Gear of the Year 2022 (No Sponsors, intros, outros!)

[@cheapaudioman]

Emotiva B2+ bit.ly/3zNZltO WIIM Pro amzn.to/3vbCBR9 J2 geshelli.com/product/jnog2/ Aiyima A08 Pro amzn.to/3FTBqLh Support the Channel by Shopping on Amazon amzn.to/3W8vsgK Cheap Audio Man Store Front shop.howl.me/cam Join the best hifi community out there! www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman TRY ROON roonlabs.com/r/RTmYWdCP9kitqouBa5pcIw Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF Amazon Unlimited Music Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9 Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH amzn.to/3GkNaop CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5

Last night when logged in on Amazon, it offered me a super reduced price on the WiiM Mini, down to USD 79, valid for just 5 minutes!

[@FlyGuy457]

It's a funny thing. Your first few videos I had made fun of you. And since, almost all of my equipment purchases have been based on your recommendations. So, full circle, I value your opinion and your honesty. Don't lose the real audio guy inside of you. I always sense no BS. Good day and happy Holidays.

[@LeoRousseau]

Randy has definitely come a long way and learned a lot along the journey. I still think of his first few videos compared to now. His confidence is definitely there!

[@conanshinn8348]

I enjoyed his early videos. I thought they were really funny and informative,

[@jamms2966]

Take a trip to ASR instead of buying on subjective advice. Paid reviews are not reliable.

[@kevinmounce7705]

I'll admit I was thinking the same thing. Now, he is my go to Guy for all things audio.

[@LeoRousseau]

@@jamms2966 I'm all set with ASR

[@abxaudiophiles]

Looking forward to a great and amazing 2023 for CAM NATION!!!! Cheers Randy.

[@cheapaudioman]

You and me both!

[@cpta03]

Happy Holidays and thank you for your videos! I bought the Geshelli Labs J2 DAC based on your review and I couldn’t be more pleased with this purchase. So, I bought the Geshelli Labs A2.5XL headphone amp. What a great combination and I believe I will not need to upgrade in the foreseeable future. The best part is that Gino and Sherri offer the excellent customer support and I try to support companies manufacturing products in the USA.

[@persca1]

Randy, I have been on youtube for many years and never felt subscribing to any channels. Yours is the very first. You are genuine and honest. I enjoy watching your channel. Please do not change. All the best to you.

[@thomasriley5675]

congrats! he’s a good one to lose your subscrinity to

[@JohnScheppler]

Great wrap up on the best of for 2022 and can't wait to see all the things to come in 2023.

[@thomasdix8453]

Merry Christmas, Randy. Thank you for all your reviews. Greatly appreciate the humorous, no bs approach to your videos. All the best.

[@MrLoup24]

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year Randy. Thanks for the entertainment and info.

[@brettb5257]

Well Mr Randy, upon your excitement of the Geshelli Labs J2 DAC with the AKM chip ... I finally got one today. I have it paired with a WiiM Pro (hard wire ethernet) ... and streaming Tidal. Blue Jeans Cables coaxial interconnect bringing the two together. All I can say is "I get it now" - the music sounds INCREDIBLE. I appreciate your channel and all of the effort you put into it. This purchase has made a significant difference in my system (and life!) - thank you!!! Wish I made the move sooner!

[@rosswellman7224]

Can’t wait to get my DAC of the year. I really rate your reviews. Bought the Fluance turntable earlier this year and it’s great.

[@byopp100]

I have learned more over this past year about affordable hi fi than ever before! Thanks for all the advice, I have my Wiim mini, Soundcore earbuds and Aiyma Amp and am happy to have them.

[@vicentezuno9335]

Hey Randy! Just wanted to pop in to say I really enjoy watching your videos. I subscribed back in 2020 when I first looked into the Sony SSCS5 speakers. Decided it wasn't the right time and just came back recently to find you've gone full time on KZbin! Great job man! Thanks to you this Christmas I'll enjoy my upgraded system with the SSCS5s and the new Aiyima T9 Pro. Keep up the good work!

[@nacho7742]

Which dac or preamp is recommended to pair with T9 pro?

[@cheapaudioman]

Thanks! Appreciate you watching, my friend

[@stevezeidman7224]

Great year, Randy! Had a huge amount of fun watching!

