Herb's Journey with Tubes, Drag Racing, Vinyl, BIG HORNS and MORE!

[@DanielWilliams-l7j]

I try to speak with Herb once a month or so. The man is a legend and a true treasure, and a great story teller. I always feel very happy - and a bit smarter - when we finish. I highly recommend spending the bucks to speak with Herb; some of the best money you can spend.

[@elonmuskrat2830]

Pass.

[@danielwilliams1921]

@@elonmuskrat2830Your loss.

[@georgeswanson9483]

I think it'd be worth it. What a great guy.

[@TheDjcarlos67]

You pay to speak to a fellow music lover? What a mug

[@keplermission]

Herb's DeVore O/96 have deep bass and with these or EMI 319 we don't need any subwoofer.

[@artyfhartie2269]

Herb has added flavor and spiced the audio world

[@Inlinefour-m9j]

I love Herb.. His knowledge base is tremendous, and yet he's as unpretentious as u can imagine. I see him, as a real boheme

[@destrozar]

Herb comes across as such an interesting , engaging and humble human being.

[@Photoboy1948]

Herb, a quintessential renaissance man.

[@iampryso9548]

I'd dropped out of college, spent 3 years in the Navy, then returned home to finish school. I had a summer job to add to my savings so ordered and built my first stereo system. It was 1966 and I got ST-70, PAS-3, and FM-3 Dynakits, plus AR-4 speakers, and a Dual 1009 with Empire cartridge. I loved that system and believe it imprinted me ever after for sonic taste. Over the following decades I owned a wide variety of components, tube and SS, and every type of speaker other than horns. But that warm, comfortable musicality of that first system, keyed to the ST-70, was never forgotten. Thanks for this reminiscence Steve and Herb.

[@PlaybackMansion]

I just realized. When a person feels compelled to buy loads of music it's a sign to stop buying gear for a while

[@ronaldweed6103]

So true😅

[@carlitomelon4610]

His Herbness returns! I'm all ears. The mix of nostalgia and audio wisdom are always enchanting. Thanks for curating this event Steve 🎵🎶🙂🎶🎵

[@rickyblair2375]

More Herb, I had rather listen to him than anyone, always have.

[@rickriche4765]

I always look forward to these videos and Herb's Stereophile reviews. You guys are the best!

[@Gma7788]

It's an exciting part of life. He's got all the golden information. He sprinkles gold dust on you and you go back into your world 🌎 much better off...

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

This was a treat. I have heard Herb tell stories about the firehouse days before. But this was like the origin story of an audiophile and a legend in our community. Thanks Steve and Herb for sharing this.

[@keplermission]

Well you might like to know that Herb likes Bubinga wood speakers and in Brooklyn, well in America, it's a very popular finish of African wood, that is reminiscent of his Ska and Reggae listening. So on the DeVore speaker website we are able to find Herb's uh ... 'DeVore FIDELITY Orangutan 0/96' , these a 93dB SPL (that Tannoy called super efficient in their 15 inch Berkeley) and of a 10 ohm impedance, so that all of Herb's reviews are nailed to sounding good with 10 Ω speakers. Why 10 ohm? Well, it's a long story. Now moving on Herb's vinyl record turntable might have two pick up arms but the table it sits upon has four shaky legs made of Meccano, a thin, wobbly steel strip fashioned after a British Model construction system invented in 1898. Most everybody in the USA has heard of Meccano, and Herb loyal to past glories, has you know such a support system for his vinyl record player. No walking when it's playing, you know or the pick up will bounce over the record.

[@davidrivera2165]

Down to earth guys with fantastic audio gear and music experience. It brings back memories of leaning over to look inside my grandparents' stereo console back in 67', then sitting down 3 feet in front captivated by the sound. Sinatra has never sounded as good as when I was seven at the foot of that Fisher console.

[@georgeswanson9483]

Herb talks about how he had mentors back in the day but little does he know he was a huge mentor to solder slingers like myself back 30+ years ago with his writings in Sound Practices. What a great guy.

