My Hi-Fi Hideaway 2024- Audiophile Room Tour

Come on in and join me for a tour of my Hi-Fi Hideaway! Discover the thoughtfully designed room filled with functional and aesthetically pleasing elements, perfect for enjoying music with friends and family. Subscribe to see how I created a warm and inviting environment for music lovers.
Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
4:06 - Turntable: SME Model 20/3
7:36 - Phono Preamp: Boulder 508
8:49 - Digital Source: Hifi Rose RS250
10:22 - Preamplifier: Pass Labs XP-12
11:42 - Amplifier: Pass Labs X250.8
13:10 - Speakers: Wilson Audio Yvette
15:37 - Subwoofers: Tekton Design 2-10 Subs
18:12 - Power Conditioner: IsoTek Evo 3 Aquarius
18:45 - Outro
Whether you're an audiophile, a music lover, or appreciate a good room tour, I hope you find this video entertaining.

[@totalplonker824]

My missus said to me... "Let me get this straight. You spend £1,000 on speaker cables because you can 'hear the difference', but you can't hear me calling you from the kitchen" 😎

[@VUmeters]

😆 your missus is spot on. Sounds like you found a good one.

[@russellbalint9038]

Never heard a difference in my 50 yrs of listening, but you know what they say, a fool and his money are soon parted.

[@totalplonker824]

As well as stereo, my system also entails a 9-Ch high-performance (9 externally amplified) Dolby Atmos set up. Even after auditioning 3 separate AVR's, the same ambient sound of the room was still present! That told me the unwanted faint background signal noise I had been experiencing had nothing to do with the actual units. Therefore, my attention changed to the cables. And even then It was only on the third occasion after I finally purchased shielded cables that the noise floor within my small room finally came down to satisfactory levels. Unshielded cables often act as antennas for attracting RF, and the longer the cable, the better the antenna. Probably explains why when I used to disconnect my heights and surrounds within 10 minutes, the faint background signal noise (RF/EMI) within my small room used to disappear/dissipate. The more cables I shield, the quieter my room becomes. In fact, the last group of cables I shielded were my HDMI's, and Lo behold the room became slightly quieter again. And to think I haven't even mentioned anything about the conductor of the cable.

[@FleagleSangria]

Amazing room and gear brother😎👍🏻👍🏻Thanks for giving letting us peek in and see the system.

[@VUmeters]

Thanks, John. Any empty space on those shelves is from you out sniping me. I hope you're doing well.

[@3dimensionsofmusic3D]

Amazing room and HiFi. Beautiful place. Thanks for sharing this. Greg

[@VUmeters]

Thanks, Greg. I appreciate your kind words.

[@zencinema3245]

Nice combination warm. Great detail to the room and system.

[@VUmeters]

I'm glad you like it. Thanks for the comment.

[@umitbey4852]

Nice system and room, thank you for sharing them with us ✌

[@VUmeters]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Gibsondude]

Your time was well spent. Beautiful system!

[@VUmeters]

Glad you think so! Thanks.

[@joshdocken4651]

Awesome rig and great video - appreciate you sharing!

[@VUmeters]

Thanks for watching! Sharing my passion for music is why I started a channel.

[@carminedesanto6746]

Very tastefully done 👍

[@VUmeters]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Vader141]

Just joined... outstanding system and a great room, well planned. Thanks for sharing.

[@VUmeters]

Thanks, and welcome to the channel. I'm just getting started on KZbin and I hope you enjoy.

[@Nick-sk1qp]

Very nice stereo system and your custom listening room is simply gorgeous. Good luck with your journey !

[@VUmeters]

Thank you, Nick. It's been a fun journey so far.

[@Devan_C]

Excellent video Rich, amazing setup.

[@VUmeters]

Thank you kindly!

[@ConcertBuddie]

Great space, great video sharing it. Keep it up, Rich ✌🏻

[@VUmeters]

Thanks, Chance. Much appreciated. You're videos keep pushing me to get better at editing.

[@johnsimmons5056]

Very classy. I am sure it sounds incredible.

