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

This is unfiltered Herb at his best!!
Thanks for watching, this channel is supported by the kind generosity of my Patreon backers: / audiophiliac
Instagram: / steve.guttenberg
#audiophile #hifi

[@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]

Well Herb's 'Ishmael39' contact has hidden meaning.

[@Photoboy1948]

Herb, a quintessential renaissance man.

[@keplermission]

Well on the renaissance ... of 'tube revival' embodied in the 1959 Dynaco ST70, you know, reckoned in the United States to be the best-sounding vintage tube amplifier of all time ... that claim is qualified by using certain early 1970s Japanese engineered large speakers (like Sansui) that were engineered not for the Solid State designs they'd been sold with but for that 'used buy' Dynaco ST-70 and the Solid State amplifiers thy were sold with, just the closest that Japanese Audio engineers could get to the ST70 sound and, it's a super vacuum tube-like sound of car radios in the early 1970s. So if you buy an ST70, you need one of these BIG Sansui or Pioneer floor speakers to hook up. There were loads of them, Trio, Technics etc.

[@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

[@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😅

[@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.

[@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...

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@sadge9697]

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

[@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.

[@karlhartwig3981]

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

[@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.

[@krwd]

Herb is the grizzled audiophile legend of the vinyl community

[@rickyblair2375]

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

[@artyfhartie2269]

Herb has added flavor and spiced the audio world

[@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. 🔊✌️🎶

[@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 🤔

[@PAINFOOL13]

Excellent, Thanks, Steve and Herb 👏👍🏻

[@williamt.swanson4861]

It’s always good to see Herb on your channel . Herb is my favourite Stereophile contributor. Herb introduced me too - and inspired me to purchase my beloved Falcon Ls35a Gold Badge speakers . Thank you Herb ! Herb is a very talented and compelling writer who could probably write about the kitchen sink and make it sound interesting . I wonder if he even realizes how talented a writer he is ? His writing style holds my attention in the same way Art Dudley’s did.- and I also love Herb’s superb and eclectic taste in music. I wish I could go for a beer with old Herb and pick his brain lol

[@sdjgfashjasbfasd]

Story time with Herb...Love it.

[@vulcangunner58]

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

[@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…

[@debilthomes501]

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

[@mitchparker7652]

Fridge speakers! So cool.

[@danwheetman6914]

Always a pleasure!

[@cpk313]

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

[@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!

[@vaneast411]

more Herb more spice 💡

[@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.

[@superdougie10]

You two are the best on the KZbins, honestly incredible.

[@jonathanscull7712]

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

[@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.

[@christopherspiro9857]

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

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

Herb is class 😊

[@thegrimyeaper]

Jamaican fridge speakers? Madness!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@bobb.9917]

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

[@knish72]

Dude has lived.

[@nicktube3904]

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

[@DanielWilliams-l7j]

HERB!!❤

[@christopherspiro9857]

More Herb! Please. Ha!

[@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

[@carminedesanto6746]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@terrygesualdo9588]

Mufflers are like crossovers! 😂

[@debilthomes501]

Ironically good exhaust systems do incorporate crossovers. 😊

[@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!

[@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.

[@FOH3663]

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

[@stimpy1226]

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

[@CUBICUB]

Love Herb!

[@mr.george7687]

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

[@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.

[@ML-rm3vk]

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

[@jamesmachado8874]

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

[@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

[@willsullivan3]

"Mufflers are like crossovers..." LOL

[@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.

[@paulomanique2786]

Great video!

[@glenncurry3041]

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

[@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.

[@johnvincent4048]

Little Richard Tutti Frutti 78rpm on a 1957 Motorola Masterpiece mono console. That's the way it should sound.

[@SuperMcgenius]

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

[@SenSimha]

Amazing shit ! Keep em coming Steve 😊

[@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?

[@glenncurry3041]

The KD500 blew (blows) the SL1200 away! Ceramic base and a Linear Motor instead of 4 pole direct drive. Like the far more expensive SP10. But I became the Kenwood Rep after Marantz so I am biased.

