DETERMINING YOUR PERSONAL AUDIOPHILE TYPE AND EQUIPMENT - PT1

[@ramsaybolton9099]

Once I was in a speaker builder’s house,and I asked “what is that sound?” He said it’s a McIntosh. I asked a McIn who?” That beautiful sound haunted me for 25 years. Then, 25 years later, I walked into a stereo store and I asked “what the hell is that sound?” You guessed it. I bought the whole McIntosh system. I’ve heard from the ridiculous to the sublime and I LOVE my Macs. McIntosh is hated on by folks who cannot sell them. Mac is very particular about its dealers, including the fact that they should have a brick and mortar store. It’s all sour grapes. This is absolutely disgusting. Then for Mikey to imply that because I love Macs I don’t know hi fi is insulting. What a load of bull.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Lol. Its personal opinion and you sound like a shill. I think McIntosh stinks and I can sell it easily. Its beautiful looking however. Im a Jeff Rowland dealer, much less of us and much harder to be approved for. If you cant tell the difference between old McIntosh and new, youre deaf. The Old stuff is the good stuff.

[@ramsaybolton9099]

@@OCDHIFiGuy That’s funny!! All opinions are personal and I can tell the difference between an old woman and a young one. I know you are a Rowland dealer, that why it’s the greatest thing since slice bread. I heard them at Angies Audio Corner, American Sound of Canada in Richmond Hill, and I prefer my Macs. Rowlands did sound nice with …… yeah, Focals!!! No I’m not a shill, I have no relationship with any audio manufacturer. I just love the sound of Macs when I heard them 25-30years before I heard them again and bought the system. When I purchased them I was not aware about all the hoopla about their visual appeal until I got them home. Don’t have to light any candles, they are so nice, plus candles issues are not covered by my insurance, I guess they prefer Macs too. Hey be nice to Jay, he’s a real gentleman.

[@jamesrobinson9176]

@@ramsaybolton9099 I don't get how you're a shill but this other guy is just stating opinion. This is the problem with h8ers

[@ramsaybolton9099]

@@jamesrobinson9176 thanks bro, so am I, I’m stating my opinion too. I don’t hate him, I used to respect him until he went to Jay’s house and disrespect him. There is a proper way of disagreeing and he chose the slimy path. I’m not a hater, I just lost respect for him, that’s all.

[@hilde45]

@@jamesrobinson9176 When you argue against this DEALER of OTHER GEAR, he replies not with counter argument but by name-calling "shill." It's a surprising thing for a person in business to do, because they do not see that publicly available small-minded meanness might somehow be at odds with, um, being good at their profession. Besides that, their willingness to use a KZbin channel with 13k subscribers to beat up on people on their threads shows how willing they are to punch down. Not a good look. Then again, we've learned too often that "the cruelty IS the point," and you can see all the others in the "tribe" (perfect word, because they're proud of their insularity) thumping their chests at "Mikey" and his juvenile discourse tactics.

[@danielesbordone1871]

People should buy whatever they think sounds good to them. A lot of times components just sound different , not necessarily better or worse. McIntosh doesn't sound bad at all , it just doesn't appeal to some people. I like Bryston but there's people who can't stand the brand , that's ok. The sound of music is like food , your favourite dish might be detested by others.

[@raphaelmeillat8527]

Well said!

[@TheRealBuddyJay]

Agreed. I appreciate how Mikey consistently tells it as he sees it, but lots of people love the brands that he clearly doesn't like. I personally love the looks of Mac gear, but I also think it sounds pretty darn good as well. Not everything they make is a wonderful sounding gem, but they make some really nice sounding gear, especially at the higher end. Is there better and for less money? Definitely, but it usually doesn't look as good. I think that the Mac gear could be in the middle road of gear that can sound really good and also look great.

[@mortcola]

