( horrid place to listen but at least Ya could SEE 20 different receivers, t'table etc. ) gone the way of the dinosaur. and don't even try to find a decent electronic repair place.

[@howardscott7521]

A guy who knows vintage stereo and about JC Whitney catalogs? A rare breed indeed!

[@danielknepper6884]

JC Whitney was the bomb

[@mrpbody44]

People forget how crazy expensive stereo gear was in the 1960's and 1970's. Also we had a strong middle class to support the industry.

[@rolandlickert2904]

Agree a Nakamichi Taperecorder cost close to 3000 dollars

[@MarvinHartmann452]

I remember a paying 800 for a basic 21 inches colour TV around 1986. It was very expensive.

[@aaronhayman8558]

Particularly if you go with digital sources and want something that's only needs to be faithful to the music and not to annoy the neighbors with extreme volume it seems that you can have some very good sound for a pretty modest investment these days...

[@davidbutler8096]

@@rolandlickert2904 The Nakamichi Dragon when it was released in 1982...was $1850. Now...they are three times that.

[@rolandlickert2904]

Sorry got that wrong it was 3000germanmarks in Germany@@davidbutler8096

[@MarvinHartmann452]

The "I was wrong then, no big deal" part can be and SHOULD BE taught in schools for every aspect of our lives because being wrong and being able to admit it is an important part of any learning process.

[@joenovak6393]

It's the Teacher Unions that are instructing our teachers to put out the...let's just say, crap. Parents need to be involved at board meetings.

[@mariemccann5895]

Instead we have a generation of flakes sitting on the fence.

[@Bicklehoff794]

You are right!

[@baybae92]

@@joenovak6393Stop it. This is a vinyl collecting video, not a place to spread your propaganda.

[@googleedwardbernays6455]

Bruh, Could not agree with you more!! I was choppin it up with an old friend, and we were taking boomers to task when it comes to their dropping of the ball after partially causing the mess we are in. They are 90% incapable of owning their mistakes and poor choices. I don’t think they were always this way. But the trend is viral, as well as staggering. First generation (I’m aware of) where our elder community as a whole, DOES NOT fit the archetype we have become accustomed to. I wish i was wrong.

[@user-zy9kg6xw2t]

I just turned 70, and I’m still looking to add to my vintage equipment collection. I love to learn from your channel as well as others.

[@edverbeek6292]

“I am not an expert”. Your honesty makes me listen to you. Greetings from the Netherlands

[@CraigHollabaugh]

No misconception here, we love you and Skylabs. It's genuinely a surprise and joy every Sunday morning.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you, Craig!

[@jeanpsyhos7639]

Thank you for keeping vintage alive!

[@haqitman]

What keeps me coming here on Sunday mornings is that it's just refreshing to hear someone talk about an interesting yet very subjective hobby with a calm and reasoned approach while attempting to be objective.

[@tmdillon1969]

This is one of my favorite channels! On one hand, I wish I lived closer so I could stop by the store. On the other hand, I don't need that kind of equipment temptation on a regular basis.

[@pedrofernandez8729]

Those who claim vinyl sound better use a phono cartridge that costs more than my whole system.

[@UltraMEGAMAGARandy]

Honest, humble, knowledgeable. IMO, the best vintage (and more) audio info channel available. Good job.

[@skylabsaudio]

Appreciate that

[@user-nr6sx6hh3u]

Kevin, your voice is almost hypnotic and your dryness and clarity always cuts through all the crap out there, without the over showmanship and adding to the white noise which is the source of the 2023 static and hiss that you hear through your vintage speakers that definitely wasn’t there in the 70’s! Keeping it just black and white is a rarity now a days I love you buddy and keep up the great work

[@TheKeymaster316]

Always enjoy your Sunday videos. My dad still owns his SX-980 and HPM-100's that he bought brand new in the late 70's. I brought the 980 home several years ago and cleaned the pots and switches as he had sidelined this receiver for years and had replaced it with an Onkyo from the 90's. I've had my share of spiteful comments on my meager, little KZbin channel, so I know what you mean. There's always an "expert" out there who knows everything and won't hesitate to tell you as much. Keep the videos coming, those of us who truly enjoy the hobby appreciate you. Thanks

[@fentonfun]

Really appreciate your channel and your no nonsense way of covering our subject! Hope one day to visit you in Iowa too.

[@altokheim]

A common misconception that I recall from my years in 70's audio retail was that "12 o'clock on the volume control was only half maximum volume". I can't begin to count the number of blown tweeters coming into the shop from turning the volume up too high. 1-2 o'clock was often the point where amplifiers and receivers would reach their maximum ability before amplifier distortion (clipping) would occur and potentially damage speaker components. These life lessons would sometimes result in the sale of a larger amplifier.

[@jonathanhernandez4304]

I've always noticed this. 3/4 volume was the max I'd run my system, and that was out in the park during a keg party. There seemed to be a fall off in noticeable volume decibel after that and a loss of sound quality even though very slight.

[@mkshffr4936]

How can I be over drawn? I still have checks. 😇

[@dmunz7015]

If someone thinks that vinyl sounds better than digital, that's up to them, The beauty is in the eye of the beholder, nothing mythical about that.

