Lets Listen to a $300k Flagship McIntosh Stereo System

Can you really get any feel as to how a HiFi system can sound over the internet? Many have asked so we are giving it a try using our binaural recording system.
Link to Hal.
binauralenthus...
Link to the Reel to Reel (Pre-Oder)
skyfiaudio.com...
Link to all our McIntosh products (note some are in-store purchase only)
skyfiaudio.com....
To subscribe to our Friday New Arrivals Email Blast
bit.ly/skyfine...
To submit your system to be featured in our Email Blast
[e-mail]
WHO WE ARE
SkyFi Audio is a small startup business specializing in the purchase, reconditioning, and reselling of select high end audio equipment. We only buy equipment that we admire and are passionate about. No mid-fi, no gimmicks, and no junk.
Each piece of equipment is cosmetically restored and fully tested in our well-equipped lab by an engineer with 30+ years of experience in the HiFi world. If it does not meet or exceed the original manufactures specifications, it will not be sold. We are very selective about the equipment we purchase, focusing on mostly analog, high-build quality, American, and European built units.
SkyFi Audio Store:
www.skyfiaudio...
SkyFi Audio News:
skyfiaudio.com...
SkyFi Audio on Instagram:
/ skyfiaudio
SkyFi Audio Newsletter:
bit.ly/skyfine...
Subscribe to SkyFi Audio on KZbin:
bit.ly/subscri...
To inquire about new products please visit our friends at Stereo Exchange in New York City:
stereoexchange.com
SkyFi Audio on Facebook:
/ skyfiaudiolink to Sumiko Cartridge Video

[@bobe3250]

I don’t understand why someone wouldn’t play the system for viewers. WE KNOW it doesn’t sound the same in person as our ear buds or whatever systems!!! Hopefully content producers can get over the dilemma so we can move on to music selection. Thanks for playing it! Makes me want to hear it in person.

[@t0nyxgq]

Copyright claims

[@marcfavell]

It's still cool to see it playing😂

[@jericksioson2690]

It’s about copyright

[@jaycoleman8062]

It's funny worrying about a few bucks for copyright licenses when you are playing a system like this. 😊

[@fredhuston7865]

It was great to hear someone actually play the equipment they are showing !! Thank you sir.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Glad you liked it!

[@warrenstrachan9765]

Why? All you could ever hear is their room, mic and your system. The recording itself it horrendous, it sounds like an empty hall with all that muddled bass. Scrolling through the comments is hilarious, it's as if headphones can magically fix bad audio.

[@bassyuckin7822]

@@warrenstrachan9765 Although the audio reaching the headphone users ear is pretty garbage it still gives some sense of the ability of the system. I agree that headphones do no justice to a system like this but again there are many people that are just unable to experience something like this.

[@Skye_the_toller]

It may sound so great from a phone, an iPad, or build-in pc speakers!😂

[@unclewilbur8976]

Using my Sennheiser HD650 headphones, I’d say the speakers need to be pulled out from the wall at least six feet and some serious bass traps are absolutely essential. Also diffusers and absorbers. Sounded like shit. Nice guy though. I’m pretty sure he knows the speakers need to move out from the wall. …probably doesn’t want the speakers in his way, but really? …with a system like that?!

[@andrewscott1253]

Its good to hear an audiophile system with the sub 100hz frequencies well represented.

[@dararitchao8367]

I really appreciate your effort in sharing this amazing system. This costs more than twice what my house is.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Yeah, I realize for many folks this is a silly amount to spend on a system. Thought you'd enjoy hearing it regardless..

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

Wow where do you buy a house for under 150k?

[@sux2bu883]

@@crazyprayingmantis5596 Not where but "when did you buy your house" I bought mine in 83 for 45k now it's appraised @ 250k. I think that is 50k to much though.

[@warrenmullett]

I wish ur shop was closer 😅

[@jaymat9692]

Budget is different for everyone, im sure you have a hobby or some kind of passion that you gladly justify spending a lot of money on that i myself could not justify

[@Specrotors]

Sounds actually good through my headphones...could imagine it in person 👌

[@SkyFiAudio]

That might be the key.. to listen to it on headphones since it bi-naural.

