HOW-TO be a HAPPY AUDIOPHILE + 4 Viewer Systems!

[@ericlubow4354]

Steve- I took your advice. Darkened the room completely, removed all my clothes and turned the volume up appreciably. I enjoyed the music for about ten seconds before my wife burst through the door yelling “what the hell is going on here?” There I stood naked with really no good answers. From now on, I think I’ll just watch TV…

[@KeithWalker-rs1cn]

Thank you for making me laugh, even if the coffee I was drinking went all over my screen and keyboard.

[@annebokma4637]

Find a wife who gets upset you started without her 😂

[@realme5pro658]

i think your wife will appreciate you if do it more often.. you just put a smile on my face with your story

[@carlitomelon4610]

TV naked? Problem here was that you left your glasses and socks on! 😅

[@oliverbeard7912]

😂

[@drp1036]

Room acoustics and speaker placement. The two most powerful tools in an audiophiles' toolbox. Nothing comes close to getting your system to sound its best. It's not speakers, it's not amplifiers, it's not DACs or turntables or cables, it's room acoustics and speaker placement. If you want to experience a music recording that has a truly huge soundstage and amazing imaging, then you need to work hard on room acoustics and speaker placement. A lot of folks cannot do this because of their room's layout, but if you have the room and the space, my goodness what are you waiting for?

[@John-jl9de]

Exactly. If the room is poor and the placement of your speakers is incorrect, you'll never get great sound. Work on it, it costs next to nothing.

[@bdee3614]

So true! It's the most important!!!

[@razzman2987]

A quality good matched set is necessary to achieve youre points .

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Steve speaks to so many of us. Love what you have instead of being depressed about what you think you want.

[@rhwinner]

My favorite saying is, if it sounds great, don't change it. If you found a system that does it for you, enjoy it for as long as you can. Until a component fails or your living situation changes. Consider yourself blessed by the audio gods. Many spend a lifetime and a fortune chasing 'the sound' and never find it.

[@faludabutt8253]

My system was great until I heard a different system 😊

[@MikeK6046]

@@faludabutt8253 Well, that might be true. However, place it in your own room and it "may not" provide the same experience?!?

[@richardelliott8352]

right you are, was just checking out a story about a guy who built a million dollar system so elaborate and large, it had to be incorporated into a special addition to his house , and he spent more time building it than listening to it before his health failed. I think it was some kind of expression of mental illness , as his hobby alienated him from his family .

[@richardelliott8352]

@@faludabutt8253 if that is your trigger , I would avoid going to the movies in a nice movie house , stick to drive in sound only to save money.

[@richardelliott8352]

@@MikeK6046 that's one of the eccentricities of hearing, if your brain knows of no other reality, you have the ultimate system, because the brain thinks so. I remember the stories of the first phonograph , how it was demonstrated from behind a curtain and people couldn't believe it wasn't an orchestra playing.

[@kjellrogerjgensen60]

Steve is a hifi therapist, listening to him makes the "equipment cramp" not grow to fast. Wi are doing it for the love of music, don't forget. A wise man.

[@johnenglishIII]

Steve is the only "reviewer" that will go beyond the gear and talk about a great range of different music and music related emotions. And will throw in a couple of very wise life lessons in the mix also. I must say he has been the main influence on my purchasing decisions so far and I'm incredibly thankful, I resonated with his emotions when describing gear and it has bring me so much joy so far. Thanks Steve!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thank you!

[@danielstevenson-francis974]

I'll be happier when my decware zen 25th comes. Haha. When I put on a record for the first time and it's s recorded well, and the soundstage blooms, I'm in heaven

[@PlaybackMansion]

This is great! I really recommend listening to live acoustic music in as small of a setting as you can find. Even if it's not a genre you care for. Hearing a *talented* musician up close with no processing or amplification can be memorable and deeply moving

[@richardelliott8352]

with so many venues in my area using sound reinforcement , I seek out A Cappella musical groups , a la the persuasions , to see how close my system is to reality . I find non amplified voices around Christmas, at other times, strolling around my county fair , and some amusement parks, like Disneyland, have strolling un-amplified instrumental music.

[@gilesdavis6345]

Would that be in the nude😂

[@chungang7037]

dangerous though, if someone is into bright and/or clinical tunings they will find out acoustic instruments don't sound like that in person. 😅

[@chrishamilton5960]

I would also add making your space comfortable and aesthetically pleasing helps a great deal. Makes you want to spend time and just enjoy the music.