[@jim010109]

I dont even own vintage equipment, and I don't miss a video. You explain things in a manner that makes sense. And it applies to new equipment as well as vintage. A good example is wattage. You made valid points about wattage that I never really thought about before. Keep up the great work. I hope the channel keeps growing.

[@g.fortin3228]

Totally Agree with the WATTS ratings.. I have a 1974'ish Pioneer SX-737, recently restored, on some recent model Klipsch bookshelf speakers that will go loud enough to really disturb the neighbors and it's got a modest 35 WPC rating. Nice points as always. Keep on rocking it.

[@techguy9023]

I had a student worker who kept insisting that you had to have 1000 watts in a car stereo. I took him to the loading dock with a pair of 50 watt Macintosh amps and a pair of Bose 802 stage speakers. He was punching my arm telling me to turn it down.

[@g.fortin3228]

@@techguy9023 Love that Hahaha!

[@AUTISTICLYCAN]

Dude I was a computer systems analyst for 21 of the best years of my life. I loved computers and would have gladly done the job for free. You give the same vibe when you talk about vintage audio. I'm retired in my 60's now and I love my vintage audio collection. I come here to share everything I love about vintage audio with you all. I'm sure YOU know this. Just because a song is digital does not mean it ALWAYS sounds better than vinyl. Determinants in digital sound quality is source quality, sample rate usually 44.1 KHz and finally bit depth i.e. 16-bit: 65,536 values 24-bit: 16,777,216 values & 32-bit: 4,294,967,296 values. Each element can improve or denude digital sound quality. I think this channel is the BOMB BIGGITY!

[@aaronhayman8558]

Of course all digital is not created the same... nor is all analog, like an 8-track tape can't sound nearly as good as a reel to reel tape, both played from a great system. MP3s aren't great but I would argue that the standard for CD was really well thought out and even with competition from higher resolution and greater bit depth formats, it still holds up. There's a point where any extra resolution and bit depth isn't really perceived by human ears. Particularly when it comes to bit depth, greater than CD quality is pretty much wasted. There isn't music that even contains dynamic range greater than what a CD is capable of. The highest but rates can do dynamics that might go from the equivalent of a pin dropping on the floor to a jet plane taking off 50 feet away... and what music do you know of that has that kind of dynamic range?

[@AUTISTICLYCAN]

@@aaronhayman8558 Any number of variables change the quality of sound being reproduced. If I wanted to I could write a tome filled with facts and variables to consider in a near infinite number of sound reproduction situations using different tools. My response was a confined to a very limited set of parameters regards audio quality. If you need to be right on this or any other subject I raise then by all means, "You're Right!" I'm not here to fight over details. I'm here enjoy and learn from the awesome videos shared by the Skylabs video creator and his amazing guests. I here to enjoy learn about new things vintage and new. I'm here to gain insights and get help collecting quality vintage audio.

[@xForbin99]

What a genuine honest dude talking about a hobby i love. Easiest subscribe button click of my life

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you! I appreciate that

[@alextaylor6707]

Your best video ever! Canadian guy here. You bring such great, well balanced, perspective to all this and thanks for everything you do. I've learned more useful things about this subject than from anywhere else on the internet. In the last week I've used your advice to purchase a Pioneer sx-737 receiver and a Technics Sl-Q2 turntable. Can't believe my good fortune in finding your channel and perspective. If I'm ever in Des Moines I hope to pop by your store and shake your hand. Keep up the great work.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you! Glad to help

[@unstablenetwork4744]

Thank you for being honest with your viewers and to yourself. Huge respect! Owning a small vintage stereo shop is winning in my book. Wishing you future success.

[@ReginaldDj1]

I've been listening to you for about a year now and I've enjoyed every moment and ill be 60 in march 2024 keep pushing vintage Audio ❤👍

[@thomasnemecek-br3cz]

4 systems IN HOUSE,2 in Garage,SOUND is Fantastic! Plenty of BACK UP too! Thanks!

[@NCislander]

Kevin, very cool episode. I especially like the "Misconceptions about Me (You)". You under rate the amount of knowledge you share out here. Your insight of Audio, and how different people perceive Audio is huge. Most everyone on the planet in some form enjoys hearing & listening to music. The fact that you focus on the Vintage era of equipment and how we can get more out of it is really cool. Keep doing what you do. I'm on my 2nd purchase of a Pioneer SX receiver. Really fun watching & taking in your advice of the hobby. -Thank you.

[@terencejay8845]

'Every day is a School day.'

[@rotaxtwin]

I think your channel is successful because you have tapped into a vein of happy memories, I think almost everyone my age remembers going into a stereo retailer in the 70s and the feeling of magic that all that glorious gear held. To own a little piece of it nowadays is powerful stuff!

[@ronwilgenbusch1961]

My biggest thing I love about my vintage equipment is that I can control everything from the knobs and buttons. Everything is pre remote controls. I hate how most modern stuff is made where you can’t operate or change certain settings without having the remote(they remove buttons, knobs for sake of sleekness on the front). And inevitably the remote gets misplaced or broke(something spilled on it). If you know, you know. Thanks again Kevin for the great vids.

[@13Voodoobilly69]

🙌

[@MarvinHartmann452]

Yeah. Having total control over what you buy is a luxury these days.

[@goodun2974]

The ultimate argument against equipment that is only operable with a remote control is, to paraphrase Frank Zappa, "battery leaks will cost you more than a quarter..." (from "Florentine Pogen")

[@BTW...]