[@joergwittenberg2178]

Thanks for the good reviews this year. Keep on doing your job. Wishing you a good Christmas and a happy new year. Stay healthy and enjoy your holidays. Cheers

[@hamiltonmackenzie3340]

Thanks from the UK buddy, LOVE your posts and have a geshelli J2 winging its way to me as we speak, thanks to you! Happy Christmas brother

[@cheapaudioman]

Rock on!

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Came to this a bit late - but still, a whole hour of thecheapaudioman! My cup runneth over. Thanks Randy ❤️

[@DavidPluimer]

I've had my Aiyima T9 and Emotiva B1+ combo running for a week now. Super impressive, even on the built in Bluetooth (WIIM Pro comes tomorrow). Shockingly full sounds (see: We The People by Tribe Called Quest) and nice detail (see: Play Crack the Skye by Brand New). Thanks, Randy.

[@andrewbrazier9664]

Enjoy 👍

[@fahmieoracle]

Your video quality is getting better and better 👍

[@Aloshaladi]

Hi Randy, I've been watching your videos almost since the beginning, really happy for your progress and being able to work as a FT youtuber. Great work, keep it fun, keep it cheap.

[@SuperRhondalynn]

Merry Christmas Randy and family!

[@cheapaudioman]

Same to you!

[@rosswellman7224]

My Geshelli labs Dac has just arrived. So inciteful and much more bass than my Topping. Brilliant. Thanks for the recommendation even though it cost me over £70 for the import to UK still well worth it.

[@phillamoore157]

How long did it take for you to get it, Ross. I want to get one, but they have yet to answer me on the wait times.

[@shipsahoy1793]

In the days before stereo, the 6SN7 was a twin triode with a lower amplification factor used to drive power stages, so it could be good for this application. In the 60’s, the tube was obsoleted by the 12AU7, very similar electrically, but in a cheaper and smaller form factor. Eventually the 12AX7 twin triode with a higher amplification factor was typically used. Sometimes a 12AT7 is used as the phase splitter driving a push pull power stage to excite the primary of the output transformer.

[@johnchamberlin7837]

Thanks to you (and others) I have become a big fan of Emotiva - I have the TA-1, the B1+ speakers, and their CD player - I mostly play CDs. I love all their equipment - my/their system sounds great.

[@bsbabcock]

Have a very merry Christmas. I especially like all those stockings. That’s a good and proper big crew. Nice!

[@nastysavage9907]

I'm on board my friend!!! New sub and happy to be here. Your approach and content is refreshing to see. Thanks for the shout out for any and all small businesses in Florida! We get a bad rap sometimes. Unfortunately, it's often deservedly so. Lol. Love your video content and thanks for looking out for the hard working, on a budget, common man and women trying to get the most out of their money. I would have never thought these things were affordable and so many options available. Not until I saw your approach and the products I was unaware of. Your ideas are going to save me so much time and money. Keep up the good work.

[@garymcguire9463]

Thanks!

[@bwithrow011]

Randy, we are similar. A friend describes me as a wonderful goofball and has said talking to me is like a trip to the amusement park!

[@MrTimmyGT]

Hey man, I know I'm a few months late here but I just started to dip my toes into the vast ocean of this hobby and I'm happy I found your channel. Good for you going full time on yt! I wish you the best. I have too many hobbies and blow waaay too much money on them lol. I was glad to find that I could enjoy this one for around a $500 budget and have a great experience. I started with just buying a decent IEM, Moondrop Katos. And just those alone plugged into my phone blew me away. Then I picked up a simple dongle dac, Muse M3, and...wow. Honestly I'm good now, lol. I think some time in the future I will get a Geshelli amp and dac for the house and call it a day.

[@onefatstratcat]

While I'm watching your vid I'm listening to the Andy Williams Xmas album... now I'm in the spirit.. Everyone have a wonderful Christmas! :)

[@jwilson086]

I met the Geshelli labs family at Florida Audio Fest and they could not have been nicer. I left feeling like I need to buy some of their products even though I have no use for them. Maybe the 2 channel speaker amp once it’s available.

