Best Audiophile Products of 2024 Winners!! No Sponsors!

[@BWalt0385]

I have to say with regards to Emotiva I’m not sure that I personally would recommend them. From my experience getting them to honor warranty issues is a nightmare. I absolutely love the value of the product and have really loaded my house up with them. I have a BasX A2/A3/2-A5s and an A2M also a XPA 3 Gen 3, MC1 and PT1. The PT1 volume knob has started to stop responding to input from time to time. The warranty is good until 1/6/25 and when I reached out to them, sent 3 videos was just told their engineers said that’s normal. My MC1 is also extra glitchy requiring me to unplug the unit because of intial power up HDMI issues, I’m not even going to bother trying to get warranty help with that. So I swapped from the 9.1.4 Emotiva separates system to a 7.1.2 with a RZ50 and the difference is highly noticeable. Of course YMMV. Again when they work they sounded good, the PT1 with the A2 sounded great as well but I’m just not going to spend money with them anymore. Merry Christmas! Love the videos and all the information.

[@crisjr6478]

Santa forgot to put the A12 classic under my tree 🌲. He’s slacking.

[@scottward7813]

Thank you, Randy, for all the great information and all the laughs! Merry Christmas!

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

Thank you so much for all your content and friendship. All the best for the New Year. Take care, Sir.

[@2madamimadam290]

Merry Christmas Randy. Fantastic channel. 🎉 ❤ 😅

[@warrenbailey1473]

Thx for your dedication and insight. You are appreciated and do not get distracted.

[@ludwigreiser4053]

Thanks a lot for your videos! Best wishes for you an your family for the coming new year from Germany! 🍀🎄🍀

[@roquibulhassan2023]

Merry Christmas Randy. Enjoy watching your show.

[@wilkins2490]

Thanks for your Vids this year Randy. Merry Christmas!

[@michaelowens944]

Merry christmas Randy and thank for a great year.

[@crisjr6478]

Merry Christmas Randy hope you and family have an amazing day.

[@chelle12368]

Merry Christmas, Randy!

[@richardburnett8595]

All the very best my friend merry Christmas got something from your reviews still really happy with . have a great night

[@bengleason508]

Merry Christmas Randy!

[@MetalGreggNY75]

Hope you & your family are having an awesome Christmas, Randy!

[@christopherviers8302]

Great Review/Episode and a Happy New Year...!!! I don't recollect you ever doing a "baffle speaker" set-up...? Just an idea... Really enjoy your work...!!!

[@dejablueguitar]

YES I DO WANNA WATCH 40min of CheapAudioMan!!! Lay it on us!!

[@CubeRhinoDev]

You should add links in the description for everything you post! Easy affiliate commission(or not if you don't wanna go that route) but with lists like these I tend to open each of the products you would be talking about and do my own research alongside what you're saying. Having the links makes it easier to preopen a bunch of tabs with all the products and say instantly discount ones that are outside of my budget range. Love the content!

[@jegarner11]

Randy, I took a chance based on your review and bought the Advance Paris A-10 classic. Compared to my Marantz 40N it is an obviously warmer, sounds great. Thanks for the heads up.

[@ahuesphoto]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

[@stevennachlas9596]

I’m glad you liked the Fosi ZA3. I just bought two of these along with the Fosi ZD3 DAC. I’m gonna run a Node 2i streamer into the system and I also picked up a slightly used a Fosi LC-30 amp/speaker switcher/cool VU meters. It was hard to decide between the V3 mono’s and the ZA3 as I had not gotten to hear either one, but only was able to read reviews. What tipped the scale for me ultimately was the slightly larger size of the ZA3, which I think will allow it to run cooler. Also, the larger size allows a few upper end op amps to fit in the case that would not necessarily fit in the V3 mono. But what I really think I liked best is the fact that if I want, I can run the ZA3 not bridged as mono blocks, but rather bi-amped so that one stereo amp runs my mid range and highs while the other ZA3 takes care of the bass. I’ve done this before withmy ADS L-1230 monitor speakers and they sound lovely like that. I can’t bi-amp with monoo blocks.