[@samuilc8000]

How to be happy? Be content with what you got, even feel blessed with what you got. Not just being an audiophile, but in everything.

[@superdougie10]

Listen, while spliffin...and naked with you back to the speakers in the dark......garenteed to sound new and exciting without spending a dime except on the refreshments........lol

[@bdee3614]

"I like to dream yes, yes, right between my sound machine" -steppenwolf

[@Akstergrind]

Hey Steve, I just wanted to thank you for recommending the Denon DP3000 NE turntable in one of your videos. After watching it I saved up, traded in and sold stuff until I had enough to buy one, and it's absolutely fantastic! I love the turntable so much - best bit of kit I've ever had! Thanks again!

[@NeoDon1]

My friend has McIntosh system with Wilson Puppies and had the Schiit Loki Mini + attached. It sounded great but WOW! with the Loki on WOW! He sold it to me then and there and it is the BEST $75 dollars I have spent on my system. My Marantz and Klipsch have never sounded better, it's like I added an AMP.

[@johnmcdevitt9797]

Lower your expectations and you will never be disappointed. Recognize that obsession is often just a way to distract yourself and escape reality. Obsession is not necessarily a problem, compulsion is the problem. Tunes that feel good on modest priced systems won’t feel any better on high priced systems and can actually sound suck on revelatory systems! Like Herb said it helps to know what sound is yours. I like paper and silk err fiber woofers and soft dome tweeters and everything else sounds suck to me regardless of price, well not suck but not right for me in the same way many audiophiles prefer vinyl. Finally don’t doubt yourself, if you’ve been hifi-ing it for years, chances are you got it good really good. When I see these viewers systems of the day segments I often think that looks way better than what I have but I wouldn’t want to trade my system for that because I’m attached. Andrew said it best, the only person that has to like your system is you. While Thomas says, it’s all a matter of preference!

[@richardelliott8352]

the musician Steve Miller sang about this subject, somewhat , in a song, declaring " I can make my music on a ten cent comb". much like a bicycle racer will say it's not about the bike, it's about the rider, with an audiophile it is about the mental process that creates your reality, not the equipment . Although I am sure the looks of some of the big battleship systems do influence the mind , for as we all know, testosterone is a heck of a drug.

[@tweakerman]

Hi Steve, I eat, drink & sleep audio, it's in my blood, I get my best ideas when I wake up in the night, how to make better products, cables, isolation & upgrading, I will never stop, trying to bring my ideas to my subscribers, so they can improve there systems, I've been doing it since the mid 1980's, another great video Steve 👍

[@gme10955]

Best way to be satisfied with your system is to stop reading and watching audio equipment reviews.

[@richardelliott8352]

I have an unquenchable thirst for audio news, but have been around long enough to know that some " experts" are full of it, and will jump on any fad to keep their name out there as an expert , even when the actual musical effects are not real, like when some published reviewers endorsed coloring the edges of CD's with colored markers to improve the sound. One expert is out there recommending a device that demagnetizes vinyl, but only the black ones, as though the earth's own more powerful magnetic field might have never existed.

[@-hu.go-]

Steve, I think that listening the music we like should be so powerful to make happy everyone. (Good and excellent tips ... thanks for that )

[@bdee3614]

All very good advice! If I were to add one more I say, DO NOT base your opinions on the reviews of others. Quite often a consumer invests their own hard earned money into a piece they love only to be disappointed and ultimately dissatisfied after continuing to research their purchase and discovering a negative review or two. They take those opinions as fact and can't get beyond them.

[@scientificaudiophile]

Love that Steve wants us all to be happy! Best KZbin Audio reviewer! Thanks for another great video. I on the other hand, don't like people being happy with audio, which is why the Audiophiliac is better than the Scientific Audiophile.

[@gdwlaw5549]

I'm doing fine! My wife mentioned, with a rather frowned face, that I was talking in my sleep last night 'Honey, did i say anything to upset you'? ...'who's Tekton'? she asked.

[@XeroBritt]

Another great shirt! Also love the new intro music! 😊

[@carstenandersen887]

Thanks. Words of wisdom and money saving😊 I can only add something about hard surfaces: Curtains, floor carpets and other soft materials in the room can improve the sound.