Nicely put, Daniele. First, yeah - my ears are pretty discriminating - I have solid, consensual reasons for believing I hear things well, like people paying me to use those ears. I heard "boring", and "clinical" about Bryston from a. few groups, starting with members of what was once the Linn-Naim cult I sometimes worked for (at least their stuff DID sound great). And now I own Bryston gear, which struck me immediately as groovy, transparent, accurate, rhythmic, everything I know from live music and good recordings. Great value for money, top-flight engineering, exacting build, great customer service. And, again, sounds damn near perfect on a VERY high-res system. People project all kinds of personal, umm, stuff into their audio gear, or any emotionally charged objects. It ain't the equipment, much of the time. Perhaps he has a few points, but I suspect he's mistaking his own preferences for objective knowledge - or he has a grievance - but a blanket statement which trashes both several respected brands and countless users of different degrees of knowledge and taste - well, its poor-quality thinking, its poor judgment., its seriously elitist from a guy who appears to be yelling at elitists who mistake expensive and sonically flashy for "musical". Sure, there's always been a huge market in most consumer goods for people who want conspicuous status objects. But it also makes him a cliche. I was "raised" in audio by the Linn-Naim axis who, in the 80s especially, thought this way as almost a religious dogma. My own ears, and those of millions of non-believer, told me there were many ways of hearing and responding to music, and besides, seeing people a prejudicial ideology is a great way to sell stuff - even if your stuff IS good, which linn and Naim were and are. But this "fugly=truly musical" equation is ancient and more of a psychologically-driven cognitive error, an audiophile logical fallacy, than anything else. Sure, right, the folks at Focal and Wilson are all about looks; only the unwashed hi-fi wizards know the musical truth, everyone who spends money on McIntosh is tone-deaf and shallow....how many of you believe the world is divided this way? I'm finding, first, some nasty irony in a 50-something guy who looks like he's still rocking the look which didn't work in high-school, who can't keep his fingers away from his orifices during a KZbin recording, making a black and white generalization that the good-looking stuff is empty and sounds bad, and the really musical stuff is fugly. And does anyone notice the hypocrisy in my criticizing him with a dumb generalization for making a dumb generalization? It wasn't hard to pull that meta-irony. He could have at least done it without disparaging actual manufacturers - how grandiose and back-biting! Give us a primer on how o choose really musical systems. But pretend to know who the frauds and golden-ears really are, and where the bodies are buried? Bad judgment, and a cliche to boot. I do not own, nor have ever owned any of the brands he disparages. I just object to bad thinking and bad communication.

[@davidhill7055]

I love McIntosh cuz it looks great (to me) and sounds as good as anything else I've listened to in 68 years. Expensive yes, worth the extra money? that depends if you have the extra money and you want it. People cannot hear (double blind, level matched) one digital box vs another digital box or speaker cable. Unless your mother was Lassie. You can hear differences in speakers and cartridges, not any properly functioning amp, preamp. I have spoken.

[@F208Frank]

I never comment on videos and I have to say I appreciate your honesty and rough around the edges genuine statements.. It is very VERY hard to find good dealers. I remember the first time I was experimenting with 2 channel as a pure beginner, the dealer sold me a surround sound receiver despite me multiple times explaining I only intended for 2 channel music. His response was "you never know down the line" and was adamant with his "advice". Thinking back, what a POS...

[@rajhargun8993]

Hi Mikey I enjoy all your videos. I thought it was just me but there is you. We share the same views. When I listen to my rig. The lights go really dim sometimes off. I have dark curtains behind my speakers and there is nothing else in between the spks . I don't even put my gear in between the speakers as I feel it detracts from the sonic pleasure. The system produces a sonic bubble around me and everything is in its place. As you say you are transported to another acoustic environment full of joy. "It's magic"

[@pizzaearthpancakesandother2549]

Mikey's rig is so involving that you notice the spinach flake stuck in Diana Krall's teeth thru sonic cues. Amazeballs!

[@jamesgilgannon4164]

What your saying is so true. I just love to listen to what you have to say.👍😊👏👏👏

[@dandebaca5221]

Thanks Mikey. Truly appreciate your perspective. For those of us who are “guilty “ of looking at Wilson and Focal as something to aspire to, what particular brands and models would you recommend as alternatives to mentioned brands. Specifically, comparable model price points. You mentioned Avant-garde but give us more options. Sonic nirvana is what we’re after but we need specifics as budgets do vary. Thanks Mikey

[@joepokro4824]

Don't know what budget you are thinking but check out Wharfedale Elysian. I really enjoy the sound of AMT or ribbon tweeters. And Elysian, bring the looks and performance.

[@stohl82]

I don't know your budget. Here are a few lesser known brands of to look at. Consonance, Vandersteen, DeVore, Auditorium, Line Magnetic, Falcon, Yonna, Manger, JM Reynaud. Well most are not well known becides Vandersteen and DeVore.

[@ramsaybolton9099]

Let your ears and your pocket be your guide and nothing else. Let the opinion of the one who is paying the bill be paramount, NEVER the one who is selling you stuff.

[@Burevestnik9M730]

If you like orchestral music and brass instruments e.g. trumpet sound you'll go with Focals. If you like tonal accuracy of piano you'll go with Maggies. And so on. There is no one size fits all. Then there are synergies. Kharma and Lamm. Focals and Chord, B&W and Classe etc.

[@ericr385]

If you are ever in in SFO, I am a lost member of the the tribe and I would love to share my rig with you. My Hifi is fully domesticated in an open plan living room in a small house. Hegel H390 and Dynaudio Heritage specials with plenty of treatments. My audiophile dilema now is only whether I dig the music more in stereo or mono. I am losing all conventional hifi bearings as I lose myself in the vibration this rig produces. Your channel is the only hifi discussion I can bear to listen to because your vocabulary makes sense to me. 🙏❤️🕊

[@georgeanastasopoulos5865]

Yes said. Myself, I am very close to the sonic consideration of hi fi audio equipment - as I call it. Essentially you've got to deal more with the sound of music. Furthermore, there is another thing to consider; the function of hi fi component. I was also thinking of it as ergonomic; but maybe that is going off the topic, and along a side road. Anyway, how it sounds, and how well; and the strengths of a hi fi component, or an entire hi fi system is what is truly important.