[@Hunter4Knowledge]

32:01 have you tried the $150 Fiios K11 R2R? Seems like a really popular DAC with audio KZbinrs but I’ve never seen you mention this product.

[@adsph]

Merry Christmas to all. Happy New Year.

[@ThatHiFiMania]

Santa got me the Unico Primo. One of the sweetest amps I’ve heard. Very musical.

[@s.daniel9224]

Congrats. That’s on my list. I’ve got the musical fidelity A1 that’s very special. My go to when I just want sweet music. Merry Xmas!

[@DeepHorizon3773]

The all new Final Audio Model 35 Loudspeakers are the Best Kept Secret on the Planet now 😇😇

[@theSnuggler]

Merry christmas if you could look at the Topping PA5 II plus that would be awesome, i think you will like it.

[@myfreakyvalentine]

Oh, I'm using that here on my computer - great little amp. I also have a PA7 plus, but it gets so hot that you could just about fry an egg on it!!

[@johndh958]

Merry Christmas Randy. Your amazing channel really helped me put together a great sounding hifi for not a lot of money. Using a wiim ultra as the streamer in the system and with the hacks you recommended I achieved a sound that I have been looking for. Very best wishes from your fans in the UK

[@mrcarpentersc]

I like the Fosi V3M's but just this morning one of them made a loud static pop and i smelled electronic smoke. This is the 3rd mono amp that's gone bad. All have been hooked up to different equipment with no common denominator or seems. I'm about done with chi-fi. My Nobsound AV-525 has static on the left tweeter. All my 20 year old plus gear is still going strong.

[@francescotenti193]

Merry Christmas to you and family.

[@MrBenherrmann]

I gotta say this again - that the new version of the Aiyima A80 that you mentioned here - "does" indeed have interchangeable Op Amps. I've seen various reviews and photos of the circuit board, showing 2 removable op amps - so that needs to be updated in your reviews (or mentions), since this isn't the first time you indicated that the A80 did not have interchangeable op amps. Just a friendly (post holiday) reminder here.

[@gogo-fk1lu]

There are more and more hi-fi reviewers, each one is good in their own way, it's hard to keep up with everyone because it would take too much time... but you are one of the three that I subscribe to. Merry Christmas and all the best in 2025!

[@darrelduke]

is that a seiko 62 mas you are wearing sir?

[@kenneths.perlman1112]

The Emotiva amp has massive power. Rated at 135/200 it’s been bench tested at 184/280 watts into 8/4 ohms.

[@LarryNiles-t1d]

And is harsh as hell and sterile sounding with my B&W 801's. Had a Parasound A-21 that was much better soudnding and smoother but my McIntosh MC2720 is amazing,dont let power ratings fool you.

[@kenneths.perlman1112]

@@LarryNiles-t1d not fooled just commenting on the power. I have one and am happy with it.

[@micalo5221]

Sonus Faber Lumina series is just a gateway drug to this brand. The sonic sound of this brand is so addictive that you will eventually want more of it.

[@blinkingmanchannel]

Merry Christmas dude! 😂 🎄🎄🎄

[@yambo59]

I wish we got HZ range and THD figures on amps like we use to, my old Pioneer SX980 vintage receiver had a THD spec of playing for one hour (one hour required) at 80wpch 8ohms 20 - 20,000HZ with only .03%THD both channels driven - one hour constant was how they had to meet spec back then, no "peak ratings" BS like now, and I personally saw this receivers amp meet this spec. on an O-scope at a local audio shop it didnt clip until almost 92wpch, even the tech doing the test who was a friend of mine was surprised because it was a new release at the time but it had some kind of special output transistors design taken from commercial grade designs and boy could it thump with really clean sound

[@robertwoodward9231]

Yep and that's the one to get if you can.

[@marchuvfulz]

My question about the discussion of amps is whether comparing monoblocs to two-channel to integrated isn't a bit like comparing apples to oranges?

[@dizzle1119]

I'd really like to test the Advance Paris X-P700 in my system.

[@RanTausi]

Merry Christmas Randy and too your family , frankly I have watched a YT video about the Aiyima A80 that showed OPAMP SWAP 5532 to OPA 828 CHIP.