The biggest thing that sux is no remote on 'vintage' gear. ...and that gear has less control functions than contemporary quality gear.

[@aaronhayman8558]

I really don't miss having a remote, though I really do like the convenience of a semi-auto turntable that stops the record at the end of a side rather than skipping on the end of it until I pull the tonearm off of it and shut the motor down...

[@AstonsVintageTechnologyWorkshp]

Being an Ex-Sony audio tech, I get asked similar things all the time, and I guess my answers usually follow the same line. Expensive was, and still is, expensive. Painfully so sometimes. People's remembrance, for instance, of cassettes, was of their crummy beat box with cheapo cassettes from the local store. When I show them an ES Sony deck with chrome or metal tapes, they're usually blown away by the fact that it sounds virtually as excellent as CD. Same for wattage, it's the quality not necessarily the quantity that matters. Long live vintage. 😀

[@alm5693]

Loved the final segment of this video. I'm 20 years older than you so I actually got to hang out in LOTS of Twin Cities stereo stores, but once I bought something I'd quit looking and live with it, so I really love watching and learning from your channel. I wish I would have known what you teach (yes you do) in the 90's when I took my Harman Kardon 930 receiver to the electronics recycling center. 😩 I'm going to take the 4 hr drive down to your store someday. Might stop at Fix My Dual while I'm there (and while he's still there) to buy a 1229 dust cover to replace my scratched up one.

[@matthewpeterson3329]

There's a slew of vintage audio (or just audio) channels on KZbin. I've watched many, and Skylabs is the one I look forward to each week. Kevin's manner is relaxing and his truthful presentation is always welcome. I can't remember the last time I saw a negative comment, and if it exists, was likely some piss-ant hater who doesn't have much nice to say about anything, regardless. Keep up the great work!

[@phillipwoods1]

Kevin, thanks for creating a great space and community via your KZbin channel. This is one of my favorite places on all of KZbin and the web. Really appreciate your humility, passion, and willingness to share. Such an enjoyable and positive space… I hope to make the trip to Iowa and see the store in-person some day. Meanwhile, I look for the next video… keep doing what you’re doing. It’s great.

[@rondickinson8741]

I think everybody out here appreciates the time and effort you put into the videos please keep them coming

[@alm5693]

As long as there are boomers still alive, you won't run out of vintage equipment, or crappy old equipment or nice modern equipment for that matter. I say that as a 69 year old guy with some of all three and a collection that is split 50/50 between LPs and CDs. I just sold a Goldring turntable (off brand Rega w/ great tonearm) to a vintage collector and he told me that most of his friends/customers had nothing but vintage equipment. He told me that he really loved my system that's mostly made up of new equipment that you could buy tomorrow. No component costs more than $1500. It's centered around a Vincent SV-500 2x50 watt hybrid integrated amp.

[@timcorner2821]

I really love channels like yours as it indulges my need for the nostalgia in audio. Speaking for myself, I am over 60 years old and remember the 70's when what we call vintage audio was in full swing. I used to go to my local hifi store and check out the new stuff, and would just dream of owning all the gear I would see. Recently, I found a really good Pioneer SX-780, which was one of the pieces of gear, I remember seeing all those years ago. Like you say, there is equipment out there today, that would likely surpass it in overall performance, but for me, there is the nostalgia and the tactile feel of turning the tuning dial, that just does it for me. I am investing in upgrading the Darlington Power packs, to newly invented modules, as well as a complete, restoration. It would not be worth it for a lot of people to spend money on an old piece of gear like I am but I'm sure there are people here, that can relate. Thanks for the work you put in to this channel, it gives an old guy a lot of pleasure.

[@Silverface1987]

You and me brother,I’m in my 60’s and loving it. Kevin does vintage GREAT! I have 11 vintage pieces,I’m not a hoarder,I’m a lover of vintage. I truely love my equipment. Pioneer 780,880,980,1080, Marantz,Sansui…..enjoy my brother,enjoy!😎

[@timcorner2821]

Thanks for the reply. I can see more gear in my future, once I finish my current project.....lol @@Silverface1987

[@frankflores3948]

All I can say is “Thank You Kevin”!!!!! Like I stated before, Skylabs is part of my Sunday morning routine. Watching your channel, coffee and absorbing the information! Case in point, I building a new system and I’m incorporating a WiiM Mini. Keep it up! Frank

[@dmonthome]

I just went to the "dark side" and added a WiiM Pro+ to my vintage system. I love my vinyl sytem and the experience of playing vinyl but, for myself, I find that I tend to exist in an echo chamber of music that I grew up with. I usually don't discover new music when purchasing vinyl, I just go with the artists that I know and love. I am hoping that the WiiM Pro+, along with the Tidal streaming service, introduces me to new artists and music that I may not encounter otherwise.

[@frankflores3948]

@@dmonthomeI purchased the WiiM Mini for a specific reason and that’s to stream my SiriusXM subscription and Amazon music subscription through this new system. I have two other systems and they are powered by my Sansui 9090DB and a Marantz 8006PM!