[@musicm8kr]

Nailed it Mikey...thanks...gotta play this for my wife so that she understands my plight. -Sean, California

[@anjovandijk9797]

I'm working towards a stunning looking hifi rig, which I! like and love listening to, no need to show off or it has to be me someone's opinion or taste is personal. So if it satisfies me that's what counts. Our perception of what sounds pleasant is biased by how it looks that's a fact, it's a challenge to get past that.

[@skip1835]

Excellent talk Mike - - I love a line you used recently, I'm most definitely in that category - - I would rather have my rig than a new car.

[@BrianGarside]

Same here. My wife will never understand how I could drop 20k vs putting toward a new car.

[@rickyblair8802]

I drive a 2004 suburban I paid $2000 for but my system is awesome.

[@BrianGarside]

@@rickyblair8802 Right on! My rig costs me as much as my current car! 20k yikes!

[@stohl82]

Thanks Mikey for the great video. One of my last purchases was of a very unknown brand that a small home based dealer turned me on too. After that I realized I should be buying those types of products, that was before I came across your KZbin channel. I live in Wisconsin. I've been only been talking with home based dealerships in the Midwest who carry bespoke brands/ nicely curated list of brands. Not the list of 50 + that some brick and mortar dealers do.

[@bruceprouse5562]

It's same in racing, we had the race car builder & the brand name builder. The guy who knows all the big name's, then there is they guy who knows how to build a combination.

[@daveyf3144]

Anyone question why we are now looking at several 'experts' on high end audio posting to KZbin??? They all have their 'expert' opinions, and they are all looking for eyeballs for their videos. Does this new 'business design' really have any benefit to the many folks who really are 'experts' in using their ears...I think not!

[@dilbyjones]

Well said, it takes true passion to get to where you are. I'm glad SOMEONE is saying this.... true transport like this can HEAL. Alot of places, do indeed use the impulse buy aspect.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Yessir !

[@twentycal514]

Not sure which of these two categories I fall into here... It's either both or neither, and possibly a third category. I admit I have always been chasing the "sonic dragon" but my number one motivator is rescuing and restoring "Vintage" pieces. I guess my category would should be labeled "Nostalgic"....The reward and pay off being what I consider to be great sound from the old big box speakers and those troublesome tubes. I decided a few years back that it would be really cool to marry todays streaming services with their sound sommelier type application with horns and tubes of yesteryear. It has been quite satisfying for me anyway....

[@piker3000]

A year into my Audiophile journey... Just picked up Scansonic hd MB-6B and Hegel H390 and Bluesound node. Perhaps I like Danish minimalism... but what type of audiophile does that make me 😆

[@slippinjimmy4455]

I highly recommend the Metrum Acoustics Octave MKii NOS DAC....That´s one of this inconspicuous hifi gear! Sounds very smooth and realistic.

[@irawong]

I remember Paul McGowan saying that McIntosh wasn’t really “high-end” and was “your grandfather’s stereo” in one of his videos. He did go on to say that McIntosh’s customer service was second to none. Of course, I can only imagine what your opinion of PS Audio is. 😀

[@robh9079]

I am sure I saw a Mac vid (by mac) where they openly stated the casing and visual aspects accounted for 50% of the cost. Perhaps wiping 40% of the slate and chucking the boards in a biscuit tin would get decent sound value? I wonder whether a sort of business model exists here for a company - your 'basic' and your 'luxury' items have the same circuit but different boxes - or even a mix and match to order; choose your box - choose your circuit, you snap it in yourself i/o back panel is attached to the board module and the front control panel plugs in?

[@brankocernik8384]

Luv your music and let it take you to another place !! Hey Mikey in all the years i have listened to music i never thought about the importance of my Seat . I viewed a Vid on the topic last week . We are always learning .

[@realworldaudio]

Mikey, superb summary! My experiences completely agree with your breakdown, the imagery you used are superb description of the gear you mentioned. I hope many audiophiles get to listen to this video! I'm adding it to my channels recommended videos playlist ; ). Cheers, Janos

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks Janos !

[@BrianGarside]

So true. Right on. Love how you keep it real!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks Brian !

[@joepokro4824]

Good conversation Easy to get lost into the looks sometimes. But I understand and appreciate the value of looks and build quality. Luckily I live by myself so only consideration I need is sound. Lol Some boxy tekton driven by Audio research, I enter my Nirvana. Made in USA adds value for myself too.