[@barlow2976]

Wise words Steve. I have recently spent £1k on used hifi gear that sounds so good to me it fills me with joy everytime I sit down to listen, and I don't want that to change. I would even be wary of listening to expensive demo gear, in case it erodes the pleasure I currently get out of my gear. I am lucky I have no neighbours, and a 4ft thick stone wall plus six doors between me and my wife so I can ramp up the volume when I feel like it. I vape a couple of caps of weed and I am in heaven, and like to think I am getting ten times the pleasure that an ' always wanting' audiophile does. When I visited hifi forums I found them full of boastful, argumentitive, middle age men, and wondered if they actually enjoy what they listen to. One day I will upgrade from my Br03 speakers, and hope to enjoy a difference, but right now I just power up and think Wow! I haven't heard better (I have no audiophile friends or dealers for hours), so I'm in heaven. It's all about the music, and your brain, after all.

[@user-ex9zm7bg3x]

boastful, argumentative, middle age men -- love it

[@ianyates7742]

Juts upgraded my amplifier from an old technics to a Yama what an improvement a very big improvement I am I am blown away by this new Yamaha amplifier. Well it’s new to me it’s about 10 years old but immaculate condition. Fantastic sound yes it is secondhand, but I couldn’t afford the price when it was new or its equivalent now. Ps brilliant video as always keep up the great work.

[@glenncurry3041]

Another simple effort for a long term system is to simply tear it apart, clean and reconnect. Cable connections get corroded, loose. You may have added pieces bit by bit and a good clean hookup could help. Check your cartridge set up. Just a good complete once over.

[@michaelsrensen8027]

This is really nice. Throwing all that spending thousands and thousands out the window. I think one thing that you and Herb also covered in a show, was to have a system that matches you. Not to be blinded be systems way out of your comfort zone. I bought the L100 classics, and what I got for the money just left me with a feeling of having thrown money away. And i have done this time and again. Bought some Snell E3 for about 500 usd. They make me happy, cheap and performing superbly, to MY taste. I’m not a Wilson Audio man and never will be, but i’m very comfortable with that😊

[@ziqfriq]

I consider myself a happy audiophile. I've owned about 6 pairs of speakers and 3 turntables (and yes I still spin records) in my life. Amps, preamps and CD players, a lot more than that, but average turn-around is at least two years. At this point I don't see myself ever swapping out my Martin Logan CLS II speakers, or my SOTA Star turntable--though I might consider upgrades, cartridges, etc. So as a happy audiophile, music lover, concert goer and amateur classical pianist, here is my advice: get more involved in music. If you used to play an instrument, take it up again. Or, take one up now. Or get involved in a singing ensemble. Piano and guitar can give you many hours of pleasure playing solo, or you may want to take up something you can play in a band or ensemble with other people--or both. Improve your knowledge of music theory. When you listen to a piece, instead of thinking about highs, lows and soundstage width and depth, think about how the piece is built out of its melodic, harmonic and rhythmic elements. Listen to more than one version of a classical piece or a song. How do they compare? What do you like or not like about each version? If it's a classical or written down piece, follow along with the score. If it's for your instrument, how would you do it differently? This is what I've been doing for years, and I think it has contributed greatly to my being a happy audiophile. And yes, go to live concerts. Lots of them.

[@dougg1075]

Had my current system for three years. I’m done but if I want to tweak it may be tube rolling at something like that. Rock on

[@thedude3423]

I consider myself a music lover first, gear second. But good music is good music, wether from an am radio or a high end system. I am emotionally moved either way. The high end system just more so. That's why I've never obsessed over the gear, upgraded only occasionally, and now have the system I'll die with. And im very happy...😊👍💯🎶

[@mondoenterprises6710]

My life has become an unending series of dacs!

[@user-ex9zm7bg3x]

voted the component most likely to become obsolete

[@ole9421]

Do you need another?! I've got a Geshelli Labs basic dac. Bought new for $280 last November will sell for $100.

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

what’s the latest?

[@martinbishop2966]

Great video, I could not agree more with what you said. The only thing I can add personally is that when your younger it is about the gear and as you get older it is more about the music. I became more contented when I got into classical music in later life. In hindsight, the sort of systems we listen to and my system has featured on your channel, sound at the heir best when listening to classical music. So the moral of the story is. listen to classical and you will be a happy bunny! 😃

[@robertyoung1777]

Good ideas and I am glad that you mentioned hearing protection.

[@flint9591]

I find the wee hours of the night makes for some emotional listening.

[@richardelliott8352]

an old audiophile trick is to listen at night, when the electricity tends to be cleaner , because of less use.