[@theclearsounds3911]

Back in the 1980's, I was shopping in a record/CD/stereo store, and heard a really funny lie from a salesman there. The guy told me that CD players have no moving parts! 🤣 Then, what's that thing spinning in there? The truth is that there are no moving AUDIO parts, like a needle, magnets, coils, cones, or anything like that. But they have a motor to spin the disc at varying speeds, another motor to track the laser, and another motor to eject the CD.

[@davidt8438]

I grew up in Chicago back in the 60’s and 70’s and have been in a J C Whitney store. They also went by the name Warshasky. And I can’t describe the feeling of walking the isles with automotive items and parts except to say it was like a kid in a candy store. I still use my old Kenwood KR8050 that I bought from a store called Pacific Stereo and it has a beautiful warm sound with A, B and C speaker selection. Wish I could go back in time and enjoy stores like that again. Now a days I mostly use a Yamaha AS 3200 amp for my main stereo and a pair of Paradigm speakers and/or old JBL L100’s (which I bought new in 1974, and that tells you how old I am) I think we all have nostalgic feelings sometimes but in this case it’s warranted.

[@drmbgls1]

As far as CDs vs vinyl I did do a comparison of the same CD and vinyl for my son. Yes the CD was clear and no pops and hiss, but the vinyl was more organic, with a bigger bottom end sound. But that;s also up to the listener weather they like that sound, or clear and no background sound. Also as fr as watts, i do have a 100wt Realistic receiver and just picked up a Scott R-306 receiver with 15 watts. With a good set of efficient speakers, 15 watts pumped out some great sound. Again, it's a preference thing. As a kid, I did spend my Saturday afternoons in a high end stereo store getting some knowledge into equipment and what works best pared together.

[@wvufreak56]

Kevin: You may not even have the time to read this, but nevertheless; I thoroughly enjoy your channel. I recently retired @ 67 and purchased a Marrantz 2238B receiver, Yamaha turntable and set of Boston Acoustics speakers all in great condition. In the late 70's I bought a Marrantz 2238B but later when it developed some issues, I sold it at a Yard Sale! Did I blaspheme? Lol...I only hope the guy who bought it refurbished it! Anyway, late congratulations on opening a business that you are obviously passionate about! I recently purchased your record cleaner from Skylabs and will be busy soon cleaning my vinyl! Keep the videos coming and I many others truly appreciate your knowledge and time to bring it to us!!!

[@johneaton25]

Been there, done that, even the swearing bit 🤣👍

[@Geary-yx1bi]

While in college in the late 60s, I worked in the appliance department of a local discount department store. We sold some lower-end consumer stereo equipment, including a few portable "record players" of the kind that were popular with high school students who didn't know about, or couldn't afford, better quality. One day a middle-aged customer came into our department looking for a record player. As usual, I asked him about what kind of music he liked to play and how he intended to use the record player. It turned out he was a musician, a violinist in our city's symphony orchestra. I demonstrated our various stereo systems, everything from the best quality we had down to an inexpensive ($44!) General Electric phono with a plastic case. He listened carefully to everything before happily buying the plastic G.E. phono. The musician was very enthusiastic about the sound quality of his purchase. I learned an important lesson that day. As a budding wannabe audiophile, I knew how flawed the little G.E. phonograph was. But I discovered that it didn't matter. I rarely made a customer happier than I did that day when I sold an "inferior" piece of equipment to a musician. As you often say on this channel, if it sounds good to you, then it IS good. Now I'm much older and my hearing has changed over the years. When I bought new speakers a few years ago, I auditioned some B&W and other "quality" models. The salesman suggested I listen to a new Klipsch model for comparison. Using music I brought from home, I was a bit surprised to find that the less expensive Klipsch sounded much better to me than the highly regarded competition. I've been very happy with my purchase and don't regret passing on the "bragging rights" that would have gone along with the speakers I thought I would probably buy. To paraphrase a dance instructor I once had, "If you're listening to music on your system and smiling, you can't be doing it wrong."

[@karenfyhr2363]

Well you deserve positive comments for just being down-to-earth and giving honest opinions. What you said about vinyl versus CD is spot-on in every regard and I don't know anyone that could have given a better synopsis of that and every other topic you touched on in this video.. you're very humble Kevin and I know you'll keep up the great work. And I actually do plan on making an album purchase from you at some point later this month

[@allanellis5827]

Another great video Kevin. Your honesty, candor and advice is very much appreciated. I look forward to your next one. Thank you so much!

[@dwightpollock]

I can't thank you enough for the thought and work you put into the channel and vintage stereo. Having recently moved from Iowa, I thought I could find other stores easily in bigger areas. That has not been the case unfortunately. Keep up the good work!

[@user-iu5fh8oz3v]

Thanks very much for your videos! You are providing a much needed service to music listeners everywhere!

[@matthiasmartin1975]

The bit about "Stereo Equipment Quality" - you put that so perfectly.

[@blue-sc1se]

Thanx for your expertise! On the topic of digital vs. vinyl: I have found that the dynamics of the music to be superior on CDs. We used to use a dbx expander to achieve that type of depth from vinyl at the store I worked in back in the day. Also, the obvious advantages of less noise and better durability made CDs my favorite.

[@oldunclemick]

Durability was (is) a big deal for me. I recorded all my records to cassette and played the cassettes to avoid the vinyl getting worn/damaged.

[@40mmSummarit]

Good, common-sense advice. No hype. Refreshing!