[@ericwirtz6362]

I had a Lafayette integrated amp, good times.

[@acme.videos]

Herb is an interesting guy ❤

[@louiesipes2257]

Steve, I think you missed a point Herb was trying to make. Or maybe I’m reading into it. When phono pre’s were separated from the whole, it opened up a whole design road for many. I’d posit the quality of the phono pre in general got better being taken out of the main pre💁

[@jumpingwhale]

this was nice

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

Crazy! In my area in 1959 a detached house was $18,000 and today it's $1,000,000. $90 in 1959 being equal to $972 today just goes to show that housing is a ripoff.

[@Gma7788]

Does your pre-amplifier turn off as your power amplifier gets up to operating temperature? All you guys forget amplifiers are clocking timing devices. You forget pre-amplifiers can be timed. You forget pre-amplifiers are invented cause they perceived a fault with the power amplifier or saw an opportunity for more sales.

[@elonmuskrat2830]

Does Herb accept Monopoly money?

[@jinxradar]

I thought that was his hairdo on the thumbnail 😂

[@dougg1075]

Who couldn’t love Herb.

[@jebrehbaker8613]

Should have had some Jamaicans make a speaker cluster!

[@moogoomoogoo5990]

Is there some sort of audio artifact present? It sounds like the pitch of Herbs voice goes up at times that doesn’t sound natural. Kinda the way cassette tapes or 8-tracks would fluctuate speed. Or maybe I’m just nuts?😂

[@davidh7959]

I really enjoy your ad lib talks with Herb and others, great stuff. How can I contact you by snail mail? Thanks, Peace, David.

[@stimpy1226]

In the late 50s and 60s I never liked McIntosh. Marantz was so much more musical.

[@therevrockinrollin]

Herb is good people

[@PanAmStyle]

Herb is the greatest audiophile of all time.

[@paulmorris1225]

I've tried to contact Herb 3 times now. First time was when you announced his email a while back. Never received a reply. I have 300B SET, 15" full range open baffle speakers, idler drive turntable with OJAS Denon 103 etc...

[@elonmuskrat2830]

Did you miss the "for a small fee" part? You gotta pay him.

[@paulmorris1225]

@@elonmuskrat2830 nope, I got it. You can't pay someone who doesn't respond 😉

[@williamt.swanson4861]

@@paulmorris1225I had the same “ no response “ issue

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

I got the impression that there is a vetting process. Not clear what it takes to clear the hurdle, but I think something in your introduction has to spark an interest. Sure, he'll expect a fee, but it sounded like he only responds to people he wants to hang out with. No offense, but what ever it is you may not have caught his interest.

[@bizyz]

what----no cd player in this system?

[@Cocteau61]

I love CDs play them with an Onkyo C7030 and a TEAC VDRS 701T transport with a variety of DACs

[@jedi-mic]

Why my posts don't show up???

[@ironsienna]

Are these the Sony MDR-R10?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

No, they are hi-fi man and phones.

[@ironsienna]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Thanks for your reply, and thank you for the amazing videos with Herb!

[@vcp93]

"Mufflers are like crossovers" 🤣🤣🤣 Steve, you need to make a tee-shirt with that quote. 🤣🤣🤣

[@danmarjenka6361]

22:05 Steve says, "a few weirdos who wanted to play records." You two bring the best out of each other!

[@seanmangan2769]

The secret is its little brother, the Stereo 35, is a better amp. 2:57

[@michelcouture7026]

You are right, how we have as friends determine our pasion. My best body had a hitkit mono, with a turntable and a crappy speaker, his parents had a radio student in a room and he had a Marantz receiver with a Thorens turntable with rabco tonearm with DIY Tannoy speakers designed by a Major Canadian broadcasting radio station technicien. I was damed « I became an audiofile ». That was 50 years ago and many many $$$$$$$$$$.

[@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!

[@Gma7788]

Well, you should realise he's nothing like a simple office worker or boring boss. The way he talks comes from Doers. People who actually do stuff as opposed to paper pushers.