[@vulcangunner58]

Steve and Herb have the best Hi-Fi chats...Audio wisdom from two 2 channel experts Thank you gents.

[@phatjbl]

Herb is the man. Eccentric legend.

[@Gma7788]

Nothing eccentric about it. You're obviously surrounded by boring capitalists who think grocery shopping is THE ULTIMATE thing to do in life.

[@Voidoid77]

*Yay! The Dynamic Duo are BACK*!!!! love it when you guys get together.... cheers from a scotsman in Jpn. p.s. *Herb's always great!* "Radar Love" - wow, memories of Golden Earring on the weekly BBC music show, Top of the Pops... mimin' badly to a backing track as no live performances were allowed just in case one of the musicians from any of the collection on the show said something/did something ....!! Aaah, memories. Brilliant.

[@danwheetman6914]

Always a pleasure!

[@ThePgkessler]

Why I admire and treasure these interviews: Eternal curiosity, playfulness and enthusiasm. You two are awesome!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

That's great, thanks for watching!

[@daveyurkovich9459]

Blessed to hear these recounted stories. Thank you.

[@Gma7788]

It's not all about repeats cause herb's got far more than just that. Herb has the wise knowledge. The public ends up having a lot of products that were dumped in the street and they just sit in storage for years 😑 cause we have 1 great setup that works. So what do we do with 10 stereo items that are just sitting there doing nothing 🤔

[@NickP333]

Herb’s back! 🥳🔊😊🎶💜

[@Gma7788]

I was starting to think there was a falling out between the two friends. It happens, you know. But what it is, is Steve has already heard thousands of stories from Herb, he's thinking we don't need to hear repeating stories from Herb. But we haven't heard any of Herb's stories. Steve seems to be racing 🏁 through audio life and he's not really interested in stories about the past. Herb needs to give us his golden gems 💎 of knowledge he's learned over the years.

[@NickP333]

@@Gma7788 100%. Both of these guys should write books. I read Paul McGowan’s book, “99% True” and loved it. Couldn’t you see, books like, “The World According to (enter Steve or Herb’s name here)”? I’d certainly read it. 🔊✌️🎶

[@danielwilliams1921]

@@Gma7788 Easy, Skippy. Sounds like someone needs to get laid…

[@GiguereSylvain]

I follow Herb's journey since 'Sound Practices magazine' days in mid 90's and have built the 300B Se he was suggesting back then. My audio journey started in the late 60's. Every Herb's Audiophiliac episode is precious to me, and I sure look forward to one day share a conversation with him. Thanks Herb, and Steve for sharing, and feeding our own journey with music and the audio world knowledge.

[@stimpy1226]

When I was 15 I built a Fisher X202B integrated and an FM 60 tuner. I had a problem with the integrated because it wouldn’t work after I finished the construction so my mom took me out to Long Island City and they repaired it in 15 minutes and while I was waiting I got to meet Avery Fisher. That was a really big deal for me.

[@Gma7788]

In Australia they tell you to "get lost, mate". You go home with your attempt to make product and you're determined to one day, educate yourself and never speak to those scum ever again. Business in Australia thinks they don't need individual sales. You live in the country of spoiling people.

[@sdjgfashjasbfasd]

Story time with Herb...Love it.

[@karlhartwig3981]

Thanks for allowing us to enjoy your friendship and conversation-it was great!

[@johnprice4819]

The ‘fridges duct taped w cut outs for speakers Painted the colors of the Jamaican flag - I wish I was at that jam!!!Bravo Steve keep bringing the meat!

[@vaneast411]

more Herb more spice 💡

[@thespy5845]

Wow.. classic.. mid 60's hifi and hi perf cars.. awesome stuff Steve and Herb..