[@raymondgarafano8604]

For those into vinyl, ur probably always buying viny, do urself a favor, get a box of Q-tips and get a bottle, say Gatorade, add water and a few drops of dishwashing detergent, yup clean those grooves, you will see dust u never thought, you will get a much better sound and you will be doing your needle/stylus a big favor. Mr Skylab, two thumbs up on inspiring others with your love of music and vintage stereo.

[@atomkraft69]

kevin, no matter what, it's always a pleasure to hear what you say... greetings from Italy 😀😀

[@andykeena8767]

I am always sharing your videos with people that have vintage hi-fi questions. As you have covered a lot of great stuff from repairs to your favorites or things to watch out for in specific brands. Hopefully they have become fans.

[@jeffbrooke4892]

As Carole Kaye of The Wrecking Crew put it, digital recording solved all of the problems that engineers had been dealing with for years. Records can sound incredible in spite of their shortcomings, but yeah it takes a big investment in playback gear to get you there. I too like both formats however there's one format you'll never find me making a dive back into and that's the world of cassette tapes. Thanks again for another great program.

[@keysersoze7291]

How about making a dive into 8-track tapes? To me, that's the biggest crap format.

[@_R_o_n_a_l_d_]

Hi, This is teh first video on your channel that I watched, since I just discovered your channel. Man was I amazed to see one of the most sincere and honest videos I've seen so far on YT, no audiophile bs, no pretentious opinion, just sharing information and knowledge, this is cool. Keep up the good work, YT needs more like this. Best regards from Amsterdam.

[@davidt8438]

Usually I hate it when a you tube video has the host video himself for the whole video and hardly shows what he is talking about like he’s a star. But in your case I don’t mind because you’re talking about interesting things that you feel in the heart and you feel is right and most of all you are trying to help others that may not have the knowledge or experience to make the right decisions. Thanks for keeping it honest.

[@robmaxfield780]

I enjoy your weekly videos! I knew some things about vintage stereos as I grew up listening to my father’s Pioneer SX-1500T and other equipment of his but I never got in deep until this year. I’ve learned a ton and bought a ton of Pioneer gear. I’ve also made a few new friends getting into the hobby as well. Learning and talking to others has probably been the most fun aspect of it overall. Keep up the great and informative vids!

[@johnpeace971]

Another thing you don't mention when talking about mastering in the 80s is record companies started mixing for cassettes to be played on boom boxes. No rock or pop music in the 80s had any bass, and I think this is part of what spurred rap producers to bring the bass back

[@user-fj7np8ol5s]

Thanks for taking the time to make these videos. I love learning about vintage stereo equipment & your channel is one of the best in this field.

[@johnstump2433]

Thank you Kevin for the kind words about your viewers and you are very appreciated on this end!

[@Winterfell1066]

I completely agree with your assessment about vinyl. I love it. I think I have 9 or 10 turntables? Not all of them work great. I have about 3000 Albums. Classic rock, plus jazz, show tunes, classical. I buy almost any albums that are in fantastic condition. I sit there, listen to them, look at the cover, look at the liner notes just like you described. Some.... I will never listen to again. Some have changed my thoughts on particular genres. For convenience, I listen to CDs a lot too. It is also a little nostalgic to me and for a while I was able to pick them up for very little money. I love vintage audio and love your channel. We had a few stereo stores in Jackson MS. Mainly Hooper Sound for higher end and then Radio Shack. I used to ride my bike to them before I got my license.

[@casesimmons2645]

Love your videos you seem very honest and to be able to admit your passed mistakes proves that keep up the great work

[@Sunrayman123]

Kevin, You remind me of everybody's best High School friend who went on with the stuff and now you are the GURU on the You Tube! Keep On Truckin, Man!!!

[@passacaglia28]

I can't express how much I enjoy your channel and look forward to your newest videos!

[@mikecampbell5856]

I always look forward to your videos. Vintage audio is my favorite subject and you cover it so well. In 1985 my wife surprised me with a CD player for my birthday. I fell in love with it and never looked back. I sold most of my vinyl and about 25 years ago gave my turntable to my son. Now if a manufacturer could come up with a device that could add clicks, pops, scratch and surface noise to my CDs.... Just kidding, my son loves vinyl and I think vinyl is cool, but it's just not for me.

[@jonathanhernandez4304]

Another good KZbin post. Old vs New, Vinyl vs Digital are strictly preferences. Some days I put on a record, other times I steam from my digital playlist. I find older recordings like "Papa was a rolling stone" have a great mix in quad/ stero separation, and I have found new music with a great prodution mix. A prefer the older mixes however but I think its mostly out of years of brain memory and being familiar with the nuance's in the mix.

[@steveswell1]

I signed in just to reply. Papa just sounds so damn good anyway, right? LOL And I couldn't agree with you more abou the OG mixes. They are imprinted in our minds and that's the way we want to hear 'em. Kinda like replacing a cherry vintage Camaro with a "new" one...nah, thanks!

[@boeticusmaximus]

I think your comments are for the most part positive and thoughtful because music soothes the soul...

[@supermopar7497]

I love it when you put out a new clip. I’ve learned a lot. But I’m building a vintage stereo that was my dream when I was a kid. Now I can afford it. It’s just my dream machine.