[@NOVAISPERES]

Mikey, what would be your recommendation for a valve integrated amplifier for under 5k? Not for showing off... :)

[@williampearson4968]

Living in an apartment - qualities searched for in order are: my $$$ range, realistic best sound with an eye on speaker size design and functionality of gear, and of course, wife approval for a happy life.

[@JDG1971]

When I prepare a dish. Then I want to taste the ingredients that make the dish so special. I also want to hear the same thing when I put on music and listen to it afterwards. I want to be able to hear what's being played and sung, so that I can feel emotions of it that can then make me feel, what I feel... No matter what feeling. For me that means enjoying music or a delicious dish... Not to mention delicious coffee beans hhmm. Thank you Mike... We are the listeners who want to enjoy the sounds...☕👌🏾🥳SEEYYAA😉

[@ramsaybolton9099]

And of course, you want that dish to be visually appealing, because as we know, visual appeal does affect taste!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Whats your rig consist of Ramsay ? Are you in USA ?

[@kyleo2113]

Appreciate the honesty - what do you recommend for pure audio quality at different price ranges - I don’t have car type money to spend on audio gear but definitely lean towards sonic side of things vs the aesthetic. Most of the reviewers put a lot of emphasis on looks it would be nice to see someone go the other direction

[@jamesrobinson9176]

These types rarely recommend anything, they prefer to talk about things they don't like.

[@arthurfleck1554]

When I listen to music drink some COFFEE + SUGAR + ALCOHOL. It enhances all the emotions I feel at that moment!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

LOL, Irish Coffee sounds like .... Music will get WAY better sounding ... until it doesnt..

[@fredhadley739]

Humans fall in love with their ears. I'm not a religious person, but music is how I pray--great music.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

I say that all the time .... :-)

[@bkirbach]

Mikey!!!! I need your opinion.....what kind of audio ferns are best in an open spaced 2,.2 rig? LOL...I'm busting your chops because I dig your passion and your descriptions are close to perfect. I think to some degree, some of us cognoscenti have just a tad audio exhibitionist in us. We spend too much and want it to look as good as it sounds. WAF also plays a role here if we want not to be miserable. Keep on keepin on brother!!!!

[@subjectiveone1937]

You are a great educator of the HI-FI arts. You the man Mikey. aka Squirrel.

[@ramsaybolton9099]

He’s full of bull.

[@subjectiveone1937]

@@ramsaybolton9099 please explain . Perhaps backup year explanation with sources and citations I can link to for further analysis.

[@ramsaybolton9099]

@@subjectiveone1937 sure, np. Firstly, Whether it’s food, women or stereos, visual appeal is extremely Important. You typically won’t eat food if it looks like a dog’s breakfast, for most, it must visually appeal to you first. All things being equal, I would choose a visually appealing woman over someone who is not. Same for most things in life, cars, stereos, whatever. That’s why we have eyes. So it’s unnatural , lunacy and pure bull for Mikey to discredit beautiful sounding Macs stereos that are visually appealing. Secondly, I spend a lot of my spare time going to stores listening to stereos, from Toronto to Miami, and London England, and I’ve heard all kinds at all prices. I fell in love with the SOUND of Macs some 25-30 years before I purchased one. I simply love the sound, period. It’s like saying that because your loved one is beautiful, they are trash and incapable of being anything but trash. I feel insulted when Mikey I said that if you like Macs you don’t know anything about hi fi. That’s bull. I’ve been building kits since I was 12 years old, built radio shack kits, dynaco mk4 kits, (I still have the dynaco) , modified many pieces etc. I believe I know my stuff. I could go on but I’m so disgusted with this guy I won’t waste anymore time. Btw, I used to like him, but his last few videos, starting with the ones after his visit to Jay has left me questioning his character.

[@subjectiveone1937]

@@ramsaybolton9099 I can respect your opinion. I always appreciate friendly discourse.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

My character is that I say my true feelings and dont play the smiley face game. I dont believe I EVER said if you like McIntosh you dont know anything about hifi. I said people that dont know anything about HiFi are attracted to that brand. Clearly thats not you. But anybody who knows nothing about HiFi will relish in its look as it looks the part. Let me ask you ... How does a green LED to accentuate the tube help the sound oh Sensei ?

[@bakeone4406]

Gryphon was thrown in as being in the visual first end of the spectrum...I don't have any Gryphon stuff, but have been under the impression that most of their stuff will give you the lights out audio narcotic thing on a level w/ the ugly but sonically delicious stuff. Is the gryphon stuff really more Lambo assault than transportationally musical??

[@NOVAISPERES]

About McIntosh i hear a lot of people saying that the vintage gear is better than the modern...And it is not one our two people saying that....