[@djconnect1]

Merry Christmas. You have entertained me every week this year. Thanks 🙏

[@johnbayfield7979]

Only found your channel today. so pleased I did. Excellent videos... Thank you

[@Zapone13]

Ok, I just purchased the Airmotiv T2+ speakers. Currently using Mission 770 Freedom speakers that I bought new in the 80’s. Time for an upgrade…hope it’s as good as everyone says!

[@mastergivenn]

Great video Randy. Since technology is moving on,for 2023 is time to test room correction DSPs. Dirac based like MiniSsp and the others. A wonderful 2023 everybody.

[@andrewbrazier9664]

I really enjoy watching the Cheap Audioman video series 👍😊 These are tough times for many of us, so I would say don't worry if you can't afford to upgrade your hi Fi right now. If you've any kit you haven't used for ages then why not hook it up & experiment with your speaker positioning & re-visit music 🎶 you haven't played in a good while Wishing Cheap Audio Man & all followers a good 2023 👍🙂 🇬🇧

[@markearnshaw7178]

Hey, same to you brother ! : )

[@DrGIzmoBRad]

Went the route of 'Less is More' ~ Meridian's Director DAC (SPDIF/USB) for CD transports and Laptop audio in home systems, and Meridian's Explorer 2, HRT dSP DACs (USB only) for headphone systems. It got to the point where I just wanted to 'plug & play' w/ no x-tra features or remotes.

[@dsonyay]

Emotiva anything.. they out out great products. I’ve yet to hear any of their speakers but have been through much of their home audio geat over the years. Have settled on their XPA and matching preAmp (I forget the model, but it’s an all analog preamp). I have their CD100 as well for occasional CD play

[@HeyYall398]

You are my goto person for buying audio and HT gear.

[@det0nator]

I plan on buying one for each of my kids.

[@carlsitler9071]

I just tweeked my gear to reach BASS HEAD heaven. I turned on "hi pass" on my BasX to run Triad LCRs then split the sub out. One pair to my Aiyima A07 to power just the 15" woofers of my Marantz speakers and the other side I sent to my JBL sub with the low pass set at 50 hz. BOOM! Now I have bass control and sub bass control. Plus, the MTMs are sounding cleaner and the sound stage is wider and deeper.

[@david300m]

Thank you for all your hard work. Merry Christmass.

[@PonchoPeter]

Love the channel, going forward i would really love move “home Theater” reviews, amps, subs, Oh’MY!!!! Congrats on the new KZbin Job!!!!!

[@hifi-photo-Brian]

Randy! You are thee HiFi KZbinr of the year! Happy Holidays! Cheers!🔊🎶🤘😎🏆

[@robertwoodward9231]

Good year Randy. Happy holidays.

[@josephsee5435]

Per your recommendation, I recently purchased a WiiM Pro and I gotta say the thing is amazing! Setup was a snap. The WiiM app is fast and very well done. I connected it to a Project Pre Box Digital S3 via an optical cable. Streaming Qobuz through it, the sound is sublime. Thanks for all of your reviews, I just love your down to earth and honest approach.

[@TMERUNNR]

WHAT!!!??? NO MAN SCAPE SPONSORSHIP!! I'M OUT OF HERE!!! LOL... Have a Merry Christmas fellow Fort Worth Dude!!!

[@SickTheory]

I have a similar setup in my living room, went from 5.1.2 to 7.1.2 with the new sony az5000es reciever. Upgraded the sound now its time to move up to a 77" oled tv. Gonna come down to either a G3 or one of the sony oleds, i currently have a 65 QFN8.

[@jasonarsenault3791]

Great stuff. Thanks for compiling it all. Suggestion for 2023. Would love for you to do a beginners video. Explaining terms like amp/watt/ohms/and everything else haha.

[@andrewbrazier9664]

That's a great idea 👍

[@chuckcribbs3398]

I’m so glad hifi is coming back. I bought my first system in 1983 after working at a factory all summer before heading off to college. I needed a real component system (for the dorm stereo wars) and even thought I only spent $400, I was blown away. I think I wore out my cassette of The Police’s Zenyatta Mondatta. I have to get back into hifi. Trying to put together a decent system for $2000. Thanks for your help!