[@abmia77]

Best product of 2024? The McIntosh MC2600 I found @ an estate sale for $100.

[@steve-EV]

Cool awards compilation. Quick Q? Did you hook the Cambridge amp and DAC/Streamer to the super Lintons? Would love to know your thoughts on this as a system? KUTGW 👍 Merry Christmas from Oxford UK.

[@steve-EV]

Oooh hang on …. What’s that Advance Amp? Niiiiiice 😊

[@steve-EV]

Turbot 🎣

[@romkovalevsky]

why wiim ultra loses base management when used with usb output?

[@peterbouchard2539]

I have a question I have a onkyo tx-nr555 an I'm trying to hook up a equalizer do i hook it up to VIDEO AUDIO In L&R

[@reggioemilia82]

Merry Christmas Randy... What about of "Eversolo dmp-a8"...i'm very curious about your kindly feedback

[@armandonegro4591]

il rotel A14 mk2 come si fa a dimenticarlo???

[@dewittfiala5021]

Wiim amp pro.. didn’t u say a week earlier ud get the ultra ? My gripe is no airplay, But if you have an apple TV run to your TV, then run the TV to the Wiim via HDMI, Could u then use apple music that way? Ultimately run to the amp Pro?

[@bammbamm1961]

when you show the A10 at the end - "What the heck is going on in that reflection on the screen?" - looks like the grinch dancing in circles. ;-)

[@rianredfield5252]

According to Aliexpress, the Aiyma a80 does have replaceable op amp chips.?

[@rianredfield5252]

Happy Holidays!

[@KillerBeez1]

Hey Randy- since you’ve heard the Emotiva Amos and the Advanced Paris which do you prefer in SQ. I’m looking at the A12 and the 300w Emotiva. Thanks hope you had a great Christmas.

[@michaelbutler2312]

airmotiv? isn't that a "a" it begins with? great video!

[@MetalGreggNY75]

Try not to wreck shop there, Randy! 🤣🤣

[@tomaszsikora5360]

I love my cambridge audio 81 with Dali...Ikon7..old speakers but stay good. Maybe new Dali better, but I love my system.

[@tomaszsikora5360]

Puls emotiva a2 amp for more power💪👍

[@s.daniel9224]

Thx Randy!

[@TheRocco28]

Merry Christmas Randy! Do you think that you can squeeze in some Amazon tube amplifiers for 2025. Willsenton R8 in particular.

[@MrKrampyHands]

I got a Aiyima A70 with 48v 10Amp psu and a Schiit Audio Syn im getting rid of my receiver this year yay

[@sgreenfield4]

I'm only watching because my wife went to sleep....and I want to see your corrections for Best of 2024.

[@mandeepbahra4399]

Great video’s, newbie to audio and have a question - you keep referring to swap out the op amp on the Fosi Audio - what does that actually mean?

[@TomR1972]

Who sings this version of this Christmas song?

[@ChinnaiyanKusi]

I really appreciate your efforts! Could you help me with something unrelated: My OKX wallet holds some USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (alarm fetch churn bridge exercise tape speak race clerk couch crater letter). What's the best way to send them to Binance?

[@Budgethifiamps]

Merry Christmas

[@milunbosiljcic]

I like Christmas too! 🥰

[@nostradamus7648]

Nah, just getting by with my NAD 3020 and Klipsch speakers.

[@raf7127]

Merry Christmas everyone

[@evertdewit4037]

......what i realy miss is your Accuphase section.....

[@harisjaved1379]

Where is the mattress? Merry Christmas

[@gerritfridericksohn4627]

Festivus. For the rest of us.

[@lucianofranchi6629]

Q acoustics?

[@SpaceSpiff32]

I don’t really understand the value of top X that came out in 2024 when it comes to this topic. vs best X as of 2024. Idk maybe that’s just me, but as soon as something wins or is mentioned, if you (Randy) know something is better, I as a consumer wanna know. An now I wanna know how does 2024 stand up to other years? Like did anything break through and dethrone X for the money? Anyway I really do appreciate the videos.