[@brucecoyle2565]

I really enjoy your videos and I can’t know how hard it is to make a video. You have taught me quite a bit about vintage gear and will continue to watch and I’m also close enough to come visit. Good job Kevin

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks Bruce. Always good to see you and your wife.

[@luckytech7186]

I really enjoy your videos. I learned decades ago about the power rating deceptions. I have a 150 watt/channel Pioneer and a pair mach ones if i want to rock the neighborhood, but the stereo i listen to every day is an old school 7 watt/channel and a very efficient pair of 8" bookshelf speakers. sound is fantastic and plenty loud for every day listening. Agree with your vinyl vs digital perspective 100 %. I still enjoy the tactile experience of playing records, but most of the time listening through Bluetooth adapter to the vintage equipment. Looking forward to more videos.

[@MarvinHartmann452]

A 10W channel tube amplifier (or solid state) with sensitive speakers can be very loud.

[@mikechivy]

I’d recommend getting a WiiM mini over playing through Bluetooth. It allows lossless wireless streaming. Significantly better than Bluetooth

[@gimble447]

You are so right in what you say, I’m your age ( 50 and n April 24) served my audio engineer apprenticeship in the early 90s where it was at the last big hurrah of still seeing gear from the early 70s onwards on a daily basis come in for servicing/ repair was the “norm” ( I’m based in the UK) I like you know my stuff but I most certainly still don’t know everything and am the first person to admit that, but my word some of the utter nonsense I see online is throughly mind blowing, I try my best to just keep out of it and “ do as I do” but honestly it’s no wonder that some people are so misguided with the utter minefield of complete and utter misinformation that is presented as “ fact” it’s actually truly laughable really, it’s been refreshing to find your channel, keep up the great work.

[@NoEgg4u]

For a proper analog vs. digital comparison, the turntable equation is tricky -- because there are many factors that determine how good a record will sound. Here are three: 1) Who set up the turntable, and did they know what they were doing? If you just plop down the turntable, and start playing records, you will likely get noticeably inferior sound quality. For a record to sound its best, all of the following must be dialed in with precision: -- the effective length of the tone-arm -- the cartridge's weight -- the vertical tracking alignment / rake angle -- the anti-skating -- the overhang -- the offset -- the zenith angle -- the cartridge's azimuth. If any of the above are out of alignment, by the slightest amount, then your sound quality will suffer. It will probably take a turntable guru approximately 90 minutes of tedious work to professionally dial in a turntable. But when done right, you will be rewarded with ear candy. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for your stylus to rub in exactly the right places within the record's groove. And then there is a possible manufacturing issue with some cartridges (even some multi-thousand dollar cartridges). Some manufacturers install the stylus into the cantilever at an improper angle, and will be beyond anything you can adjust to compensate for the improper stylus position. This will be more prevalent with mass produced cartridges -- but it sometimes happens with high-end cartridges, too. Last item for #1 is to isolate your turntable from vibrations / feedback. If, when you turn up the volume, you get any hum, that will kill the sound quality. Even if you hear no hum, you might still have some feedback. After I put my turntable on some bearings, my sound quality improved. There are also shelves that are built to isolate your turntable (or any other gear) from vibrations. It gets expensive. But the quality shelves really work. I do not own one, but have heard in-person demonstrations. 2) Phono amp. A phono amp is just as important as a pre-amp, or power amp. The better ones get pricey. If your manufacturer skimped on the phono amp (such as, if you have a receiver with a built-in phono amp, and the manufacturer put 5% of its cost into the phono stage), then your sound quality will reflect that level of design. 3) Most vinyl pressings suck, sound quality wise. You can have a dream turntable, professionally set-up, and it will sound lifeless with many, many, many records. But when you land a gem of a record, your stereo will sound like it just tripled in price. A pressing can make your stereo sound like it is playing re-produced music. Or... Your pressing can make your stereo sound like it is not there -- that you are in the studio with the band. Unfortunately, the pressing gems are the exception. Most pressings have sub-par sound quality. And even if you find a gem, it might have outstanding sound quality on only one of its two sides. How one side sounds has almost no relationship to how good the other side will sound. If you get everything right with the turntable, phono amp, and pressings (as well as cleaning the pressings), you will be rewarded with a wonderful listening experience. The above is hard to achieve, making digital a better choice for most folks. Digital has its own issues, including that most digital releases have sub-par sound quality (what the heck goes on in the studios?). But bang for the buck, as well as convenience, digital is the best bet for most folks. Good video!

[@hugobloemers4425]

Hi Kevin, I remember that back in the heyday of the record player the discussions direct drive versus belt drive where already passionate. So in a way, the story just continues. It is also nice to be passionate about something :) BTW, back in the day, there where also similar discussions about straight tone arms versus S shaped tone arms :D Perhaps less of a topic today, but back in the 80's, there would also be heated debates on whether the high end cassette decks had overtaken the reel to reel recorders, with passionate advocates on both sides.

[@francescotenti193]

Another great video and, like in the past, very humble and full of good information. I love vintage gear, I gave a shot at an amp with raging reviews here on KZbin but after 1 month I returned it today because my SX780 is far better sounding and looking. Great channel, keep it going, thank you.

[@sirsuse]

Kevin, your channel rocks! I love and appreciate that you speak from the experience you have. I also can tell that you speak honestly. If I lived closer I would definitely visit your store.