[@shipsahoy1793]

Having the Elac BS41’s here (hear lol) for a while now, I can tell you that they really shine on stands and into the room running at 75 to 90 dBA SPL. Too loud and you lose bass from compression and too low they sound slightly anemic or dull, but can be compensated with some bass and treble shelf boosts. That said, at around 60 dBA they make excellent late night speakers. They also have texturally interesting midrange for a 2-way. Great speaker for the money. The bass literally punches deeper than it should for its price and has decent tone. The little woofer does respond better after some extended mechanical exercise.

[@DavidZack-Jeephead]

I picked up a pair of the Elac BS-41 speakers and really like them. I still like my Sony Css5 speakers but something about the Elacs have me shelving the Sony for the time being. Build quality seems really good and there is something about the bass that caught my ear. Even without my powered sub on, there seems to be a decent amount of bass in my small listening room. Of course powering up the sub and tweaking the midrange a tad sounds awesome.

[@NorCal-yeti]

Merry Christmas Randy

[@thomas_n_OH]

I found you when searching for bookshelf speaker reviews. Went with the B1+ and was not disappointed. Happy holidays and thanks for the great reviews!

[@andrewbrazier9664]

Don't appear to be available in UK 🇬🇧

[@jamespavier1624]

I am in Australia I have 2 Emotiva amps and a Magni HP amp, costly to send here but they are great amps. Your reviews help me with some of these brands and your humour sets off the videos.

[@mladenbasic1]

Great video quality in the living room!

[@adrianbarac3063]

Superb work. Thank you! 🙌

[@markmason3535]

Randy, please do a video explaining Apple Airplay 2. Another reviewer explained how you lose quality with Airplay 2 versus connecting your phone or other device directly to your DAC. I sort of understood it, but I would love to hear your explanation. I would love to be able to stream Apple music without quality loss and without my phone being held hostage physically connected to my SCH----KIT (lol) DAC. I also think I understand that this problem can be solved by switching to Qobuz or another service (which I have considered), but I really enjoy some of the features of Apple Music. Thanks for all the great videos.

[@jhayd11]

Be careful with the Aiyima A08 Pro! I bought one to use RCA input only. The bluetooth is always on, and some idiot paired to it. It now automatically pairs and kills the RCA inputs. My unit is basically bricked now. Looks like they learned from them on the new A07 Pro which has a bluetooth switch (CAM review soon please?).

[@GT-Diaries]

The Emotiva B2+ has been a great speaker, great recommendation.

[@mbstxb7579]

Was excited to see the Schitt stuff, however you spell that, being from Corpus

[@msderay]

I got a WiiM mini for Xmas, after seeing not-the-cheapaudioman also recommend it. Wow wow wow. Count me in the cult. Definitely awesome. I haven't slaved it to my DAC yet (different system), but it's functionality alone (even through the stock op amp) is great.

[@Untilitpases]

Hi Randy, since folks at emotiva seem to hear you, please ask them to release a white version of B2+. Their looks are holding me (& I guess a lot of people) back. Thank you for all the work you do and Merry Christmas!

[@stereoazimuth]

White?

[@Untilitpases]

@@stereoazimuth yes.

[@andrewbrazier9664]

I've I new pair of white stand mounts in a narrow dining room area - definitely blend in betters than the dark pair they replaced 👍

[@featme7931]

just wanted to say ty. followed ur advice so fricken happy 😁

[@bryanstael2629]

Thanks for your reviews! The popular budget speakers in my region seems to be a bit more expensive. What would you recommend giving following prices? Sony scss5: 200euro Jamo s803: 210euro Polk ES15: 200euro. Polk Monitor XT15: 180euro (on sale for 90euro) Watched all your budget speaker reviews but price context might skew your opinion.

[@donjaun540]

Very nice. I like to some day sample those speakers if I can find them somewhere. Emotiva looks pretty good.

[@sugermaple536]

Love your videos. Definitely appreciate the honesty and integrity. Your videos (and some from other utubers) led me to purchase and build the css criton 1tdx with superior crossover and mdf flatpack... Im finally done and they are sitting on top of my older PSB stratus golds from 2004.... driving them with a NAD 3045D class D streamer integrated amp (i think thats what its called?). Well my mind is now blown... i though that I would need over $10k to have my dream speakers... the total cost was just over $1k and they sound incredible good. But more importantly, exactly as you had described them so thank you and Merry Christmas!