[@RJ_Chicago]

Very good Mike! I think that is well put. In my own circumstance, I would say that I have a listening lab and not as much as a listening room. I don’t make an effort to hide cables. I like things accessible so I can change out components if I feel like it and not have to do to many gymnastics or contortions in the process. As I have told you I have a pair of Magico A3s. I would not say they are beautiful. Others have written worse. But to me they sound great, at least in my room. Something else I would mention is the difference between Hifi and HT. I don’t think that for me and bang for the buck that HT is worthwhile. In HT you are mainly occupied with the visual and not as much with the audio. I made a decision to punt on HT and get a Sonos system for that (which also meets the home décor commission’s approval) and that way all my attention and resources can be put into my 2.2 Hifi. That has worked out for me very well. I can go on and on. But thanks for that. Something I would like you to address is the topic of aftermarket fuses. That will be controversial. I have not used aftermarket fuses yet. But I have some Synergistic Research new purple fuses I am going to audition and see what’s what. I know your silver “fuse” (tube) upgrade in my former Maggies made a concrete positive difference. But the actual aftermarket fuse may be a different animal. We shall see? Would love your analysis on that whole thing. Rich from Chicagoland.

[@RLM-TV]

I choose Sonic Nirvana!

[@hhsymons3866]

I just watched 3 of your videos and in all of them you talk about what manufacturers you don't like, but failed to mention those you do like. Whaddya like?

[@pairadeau]

Love these talks. This is how I feel about taste in music itself. If you care only about fitting in you'll go one way and if not you'll go a totally different direction, etc. Keep it up. I only care about frequencies. Fuck everything else.

[@jcm9890]

Great siren moves and advise

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

Your exactly right

[@yulaswift2439]

After 20 years, I’m still having the “Why do we have to have those thick speaker cables?” argument! ✌🏻

[@skip1835]

Nordost cables aren't thick - sound good too - - - and yeah, I'm teasing you Yula, I'm certain ya know that and when I figured out that the cable thing was real, well, probably like you I'm still rolling my eyes - I can't resist pointing this out, but the original monster cable is still out there - don't know who's making it and whether or not it's "exactly" the same, but I keep a roll of it around, actually, I broke my current speakers in with it and that roll does sound very good - so, if ya running zip cord, which I have no problem with, well, buy some original monster, it's not at all expensive - - if ya don't hear a difference then stay where you are - - I promise anyone that in most rigs the improvement with just simple monster is an eye opener, only thing is, you're now on the "upgrade" the cables thing as part of everything else ya do - the current set of speaker cables that are in my system, which are considered reference, was like buying a better pre-amp - I'm still amazed that cables usually do matter.

[@yulaswift2439]

@@skip1835 I used to be able to listen to music for hours on my Linn/Naim/PMC kit with Chord Electronics pricier cables, but for the last 13 years we’ve had a nervous dog that gets spooked by anything loud. I’m nostalgic, so refuse to let my rig go...but it’s like a benched player at the Super Bowl these days 🍻

[@skip1835]

@@yulaswift2439 Sorry to hear that Yula - but for sure I understand the love of pets - - I'm running a wonderful rig that's been, like most audiophiles, put together and upgraded over many years, I love it - but like you, I have an issue with a pet that's "ruled" the roost since I brought him home - he's my responsibility because I took him from his environment (for his own good) - but because of his unbreakable habits, most of the time I can't have visitors - so my music is pretty much a one man (me) situation - I love him too much so I'll go on this way until one of us leaves the planet - - thanks for replying my friend - later, Skip. ( ;

[@yulaswift2439]

@@skip1835 Yep, people who "have a heart" will make sacrifices for their pet's well-being; especially when we, like you rescued an abandoned and vulnerable dog. Best wishes from the UK 🇬🇧

[@greghackl347]

Hi Mikey i have Maggie 3.7 and have a opportunity to get a pair of analysis audio epsilons at a good price . Would that be an upgrade in your opinion. Thanks :)

[@anthonykomorowski4571]

Thanks Mikey I Love That You Tell It Like It Is

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks Anthony !

[@sloboat55]

Dig the vid, Mikey. Have you smoked a Little Hammer?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Not with that name ..lol High nic sticks are out for me ...

[@db029936]

Well said.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks Dave..

[@ericharrelson2045]

Waiting.... When is Jay coming over to check out your rig?

[@raoulselten9480]

unique take and very clear formulation. like a manual with helpful guidelines 😋

[@vuch9802]

This video makes a lot of sense. I want the sonics, I don't care about the looks. Unfortunately, I can't do a lot about my room which is far from ideal.

[@PP-nh1lv]

The epitome of Mikey! Ya just gotta luv 'em...

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

I amzg what I amzg !! ;-)

[@ChironZore]

I like this guy....