[@TheRealWindlePoons]

Herb is one of the great names of audio. First came across him reading his column "Casual Reactions" in the magazine "Sound Practices". His amp designs Feral Eye (2A3 push-pull) and Flesh & Blood (300B single-ended) inspired me to start building my own tube amps. Herb, you are the reason I listen to Lowther horns driven by home-built single-ended triodes. I can't thank you enough. 👍

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

That's lovely thank you!

[@mmuzzwell3654]

Herb is a pleasure to listen to. Love his no nonsense approach. Framer would have been pushing 140k record players within a minute 🤣

[@longislandhillbilly4780]

I feel as if I’m hanging with Steve and Herb . It’s comforting as well as informative. Thanks guys.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thank you for that

[@PAINFOOL13]

Excellent, Thanks, Steve and Herb 👏👍🏻

[@c.a.2759]

What a great interview! Herb’s had quite the career I would never associate him with wanting to build race car engines . Thank you so much for an entertaining Friday evening! Please keep interviews like this with him coming!

[@nicktube3904]

I would love to hear more HORN stories by Herb! (Said by a 30year old audiophile).

[@sadge9697]

I think storytelling is the best way to ease into any subject and Herb is clearly a born storyteller. Great conversation...thanks!

[@thegrimyeaper]

Jamaican fridge speakers? Madness!

[@debilthomes501]

What a great, great story. I could listen to you guys all day. 🤠

[@DanielWilliams-l7j]

HERB!!❤

[@krwd]

Herb is the grizzled audiophile legend of the vinyl community

[@jonathanscull7712]

I'm glad to see Herb more relaxed than I've seen before as he told his story. Must be you Steve!

[@chrisfrank9288]

I’d love to see more of these conversations. Thank you.

[@Gma7788]

We just have to get Steve to get past his mental barriers. Steve has the problem that he's already consumed his friends but the world hasn't ever met them. New York people like to MOVE ON all the time ⏲️ 🙃 🙄 We have to struggle to get them to slow down and enjoy life.

[@kjbiz]

I just love this conversation and the history. I would buy you guys a long lunch to hear this stuff.

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

Herb is class 😊

[@Random-kq4pz]

Always look forward to hearing Herb speak. More Herb please!

[@vorpane]

Steve & Herb talka are gifts from audio heaven, keep them coming ❤

[@dextergilford8336]

Dusted my Dynakit ST-70 off and been listening to it for the past couple of days. Added new coupling caps, new choke, in rush current limiter and a much heftier power transformer. It sounds great in a pair of Valencia’s and home brew poor man’s 755a in a repro slanted cabinet. A great way to enjoy tube gear.

[@analogjames3429]

Herb is a national treasure and a breath of fresh air in HiFi.

[@knish72]

Dude has lived.

[@edverbeek6292]

Thanks!

[@ryansmith7974]

I gotta say, I got my first tube amp (ST-70) after watching and it sound is really unique to anything ive been listening to. My new issue is what vintage speakers would really make it sing, although it sounds good on everything ive hooked up so far. Thanks for making this Herb and Steve you guys rock!

[@cpk313]

Love Herb! He used some of my powercords at some point in the past.

[@ptbfrch]

The favorite amp I ever owned was a restored Scott 299B. That thing played music really well! 1961 it was made, if I recall correctly. With new caps, biasing points added, and NOS Telefunken 12AX7, it was punchy and liquid sounding, very engaging sound with beautiful starts and stops to sounds. It also images seriously well.

[@fredkinneary7829]

Thanks Steve, your conversations with Herb are the best - holds me over between Steve & Herb show at AXPONA

[@williamsharp5973]

Loved this one so much!

[@christopherspiro9857]

I was going to ask where Herb was. Glad to see him !