[@jimlong3448]

Thanks Kevin, I always enjoy watching your Skylabs videos and this is another good one. Great to see you take the time to debunk the misconceptions that are out there. I've been in the audio/video retail and integration business for over 40 years and have heard all of your examples as well. Education and experience will always cut through the crap.

[@jcs3451]

I certainly appreciate your effort to debunk vintage stereo myths. It is a fun hobby and your information is really helpful.

[@AndyBHome]

I feel like you summed up my own thoughts about vinyl versus digital beautifully. I think it's much more about the master than the format, AND the interaction of any given master with the specific system that you're playing on. What I've been saying to people for years is: vinyl has been more than good enough since the late '60s, IF you are using good enough equipment. Very basic cheap turntables aren't as good as very well made models. That was the beauty of the CD - even cheap CD players sound pretty good, relatively speaking.

[@Joe-mz6dc]

I am a guitar player so I own a DAW and it's super fun to listen to very high resolution digital audio. 24-bit 192 kilohertz. It's not a question of digital versus vinyl so much as quality versus lack of quality. I think a lot of people did not like CDs when they came out because they had bad experiences with Hardware or bad CDs. A quality system should be able to play any type of audio and make people happy.

[@fredjoel8113]

Thank you for the good, honest commentary. Audio has been a passion for me even in my pre-teen years, starting with a 'Voice of Music' (VM) tape recorder with tube electronics. I hung around audio shops drooling over equipment and chatting with people there. Lafayette Radio Electronics stores also provided equipment and interesting accessories as well as quality well-known brands often mentioned here. Working a paper route provided money to buy equipment. At that time I'd usually buy the electronic components, then build my own loudspeakers after much research and reading magazines like Audio, High Fidelity, High Fidelity, Popular Electronics, and then Stereophile, Audio Amateur and Speaker Builder as well as various books. This led to my decision to become an Electrical Engineer. Of course I made a stereo power amplifier for my college senior design project. At one point I co-owned a stereo shop. It was great meeting people, and I got to play and test a lot of gear. I set up many turntables, did repairs, and even build and modified equipment. (Somewhat now over-looked are American-made products by Dynaco and Hafler.) This took me on a path to work with sound for live bands, and as well as involvement with discotheque equipment and DJ work, which then branched into radio stations and mobile sound. As they say, "Those were the days." It's been interesting to watch "audio" evolve. Thankfully equipment from that era was well-made so much has survived for us to enjoy!

[@kyomori]

I tend to be 80% vinyl ... "Ritualistic" reasons. Completely agree with your comments on mastering. Fwiw, I've stopped trying to make vinyl sound like a CD and vise versa.. each playback medium has its own virtues. One misconception I cringe at is the notion of "Pure Audio means 'original sound playback'". It may be useful when playing recordings of birds chirping or thunderstorms etc. (not my thing.. really) but I don't know that such thing as "original sound" playback can exist for musical playback unless you were in a live studio (or in the producer's head). Everything is coloured to a certain extent via one's playback equipment and, ultimately, ears. At the end of the day, it is just stereo equipment, as you say, and whatever sounds good to your own ears is the right thing. Thanks always for the fun videos, I try to watch whenever I see new ones uploaded. You may not be the all-knowing master of audio equipment, but your providing a forum for thought and curiosity is very much appreciated.

[@billwoods9302]

An aspect of the wattage myth that you forgot to mention is the importance of current in the output stage. A high current, low wattage amp will sound thicker, fuller and more controlled at reasonable listening levels than a low current, high wattage amp. Cheers!

[@richardrose2606]

Correct. Wattage is average power (RMS) and current is peak power. My first receiver was an Advent 300 with a number of interesting features such as an FM only tuner and a pre-amp out/main amp in capability. It was only rated at 15 watts but was high current.

[@mr.hamiltom5440]

The nature of the output sound is more dependent on the speaker design and whether you can exactly match the amplifier power to that design. A lower watt - mid current design works extremely well for very high efficiency (96db+) in my experience. The best advice is get the best speakers that meet your taste and than get the components that will run them.

[@mkshffr4936]

​@@richardrose2606Well in truth current isn't power at all but it is true that for inductive drive (most) speaker's the cone's motion is determined by current. In the real world the amplifier and speaker are a team and the impedance curve and sensitivity of the speaker must be compatible with the output characteristics of the amp.

[@patmeadows4759]

Well done Kevin. I just restored (as far as cleaning, lamps, and Deoxit controls) on a friends Yamaha 1010, plus restored the wood & new crossover caps on NLA Advent speakers. They added a iFi Zen Blue Bluetooth interface and they are super happy on the sound.

[@markgettemeyer1145]

You’re absolutely right - we do change; we change because we learn. And if that means I say something different than I said at an earlier time, I’ve learned something and adjusted my thinking. We’re all learning and growing together - I started watching your channel last year. You unknowingly guided me through finding a gorgeous Marantz receiver, and helped me decide which turntable to buy as a companion piece. I learned from you sharing your knowledge and experience, and it enlightened my decision making process. Guides are everywhere in our lives - And as a result of your guidance, the vinyl in our house sounds nothing short of remarkable. Thank you for this channel 🙏🏼

[@steveallen489]

Kevin,,, you do a wonderful job with your videos. Your humble spirit shines through and you just come across as an old friend trying to help people with this hobby of stereo equipment. You are so spot on in this one about how music in the 60's and 70's was listened to in the home. I am over 60yo now and everyone's house in the neighborhood had a console system or separates. I have seen a pretty good amount of quality pieces of gear at estate sales in the past 10 years, and even bought a few of these myself. Thanks for your voice in this space!