[@flint9591]

@@richardelliott8352 Definitely agree. The power grid in my town is mighty old and noisy.

[@michaelvaladez6570]

Steve Guttenberg, nice shirt.. but turn the volume down it's loud.. but nice !? I agree totally on today's topic 👍...and another suggestion is if one is not into classical music..try a new genre. Classical has great dynamics. I'm happy to listen to live music or in home listening experience. Thank you for this post it's greatly appreciated Steve Guttenberg !!!! PS..and how did you change your shirt so seamlessly.. 🎩 magic !!!

[@richardelliott8352]

I don't mind a little color in my wardrobe , I figure since I am going out dead anyway, ditch the boring earth tones and make some noise.

[@arthurpendragon1610]

I think it really helps the most if you are the kind of audiophile that enjoys the process of continuous improvement and attention to performance goals. This kind of guy gets a continuous kick being engaged with his gear enough to improve the system over time. In contrast I can't believe a buy it and forget it kind of guy ever really owns a high performance setup. Even if they own expensive gear it never performs very well IME. Guys that can make a system sing usually are the same guys that are loving the hobby in general is what I am saying.

[@ThePgkessler]

Steve- really appreciate all of your topics and reviews but especially this one. It’s so true. I simply toed out my Ohm Walsh 5.5000by an inch, wow😊!

[@StrangeBrewReviews]

Listening to vintage gear and different priced gear and different formats keeps your senses sharp and keeps you satisfied. Keeps it about the music. There is no perfect anything. You will always be surprised if you are always searching in unexpected places.

[@lokerola]

Great advice! Sometimes I realize I’m buried in my laptop, posting on an audio forum, rather than listening to the music. I close the laptop, turn the lights down, and relax into the music.

[@ML-rm3vk]

Thank you Steve for talking about your ears.

[@jeroenvanwesemael8556]

I have heavy speaker and I put them on felt pads (if you have a carpet you can use disks to slide them) so I can easily move them 5 feet into the room and in a perfect triangel to the listening position (i push them back when done) This makes all the difference!!! Transformational!!

[@histubeness]

My speakers are half-way out into the room (room is 16 ft. deep) and they STAY there. No pushing back. Then again, I live alone.

[@jeroenvanwesemael8556]

@@histubeness yeah that's the thing, wife, kids 🤣

[@isaacestep3321]

Bandcamp Daily articles have introduce me to so many new kinds of music. Them and local record stores like rattleback or meteor gem. I do think hifi makes appreciating the unfamiliar easier.

[@QTC7]

Equipment swapping, move speakers away from the walls Good ideas!!!

[@greganderson1681]

English Beat “Just Can’t Stop It” and Elvis “Get Happy” - two of my fave LPs. And the titles say it all! Hmm, I don’t have those Herbie Hancock or James Brown albums… if I did, I could be even happier!

[@phatjbl]

This makes sense. The music idea to expand your horizons is a solid idea. At a recent hifi show apart from the equipment I very much enjoyed the new music I heard and the passionate mad professors. Lights out is a winning idea Steve. When you hear the million dollar systems then go to hear other less costly setups and realise you are still enjoying good music almost as much. Cutting through the hype to find what sound you like is another idea. All fantastic tips Steve well done.

[@eightrodway]

I always take my glasses off and routinely listen in the dark. Your best advice, worth repeating often, is pull the speakers into the room. I still go to concerts, but most of my heroes are retired or dead!

[@ChrisPercival2012]

I have a friend who is having a blast with a Schiit Loki, so far with headphones, so try those tone controls. And, along with speaker placement, try tilting your speaker using spacers or shims for bookshelf/stand mounted speakers.

[@andreasdemokrat7253]

Big topic! After decades of listening I have to say that the biggest trap in sound is the recording itself. Garbage in - garbage out… it does not matter how good your system is. Sad but true. Even it is your most beloved song or album.

[@jonathanmcvennon4108]

Steve dude, thank you. Few people talk like this. About real and authentic things. Thank you dude.

[@davediaz5127]

Yes. Love the shirt man, truly. I would purchase one. Very happy with my system. Grown over time, I'm done, unless.......