[@VUmeters]

Many thanks! And I'm very happy with the sound, but the room has a lot to do with it.

[@DrNoahBoddy004]

Your taste is superb, Rich! That system, and ESPECIALLY that decor is, what I like calling, “set, and forget” Comfort, Elegance, & Style! (I’ll definitely call you when I hit the mega-million$)❤ You’ve been blessed with the Gift.

[@VUmeters]

Thank you, I'm fortunate. It's been years of minor upgrades to get to this point. And a lot of eating Ramen noodles to save money.

[@lildadh5308]

Beautiful system and room welcome

[@VUmeters]

Thanks you, much appreciated

[@ptownmusicroom580]

What a dream listening room. Must be awesome to enjoy music. I am jealous! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@VUmeters]

Thanks, it has been years of little upgrades to get to this point. I consider myself very fortunate.

[@rmzidann]

Very nice system. Well done! 👍😊

[@VUmeters]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@harrysmusicroom]

Awesome system and room tour!

[@VUmeters]

Thanks, Harry

[@TM-fx2pi]

Great video. Nice rig. Thanks!

[@VUmeters]

Thanks for watching!

[@realleescoggins]

Nice system and fabulous room!

[@VUmeters]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

[@lokitio]

Lovely space, great video!

[@VUmeters]

Thanks, Loki. I always make sure the bokeh 📸 is blurry for you.

[@lokitio]

@@VUmeters ah haha!

[@prokofievchambers8603]

You are awesome. Wonderful system sir.

[@VUmeters]

Thank you kindly, much appreciated

[@matbasterson520]

Wow! Love it, mine's, let's say "cozy" 😁 very nice room!

[@VUmeters]

Thanks, I've had rooms of all shapes and sizes, and enjoying the music is always the most important thing.

[@MichaelDavitt1]

Thx Rich very nice !

[@VUmeters]

Thanks, I'm glad you like it.

[@Ustaleone]

You had me during the intro of this video. Subbed! Please make more of these kind of videos!

[@VUmeters]

Thanks for your support! I'm glad you enjoyed the video, and I'm happy to have you as a subscriber. I'll keep working hard to create more content that you'll enjoy.

[@thebuxtstopshere]

Some lovely current gear. You know your own synergy. Great room.

[@VUmeters]

It's all about that gear synergy, like a perfect recipe for success!

[@R3TR0R4V3]

Damn, you ain't playin' around... Nice system, nicely shot too! 😎

[@VUmeters]

Thanks, I try my best, and maybe I will figure out KZbin one of these days

[@Universityofvinyl]

Very nice! Love that chair 👍🏻

[@VUmeters]

Thank you, Tim 🙌

[@michaelmartin3026]

I get it😂beautiful set up. Nelson pass is a legend!

[@VUmeters]

Thanks, having anything Pass Labs was a goal of mine for a long time.

[@themrgumbatron]

lovely setup

[@VUmeters]

Glad you think so! I like to call it organized chaos.

[@user-tw4dz9mk7p]

Awesome!

[@VUmeters]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@NickP333]

Rich, your system is beautiful, man. Very well thought out too. Love the Pass Labs stuff, and Nelson’s First Watt stuff is amazing too. Eric is such a good guy. I called up Tekton about 5 yrs ago and spoke to him about the DI’s. We spoke for about an hour, and in that time, he actually ended up down selling me on the Pendragons for like $1K less. They are still my main speakers. Who else in the audio world would do that? 🤷‍♂️😂 Anyway, again, absolutely stunning system, Rich. It was a pleasure having you go through it.

[@VUmeters]

Hey Nick, Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm happy you enjoyed the video and my system. I completely agree with you about Eric at Tekton. He's among the most genuine and helpful people in the audio industry. I've had the pleasure of speaking with him occasionally, and he's always been incredibly knowledgeable and generous with his time. The fact that he downsold you on the Pendragons speaks volumes about his character. He's not in it for the money; he's in it for the music. And that's exactly the kind of person I want to support. I'm so glad you're still enjoying your Pendragons. The Tekton subs have opened up my system, including the soundstage. Thanks again for your comment, Nick!