[@lukabosnjak3829]

​@@SkyFiAudio Obviously... What you needed to do was to tune that binural head through decent pair of neutral headphones (hd600 for example) and then basically try to achieve sound of the recording to sound as close as possible to the speakers in the room... Oluv's Gadgets has been doing this for years and result is that you get 90% of listening to it irl, youtube compression etc. basically doesn't matter as its still easily enough information

[@martinbrandt3907]

Agree - really good via quality headphones.

[@andyserrano3165]

AHHHH!! To only be able to sit in front of this beautiful system. Thank you sir for all your efforts. I appreciate it.

[@SkyFiAudio]

An airplane ticket to NJ is all you need to sit in front. Thanks for writing Andy.

[@andyserrano3165]

@@SkyFiAudio My wife and I go to Manhattan once a year. Maybe a little side trip is in order. Once again your videos are very educational. Thank you.

[@TheHutDweller]

My friend had a near $300,000 McIntosh listening room. Let’s just say that music never sounded the same once you know what music supposed to sound like. You could hear the artists breathing it was so defined.

[@scottparsons7825]

All that bad ass gear only to play that horrible song! That’s the worst song I have ever heard!

[@Richbroth]

Thank for the effort you taken to deliver better sounding speaker videos.

[@SkyFiAudio]

My pleasure!

[@MrCharlesray]

Goodness, sounds marvelous over my headphones, indeed the true colors of these beautiful system won’t come through fully, but we can have a tease of the quality, please keep them coming. Love it. Thanks for taking the time and making these videos. I hope you do set up a day once a month where people can come in to your shop and see for themselves what your gears sound like.

[@SkyFiAudio]

We're happy to host here at the shop if you make an appointment. Hope to see you some day.

[@jimmyBside]

@@SkyFiAudio…Cool video. Caught the short version. The R2R was the star. (Funny, right). Glad the whole video popped up. Subbed now. Your shop looks amazing. You might be my best hope…If you come across stands for a pair of XRT-18’s…🤞

[@christkallimanis4621]

One of the better sounding recordings I’ve heard. Good job. Beautiful system! Thanks!

[@SkyFiAudio]

Thanks sir. Glad to hear you enjoyed it.

[@Benvos]

I always enjoy sound demos despite their limitations. It’s a very clear system that doesn’t sound fatiguing, however these speakers clearly don’t need corner reinforcement for the bass as that was overblown in the video and could get tiring.

[@patrickwalsh467]

Listening through a D-150 and a pair of Beyer Dynamic T-1s. Pretty boomy mid-bass but otherwise pretty good. Highs clear. Not bad for a first effort. Thanks!

[@SkyFiAudio]

Good way to put it but its my second effort. The first one was even worse, lol.

[@michellevasquez8853]

My Dad passed away. Makes me rethink selling his McIntosh system...this sound is incredible ❤️‍🔥🎧

[@sredtail]

Do Not Sell Your Dad’s System 🙏🏽 it is a Part of Him to You ✌🏽

[@locoman6621]

ye nah worst decision ever, dont sell it or at least yet..

[@stephenj8576]

It is not a waste to do this demo...some of us are HiFi fans and love your channel. We all know it sounds like crap via KZbin but we don't care it's fun anyway. Keep up the good work and I hope to purchase from you some day

[@cabronesse386]

tremendous effort! Thanks Fernando!

[@SkyFiAudio]

haha, thanks sir. I did try a bit more than usual. Hope the next one is improved.

[@fabieneldridge3414]

Not only is it Beautiful to look at but wonderful to Listen to ! Wow ! Unbelievable system .

[@RadioShack-vo2sn]

SURE SOUNDED GREAT, LIKE YOU SAID ---- MUCH BETTER IN PERSON, THANKS FOR DEMO.

[@SkyFiAudio]

You bet!