[@fletchermunson6225]

I lucked into two upgraded Mark III Dynco mono amps years ago. Absolutely fun and wonderful amps. Sold them like a fool. My integrated amp was an Archer kit. I also made the Hafler kits but thought them only okay until a friend loaned me a Hafler preamp with improved internal parts and it was amazing. I loved it using the power amp part NAD 3020 amp

[@gtrguyinaz]

I remember these days…. 1970 nova 350 ci with headers… tuned by sound…. Today …. All computer controlled… today… Large double Advents were fabulous for the money… drove them with my GAS Ampzilla…

[@hippydippy]

Herb is such a cool guy. Great stories.

[@flashonline]

Herb is a national treasure.

[@williamstevenson6387]

Thanks for this. I had a mentor who worked at two different stereo places in the 70s and kindly got me a Hafler 220 in kit form at cost. That and a pair of Snell E iis which were my entry into high end. Prior to that I had no clue.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Nice!

[@condostereo]

I’m going to knuckle test refrigerators from now on. Would love to hear some wire stories, where the wire came from and how it was implemented, which wire was most sought after and Herb’s approach to building an amp; mentality and strategy. How do you live with something that isn’t ul listed ect. You two guys talking hifi is yet another dimension to this hobby. Can’t get enough.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

That's fantastic thank you so much!

[@Théophile1886]

Lafayette solid state integrated, Dual 1015, Shure M95ed, Jeff Beck: Truth - first acid trip November 1970 University residence. Beck’s Bolero. Nothing like it ever again.

[@tonykazz2779]

Hello again , This Story telling concept is exactly what will take you two to the 1 Mil.+ Subscriber level. There are many examples of group reporting on KZbin : Timcast, the Conservative twins , Joe Rogan , Tucker Carlson ... Two person formats convey a greater depth of understanding as well as much wider range of experiences that build on each other. A Steve & Herb Review would be the greatest Audio Hobby reporting ever. "The travels of Steve & Herb" going around doing your well informed reporting would be far better than The Absolute Sound of old ! I hope you two join up for this. Even pick up advertisers You would OWN Audio like Carson owned late night ! Fingers crossed and hoping Tony in Florida

[@beercanshooter7680]

This is a great video. Really enjoyed listening. I’m 74 and my trip through audio is very similar. Currently im re habbing a pair of AR 3a’s

[@BADEAU011]

This man is fabulous.

[@christopherspiro9857]

More Herb! Please. Ha!

[@artyfhartie2269]

Not to forget the well made solid as safes Crown amps and preamps of the 1960s and early 1970s. eg DC 300, PS2?, IC150 etc. And also their electrostatic loudspeakers

[@glenncurry3041]

Being a Marantz Rep in the '70's my college town accounts were often both Marantz and Mac. Yes Advents and Marantz (1060?) for the audiophile. They would tell me they could identify the Mac customer, knit sweater with elbow patches, carrying a pipe... the college prof! They'd take him to the Mac room, turn some on, "they'd see the blue lights and pull out their check book!" I was always told.

[@bobb.9917]

"…mufflers are like crossovers…". Brilliant! 😀

[@terrygesualdo9588]

Mufflers are like crossovers! 😂

[@debilthomes501]

Ironically good exhaust systems do incorporate crossovers. 😊

[@stimpy1226]

I picked up a stereo 70 so many years ago and had it re-built. Used it for my Stax electrostatic headphones. My first real ear opener were the Dalquist DQ 10’s. they were something special in those years.

[@DQ-su6qf]

I’d say they still are..

[@scruffy8861]

Hey Herb, around the time you were building your Dynaco i was building an Eico Cortina 3070. Influenced by my father, a Life Member with AES who taught audio engineering at Voorhres Technical Institute. Also the Technical Editor at Pop Electronics so some cool Heathkits along the way, especially a 14" color tv.

[@barrybrennan2135]

The king is back! Why doesn't Herb have a channel?! I know he does kind of, but regular content!

[@finished6267]

this made me laugh out loud I got it I got to find a picture of those fridge speakers!

[@paulomanique2786]

Great video!

[@stimpy1226]

I also owned an SP3-A1 and D76 A. Oh Boy!