[@robtremble2277]

how does march of ides sound on your rig

[@dippin1523]

I have an older MC275 and will take it to my grave. I've had enough equipment in my life. I still hear lots of equipment because many of my friends are on the merry go round. I still have not heard anything that makes me want to part with my MC275. Just a fact. I listen pretty much every day. However, I agree with your other insights. My music is my drug. Mcintosh 40% off. show me the way. lol

[@pennfootball71]

The new Magico A5 has outstanding sonics for a 25k speaker it is best in class becasue it has the newest drivers developed for the M9. I personally like YG acoustics as you go up the ladder. Nothing measures flatter and just dissapears that I heard. Not every one knows YG though and most shows the rooms aren't optomized for a YG speaker at all and are terrible acoustically and have noisey power. Their technology starts where wilson's stops.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

All of the above are "dealer" or "magazine" brands and Ill never respect them for anything other than looks. Ive given those brands every opportunity to blow me away and its never happened. You named all Box speakers, my least favorite design. Box speakers Ive heard that stand out as killer in memory were Maarten, Kharma, Tidal, Voxativ, CUBE, Vapor Audio. But the 3 brands you mentioned all show super well... Looky- lou's .... Meet me at a show and take me to a Magico or YG room that is one of the top sounding rooms and if you are correct, Ill give you a $100 bill.

[@pennfootball71]

@@OCDHIFiGuy You have not heard the new A5. It's like comparing a VW beatle to a Porsche 911 in tech. And for 25 k it punches above it's weight but it is not the best. I was never impressed by Marten stuff. YG is not a big box speaker brand at all. 20x more dealers have Wilson, Focal, bla bla bla. Voxative is not even as good as Charney Audio who uses their drivers but developed a way to rout them through the speaker better. You listen to a modded planar magnetic science project you have to kill off any bass from and run it to subs because it isn't right under 40 htz and gets boomy. You have custom made crossover boxes to do all this stuff you can't even get unless you have them made bespoke. You critize non optimzed things you heard at shitty shows instead of dedicated listening rooms that have all the bugs worked out with better parts not just what that hotel show room's dealer sells.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

@@pennfootball71 name the last show you attended. Ive got more experience in my little toe than you do in this hobby. Put your money where your mouth is. You sound like a dealer shill right now. All you know is what you read online. Its obvious.

[@chuckmoore5382]

@@OCDHIFiGuy I picked the same DAC (PD MPD8) long before you did after listening to about 20 others, including MSB, dCS, Berkeley, Soulution etc.. Your comparison to the MSB was spot on. But I have to disagree on YG. I auditioned all the other types and don't care how they look. Have you heard the big YGs with the MPD8?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

@@chuckmoore5382 pretty sure the amps would make or break MPD8 with "Big YG". How much are the big YG ? Ill give any and every brand a chance to change my mind about them any time. Ive never had YG blow me away, and if they do, whats the cost and can i do it for half thier price ? This is how my mind works with stuff like high buck audio. Im into sleepers. Things that dont look that special but blow your mind. Things that look epic and dont rearrange my reference point are boring and a dime a dozen to me.

[@jamesj9728]

My goal: emotion-evoking, never want to leave my seat sonic nirvana. Sold my gear yesterday that your bus ran over today haha. I was surprised to hear Gryphon lumped into roadkill. I recently spent some time with two of their amps and they've been among the best I've heard. I do not find them to be eye candy. From my chair they are black boxes that don't like up my room like the Mc gear did. Anyway, I'm back to square one with a pair of rel subs being the only room occupants. Hoping my second swing clears the fences.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

If you want to save money and time engage my services. Gryphon looks very cool to me and I dont like Mephisto sonics.. I like older Antileon. I love the Darth Vader look.

[@j.m.harris4202]

McIntosh on Absinthe/"Pure Wormwood Oil and Thujone" will show that the Green Goblin is just a Drunken Leprechaun that is from the "Sweet Camp known as the Swamp"! Pretty Green Glow is just a Show unless they have had a lot of Blow then it's a GO! Sorry for the bad analogy! It's been a rough couple days with supply chain problems getting the KT150's for my latest toy!

[@ramsaybolton9099]

I love my Macs! Period!

[@j.m.harris4202]

@@ramsaybolton9099 As long as it pleases you, that's all that really counts!

[@joegallenberger6032]

Some products Bridge the two camps like Jeff Rowland and some audio folks want to bridge the two camps, involving and musical but suitable for a family space.

[@marclajeunesse9635]

And I swore and I took another pull my Mikey can't be beat .

[@bazassaminoteii8225]

Very sound advice 😉👍🏿

[@courtneyswaby3178]

I love it well done your so on the money

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks C !

[@dieselbrodeur]

You do have a major point here. A bit over exaggerated but that's probably to make the point clear. When it comes to brand Focal is maybe not what you are saying since they have a wide spectra of products. The do all the way from high value >1000 USD speakers to ridiculous over priced ones. Which are the ones you basically are talking about. They major problem I have with High end / Ultra High End id that is doesn't necessarily sound that good, just hyper detailed and often with clear harshness of tone as a price to pay for this. Good HiFi equipment always balance this ratio between details and smoothness.