[@danieljones8587]

A lot of WOW factor and a truly remarkable system from a 55-year Mac fan and owner. ❤️👍

[@jarms40]

Spectacular. Thanks for doing this. More, please.

[@user-ex9zm7bg3x]

what are you listening on?

[@jarms40]

@@user-ex9zm7bg3x Nothing fancy. LG Cup ThinQ. It is one of the better phones in terms of the internal DAC.

[@shanestephenson8423]

Well done Fernando this is what we want to see and hear. All this beautiful gear that you showcase on the channel.🙂👍🎧

[@SkyFiAudio]

Thanks so much Shane. More to come.

[@AudioElectronicsChicago]

This McIntosh system is like a candy for the eyes, so so so nice!!!

[@SkyFiAudio]

Yeah sure is pretty.

[@eddieshirely1462]

Ohh you have to see these in person and with the lights down. They look incredible. I personally have the 1201s and those look pretty snazzy

[@DSupremeLounge]

Thanks. Best sounding KZbin audio recording I’ve heard.

[@SkyFiAudio]

thanks for the feedback. did you listen to on headphones or speakers?

[@DSupremeLounge]

@@SkyFiAudio headphones

[@caletzm]

You be amaze how much one can hear from a low end device recording such high end system. I can hear the detail even though it’s displaying a lot high on my end. Also the subtle bandwidth bridge changes. Man I wish I can hear it personally.

[@erichfischer8064]

Right off the bat you feel the crispness, then the warmth of the system. That is a magnificent system you have my friend. The second example you played must sound phenomenal in the room. Outstanding

[@floooobzdagget3734]

There's nothing like listening to a $300k system through a cellphone! Amazing fidelity

[@jasonmelo9379]

It's a binaural recording dumb dumb put your headphones on

[@pawelpablo898]

Nice to hear something, probably 20 % of what there is in person.

[@analogguy5548]

Thanks for the demonstration. I grew up in Glen Rock - Fled New Jersey for Texas recently - Hope to visit the shop someday. My system is powered by 1970’s vintage McIntosh MC 2105 ($650*) & C 26 ($350*) - *1970 dollars, a lot of money at the time, but money very well spent. Almost hope one of my components dies so I can replace with one of your refreshed units. Thanks again and continued success.

[@bryank32965]

I'm a huge MacIntosh fan and I just wanted to say (your system rocks) I've listen to that same system before in person, 5 stars all the way. If you ever want to give that system away I'd love to own it.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Your number one on the list sir. Cheers.

[@louisperlman8030]

Very credible sound quality, even thru the KZbin skinny pipe. Many thanks, and please do more.

[@SkyFiAudio]

More to come sir. What type of music would you like to hear?

[@johndyson4109]

Awesome.. I like how you build up the input in stages to the final output amplifier... The sound is delivered throughout the whole shop I'm sure.. You probably can here the music in every facet of the shop... I've hung out with some HAM radio operators and they use linears to boost their RF output. They also build up the input in stages before it gets to the final output linear amplifier on AM or FM..

[@donstrickland4347]

More please, this is so well done. I will be signing up.

[@insolentstickleback3266]

I would love to listen to that in your show room, it sounded tantalizing and remarkable even on this iPhone X. Thanks for sharing!

[@willofomphalosgroomslll]

Yeah I’d like to visit the showroom too,,,💯✅

[@SkyFiAudio]

Thanks for listening, just make an appointment to visit and hear it in person.

[@willofomphalosgroomslll]

@@SkyFiAudio thanks n I will…💯👍🏾✅

[@insolentstickleback3266]

@@SkyFiAudio Alas! I am in Oregon. If and when I make it back there I will certainly have you on my radar and schedule to see the shop!

[@VladVonGrigorian]

Outstanding work! More of this please!

[@totobeni]

sound demos on my samsung monitor is always a blast.

[@mornecoetzee735]

Thank you for the effort. I love that you are doing this. I don't expect this to be audiophile level, but it gives us a general impression.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Thats what I was going for, thanks for the feedback sir.

[@lr8621]

Sounds awesome even through my headphones,can just imagine live 🤯🙌🙏

[@uncleb8181]

That’s a nice living room you wouldn’t want to go on holiday just send the misses like I do

[@rosskelly8268]

Most impressive moment was the super realistic voice in the left ear at the end.

[@DawgGnarly]

Just hearing this on a KZbin video is a surreal experience.

[@MrSmi31093]

Someone had to have these. I'm glad it's you!

[@tgifford4]

All highs and all lows, can't be Bose. It sounds like someone put the 🙂on the old EQ.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Good point. It does sound a bit un-even on the recording. Maybe Hals ears need cleaning :-).

[@cliftoncrooks6389]

thanks for sharing the sight and sound of this beautiful system. It comes across great on my headphones.

[@nitroboy2]

sounds very , Very bass heavy , and i love it ! (on my HD650's and tannoy SRM monitors)

[@SkyFiAudio]

LOL, Did you see all those woofers!!

[@DougMcDave]

I know you are serious about this. But I could not help but be reminded of that scene from "Back to the Future," when Marty hooks his guitar into that amp, stands I'm front of that big speaker, plays one chord, and he gets blown back about ten feet! Heh.

[@gerihifi]

Awesome setup!! American muscle HiFi at it's best. YES, you have to listen through headphones and a good pre-amp ;-) thanks a lot for your efforts, really greatly appreciated!

[@SkyFiAudio]

Right on! Glad you liked it sir.

[@ajayr8781]

Very nice, love it.

[@petersonnl]

Very clean, crisp, precise sound. Great system!

[@SkyFiAudio]

Glad you like it!

[@jamescarter8311]

Wonderful system for people who hear with their eyes.

[@jeffreythurston1822]

Fernando that was really fun. I could definitely appreciate some imaging through headphones. The equipment is just stunning. Can only imagine the in person effect. Next time I’m out East I’m stopping in.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Glad you enjoyed it! Please do stop by!!

[@mswobo23]

Thanks for showing us around. bought my Sota from you, the only piece of gear i never think of changing.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Nice to hear from you Mike and I'm glad your enjoying the Sota. Its a great piece!

[@ronaldrice2936]

Don't stop doing this sounds good to my system,🤣, my little 8in. You struggling like I'll get out 😅🔊🔊👍

[@jasonvega2657]

Wow!! That bass!

[@SkyFiAudio]

the bass is astounding considering the room size.

[@dominicpuliti4626]

Nice Job! Keep it up give the people what they want! Sounds so good on my head phones that bass kicks ass!

[@SkyFiAudio]

Glad you liked it Dominic. Thanks for trying it on headphones.

[@djzoloft]

great video, it makes no sense but i take your word for it. Wish i was there.

[@geoffreymills9932]

You can say what you want about being played over the internet and through utube but it made me smile coming from my aftershock headset, and I'm a prick when it comes to sound quality, nice setup if you're name it Rockefeller

[@substrate001]

I've been following your channel & wish you great success. I was listening thru my twin Rythmik Direct Servo 15" Aluminum-coned powered subs, bi-amped New Form R 45 Ribbon/ Scan-Speak 7" twin CF drivers, and this type of music sounded very nice. I also listend 'naked' (not me, personally) thru my Maggie 3.6R's with custom x-overs, etc. I really liked the whole "LEFT SPKR" business at the end, lol. Well played, Sir. Anyway, I'm dying, Stage IV Prostate Cancer with Metastisis to multiple hip locations, L4- L5 Lumbar & C6- C7 Verts. I always wanted to hear these "live" and at least this got me closer than ever... I have substantial financial reserves (relatively; someone ALWAYS has more), and I'd love to hear some well-recorded Jazz/Rock/Pop like Steely Dan, Frank Zappa, Earlier Dream Teater, Metallica's "Black" album. Yes,,, some of us with money, musical training & home studios & dedicated music rooms DO NOT listen to jazz or classical. I love & appreciate ALL MUSIC. I had to study it in Junior & High School Orchestra! The 'popular' music at that time was: Kansas, RUSH, Boston, YES, King Crimson, Etc... There are many Hi-Rez & other recordings some of us would LOVE TO HEAR ON YOUR KILLER RECORDING SETUP!!! Please consider it, as a dying musician with a pretty high end system(s) myself; I implore you. Thanks!!! Love, Peace & Success! 🙏🙏🙏

[@yngve6640]

I shear your music taste. Prog rock is great. I tried the jazz thing on my tube amps, sounded nice but I soon grew tired of music that gives me no groove. Sad to hear about your health sir. I wish you all the good days our world can give you the remaining time of your adventure of life. Love from Norway.

[@Foxrock321]

I listened to this video on my Yamaha A8A/ Toby Speaker home theatre system..at least I got a sense of the breath of this McIntosh system…good show…

[@SkyFiAudio]

Thanks for taking the time to listen. Glad you got some benefit from it.

[@fabbri4497]

10k of material, 90k of aesthetics and 200k profits...

[@James-hb6ee]

IMHO, you need to get those speakers away from the back wall. It sounded as if a Loudness Control was engaged on the Mac preamp or someone had gone in and cranked up the bass controls. WAY too much bass energy. Also, after you get the speakers away from the back wall, experiment with toe-in. I didn't hear much focus at all, but it is difficult to tell with headphones. I use a pretty good desktop DAC/Senn HD-650 headphone combination as I'm sure a lot of other of your listeners have pretty good desktop systems.

[@jamesrobinson9176]

Heard a similar stack at rmaf few years ago. Was impressed.

[@SkyFiAudio]

What's rmaf?

[@jamesrobinson9176]

@@SkyFiAudio Denver audio show, unfortunately was a coof casualty

[@stantrisinhro]

Great experiment! The sound appears to be too overwhelming for those mics, but they get the picture in a weird way. Thanks!

[@SkyFiAudio]

Maybe I should try a lower volume.

[@willowwale2000]

@@SkyFiAudio It sounds just fine Fernando. Forget about all these soft critics. You didn't have to do this demo, so just do your thing man. A demo of the Wisdom Audio system would be great if you have the time.

[@Disisions]

Thanks for the demo. Wish I could hear up close for a deep feel. 👏

[@bobbytaco2424]

Nice. The complete separation is stunning. Bet it sounds great in person.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Certainly sounds better in person, thanks Rob!

[@NerdyMeathead]

how about a video where its a POV shot of you going up to a system like this and turning everything on and dropping that needle

[@SkyFiAudio]

BOOM!

[@keithgregson9573]

>Stereo, soundstage & image, low end distinctive when it happens, like the 3rd track, listening on AES driven active monitors Adam S3H's is SHARC ADSP21478 driven, your efforts with the 'stereo-head' deff came through, thank you for the effort.

[@dastiffmeisterman]

Sounds amazing through my 5 watt laptop speakers

[@toddtaylor6594]

I bet That Beautiful System Sounds Aaaaaamazing 💜

[@lucasgarneau67]

the best attemt so far ,including all the stereo shows from around the world .

[@SkyFiAudio]

Thanks Lucas. Glad you like it. Stay tuned for more.

[@parttime9070]

Zappa's 'Inca roads or 'Black napkin would be my test music, his recording's have good dynamic range ..

[@gadymarcus5297]

magnifico.

[@renanterobles2942]

the most pleasant sound system to my ears ❤❤❤

[@andybrewster25]

Omfg this is outrageously amazing

[@michaela.5363]

Love the Hulkin bass

[@crimsonghost6454]

Can't say much for sound but it was cool to see the set up and get a run down. Then to at least see it in action was good. Definitely a sight to behold but I bet so much better to hear in person. Thanks and good job

[@SkyFiAudio]

Glad you enjoyed it sir. It was fun to make.

[@JNElectrics]

an audio accessory from awesome MCintosh

[@Edward135i]

Hey Fernando, I found your channel thanks to Steve Guttenberg, and i've got to say I watch you more than him now! I love your technical videos and all of the crazy cool gear you get your hands on, oh and that Cossie you've got up on the lift, just...👌

[@tomaszgebel9038]

Impressive sound even via YT.

[@freniq]

when the bass kicksed in at 6:14, it was carnival time in my living room

[@SkyFiAudio]

lol, thanks John. Glad you got a taste of Carnaval.

[@dancurran1125]

Wow sounds really good through my $125.00 monitor speakers. I want one.

[@richardgivher835]

I love it.

[@mikeh6876]

Really nice setup. I have a pair of Klipsch R-14M bookshelf speakers sitting just above my monitor that are pointed slightly down. Even they can pick up the amazing sound you are recording. I am sure there is some loss. But, still.............Oh, I run my speakers thru a Marantz receiver connected to the motherboard audio out.

[@dixter1652]

If you get the Smyth Realiser A16 then you can capture the full sound of the Mcintosh system you have here and can then take the sound signature anywhere you want.. its a great machine .. I have several of these kinds of rooms filled with great equipment recorded ... and the A16 records in 24 channels so you also get 24 of those speakers in the recording for Atmos

[@mikedowdell-dl2ul]

Great demo. I'd love to see and hear more gear. Maybe less expensive so I might be able to afford it. It's was 👍

[@MrSmi31093]

PS That ain't a flagship! It's an armada!

[@iamsaulo]

Feliz q ele colocou um sambinha bossa nova para mexer com esse belíssimo sistema. Um sonho para poucos. Fã do canal. Valeu.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Gracias Salud. Un poco de bossa nova para ti!

[@ike7539]

6:13 where the fun begins! I am jealous of that dummy head

[@JNElectrics]

Nice configuration speaker and McIntosh

[@itsjim2875]

Excellent presentation, Fernando! Thanks for putting it together!

[@illeperuma-yc4kg]

Yes ,every single sounds i can hear at clearly

[@mdjak3686]

Just went to this store to sell an item. Super smooth transaction, very cool store, really nice employees.

[@andydogdixon1]

My business is providing a boutique service in high end homes here in Charlotte. I have never in over 30 years seen a high end audio system in anyone’s home.

[@tingokuman]

My little edifiers on my pc are doing their best. I actually can pickup a tiny bit of detail from left to right. Id pay good money to sit in that room and listen. I wish I had $300k 😂. Good Job My friend.

[@TheGabrielberki]

That set up would get the cops at my door within the hour

[@gjnbouwmeester5860]

Impressive stuff, wow. Thanks for the effort! When the bass rolls in the first tune there is maybe some acoustic compression going on the recording? No surprise with 2 X 2K Watts and those sublime speakers LOL. The last track, was that Gino Vanelli? Which album is that? Anyway, love to hear more of the special systems you have. 🙂

[@SkyFiAudio]

not sure who the artist is but I will find out and post.

[@smokeylovesfire1589]

Sounds awesome! We don’t have anything like this in Idaho! 🤣 But would love to hear this with Angel from Sarah ‘McLachlan versus a B&W Nautilus speaker.

[@rsc4peace971]

Just amazing sound, even with my mediocre computer AV set up, don't have to use my leap of imagination in an anechoic chamber

[@SkyFiAudio]

Thats a good way to put it. Listener must take a leap to imagine how it sounds in person.

[@Borednlonely]

thank you but i really wish sound demos included popular tracks that people are familiar with as we all have a point of reference

[@chrislj2890]

It kinda creeps me out thinking of all of that expensive equipment setting around that window.

[@gus5949]

Loved this video, thanks!!!

[@kiwi335d]

I realize space is probably limited where this system is located, however I can’t imagine worse positioning of the speakers than this, for achieving anywhere close to the sound quality they are capable of. Thanks for posting this video though, the system is nice to look at and I would love to hear it with a more opened up positioning of the speakers.

[@ventedvoice]

Great work on set up and explanation narrative. "Deep Down" from Paul McCartney's, McCartney III would be my suggestion for a song inclusion, (because I think it would sound awesome on this). 👍👍