[@richardwhite2344]

I enjoyed this so much. I hope there is a part two

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thank you so much for watching, there's already a whole bunch of Herb episodes for you on the playlist.

[@bcretty606]

I just bought my first St-70 original in wonderful condition for a reasonable price a few days ago. It sounds lively! My local bar in Philly uses one and plays vinyl only.

[@TheNathanMChannel]

I had to click to see if Herb really had a giant mohawk like in the thumbnail.

[@CUBICUB]

Love Herb!

[@carminedesanto6746]

Good afternoon ☕️🍩 Listening ,learning and having the odd laugh 😆

[@FOH3663]

Reggae, Jamaican flag loudspeakers, and Herb. "wah gwaan?" "mi irie"

[@mr.george7687]

Would of loved to see a picture of those refrigerator speakers!

[@SenSimha]

Amazing shit ! Keep em coming Steve 😊

[@jamesmachado8874]

Thanks, I would have loved to hang with you all one geezer to another.

[@willsullivan3]

"Mufflers are like crossovers..." LOL

[@andrewweis5857]

I first heard The Doors “Light My Fire” on a tube radio in a Pontiac Bonneville convertible. I remember thinking holy shit, this is the age of miracles.

[@SuperMcgenius]

Yes, the 120 was not good, a tube 70 with upgrades is a fun little amp.

[@RichardMathieson-j3l]

Thank you for an excellent review. Having listened to a lot of gear that you have reviewed I know to trust your assessments and I went to audition the Prelude for myself. I ended up buying one and totally agree it has tremendous synergy with the HE1000SE particularly with the Benchmark DAC3 because the quirks of each component compliment each other beautifully. I also tried the Prelude with the Susvara for a couple of weeks but, despite the power, I thought the Susvara was a little too polite in this combo and the Susvara seems better with more current and a little less warmth - my favourite is the Benchmark AHB2 power amp to open up the Sus.

[@RoaroftheTiger]

That was Fun !

[@glenncurry3041]

I sold Auratones back in the day to studios. They were considered the standard for mixing to a cheap portable radio. So the mix down could be evaluated for how it would sound at that level. Fostex tried to move into that space with a better speaker for the same money. Although they were popular on their own. They just were not the Auratone standard sound.

[@ML-rm3vk]

The a25 and dyna 70 was my first system plus pas3.yes it is my system of choice.

[@johngallagher8527]

I just got my Dynakit Stereo 70 and Dyna Pre Amp and Tuner overhauled and reconditioned at Analogique recently. The sound is unreal.

[@dalefriesen8676]

In the seventies I knew a guy who had a Quad amplifier connected to dual stacked Advents. This was great to hear you and Herb discussing the tonal timbre of the decades! I'm tempted to become a Patreon. I'd be interested in a sonic output comparison of the old school 70 to the Elekit. By the way, does Herb do art reviews?

[@PasqualeDeRosa-n1v]

Steve, you have had some wonderful guests appear on your show but this bloke took the biscuit. George Jones, Ska, Reggae, fridges, racing car engines. Brilliant. I am seriously thinking of e-mailing him to talk about my system and possible advice. Just have to find out how small the small fee is haha. Brilliant, thanks.

[@ronaldweed6103]

30 watts per Advent speakers loved it. Perfect for me,but i discovered i needed more bass. Wish i could remember my turntable. Thx for the memories of '74. 33-1/3 3.33 from K-Mart. Fun times.

[@elonmuskrat2830]

Does Herb accept Monopoly money?

[@acme.videos]

Herb is an interesting guy ❤

[@arblankenship54]

Just got my first pair of big horn speakers for an incredible deal, paid $1000 for a pair of JBL Apollo’s. Currently having the woofers refoamed and absolutely cannot wait to get them on my system

[@glenncurry3041]

Really loved this one! But I feel sorry for your eddress now Herb! It might get swamped. I sent one.

[@ericwirtz6362]

I had a Lafayette integrated amp, good times.