[@martinmiller7623]

When you accomplish this you have the steps to happy life. Great point friend,lucky I just now listened . Thank goodness you have lots to tach❤🎉😊

[@johngutmanis3204]

Hi Steve, words to live by. I was and sometimes still am thinking there's something better out there! I feel I am at a point where I can be happy with what I have, and I am. But from time to time I want to change it up a little. instead of going out and buying something new, different, I keep 3 amps in my system. A Mcintosh SS, Carver tube, and a DIY class D mono blocks. I also switch between listening to vinyl, CD, and steam. Every thing sounds great, but just different enough to keep me from getting bored or use to the sound of the system. I also bought a Douk little bear switcher that lets me switch between different amps and speakers with out having to mess with wires and connects. Every time I swap out the Class D with the McIntosh or Carver tube amp I get a little thrill in the difference I am hearing. After a while I go back to the Class D and wow again difference! Playing with speaker placement is also good, as well as sitting position.

[@rosalynadams3758]

I have one rule, for myself, I never listen to equipment I can't afford or will ever be able to. I like to listen with my eyes closed, which enhances my experience of the music.

[@gtrguyinaz]

I agree with many comments, love the joy of music.. don’t rush and chase..Steve.. I am far more satisfied today because of your videos.. adding my HSU sub you recommended fix my system.. my old sub was polluting the sound but I did not want to spend 2000.00 … the HSU blends perfect just as you said..

[@user-yy5sm1ch1e]

Satisfaction impedes curiosity and smothers the drive for alternatives searching that refreshes enjoyment within a period before the familiar demand for a change hits the gong. Good for Joe, but needless to say, his attitude stifles the search for the new, a process driving audio research.

[@contemporaryartist6542]

Good advice. Rewatch, reread reviews of your current wonderful equipment and recognise your previous decisions as being right.

[@s.daniel9224]

I’ve spent a boat load of money on new and different 2-channel systems and theater surround systems with okay results. I’ve got a cheap Samsung sound bar on an old tv in my bedroom that sounds the best. It continues to make me smile….

[@SuburbanBBQ]

Fantastic video! Excellent advice. Tiny movements ... whether it's speaker placement, listening position or even genre hopping in the source material, have been more fun than plopping in a new piece of equipment. Don't get me wrong, I love playing with the hardware too. 😁

[@markorchard2272]

In 2019 I lost my memory, my home and all my belongings (hifi included). Now I'm starting from scratch. After always using Linn/Naim I now have just a very modest set-up with DALI Oberon 3s. VERY happy. But listening 'in the nude' is my goal tonight!😂😂😂😂😂😂🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭

[@markorchard2272]

Nude listening was a novel activity..... but next time I'll pull the blinds.🤦🏼‍♂😂

[@TheDutchSandwich]

I’m surprised more audio KZbinrs don’t do a “review” of how to listen. I’m talking about snacks, meals, or drinks and really walk the viewers how best to do it for maximum enjoyment

[@chriswells156]

Back in my college days over fifty years ago, most of us had what we called "suitcase" systems--fold down turntable, removable speakers, etc.--by KLH or worse companies. The systems were undoubtedly crap compared to what was available for even a few hundred dollars more. Nonetheless, we enjoyed the hell out of music. It was really good. We listened to the music, not to our systems. We were happy.

[@John-Edward]

Some of happiness is just the Person!!! 🤪

[@doogee6157]

Loving the new AI presenter, incredibly realistic but better somehow?

[@user-mz6lt2pr9s]

Great topic. Contentment starts with not comparing. It’s what sounds good to you in your room within your budget. There will always be a newer or better piece of equipment. FOMO is the opposite of contentment. I enjoy the journey but I don’t feel I’m missing something. I enjoy the hunt learning about and listening to new equipment and occasionally buying something new. Love the idea of listening to what you already have in different ways. A great way to keep it fresh. As Neil Young said, live music is better bumper stickers should be issued. Peace, love and music.

[@TheTrueVoiceOfReason]

Wait, is the AI Steve or the real Steve? 😆😆 Thanks for all the years of content.

[@WhiskeyHunterVAT69]

I have done most of those things, my system is modest, slightly about average. When I had the money, I spent it on monitors (Klipsch). time goes by, picked up a very cheap tube amp and pre-amp. more time, picked up a dac with the sabre chip set, have a small Schiit headphone amp. only thing left on my whitelist is a vinyl player. (and vinyl records), I'm very happy with what I have. love the glow of the tubes in the dark.

[@chrisblock6697]

We have out here in Orange County a nice concert hall (in my opinion) and they do free concerts with the youth symphonies. It's great live acoustic music in a concert hall, free and pretty much open seating. Those kids to a really great job.