[@alm5693]

You're the same kind of collector that I am. I was buying vinyl all through the period where people were selling their LPs to replace them with CD's. That was kind of a mini-golden age for record buyers. I also have both CD and LP versions of my most played or favorite albums. Some record companies produced really inferior pressings in the 70's thru the 90's, and CDs are much more convenient.

[@allpaulsfault]

I’m about to turn 50 in a few weeks. You have a great channel. I’m always learning something new everyday. Thank you for the store!

[@r.evanmiller1030]

Thanks for the great content! Really enjoy what you are up to and the dedication to the vintage rehab. Helps me learn even more!!

[@tomreidy1237]

I always enjoy your videos and visiting your shop is on my bucket list. Keep up the great work.

[@adsbadsb9488]

Just that cool relaxed way you explain things. That is a hit in itself. You never come across as knowing all, but share things you do know as a professional tech and hobbiest. You let's us know it is in your opinion, and you may change it as you too learn. That calm voice of reason and oassion. Keep up the great videos.

[@skylabsaudio]

I appreciate that!

[@mickconroy1741]

First Skylabs video I’ve watched. Great info, very useful, much appreciated!

[@Dieterzimmerer123]

Thanks for sharing your experience and opinions with us. It's been very informative and educational.

[@rickhunt3183]

Back when I used a turntable mine weighed 40 pounds and had shock absorbers for the feet. Every time an album is played you do a little damage to it. That's caused by a diamond or a sapphire traveling those soft grooves in a record and they produce wear. You can track light, maybe 1/2 gram but that makes the tone arm more susceptible to bass resonance which leads to feedback and the tonearm skipping. Let's not forget you're going to want to spend as much as you can afford on a cartridge. In my day it was either a high dollar shure or audio technical and they both had different sound signatures (usually ). And let's not forget having to wash the disk before use and then using an anti-static gun on the disk before playing. as well as manually adjusting the speed of the platter unless you had a phase-locked loop direct drive turntable. After all that you only have to worry about surface noise from a poorly manufactured disk and the albums naturally wanting to warp from storage. Compact Disk were the audio break through that audiophiles were waiting for.

[@stephentrust2241]

Love your channel, keep it rolling

[@thomaskendall452]

Great perspective and observations, Kevin! Your videos are my Sunday morning go-to!

[@madspecv]

Great Video, it's nice to see that someone dosent go " Vinyl are better sounding" right off the bat. You are absolutely right, it all depends on the system and tu use you make of it. I have a 45-year-old Sansui G-6000 and I just love it. Got it completely recapped last year, I'll try to get another 45 years out of it! Paired with some Kef's 105.4, this system sounds amazing for what it is. I stream, have cd's and also have a record player (Rega P6 paired with a Hana SL cart and a Moon LP110 V2 phono pre amp). Not a bad setup but still, I have cd's that sound better, it is what it is. Keep up the good work, love the videos. Cheers

[@billcox1962]

I love your channel. I recently discovered it. I have watched almost all. I bought an Onkyo 1500 mkII based on your video about receivers under $300 (I paid $39) and I love it. Thank you. I have learned so much. Now when I go to a vintage record and stereo show I have knowledge. Thanks

[@claudel5670]

Thanks for this video man, I really appreciate and learning each time I watch😁

[@jackiecooley8812]

Thank you Kevin I enjoy your video’s. I’ve been into HiFi since my teens. I loved hitting the Stereo shops back in the 70’s. Once went to one in Enid Ok that sold McIntosh equipment I was blown away! I’ve listened to other podcast talking about HiFi equipment but they generally talk over my head. You bring it down to earth and easy to understand. Keep up the good work. If I’m ever in Des Moines‘s plan to visit your store.

[@TheBenztownM]

As a kid in the early 80s here in German, you would desperately wait for your church confirmation. Because then you would get enough mone gifted to buy your stereo system. :) We were spending hours and hours in stereo shops and going though each catalogue we could get from Marantz, Yamaha, Denon ,Pioneer et al. At the end I got a low/mid priced Onkyo receiver and tape deck and a couple of average loudspeakers for my money. My dad recognized that I was a bit dissapointed that I couldn't effort a record player. So he bought me a Denon DP 59L which was drastically reduced but still cost the same as the entire rest of my system! Man, I was that grateful and proud. Years later the needle broke and CDs wer on their rise. So I wrapped the Denon, stored and forgot it. Last year my dad got seriously ill and I remembered the Denon. I purchased a DL-103 and got the Denon seviced a couple of weeks before my dad died. He was so happy, when he saw the pictures. The Denon has now a prominent location in my appartment and it will always remind me of my dad.

[@robertpurdy4452]

I agree with all your talking points. I've been a hi-fi enthusiast since the late '70s and currently own a mix of vintage and new gear. I'm over in Cedar Rapids and finally have a house where I can let my gear breathe as loud or soft as I want whenever I want, and to me, that's the holy grail - a space where you don't have to worry about anything but which album to listen to. I really enjoy your take on gear.