[@myfreakyvalentine]

All of these "best of 2024" videos are redundant at best - misleading at worst. If they don't already, they should also come with a disclaimer stating "best, in my opinion, of the very few that I have been given access too". Also, the assumption that a newer version of a product is necessarily a better version of that product and is it superior to another similar product that may be years old is just not always true. The larger manufacturers have the recourses and ability to subtly change a sound signature of an amp or a set of speakers, then sell that as being 'improved". If products were being "improved" every year, then we should have struck the best performance at the cheapest price points long ago. Audio tastes can also be highly subjective, so there's that too. This isn't specific to Randy, he's just trying to earn a quid in this game (in fact I haven't watched this vid), it's a general comment. I also like watching videos on new tech, but take the opinions with a grain of salt.

[@DrHopplesquigs]

The music interruptions on this video are psychotic!

[@gdot_flock]

just outta curiosity, how do u take your coffee..?

[@cheapaudioman]

Black. Nothing in it

[@bukwok]

now people still play around opamp swap..? i got quite a collection of opamp from my early HIFIDIY day , back then opamp swap is one of the cheap way to improve the sound, now i think a good EQ more useful than opamp, if you ask me ,swap all 5523 to 2604 or 2132 just good enough, no need spend more money upgrade opamp , definitely no need to get those legendary "vintage" opamp , people always think metal can type opamp higher quality, snake oil or not, surly metal can opamp looks badass, feeling nostalgia.

[@Nel33147]

Surprised you chose the Miccas over Neumi. You always raved about them.

[@vicariousjohnson9823]

I’ve got the Neumi’s in the garage gym and they’re great. Gonna try the Micca’s in the office.

[@nicksparey9506]

Without watching it was it the Advance Paris A12 😂😂

[@mariodrv]

Dacs and streamers should be two categories.

[@christophervj4369]

You better name them CAM awards.

[@cb-g8775]

WIIM ULTRA AVEC ECRAN N EST IL PAS PLUS INTERESSENT????

[@user-mt7nj8gh3z]

Not sure why Paris Audio just doesn’t look good ?

[@s.daniel9224]

Same here. I never liked them and I’m a vu meter guy. They look cheap.

[@user-mt7nj8gh3z]

@ I have lots of VU meters on my Pioneer and Akai equipment and agree with you.

[@GeirRssaak]

Is Trumpler the new Santa?

[@GeirRssaak]

Wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year! Do you have some products for the MAGA people?!

[@nikolashaidar7890]

Stop telling me to subscribe. I'm subscribed already. Have been for ages 😖🤪 Love the channel & Happy New Year 🤣🎉🤣🎉🤣

[@MichaelLe396]

Can Randy or someone else elaborate on how the Fosi ZA3 is more dynamic than the monoblocs? I have the monos and love em Im just curious what I'm missing out on

[@bassheadlife492]

@@MichaelLe396 buy it and test it out

[@susantapaul1118]

My favourite Randy sir ❤❤❤❤❤

[@crimpandcoconut]

which sparkos discrete op amps?

[@monkeymanstones1]

I tried twiddling my thumbs. I don't care for it.

[@michaelknibbs]

Randy, I think you are getting needier! Good fun. Thx. Nuculous? Nucleus maybe?

[@LarryNiles-t1d]

The worst sounding power amp(s) I have ever owned were Emotiva....very sterile and harsh, will never recommend them.......ever. But they look cool and high end.

[@Imhalfamazing2U]

I love my WiiM Pro, I hate that they keep upgrading the thing. Wish I could trade it in for the WiiM Ultra.

[@ChrisDaniel-u1b]

Dear Randy, while I enjoy your review style much more than the reviews done by people who only show data and seem arrogant. My therapist would tell you to stop calling yourself an idiot because it is a narrative that your brain hears. You may not be Albert Einstein , but you are no idiot.

[@ritontonri2160]

😡😡😡😡😡😡

[@radomirsretenovic8492]

Randy I will unsuscribe. Thats enough. Cheap desktop amplifers are not audiophile equipment.

[@leonpringle5968]

His username is literally cheapaudioman. Feel free to go elsewhere or start your own channel.

[@radomirsretenovic8492]

@leonpringle5968 keep your opinion for yourself.

[@BobRiedel]

Sell out phony.

[@lor332]

Merry Christmas