[@foldspacenavigator6011]

Thanks for this reminder Steve! I was just at a very cool & inspired Tokyo style listening bar in Portland OR. and was reminded of the points you make here. After I got the heaven 11 Billie amp, I was so lit up that I was already thinking about the next addition to my audio rig 😆

[@jackfalco5351]

Preamp out to class AB amp even better

[@foldspacenavigator6011]

@@jackfalco5351 Indeed. I also have one running into a Vidar on another system. Despite the progress made with class D, I was one of those who was skeptical. After this review and Tarun’s utube review, I decided to try out with Billie with the JJ gold tubes; on 2 pairs of very different speakers. I found my experience to mirror what they shared.

[@milr9694]

Great reminder that music enjoyment is the end game. See you at Axpona Steve!

[@brunohebert1351]

Steve, at the very least, I'm satisfied with the Audiophiliac shirt of the day today! Awesome. And yes, on my main system, I listen with my back turned to the speakers. not by choice but it fits me so either way is fine.

[@nazaholicable]

This is a timely topic for me today because I turned on the hi-fi for the first time in several days, and played a CD, and I didn't enjoy it. Was it the CD (still getting into it), was it the rainy day weather outside, cold equipment, the room, my ears. Should I have listened for half an hour to warm up the kit. Should I move the speakers. Too many questions. Yours a fed up and disillusioned audiophile.

[@hippydippy]

Excellent video Steve. "Just relax & enjoy the music."

[@Unavintage]

When you have a pleasant neighbourhood, everything becomes easier!

[@gojdartamas34]

Try to listen to music istead of the system sound quality and thevrecording sound quality, enjoy music! Try it!😊

[@richardelliott8352]

it's all illusion anyway. just like you can't run an F1 race in your living room , you also can't fit an orchestra or the Rolling Stones in your listening space , so some need to quit pretending it is possible , if they just had better equipment.

[@robertdebellis9703]

Thanks for the advice Steve. I tried listening in the dark with no clothes on and my system sounded never better especially with the lyrics to the sone I was listening to changed to: “looking good for an audiophile except for the oversized ears!”

[@scotteaton963]

You could have called this "Keeping Audio and Music Fun!" Great video!

[@AllenFriello]

Saw that Digital Sound Level Meter on the Vid ! Thanks -- I had a Radio Shack analog meter long ago. -- Love that there are many apps like this to choose from -- if anyone has a favorite ? Unretired a pair of Klipsch KG4.2 and Yamaha Amp -- Solti & Live Zep sounded great ! Hope all went Great at Chicago Show !

[@richardelliott8352]

A simple hearing test is useful when playing around with sound levels. If you can't hear the sound of your fingers rubbing together with your arms fully extended away from your body, the sound level is too loud to avoid hearing damage over time. when moving a speaker, it is prudent to short the speaker terminals , connecting the positive with the negative with a short bit of wire which stops the cone from moving and possibly damaging the clearances in the voice coil . I appreciated the advice that thinking will be more rewarding the endlessly seeking to buy better satisfaction . Was also pleased to see a Michell record player and theatre speakers in the same episode .

[@johnpischedda6951]

Hi Steve! i've got a dedicated listening room, i've also got a modest system in my bedroom. Recently I got into headphones, i had some 40 yr old Yamaha planars that were never used and stored away, so i dug them out for fun. Could not believe how good they sounded. I replaced the ear pads and now i dig just lying on the bed lights out with the headphones on. I'm actually enjoying this more than listening to my main system at the moment!

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

what do you drive them with

[@johnpischedda6951]

I've got an old Sansui A 60 integrated amp with a headphone socket.@@WeeWeeJumbo

[@carlitomelon4610]

I try to experience new music everyday. Thanks Qobuz! Too many audiophiles seem to get dissatisfied because they are constantly playing the same old music on ever more expensive equipment? How much dire straits, steely Dan, ACDC and led Zeppelin can a guy stand? Forget the equipment and experience something new! 🙂🎶🎵

[@markarmstrong5140]

I lifted the front of my speakers up in the front with wood wedges sounds amazing thanks Mark armstrong

[@proper90s43]

Hi Steve, great insights as usual. Thank-you. After a while out I started getting back into music during Covid and putting together 2 systems. All of it 2nd hand; finding, flipping, fixing. Finally got them where I want. Where can I send pics of my systems for the viewer systems piece? It has been one of my goals! Cheers.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks for watching! [e-mail]

[@yugioh887]

Great video better than how to upgrade your system videos out there!

[@baronofgreymatter14]

Ive found that if I go back and watch reviews about the gear I bought, it reminds of why I bought it in the first place and it gives you the reviewer treatment to your gear.

[@richardwhite2344]

Great tips Steve. And I agree. I don't know how many people love to listen to music with High Quality headphones? But I sure do every now and then as it is a complete different experience. Maybe some people that do Love Headphones would maybe want to upgrade their headphones and it does not break the bank to do so but just be careful not to have the volume to loud especially with headphones as most do not require much power at all. I am determind to have the same hearing I have now when I am 100 so taake care of your hearing. Thanks for posting Steve. A great video and topic

[@markorchard2272]

Absolutely WONDERFUL advice/philosophy/video!!❤❤❤👏👏👏👏

[@ingenfestbrems]

like the Hammond style intro 😊

[@wingspan7763]

The custom molded musicians earplugs are the best money I've spent as an audiophile. They are such a game changer for live music.

[@richardelliott8352]

I use foam earplugs , because they have the highest sound blocking commercially available , but also have a selection of other designs I use , depending on the need, because various designs block the frequencies differently. I'll have to look into the custom molded stuff , but I often find myself adjusting how much blockage I am using, so I don't loose some of the frequencies of a performance. .

[@wingspan7763]

@@richardelliott8352 The interchangeable filters are great for that. Went from 25db for a punk act to 15db for a singer songwriter and back to 25db all at the same concert.

[@jonboy9912]

All good advice.

[@richardsmith5362]

Hi Steve, While I enjoy your videos on equipment such as Magnepan LSR plus speakers that I am seriously considering, this video made me realize that there's nothing wrong with the Dahlquist DQ-10a's that I've had for decades. Unfortunately, these days I use the system for background music while I exercise. Your advice for new vinyl/cd's is excellent; I will look for some of the albums that you flipped through. Listening in the nude seems questionable; what do you do with your hands!?!

[@artyfhartie2269]

I am a happy audiophile. I am always laughing loudly. Especially at other people's hifi systems and their taste in music. And their furniture, clothes, shoes etc.

[@johndemmer3496]

I thought the term "contented audiophile" was an oxymoron. :) Thanks for the good thoughts Steve.

[@puciohenzap891]

The best solution to be a happy audiophile is an empty wallet.😅

[@Dave-ov1ub]

Have to say, I like the new musical intro much better than the old one. The previous one was strident, this one is fun.

[@Borednlonely]

This is good advice Steve

[@DalstonVinyl]

I've thought long and hard about this very issue recently, and my main tactic these days is to carefully limit the number of reviews I read, and use healthy skepticism whilst doing so. Along those lines, I'd also advocate caution about visiting audioshows and upmarket hifi stores. Another major tactic that I have adopted is to take the 'is it good enough for me?'' attitude,...I've given up lusting after newer and pricier amplifiers, or speakers dacs etc, what I already have most normal people (ie non-audiophiles) find utterly mind-blowing and life changing. To give a little context, my system now would cost around £25K/$30K to replace with current retail offerings that are equivalent in performance, specs and build quality. Oh yeah, f*ck specs, since they too can lead to dissatisfaction. Cheers Steve, keep up the good work, and greetings from an increasingly contented audiophile in central London.

[@richardelliott8352]

I think most audiophile don't consider that a valid , non digital , design should be good for about 25 years before it becomes obsolete tech, and even then, might play perfectly well. I also think most audiophiles would be well served to know a bit about the mechanisms of human hearing and basic electrical theory.

[@iampryso9548]

Steve, I almost always enjoy your videos. However, today left me a bit confused. You went through a list of variations in listening. OK, that may change what I hear. But how does that make me happier or more contented with my system? What did I miss, except that a different speaker position might produce more satisfying sound? Just the same, loved the "gear-head" shirt!

[@carlosbauza1139]

I am absolutely happy with my Emotiva/ VPI/ SME/ KEF/ Klipsch/ Sumiko/ Ortofon/ Watts / Sony/ Parasound system.

[@mr.george7687]

Recently discovered the greatest improvement in sound for free. Cup your ears w/ your hands, WOW ! dramatic change !

[@firassaado3971]

Well this is a lovely video Steve!

[@mikechristensen1285]

Great advice… Friday night I think I’m going to check out some live music at the club, in the nude.