[@YC305]

Very nice system Sir. 👍

[@VUmeters]

Thank you very much 🙌

[@labalo5]

Thanks for the intro to your room and your hobby. Glad more channels are available not just trying to push arbitrary science and forgetting this stuff is all personal.

[@VUmeters]

Appreciate the comment. Music is very personal and a space that makes you feel more connected to it is important.

[@Russell.S]

Hey Rich, I remember when you came on the VC scene, so it’s great to see a room tour of your setup. Wow, this might be the new standard by which room tour videos should be measured. Although I may never have a space like this, it looks ideal for getting the most out of vinyl listening. I look forward to your record reviews, as this acoustic environment and equipment surely presents the music at its most revealing. Really enjoyed the tour, thanks!

[@VUmeters]

Russell, thanks for your kind words! I'm thrilled you enjoyed the room tour and found it informative. I'm always happy to share my knowledge and experiences with fellow VCers, and I'm glad that my video has positively impacted you. Thanks for watching, and I hope you continue to enjoy my content!

[@Wyoming_Dave]

cool, turntable,rich!!

[@VUmeters]

Thanks, Dave. I got a good deal on it used.

[@Wyoming_Dave]

@@VUmeters great speakers also!, your welcome!!

[@michaelmartin3026]

Nice goal! I spent years with threshold gear and loved every minute of it. As I’ve aged(especially ears) tube gear more romantic and less analytical became more appealing. The resolution of pass’s topologies is unsurpassed from my experience. Dynamic range is outstanding 💪

[@VUmeters]

Totally get where you're coming from! It's interesting how our tastes evolve over time. There's definitely something enchanting about the warmth of tube gear that can make listening feel more intimate as we go along. And you're spot on about Pass Labs - the resolution and dynamic range are truly top-notch. There's just something about how they deliver audio that's both precise and powerful. Thanks for sharing your insights, and here's to enjoying the nuances of sound at every stage of our audio journey! 🎶💪

[@wayman10]

Thank you Rich for the cool video of your audio system. My brother has Wilson Alexis 2 speakers. I listen to his system a lot. The Wilson speakers sounds very rich and full body. It has very good bass response. I can see why you love Wilson Speakers system.

[@VUmeters]

Hey, thanks for dropping by! I'm with you on the Wilsons - they've got such a rich, full sound. It's awesome you get to experience the Alexia 2s through your brother's setup. They really do have an impressive bass response. Maybe I’ll move up the Wilson line someday. Cheers!

[@stevevlahos5469]

Great story on buying your Wilson speakers. I kinda did the same thing. Drove from Detroit into 🇨🇦 and headed east to Toronto. 4 hrs there, demo’d a pair of Meridian speakers. Quickly grab some food and headed home. The customs officer at the border asked me why I drove all the way to Toronto to buy some speakers. I had to explain that you can’t just go to Best Buy and pickup a pair. After some back and forth and having me pull off to the inspection area, then to customs to view my bill of sale, they said I was free to go. 🤭.

[@VUmeters]

Steve, that's a fantastic story! I'm lucky I didn't have to deal with customs on my journey, but man, what an adventure you had! Driving from Detroit to Toronto, demoing those Meridian speakers (I noticed them in your thumbnail), and then grabbing a quick bite before heading back - that's dedication. I can imagine the conversation with the customs officer, trying to explain why these speakers are so special. 😄 For my trip, I did 5 hours each way, with a stop for lunch and Cracker Barrel on the way home. Gotta love the lengths we go to for our audio passions. Thanks for sharing your awesome tale!

[@IvanMusicMan]

WOW ❤ So nice room 🤗 I hope you use the room and invited friends for vinyl ❤ Music

[@VUmeters]

Thanks, Ivan. I'm happy to host if you're ever on this side of the Atlantic.

[@andreemilsen369]

Nice system😊🤘😊

[@VUmeters]

Thanks 🎸🤘🎤🎵

[@jgy563]

Wow, what a room, nicely done, you are one lucky guy. Enjoy! :o)

[@VUmeters]

Thanks, I feel very lucky every time I listen

[@chuckmaddison2924]

Very nice room im guessing its the basement. We don't have many houses with basements so ive got a room in the middle which looks more like a studio.

[@wwoolworth]

Awesome room and great system. I have int-250. I was sick of pairing preamps and amps. Pass Labs has the sound I want. I’m using Goldenear triton ones. The Wilson’s are something I have been eyeing lately. Great video.

[@VUmeters]

Great choice @wwoolworth. I wanted an int-250 but none were available. I ended up with the separates used. I like what I’ve heard from Goldenear. Enjoy your system.

[@garysmith8455]

First time catching your presentation! I enjoyed your detailed descriptions! You and I are on the same wave length for sure. My room is 18x24x8' (raised ranch FIRST floor) and outside of acoustic panels for first and second reflections is pretty much empty (O: However, I, like you set the mood with various different light schemes and sources, lots of fun stuff. I have guests here and they bring what they are familiar with and we go from reel to reel / cassette / vinyl / streaming / SACD even DVD Audio. Thanks again, really nice setup!👍

[@VUmeters]

Hey Gary! I'm glad you enjoyed the presentation, especially since it sounds like you're quite the enthusiast yourself! Your room dimensions are ideal for getting that sweet spot in acoustics, and it's cool to hear you've tackled the first and second reflections - it makes all the difference, doesn't it? Lighting can totally transform the listening experience, so I'm glad you're having fun with it. Your guests are lucky to sample music from such a diverse range of formats; it's like a sonic journey from reel to reel to digital! Thanks for the props on my setup, and keep those good vibes rolling with your own! Catch you in the next video, Cheers!

[@garysmith8455]

@@VUmeters Thanks Rich for your thoughtful reply! I subscribed and will certainly stay tuned for your next presentation 👍.

[@AudioDaruma]

nice gear, mate

[@VUmeters]

Thanks for the comment✌🏻

[@psyphonyxaudio]

Very nice room =)

[@VUmeters]

Thanks! 😃

[@AllboroLCD]

Very nice sir, very nice! Not a budget rig by a long shot, yet still somewhat modest and attainable if one saves their coin. Only thing different I would have done is have the subs made so the Yvettes can sit right on top of them in somewhat of a beefed up WATT Puppy setup. Minor detail makes no real difference I know. Great choices on each component, you obviously put much thought into it and should bet set for LIFE. Anything better or beyond what you have is gonna be obscene expensive and only marginally better IMHO. Cheers!

[@VUmeters]

Thanks a lot! You've got a sharp eye for detail, and that WATT Puppy-style setup is a really cool idea. It's all about that balance between performance and budget. And you're spot on - there's always something pricier out there, but the law of diminishing returns hits hard in high-end audio. I'm pretty happy with where things are at. Really appreciate your thoughts! Cheers!

[@Gibsondude]

Nice Tokai guitar hanging on the wall there!

[@VUmeters]

I always have a guitar handy.

[@swizzy8405]

so nice!! this is exactly my taste of hifi. got the older Wilson Watt/Puppy, paired with mcintosh, two subs and the same isotek filter you got! i wonder how your Yvettes sound compared to older models or the new sabrina. would be great to see a detailed Yvette-review on this channel, maybe you could compare it to other speakers you owned. cheers mate greetings from switzerland

[@VUmeters]

Thanks for your comment! I'm glad to hear that you share my passion for hi-fi. The Watt Puppies are legendary speakers, and I'm sure you're enjoying them with your McIntosh and IsoTek. I'll definitely consider reviewing the Yvettes in the future. Thanks for the suggestion! Cheers, Rich

[@divadgnol67]

Just found your channel. I'm now a subscriber. Love it!!

[@VUmeters]

Thanks, and welcome to the channel.

[@LetThereBeSound1]

What a beautiful and inviting room Rich with some seriously great gear as well obviously! Wow. Stunning. Hey listen, I don't know how I know this but I think you may reside in Florida like I do? If you would be game, I'd love to link up with you at some point to potentially do a collaboration and/or just to have great vinyl spinning session! I don't know where you are but you're certainly welcome to stop by my place first. Other local (S. Florida) KZbinrs I have done collaborations with in the past are: Jay from "Jay's Audio Lab" channel and Scott Wilson of "The Pressing Matters" channel. Cheers! Oz Let There Be Sound, L.L.C.

[@VUmeters]

Hey Oz! Thanks for the compliments on the room and gear! I'm glad it struck a chord with you. I'm actually a bit north of Florida, but I do find myself down there every now and then. Next time I'm planning a trip, I'll definitely reach out. A collab or just a chill vinyl session sounds like a blast. I've heard of Jay and Scott - sounds like you're well-connected in the local scene! I'll make a note to hit you up when I'm heading to Florida, and maybe we can make some audio magic happen. Cheers, Rich

[@xaerothehero]

Very interesting and tasteful setup. Except for the vinyl record player, everything makes sense.

[@VUmeters]

Thank you. The table is more of a functional choice than an aesthetic one.

[@xaerothehero]

@@VUmeters Oh no no, I mean there's nothing wrong with how the Record Player looks. It's beautiful. I meant for me personally, a "high end" vinyl player in a high end system makes no sense. In my personal taste, vinyl just doesn't sound good, and ontop of that, the audio degrades for every time the record is played. So what I mean is to me personally it doesn't make sense. Your system as a whole and the room is amazing.

[@AndyG11774]

Hell of a listening room and fantastic gear! Thanks for sharing, Rich! I'm jealous! :)

[@VUmeters]

Thanks for watching, Andy. I hope you're enjoying your new turntable.

[@AndyG11774]

@@VUmeters most definitely! The Technics is a winner, and the Hana ML cart that I got with it is extraordinary! Next upgrade will likely be a better phono preamp, eventually.

[@HiFi-Tom]

Really Cool Video! Well done! You seem to be growing your channel quite nicely! Let’s see if I can match that 😬.

[@VUmeters]

Thank you. I think the goal is to keep on posting and make incremental improvements. I'll be keeping an eye on your channel.

[@HiFi-Tom]

@@VUmeters thanks and Same here! I still have to decide how much content to put out in English…

[@saaie]

Very nice system, like the room, only puzzeld by the placement off the subs, there transferring vibrations to the speakers if they are in direct contact with each other?

[@VUmeters]

The subs and main speakers do have space in between them. You can't see it in the video because they are toed in. Also, the Wilson speakers are entirely inert. Thanks for the question.

[@robertwang7825]

Great set up , but I would get a lower n wider table for the gear. Or put the table to the side

[@VUmeters]

Thanks for the advice. I had visions of monoblocks when I ordered the amp and went bigger than I need.

[@lyonleo7150]

Nice system - including the turntable. 😅

[@VUmeters]

😁 thanks for the kind words

[@mahasidha9]

Thank you very much for the lead to Timber Nation for an equipment stand; if you don’t mind my asking since you have the Pass amp and preamp how come you didn’t go with the Pass phono stage for consistency meaning all from the mind of the same designer? You mentioned owning an integrated amplifier before with built in phono stage, what was it? Thanks!

[@VUmeters]

I don't mind you asking. When I bought the other Pass Labs equipment, I didn't have the need or funds for a Pass Labs phono pre. After time, upgraditis hit me and I found the Boulder locally. It was a great deal for a demo piece with the full warranty. I haven't looked back since. Although more settings could be nice.

[@mahasidha9]

Can I blame it on old age if I missed what cartridge you are using? What integrated did you have with built in phono? The reason I am asking is we have ML Expression 13A with an integrated and I looked at all the top rated integrated amplifiers on German Rang und Namen and in every instance other than the Mark Levinson 585.5 and the McIntosh MA-9500 the specs were worse for MM and MC than what we have already. Thank you in advance for your attention.

[@swimmad456]

When you invite your family and friends do they have to sit in floor? Or do they all tile on the ONE chair?

[@pviator23]

What plate amps are in the tekton subs? Please do a review on them one day there are non I can find besides forums for any of their subs.

[@VUmeters]

The plate amps are SD500-6. That’s a great idea and I too noticed the lack of info on Tekton subs.

[@russellewandowski843]

What are those disc shaped items on top of your components?

[@VUmeters]

They’re Herbie’s audio lab stabilizers. I ordered them to put on the streamer because the cables were pulling it back. One was enough for the steamer, so I spread them around because I like symmetry.

[@user-cp5yx6om1h]

Your weak link is the digital component. If you get a good dac, you will either be listening to more of good digital, or like me, I sold all my analog gear/vinyl because digital surpassed my analog system and my tt was a step up from yours.

[@VUmeters]

Thanks for your input! I appreciate your thoughts on the weak link in my system, and I'll definitely consider upgrading my DAC in the future. I'll keep experimenting and optimizing my setup to get the best sound possible.

[@michaelmartin3026]

Where do your friends and family sit ? 😂😂😂 Not a priority !

[@VUmeters]

Thanks, Michael. I'm like Sheldon with my seat, but additional seats can be pulled in, in a pinch.

[@Retro_Analog]

Nice setup! What is the brand of your Audio rack?

[@VUmeters]

I forgot to mention it in the video, but it's Timber Nation. They have great options, and you can completely customize, too, but that takes much longer.

[@Michael-xz1nk]

Beautiful system....but where are the chairs for other people to listen?

[@RoryEwanTan-gv3jx]

The sky is the limit , audiophiles agree

[@VUmeters]

Thank you for taking the time to comment!

[@mahasidha9]

Would you be kind enough to share what brand the shelving is?

[@VUmeters]

The record shelving? If so, the bigger ones are metal from Home Depot. They are 16”x16” cubes that fit box sets with ease.

[@markyexley9440]

Nice room. You keep mentioning ‘warm’ - that wall colour is the complete opposite of warm.

[@Carrera6rennsport]

who makes the lounge chair? nice set-up, btw.

[@VUmeters]

Thanks, it's a Noomi chair and ottoman.

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Nice kit, what sub active crossover? 😮

[@VUmeters]

Thanks, They're crossed over at about 60hZ

[@jb.2986]

Enjoyed your vid. Some quality components there. Not a fan of silver face plates as they look dated to me even if it is the new stuff. Our fam enjoys hi rez spatial audio more than two channel listening now. We go back and forth in our system and it's a no brainer, especially with Apple, Amazon, and others releasing new content monthly. The Beatles Sergeant Pepper Lonely HCB is mind blowing in the newly released Atmos version. Have you considered this option or do you have another system that has that capability? Thanks for posting my friend. And as I always say, enjoy the music....accurately, powerfully, and in our case... loudly.:-).

[@VUmeters]

Thanks for the props on the video! Silver faceplates aren't everyone's cup of tea, for sure. Spatial audio is definitely on my radar; the depth it adds is phenomenal. Haven't upgraded yet, but it's tempting, especially with how Atmos treats classics like Sgt. Pepper's. Appreciate the nudge, and I might just dive into that world soon. Keep enjoying the music loud and proud! Take care, Rich

[@yurykuznetsov9552]

What kind of discs are on the streamer and preamp?

[@VUmeters]

Thanks for asking! They are Herbie's Audio Labs SuperSonic Stabilizer

[@yurykuznetsov9552]

​​​@@VUmetersThanks for your answer! Great system!

[@FOH3663]

First; VU Meters ... killer. Also, the overall room aesthetic is quite pleasant. Question The sub amps fed through the Isotek could present a chokepoint, have you experienced any challenges there? Without knowing the specific model plate amp, it's hard to determine. Very nice work ... Much appreciated.

[@VUmeters]

Thanks for the comment and the feedback. I haven’t tried the subs plugged into anything except the IsoTek. I’ll experiment and see if I hear a difference.

[@FOH3663]

@@VUmeters If it's an impediment, perhaps only during LF transient peaks. Typically, high current gear is best sourced directly from the wall outlet. I suspect the Isotek has high current outlets, but I'd be concerned about the subs peak demands exhausting those reserves ... starving the current for the remaining components using the Isotek. High speed switching (SMPS) power supplies, ... often found in sub amps, draw their current in brief high magnitude pulses. I prefer keeping those loads separate from the reserves feeding the remainder of the system. Particularly well suited to subwoofer needs, wall outlets/circuit breaker ... will allow huge amounts of current. A 20a breaker will pass 100a for ~2 seconds, about 60a for around 10 seconds, and about 40amps for up to 30 seconds ... all without tripping. Most likely, the same can't be said for a hifi isolated power product. All this is why dedicated circuits possesses such a huge bang for-the-buck advantage in audio playback.

[@thisismynight6295]

Just wondering where is all the seating for your guests?

[@mrpmj00]

Next on your list should be: - the iFi SilentPower Supanova power cables. I have 2 (for the dac, amp). - Cardas Clear or Clear Beyond interconnect cables (my system is lower than yours so I have the lower line Cardas Parsec)

[@VUmeters]

Thanks for the advice. I should get some Cardas cables in my system.

[@mrpmj00]

@@VUmeters my setup: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bp7bgmV4fs-mrdUsi=k83XH60YVGkmt4cP

[@VUmeters]

Great video. I just subbed to your channel

[@mrpmj00]

@@VUmeters I have a mixed use home theater/music. I'm thinking of upgrading my Parasound 2125v2 (150 wpc) amp to a used $3500 Passlabs xa25 (25 watts class A, new $5100) because you said that your Passlabs x250.8 doesn't go past 25 watts. QUESTION: for music I typically listen at 75db and max at 90db from my couch, for movies about the same. Do you think that the Passlabs xa25 has enough power for the L/R speakers for movies? Movies 7.4.4 setup is powered by: - Parasound 2100 preamp with home theater bypass and L/R balance. - Arcam AVR5 is the brain and powers the center, surround L/R. - Parasound 2125v2 powers the front L/R - 3 repurposed Denon receivers power the remainder 6 speakers (4 atmos, 2 rear surround).

[@VUmeters]

I listen to music at identical volumes. My speakers are 86dB sensitive. The 250.8 is 250 watts at 8 ohms, class AB, and the first ~25 watts are class A. The bias meter in the front moves when you hit class AB; mine rarely moves when I'm listening. But the speakers’ sensitivity has a lot to do with how many watts are “enough.” I don't have a surround sound system, but from what I hear, they require more watts than a 2-channel stereo setup exclusively for music.

[@mostyles328]

Very top notch system, but why no CD transport?

[@VUmeters]

I might add one in the future, but I don't currently own any CDs.

[@ernies8828]

What do you consider a "long day?"

[@VUmeters]

I'd say 12+ hours of work, but some days just feel long.

[@ernies8828]

@VUmeters - work on a production like, customer service or in a hospital, then we will talk what true long days are :)

[@davepounds8924]

You’re room and set up looks great and it’s nice you can afford the price of all this Because being an audiophile isn’t cheap these days is it??

[@VUmeters]

Dave, you aren't kidding. I upgraded over the years and bought almost everything I used.

[@chrisrichards2827]

just to let you know I see that you have ISO acoustic Gaia underneath the Wilson's there's something that's way better It's called the Townshend podiums on all the forums everyone that's tried both says that the Gaia's were very good but the Townshend podiums were on a whole different level better and I totally agree I've got them underneath my monitor audio platinum 200 ll and the improvement was as if I had upgraded to much more expensive electronics Best upgrade that you'll ever do. The next thing I'm going to do is upgrade the internal wiring in my speakers I'm going to be changing the silver plated OFC to OCC single crystal I did that with my gold G4 and I got a 10 to 15% improvement right across the board in everything, with the platinum's I'm expecting about a 20% improvement, OCC single crystal wire is far superior to anything OFC at any price and the rectangular OCC that Neotech makes is even better than the round, their flagship line is called the Amazon which is the silver rectangular OCC and the Sahara which is the copper rectangular OCC not cheap the silver speaker wire starts at about 9,000 US for 2 m and it beat an $18,000 speaker wire and the copper speaker wire starts at $4,200 US.

[@VUmeters]

Thanks, Chris. I've been very interested in Townshend Podiums, and I almost pulled the trigger on them before the Gaias. Price held me back, but if they're as good as you say. I'll have to reconsider.

[@alistairwilson5344]

@@VUmetersI completely agree about the Townshend podiums, the added separation, resolution, dimensionality and ease of musical flow is absolutely amazing-and I have a much happier downstairs neighbour! Great system in a great environment, I really appreciate that. What's always amused me is that Pass Labs XP-12's always looks quite cute and "smallish" in youtube- till I got one! It's a beast in comparison to the rest of my system - I've just got the XA25. Anyway, thanks for the tour, I really enjoyed it.

[@philbarone4603]

I had that same amp, X350.8, right?

[@VUmeters]

Close, but it's the little brother X250.8

[@philbarone4603]

@@VUmeters I ended up seeing that, thanks. I went back to tubes, I’m an acoustic musician but I see you play electric guitar so I understand why you’d like it.

[@VUmeters]

@@philbarone4603 I could see tubes in my system in the future. I have a few tube guitar amps. I understand how magical tubes can be.

[@philbarone4603]

@@VUmeters lots of detail for sure. After a few months with my Pass everything seemed to sound the same. It lacked dynamics with my other stuff.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

Sorry dude but i can't watch anyone with hair that good.

[@VUmeters]

Thanks for the comment. I'll try my best to mess my hair up next time.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

@@VUmeters You better

[@ValentinoX]

No property acoustic treatment done professionally. Don't seem like properly acoustics treatment can increase your system quality by huge upgrade without spending too muck. A dedicated system should be kept in a dedicated music room. Don't get me wrong. Your gears are good

[@Peter-ii4xq]

`How much did it cost?

[@VUmeters]

“Everything,” Thanos voice

[@Peter-ii4xq]

yes, together. @@VUmeters

[@geoffreydebrito7934]

" First off everything in here was picked for specific reason... I wanted to enjoy music with friends and family". Right... Which is why you only have one chair in the room?

[@666dualsport]

all that gear and plays a sheet of plastic,lol

[@NomadBDP]

Looks mighty lonely... one chair, what fun is it if there's no one to enjoy it with you? That's sad.

[@ernies8828]

Why did you spend so much time talking about a record player?? Wow, those went out as soon as CDs came in. I hated records in comparison. They take up too much space. You can not track song to song like you can with CDs, and the issue with hiss, crackle, etc. No thanks. People say they are warmer, whatever that means. CDs were, and still are, much better than any record or player you buy. Of course, today, many just stream. I love Spotify, and I get great sound through a $650 system via my PC, DAC/amp, and bookshelf speakers. I stick up for those who get what I am saying, and we are many. Just my thoughts.

[@greenbeginner3353]

So, I take it you are not part of the vinyl community?

[@countdebleauchamp]

​@@greenbeginner3353lol

[@350125GOW]

Wow a wall of moronic text.

[@ernies8828]

@@350125GOW -a majority agree with me, so you can stop wasting time with your uneducated and pointless trolling comments. It is not moronic at all. There are plenty of facts in what I'm saying. I speak from years of experience.

[@ernies8828]

@greenbeginner3353 -nope. Vinyl went out of regular production when the CD took its place. You can buy records or go to a vintage store, but there has been absolutely no point in doing that since the early 90s. I will leave it at that.

[@jamesschneider3828]

So your friends and family can enjoy? You have one chair in the sweet spot, everyone else sits on the floor or if they are lucky you might have some folding chairs for their ultra comfort. Good grief 1st and last watch of this channel.

[@VUmeters]

Thank you for the comment. For reference, chairs aren't immovable objects.

[@SheepNizzle]

Haha, I'm sorry you have to deal with all these moronic comments (very perplexed by all the vinyl hate here too). I have one single chair in my listening space because 99% of the time, I'm the only one in it. If my wife or kids want to listen or if friends come over, it takes like 2 seconds to grab a couple of chairs.@@VUmeters

[@Trump1776]

Mediacore gear at best , yawn!