[@alwaysexpandinghorizons6173]

Interesting. Unfortunately you mentioned quite a few brands for visual pleasure but none for sonic heaven in this video. Try to keep it balanced

[@Carrera6rennsport]

When I got into the high-end around the '80s, McIntosh was considered over-price mid-fi...IMO its also fugly.

[@my2cents395]

I like the audio look, plus it has function. Ornamental decoration such as plates on a wall or ceramics on speakers does not compute in my brain.

[@freeradical431]

Thanks for the knowledge bro! Its helped me out tons. I think you have to at least close your eyes to "hear" the music, and lights off is another step better. Im gonna be needing one of those JR125s! Hopefully sooner than later.

[@ramsaybolton9099]

You can turn off the lights on the Macs if you want to and like Mikey suggested you can light candles, lol.

[@mortlach186]

A Mikey flowchart to better audio if you will? Discussing looks over substance, theirs's quite a few companies that balance both genuine sonics with their looks and those aesthetics set their raison d'exister. Your own Jeff Rowland products. You know exactly what they are when you see them. They are both beautiful to look at and wonderful to listen to. In your last part about the visual over substance, let me convey a story about shopping for liquor: one Saturday shopping at a nice liquor store in town, a man was going around the shop putting only pretty bottles in his cart. Cognac in Baccarat, Lalique, and Erte' bottles. He didn't ask or care about what was in the bottle, but just the appearance. Thousands of dollars just to impress his buddies in his new condo and dress up the bar. Not planning to open any of them. They'll probably just drink Buds and Dewar's.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Its so funny how our Human Ego works isnt it ? Bottom line is its "Stuff" only... The most valuable things in life are memories of sublime experiences... ;-) You are correct, some brands cover both sides..

[@imosolar]

OCD awesome video and it seems to pop at Jay's hifi... Lol 🤣 and if one has a small apartment how does one have a awesome hifi?

[@genez429]

What we fail to see? When hi-fi was beginning, McIntosh stomped the competition with sound and look. It is now a tradition, like Cadillac used to be seen as the best car on the road.

[@craigcoughlin1834]

What’s the point of any of this? What’s the point of labeling and categorizing people? Why is your happy better than someone else’s happy?

[@craigenputtock]

This video reminds me of Lennon's "How Do You Sleep."

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Ill check it out !

[@jeffkalina7727]

+1 Dan- Need an 89+ 3 way that has some magic to pair with a Pass INT25. Average room, Listen low. Budget to $5k used.

[@linandy1]

Ive realized speakers are #1 so im on a quest for awesome sounding speakers.

[@borisbobowski628]

Bruh get another hobby

[@linandy1]

@@borisbobowski628 nah, i got awesome speakers now. Next on my list is amplifier.

[@davidbentley145]

Listener approved...it's gotta float yer boat or else it not worth the trip...

[@FOH3663]

Hmmm... what would Freud say? j/k, as always, solid content

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Something about Mother ? lol

[@FOH3663]

@@OCDHIFiGuy No no, it was "are you a guy into display, or" etc, etc... Well, I'm guessing, this, uh, says more about me... Disregard brother... uh how about that Adele, huh? ;)

[@raphaelmeillat8527]

Sorry to say Mickey but lots of research has shown that our emotions take into account more than one sense at a time! Just like the best restaurants put lots of work into the presentation as it does contribute to your overall enjoyment, whether you like it or not. So your fugly equipment might sound great, but it would "sound" even greater if it looked good!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

I get it ... I cant stand the bug eye speaker brand , cant remember its name but no matter how good it sounds it gives me the heebie jeebies... like larvae pods in scalp holes !!!

[@brikaf6001]

Nice, Mikey's HiFi algorithm

[@markfischer3626]

I'd think a true audiophile would be entirely focused on sound alone. Don't they use the derogatory term eye candy? Mid fi is the other guy's expensive equipment you don't like. Since I didn't like the way anything I could buy sounded I had to invent my own. At one point in my life I was affluent enough to buy anything available but I never considered it for one second.

[@careymartin7330]

Burn a candle then some plants lol!

[@neddavies4060]

Reproduced sound is always a subjective matter of the listener and I don't think Mikey gets that. I believe Mikey is more of a Mac hater than an audiophile. Don't really share your views which is fine but you really lost your credibility when you said you can buy a Mac for a 40% discount. Please post where, because I'm a buyer! The truth is McIntosh holds there resale value more than another brand and actually you'd be hard pressed to find a Mac at a 40% discount used. So judging from the masses I know there's always going to be someone trying to knock off the king of the hill off the top or whatever reason but your reasoning boarders on lame without any evidence except your thoughts. BTW I don't really care what a Mac looks like but I don't need a candle with my tube glow!