[@DavidHorth]

Got the Wiim mini on your recommendation as I have a house of Sonos and wanted to move out of their locked in system. Now rocking Roon with the Wiim mini and loving it.

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

A very Merry Christmas to you, Sir. Thank you for all your good advice and effort to share it with us all.

[@cheapaudioman]

Happy holidays!

[@Roberto_MR]

Great channel. Greetings from Chile ✌🏼

[@HD-Tech]

Geshelli Labs J2 for DAC of the year. wow didnt see that one coming. Nott like it was mentioned that much throughout this year.

[@johnyancey9509]

Merry Christmas to you and ypurs.

[@aceofspades6667]

Got the wiim pro yesterday delivered from the CAM link. I have it hooked up to my Dac and integrated right now and streaming natively through Amazon app. It’s going toe to toe with the BlueSound node for sound quality. I love blue OS but the native amazon app is just better m.

[@freeradical6390]

"Real Veneer"...........reminds me of an SNL skit called "Lowered Expectations"

[@rambunctiousone9096]

Thanks Randy!

[@andrewfitzsimons8509]

I’m in the UK and would love to get my hands on one of those J2 DACs . Any suggestions??????

[@HossSchwab]

Hi Randy! Love your channel! I was wondering if you could do a video explaining what DACs are and when to use them, what Amps and preamps are and when and where to use them and the Geshelli headphone product. I have an older Toshiba receiver Sa-750, which I love. Just wondering if I need any of those things? Thanks Randy! Hoss

[@benf4803]

Randy watch and enjoy your channel all the time. I am new to the audiophile world and need some advice. I'm 76 tears old and enjoy listening to music. It is a big part of my life. I'm talking about real music and vocals. Music made with real instruments and vocals not overpowered by the music. Doris Day, Frank Sinatra , Perry Como and the big bands. I also enjoy country. I currently have a Sony STR-DE197 receiver which I believe puts out 100w per channel at 8 ohms. I recently purchased a Denon DP-450USB turntable and a pair of Focal Chora speakers. As you can tell I am in the process of developing a complete system. I would like to round out my system with a streamer and cd player. The Bluesound Node has been suggested. But after watching your videos I am leaning to the Geshelli dac and the Wiim Pro streamer. I have a Sony High end DVD player which if I can figure out how to hook it up whould play my cd's or I am leaning towards the Emotiva you recently reviewed . What do you think. By the way you strongly resemble Tom Selleck(just for fun) Thanks

[@MrCharlesray]

That’s sensational, great news mate! Really happy for you, will the shop now be open to the public to go in and visit?

[@arturomty9969]

I just order a Topping A50 dac but I think it doesn't have BT as you say. Thanks for great recomendations!!!

[@classeirehall845]

Merry X-mas

[@jimibird1]

Have a great Xmas Randy

[@cheapaudioman]

you too, brother

[@michaelkaasbundgaard7798]

NAD amplifiers have been among the best for more than 45 years. Remember NAD 3020 !!! And they are very. Cheap ! I have got C316BEE !!!

[@shaunyweaver1144]

Randy If you can please review the SMSL A300 this little amp just does the business . Thanks for all your reviews this year and telling it how it is . On your review I went for the Wharfedale Evo 4.2 and its a Wow of a speaker . Looking forward to what's out there in 2023 ..

[@ifeanyidede2106]

Agreed. If the SMSL A300 and the Sabaj A10a were in the mix the AO8 can't win.

[@eulldog]

2023 would be a great year to start reviewing pro audio stuff!

[@ashman0071]

Thumbs up - I really enjoy your channel and I'm not even in the market for any more audio gear - or so I think ; P

[@ItsaRomethingeveryday]

I picked up a set of Sony speakers rated at 200wpc ten in, they sound really good, I worked with a guy that looks nearly identical to you, and his audio knowledge is most impressive also,

Excellent compilation, btw please do a review of chi fi pre amps, like the ones from Nobsound and Fosi Audio. And look up for the DropxTopping E30ii, USD 129 for 2xAKMs!

