Get a subwoofer BEFORE you upgrade your DAC

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0:00 Intro
3:17 vs. Klipsch Forte IV
6:14 Let's get more specific
9:52 vs. KEF LS50 + KC62
12:30 The most important part of this video
👉🏻 As seen in this video...
Bohren & Der Club of Gore - Bohren for Beginners
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#goldenear #subwoofer #hometheater
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[@DarkoAudio]

UPDATE - PLEASE READ *before commenting*! 1) Got a question? Please ask it of the Darko.Audio KZbin community (and not me) as I'm off making the NEXT video 2) All comments here are moderated by a third party: instagram.com/p/CTWcokaszpW/ 3) Polite comments that advance the conversation are most welcome (but no URLs, please)

[@SteveBerube]

you're about the only reviewer that brings me new music in my diet - stuff I never heard of - or artist I know but not that album or collaboration...keep up the good work...

[@atticusrussell1225]

For me that's goldenear

[@Jedi71]

Same here. I write down artists and titles all the time.

[@jinvid]

Exactly! Although oddly enough, I have heard Bohren and der Club of Gore before, I haven’t heard of The Specials. What I love doing is pausing the video and immediately looking up the music he’s playing and adding it to my library because John’s got a very eclectic taste in music and I love that about him!

[@DarkoAudio]

UPDATE - PLEASE READ *before commenting*! No, I did NOT swap the subs on each system. I used KEF with KEF and GE with GE. 1) Got a question? Please ask it of the Darko.Audio KZbin community (and not me) as I'm busy making the next video 2) All comments here are moderated by a third party: instagram.com/p/CTWcokaszpW/ 3) Polite comments that advance the conversation are most welcome (but no URLs, please)

[@pedrofigueiredo8224]

Funny thing is I can't afford none of this gear but I always come to the channel for the knowledge and your soothing voice and is like I'm there hearing the music myself.

[@robmaxwell3678]

$599 at Crutchfield for the Forcefield 3. That does sound like money better spent than upgrading to a Mojo dac.

[@G-FunkDeluxe]

I really appreciate that you talk about how audio gear performs with electronic/dance/pop music. So many reviewers assume we’re all 60yo men listening to nothing but Rolling Stones albums forever.

[@ABWSKITCHEN]

I use subwoofers since I was a teenager, my favorite size is 10" because gives plenty of bass in any room. Subharmonics are incredible to make any system to the next level.

[@MrChoppington]

Man, the musical references just casually dropped all over these reviews. Not only does talking about specific albums enrich the descriptions of a listening experience, but I love the rabbit holes I tumble down off the back of a Darko video....

[@JohnPienaar]

Thom Yorke’s cover of All for the Best is an absolute gem and such an experience on a great set of speakers

[@ansonutube]

Thanks John for your enthusiasm in sub integration and bass management! I bought a KEF KC62 after watching your review and then the Lyngdorf integrated (this time before yours ;)) to replace my 4x expensive Naim pre+power amp combo What an ear-opening experience, not to mention the savings in $ and rack space

[@JBSCHAFFNER]

Why I love my Elac Debut Reference B6s paired with two 12 inch subs.. wide, deep, clear soundstage with beautiful neutrality

[@Foobymaster1]

I made it about a minute into the video and spent the next two hours listening to borhen for beginners

[@rodrigolopezmaya5974]

x2

[@owenstefaniak5720]

their entire catalogue is fantastic and the newest record Patchouli Blue is a high point, so they just keep getting better after all these years.

[@ryanmurphy7748]

Thanks for this reminder. This video surfaced again and definitely influenced my plans for my small two channel office system.

[@thepickyaudiophile]

Yay subs!! Best thing I ever did for my system, I listened to the bass podcast too. Using two subs from two different brands across two different systems, I found the high level connections to sound/integrate best overall. This included playing with the crossover in a Nad M3. So low level connection and crossing over the mains sounds like the right thing to do, but I guess mileage may vary :-)

[@ZappaTime]

Loving that Bohren for Beginners, thanks! 👍

[@JAFOpty]

I love that you are covering more Subs lately! I can't live w/o mine, it just adds that missing part of the picture.

[@MoRZ47]

Bought a sub inspired by your subwoofer content since the kef podcast. Really happy with my setup now. Powernode 2i, original KEF LS50 and a Saxx deepSOUND DS 10 EVO. 🙏🏼

[@edmundgil6008]

Wow! Digging the Darko Subwoofer Love 💕! …and that it involved the pairing of two 2.1 systems! ❤️‼️

[@neilkirkwood2617]

Neil Young’s “Wrecking Ball” by Emmylou Harris (and Daniel Lanois). Her unadulterated country soprano stands in the foreground as Lanois washes the background with distorted guitars and pulsating percussion and ominous synthesized steel drums. The whole album is a surreal, yet eeilrily familiar trip. Covers of everyone from Jimmy Hendrix to Uber folkers Kate & Anna McGarrigle. All with her voice and his twisted, but complimentary production.

[@therealboofighter]

I like to listen to modern pop music through my system, it often will show that the song is more complex and interesting then when I hear it over car radio or mall music system. I have watched a few of Rick Beato’s videos were he breaks down pop songs, there is often a lot more going on in them then first thought.

[@DavidMorley]

So glad you have and hopefully enjoy my Tilted release! Cheers David.

[@adambarnes7814]

Loving this album David😍. Many thanks

[@brianfernandes2382]

I always loved the sound of the old Infinity ribbons. The tend to have a smooth but open sound

[@celiottjohnston]

Hooray for Bohren! Sunset Mission is absolutely one of the best albums of the 00s.

[@michaelforde5591]

Loving the content and you're apprach for enthusiastic new amateurs like me. Also love learning about new artists too. Some a hit and some a miss. That jazz album is giving my 12f DALI sub a good work out. 😊 Thanks John.👏

[@MILODON77]

I have the Triton Two's from Golden Ear and absolutely love them! Negates the need for the sub as well since they have built in powered sub's.

[@WMalven]

Hey John, many thanks for the tip on the Bohren. for Beginners album. Right up my alley for kicking back and relaxing in the evening. Kind of like a Cinema Noire film in music...I can almost see a down and out PI sitting in a bar and being approached by a strange beautiful "dame" in distress. Terrific mood music. It reminded me of one of my other favorites Frank Sinatra - Only the Lonely, another "downer" mood album.

[@lunatrics]

Man i love the voice of the intro woman. She has to do a bookread! For audiobooks.

[@user-rg4xn3ib4c]

She is Jana Dagdagan. Very laid back audiophile, seems like a nice young lady. You can see her with Steve Guttenberg occasionally and on her own youtube channel Earspace. I think at one time she worked for Stereophile . Cannot say for sure but I feel she may have backed off KZbin in part because she was sick of comments that did not focus on our hobby. Society at its best (sarcasm of course).

[@djule1986]

These takes, at the end of the video, really gives me hope that I can start speaking in front of camera, cause, even the best ones are not doing it without making a mistakes. I like that part really much.

[@johnlindley3622]

Club for five’s cover of brothers in arms wow what a voice he has👏

[@shkermanshahi]

Amazing review. Please do more.

[@Drackleyrva]

Great review--I'm helping a friend build a new Hifi system and this is certainly a contender. BTW, love the PSB 'Very' vinyl in the back. ;)

[@MrYamaha413]

i love comparisons videos ;) size in speakers matters ..!!

[@JohnnyBroker76]

A system that gets completely overlooked by most respected reviewers and that is very similar to the Goldenear one you are reviewing is the Martin Longan 35XTi with the Dynamo 800X. Also has the folded ribbon tweeter but larger and a bit better executed imo. Looks way better ascetically, almost like high end furniture and are better dynamically. Don’t know if Martin Logan is hard to work with to get review units in but I would love to see a review of this set up. Great review BTW on the GoldenEar, nice to see these bookshelf sub combo reviews.

[@BeyondResolution]

After trying many REL's and other brands i have landed on two Jamo sub800. For music they are brilliant.

[@edvardthomson7264]

Love that your into subs now. I'm waiting on a review for the naim uniti atom he amp along with mosoo 2 and muso qb gen 2

[@whitecrowuk575]

Using sub does affect our ability in hearing details in soundstage - I found that myself as well - without doubt makes it better sounding but it’s harder to compare speakers. Better is to cross them at lower level like when speaker rolls off at 40-50Hz set XO to that. This way sub will help when speaker can’t anymore without overtaking duty where it’s not necessary.

[@slippyification]

John Martyn - Glory Box is One of me faves

[@kevinrouthieaux26]

John, I have the BRX and KC62; the combination is lovely! I'm using the Brooklyn Amp at your suggestion but considering a switch to lower wattage AB amp as I'm crossing over the BRX via NAD processor (w/Dirac) at 70hz. Using Dirac with these Goldenear really reels in and focuses the top end. As always, thanks so much for the great videos

[@archiemacdonald553]

doom jazz sounds intresting. John .another great interesting video as always 🙂🙂🙂

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🤗 COOL 😎…Reminds me of my old M&K sub 😍😍😍

[@MJNS301]

I have a set of Goldenear Triton 3's with subs built in. I think you'd really enjoy those for electronica. 😉 I've listened to Forte 4's as well at a friend's, and I found them "harsh". It's been a while, but I think they were perhaps too forward in the high end for my liking. I do find the Triton 3's to be very well voiced, and very detailed/clear, which is what I look for in a sound signature. Thanks for the reviews!

[@andrewcarr4870]

Well, I’ve waited long enough, time to join on patreon so I can get access to your music playlists

[@adaboy4z]

Once I learned how to setup up my stand mount Kef Q150 in my room no need for a subwoofer except for movies. Even a small 6-8 inch subwoofer can do wonders in your room with the right placement.

[@bani_niba]

I have a full Goldenear 5.1 system that I love. I think they are one of the best values at the audiophile entry-level. Funny enough, at the time the main competitor that I was considering buying was the original KEF LS50's. I couldn't hear enough difference between them to justify the large price difference (though I listened to them at different dealers). Also, Goldenear have speakers more appropriate for home theater. Having said that, my ForceField4 subwoofer has died after 8 years. So just about to buy a replacement.

[@lary90210]

Excellent album recommendation. Listened to two songs and ordered it immediately!! Can’t wait to get into some DOOM jazz

[@pickyaudiophile9898]

Doing some sort of "mix and match" might be the ideal choice. Herb Reichert when reviewing the SVS 3000 Micro came to a similar conclusion when it came to that KEF sub a couple of month ago (not the last word in fine dynamics, overall a little heavy-handed presentation). With John's younger ears confirming Herb's assessments it's proven that old guy still has hunky-dory hearing capability. Which is a great thing.

[@deangale4496]

Biggest problem of crossing subs is most don't have a high pass filter so when you don't have one you get cancellation bass nodes . Worth trying I reckon thanks John another great review

[@realitychecks2920]

The cover of John Martins classic "man in the station" by Ian Matthews is great, gives it a different tempo, more upbeat. Love both versions

[@jimm8619]

Some of my favorite covers: Madeleine Peyroux: Between The Bars [Elliott Smith] Rhiannon Giddens: Waterboy [Odetta] Ezra Furman: Crown Of Love [Arcade Fire] Trampled by Turtles: Where Is My Mind? [The Pixies] Calexico: Corona [The Minutemen]

[@tigerfish66]

Great Music Recommendations John, i LOVE these videos where I discover some new music from the collection embedded in your brain, thank you.

[@spencer172]

Great review as always - Have been thinking about adding a Rel T-Zero to my system for a while. Cover version - Easy star all stars - Radiodread - paranoid Android.

[@fzswede9533]

Great video as usual ! As a cover tip, Not in love, with Crystal Castles and Robert Smith. I guess there would be some that might favor the Goldenear because of it being a bit cheaper too. I am myself drawn to black,but KEF pretty much have a colour for everyone so. Cool setups anyway 👍🏻

[@mikedeboard1197]

Could not agree more.

[@marzcapone9939]

Adam Audio uses an identical ribbon tweeter, very clear highs.

[@andreisopu]

Crazy in love - Scubba. Great cover, just found it today thanks to Deezer

[@RafaelGrigorian]

Adding a REL T7X to my system was the best decision to improve its overall sound quality .

[@randomtube8226]

I prefer the force field 3 because of its low end extension.

[@Peacewiser]

Thanks for this youtube Darko. Soon you'll trial dual subs and discover, yep that is better. Corner loading, and/or raised off the floor sub positions can be interesting too. if you're inclined check out the feedforward servo subs of rythmik audio, some guys around the traps reckon they are high value (yet somewhat cheaper) units. I aint got one so am keen to hear ur expert opinion just for fun!

[@edmundong2511]

Wondered if you would be so kind as to do an instruction video on connecting subwoofers to two channel amps especially vintage ones. Thanks

[@kickboxing24hrsaday]

I've been having a lot of fun watching the Peacemaker series and the version of Pumped Up Kicks by John Murphy is a fantastic version of the original by Foster the People. The drum outro in particular sounds massive.

[@kathryngriffin3197]

Really enjoying this Bohren rec. Though I got about an hour and a half into it and the guy starts singing out of nowhere wasn't too keen on that bit lol.

[@nickroden]

K9! It can't be unseen 😂

[@jeffkalina7727]

Great comparisons. Would enjoy knowing what warranty conveys with these products. Thanks!

[@marcocastro5921]

You should Get PMC Speakers for your office audio. They are amazing, if not the best.

[@WhatEver-dx3eu]

Aaahhhh... The difference a well balanced sub/sat system can make! Noticed you've got the NAD M10 there, did you play with Dirac (which really helps sub/sat integration!

[@dawddwadwa5775]

Love Bohren! Recommending kilimanjaro darkjazz ensemble if you enjoy them.

[@gsbyt]

The latest Covers album from Cat Power is amazing music but also surprisingly revelatory for bass and midrange composure. This is particularly true in the first half with Bad Religion and White Mustang.

[@timothystargatt9492]

Also Bohren & Der Club of Gore is awesome. See (hear? Listen?) also The Dale Cooper Quartet, Kilimanjaro Dark Jazz Ensemble, The Mount Fuji Doomjazz Corporation, the Orchestra of Mirrored Reflections, Swami LatePlate, Manet… I’ll stop now

[@albiepalbie5040]

Every system benefits from subwoofers Not necessarily for booming base - which can be there if you want it It’s more to do with the amazing imaging one can get - with stereo subs especially I use REL s which integrate brilliantly

[@lieberung]

Thanks for an interesting review, and great to include new music recommendations. Still wondering which of these subs would be the best match to my Heresy IVs. The kc62 is nearly 3 times as expensive as the FF3, but a good size smaller and even goes deeper.

[@simonlloyd100]

Using a Bluesound Powernode with a Pulse+ subwoofer...a decent upgrade

[@mrmwrsmith]

Lady blackbird with a cover of Nina Simone's "Blackbird" from her black acid soul album is probably the finest cover I've heard lately.

[@playsgibsons]

DEVO - (I CANT GET NO) SATISFACTION

[@kristophergurley585]

Wand’s cover of Gary Newman’s “M.E.” is one of my faves personally. Also, we mustn’t forget Dinosaur Jr.‘s cover of Just Like Heaven(the Cure)

[@CED.Dweller]

Kudos for the reference to the greatest Dr. Who! I know David Tennant was great, but he’s a good #2!

[@tombillard5264]

Would love to try brx with a couple of paradigm def x15 subs

[@charles-alexandre_CA]

Great to see you doing more testing with subs... Even for more restrictive rooms. When is a "test" with a REL coming?

[@DarkoAudio]

No plans to do REL. Next stop will likely be SVS. Two of 'em.

[@charles-alexandre_CA]

​@@DarkoAudio Very intrigued about the gear combination you have and SVS. Will look to ear* about it and the impact on the treatment you have in room. Poor neighbours ;) ....

[@timothystargatt9492]

Great cover I just came across: Nell Smith and The Flaming Lips - O Children (Nick Cave cover. Well, the whole album is a cover of Nick Cave songs)

[@mikey7278]

The Main Squeeze - No Quarter (Led Zep cover)

[@timothystargatt9492]

And Waxahtchee does a wonderful cover of Streets of Philadelphia

[@stiloanderson8989]

Kenny Thomas's version of Earth Wind & Fire's Can't Hide Love, is a master piece of soul / jazz that breathes loads of life into what is a lacklustre original 😎

[@davetester100]

The original Buddha of Suburbia cover art is from the BBC tv series of the same name and shows Naveen Andrews the main character with his arms up in the air

[@DarkoAudio]

Yes, from the excellent BBC adaption of the book.

[@maxx99988]

Compelling as always John, thank you. Did you at any point try the Kefs with the Golden Ear sub or reverse?

[@garethelliott6147]

Without a doubt my favourite cover version has to be The flaming lips (with Stardeath and the white dwarfs) version of Borderline. Must have listened to it 100s of times and it still blows me away. A close second though would be the Childish Gambino version of Brittany Howard sounds Stay high with you :)

[@multioptipupiloptomy]

Thanks for another great vid! What's up with u and stand-mounts? I rarely see floor-standers in your videos. (it's not that floor standers wouldn't need any sub augmentation in certain cases...)

[@dougg1075]

Cool

[@philallison6375]

If we are talking Talking Heads covers, then I recommend Angélique Kidjo‘s album Remain in Light. It’s amazing.

[@markflower8885]

Intersting covers.: Tricky's cover of Public Ememy's "Black Steel" (Been Caught Steeling Mix) Bauhaus cover of Brian Eno's "Third Uncle" Torre Florim's cover of The Prdogy's "Firestarter" (even Liam Howlett said it was the best cover he's ever heard) And as a bonus, my favourite album of covers, Fantomas - "The Directors Cut" which is covers of various horror film and thriller/suspense tv themes. It's amazing.

[@markfitzpatrick6290]

My favourite cover album is Rock Swings by Paul Anka.

[@cdwizzerd]

before the dawn heals us is such a cool record. as for cool covers, i recommend Human Tetris’ version of Here Comes The Rain Again. im sure you are familiar with the original

[@MACtheVILLAIN]

Nowhere near as poetic but GoldenEar Triton One.Rs, which have the same signature as the BRX, are the only speakers to get me to stop thinking about buying speakers. Great video.

[@TheLesterbester]

Ha ha! I must agree - that's just sooo right! While I don't have the Triton One.Rs I do have the original Triton Ones and those, (coupled with a NAD M33) leave me with the same conclusion. For the first time in 40 years I no longer think of new gear (even slightly).👍👍

[@RejoiceYardley]

Yoshi Horikawa - Vapor (Album) has to be my gold standard for anything imaging realted

[@tigertiger1699]

Lol I spend the vid trying your track out😂🙏👍

[@gregbartley2475]

I always enjoy your reviews, I never smell any BS. Just out of curiosity, did you sense the GE’s went anywhere near their low frequency rated output in your room? Also, not a cover but Tin pan ally by Stevie Ray Vaughan is an incredible recording

[@peerloo6931]

Doom Jazz:) I'm in

[@318ishonk]

My favourite cover of Listening Wind is the one by Peter Gabriel.

[@MrThatsdanb]

Interesting cover for you. Nina Gordon's version of NWA's Straight Outta Compton.

[@Barry101er]

Thanks for the introduction to Doom Jazz-well I never!

[@stappi63]

The best way to use subs is to get at least two subs and a professional who implements these subs via a dsp. The difference that makes is more than unbelievable. Mind bending in the best possible way 😎

[@TheRdymek]

a cover that blew mi mind last year is dylans lay lady lay by made in sweden. id guess its s song that probably has one of the lowest skip frequencies if there is a statistic like that.