[@coreenwalker9621]

Give this guy a much coveted Mac or Wilson dealership and watch him shut up. This guy tells you in a previous video that you should buy brand names you never heard of. Yes that’s correct. Expensive junk that he can get his hands on. Of course when these manufacturers go out of business and you need service, this guy will sell you more junk. Sounds pretty sleezy to me.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

LOL, do I look/sound like a guy who is afraid of others ? NOT. LOL. I just told my local McIntosh dealer I thought McIntosh did not sound that good and he smiled and said "We are not an audiophile type dealer" and Focal was their main speaker brand.. He knows and makes no claims otherwise. Stuff looks cool as shit tho.. Watch me state it to the room at the HiFi show... You think they give a crap what I think ? of course not ... they sell the shit like crazy regardless... LOL>.. I am a JEFF ROWLAND dealer.... see how many of those there are .... I am the top Playback Designs seller in USA... the best DAC designer and very well vetted and low number dealer network. I could have McIntosh in a second..I have connections there. I dont sell Hifi for looks ...

[@ramsaybolton9099]

@@OCDHIFiGuy 70 years and millions of owners disagree with you. Mac will be around long after you and your no name brands.

[@jamesrobinson9176]

To sound good gear must be ugly, if it's not, it can't be designed for SQ

[@jamesrobinson9176]

I mean how could something sound AND look good at the same time. Are you people special?

[@artyfhartie2269]

Jay would be grinding his teeth and muttering under his breath watching this. Women imo do not like big expensive impressive hifi systems. Only something that sounds good to play their music. They are so different to men. They are so basic and rational that men will never understand them

[@lbrizzle18]

Even though this was supposed to be a helpful video, I laughed out loud as well.

[@eurekaakerue4649]

*❌✅ Aaaah the Audiophile __ Close Your Eyes & Drift to Music __ ( Rig ) 👈😎Mark of a True Audiophile // We Are Snobs it’s Built For Us not You ✅ but if you like come along for the ride 🤣👍‼️ go Mikey Go ‼️*

[@kongwee1978]

Slowly another bunch of people buy rigs on graphs.

[@dollarama3k]

Funny as hell ... Although I think Wilson speakers are UGLY. Not living room friendly. Focal is not really that impressive visually, either. Speaking only for myself. I love wood, I guess. So the more vintage vibe is what I find to be visually appealing, although the speakers made by Avantgarde have a lot of wow factor. But my taste is more DeVore Fidelity, or maybe Harbeth (never had those, though). I also think those monster-sized panels can look nice ... The old Magnepans with the wood grain were elegant in their way. What I don't like are weird trapezoidal alien galactic continuum hologram pod obelisk-looking whatzits.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

LOL, Love that speaker description.... ;-)

[@lichtgestalt9540]

my father and my grandfather had no macintosh, me nether 😂 (i have better gear)

[@timdownie4716]

ahahaha

[@Technical_Audio]

I have to say that you nailed it, Mikey! I’ve observed the same things over my many decades as an audiophile. I wonder how many Wilson owners ever listen to live acoustic music. If they heard a string quartet they’d be wanting to turn up the treble because real violins sound soft and sweet. Voices don’t have a raspy edge that so many recordings and systems impart to them. Cymbals sound like shimmering metal rather that in-your-face sandpaper scratchiness.

[@mesonto]

Form and function does work together. However, all or nothing arguments seldom work. i.e. Focal, Wilson and Sonus Faber sound completely different and all of those companies are constantly researching and discovering better sound. Ironically I find the American made Wilson speakers exactly what you want, ugly and cumbersome looking.

[@smith97320]

Doesn't matter what hobby I choose there is always a brand that people love to hate. They use that to elevate themselves above those who they perceive to be less than them because they have no other true life measurement to help them feel better about themselves. Audio is by far the most subjective hobby to have so if you like Mac buy it and don't listen to a word this guy says. "True hi-fi guys" what a joke.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

LOL, I never say "HATE" in my life for anything... Its simply not a word I use or think of. MAC does not sound that great. Its my opinion. Who gives a crap buddy ? Clearly you get your feelings hurt. My apology, its not my intent. I know gear at the same cost that sounds better, no matter who is listening. We just need to hide the amps so you wont be put under the blue meter spell... LOL.

[@golfjunkymusicjunky8370]

So than give us Budget Brands we poor people can buy….we care about the music and nothing Else……

[@De132an]

40% off is dealer profit, at 50% off dealers are losing money, so all this is pie in the sky thinking. Unless it’s a whole sale operation. Or it’s used gear. Why spread this misconception around, who does it serve?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

You dont think manufacturers run promotions ? 60% off is common with gear that is overpriced to begin with .. I have heard that Audioquest sometimes 75% off to dealers... Trust me, dealers that sell 50% off do not LOSE money ....