[@AG-bp3ll]

I picked up a Modi+ and I'm very impressed with it. It has a Sabre chip but to me it doesn't have the standard Sabre sound I have heard with other devices like my LG G7 phone.

[@ronaldshy9905]

I have been following your channel like a religion.(every weekend for a couple hours and once on Wednesday 😅) I have a 5.1 Monoprice system I bought 6 years ago for around $150. Prior I had a Pioneer SP BS22 complete system for about $600 but the Speakers were too big (depth) for my mounting locations and sounded great. I returned them and bought the Monoprice 10565 system. I am now looking at the RSL CG23 5.1 system which is only 6” deep and appears to be a perfect price and fit for my room. For the price, I am surprised you haven’t reviewed the Monoprice options. Is the upgrade to the RSL system worth the money?

[@rbnjr]

I would like to know if the Geshell sounds better than a schitt gungnir.. i hope it does so i can try that little jewel.

[@aridembo1693]

Merry Christmas Randy to you and your family. I wanted to thank you for the wonderful year of insightful and entertaining content that you have provided the past year. It is appreciated and I look forward to an exciting 2023. I wonder if you could take the time, when the mood takes you and suggest a capable DAC for the WIIM mini. Yes I know the DAC of the year is the Geshelli J2 ( I think I can recite that in my sleep:) ) but I am looking for some suggestions that are price appropriate for for the WIIM mini, the DAC should not cost more than $150. I was looking at the JDS Labs Atom+ or the Schiit Modi. Any thoughts? Once again thanks for all you do.

[@ForeverBlackCat]

Thanks for the video. I subscribed. I have three WiiM mini. They allow me to add Airplay 2 to gear.

[@robertendsley8312]

I too am in Florida by the way. So I have an integrated amplifier a Rega Elex-R. I have the premium Tidal on my iPhone. If I get the J2 how do I hook it up. What else do I need? Do I need a Bluesound Node and upgrade the DAC with the J2. I am s little confused as to what to do.

[@robertendsley8312]

I still don’t understand…

[@andrewbrazier9664]

Nice amplifier 🙂🇬🇧

[@faizalbaker343]

Hi My name is Faizal and I am a bid fan of your blog. I needed some advice from you regarding my equipment and what will be the best way to connect them. Using Klipsch pm 600m speakers a Klipsch subwoofer a Schiit Loki a d a schiit lokius Equlizer. I have a fluance turntable , a NAD 316bee v2 integrated amp and a Marantz 40n Ii just Dont want to screw up the equipment as I really want to integrate the Equalizer . Regards Faizal Baker Australia

[@redspectrenine9632]

It would really be cool if you split gear of the year into a Headphone setup and Monitor setup (or just split the Amp category). Being someone that lives in an apartment I use headphones to cut back on noise, I'm sure I'm not the only one who has opted against monitors for that reason. Seems like there is a bias toward monitor specific gear here. Regardless I love your content. Used some of your other videos to start the audiophile journey and look forward to watching more!

[@daveapex493]

Randy - please consider interviewing Paul of PSB - He seems very genuine and shares many of your concepts on lots of audio (sound) value for the money - Thanks - I got the tower version of that bookshelf and they are great.

[@marcosofsky2605]

An hour of the Randy Savage of the audio world! haha!!

[@aceofspades6667]

Did you review gustard r26 this year? That one is hard to ignore for Dac of the year. It’s at the tippy top for the price range in this channel but it’s a very capable r2r Dac for the $

[@esperago]

The talk about the tweeters on the Emotiva got me thinking about clarity. In general, do headphones offer better clarity due to their nature of both blocking sound and pushing the music directly into the ear? So, say you have a $600 pair of bookshelf speakers and a $600 set of headphones, will the headphones always be superior to the open air speakers, in terms of clarity? Or is there a factor in not considering? Do headphones lose clarity quality due to their limited driver size but then even out sonically because of the direct nature of their sound delivery? Whereas a bookshelf speaker LOSES quality due to air travel distance and room set up but makes up for it via superior power and driver size?

[@masterxyr]

how do the guys behind Gesheli labs say Gesheli? Supah concise and informative video. thanks a bunch. Happy festivities and merry times (: