When electronics exceed speakers

At what point does the resolving power of a loudspeaker get in the way of appreciating the qualities of electronics?

[@administratormagmamin8397]

Whenever I get a pair of new speakers, an upgrade, I tend to regret the money I spent on new electronics before that. You get so much more per dollar spend on better speakers...(as long as you have good enough components)...Great advice Paul!

[@thepickyaudiophile]

If anything I regret running too good/revealing speakers with subpar electronics for years 😊 I still have the same speakers, but they now sing instead of annoy. Of course ideally you would get the room, speakers and front end in one go (chicken and egg).

[@tacofortgens3471]

Do you break them in for 3 /4 months?

[@MasterofPlay7]

Speakers these days scale so well even if they are cheap (not much technology improvement), amps DAC and preamp in my opinion are more important

[@myronhelton4441]

If anyone's speakers dont have a first order crossover, then they dont have great speakers. Speakers with first order crossovers are Thiel, Revel, Sonus Faber, Totem, Focal, Vandeersteen, Dynaudio, Zu Audio, Quad, Magnapan,.

[@stephenc2738]

I owned Roger’s LS3/5A (11 ohm) driven by a well made integrated amplifier and they sounded, just okay. I then purchased a Mark Levinson Model 29 amplifier and Mark Levinson Model 28 preamplifier and the LS3/5A came to life, major sonic improvement. My next speaker was a full range electrostatic and It was a quantum step forward from LS3/5As. Unless your electronics are mediocre, the speakers will make the most difference.

[@mikevincent6332]

Speakers + the room make biggest differences asssuming your source material is good

[@PSA78]

It's worth mentioning again that the room and room treatment is critical for getting rewarded for the money spent on the rest. There's an early point in the spending (for most) when the (hopefully) distortion free signal and (hopefully) well engineered/voiced speakers end up with a room that muddies the sound. It's an eye opener to not only hear the difference, but to measure and see how it changes things.

[@MultiPetercool]

I could not agree more! If you’re really interested in high Fidelity, you need to treat your room like a recording studio.

[@MultiPetercool]

Sometimes I think Audiophiles spend too much time listening to their equipment rather than listening to the music.

[@MrBonger88]

Most audiophiles that I know care more about the equipment and just use music as a means to hear their equipment. The people who I know that care about the music don’t consider themselves audiophiles. So yes I’d say you’re correct at least within the group of people that I know

[@MultiPetercool]

@@MrBonger88 I’m a musician. I hear music first and fidelity second. Even then, what is fidelity? I’ve been fascinated recording technology all my life. I’ve owned Victor Phonographs of both mechanical and Orthophonic design as well as a Steinway Duo-Art reproducing piano. I find many Audiophiles to be woefully illiterate on the history of recorded music. And very few are accomplished musicians themselves. They don’t understand that listening to something produced by Phil Spector, for example, does not sound any better on a $20,000 system. 😂

[@systemera2902]

At least audiophiles are listening to music! I think audiophiles are becoming a rare breed. I also think people that understand music and appreciate the chord progressions and instrumentation are also becoming rare.

[@MultiPetercool]

@@systemera2902 I agree. Music literacy in general is at an all-time low. Most folks, don’t know Mozart from Beethoven or Scott Joplin from Art Tatum.

[@chuckmaddison2924]

And spend all day trying to justify the expense. The best purchase that made the best improvement for me. Was buying another house.

[@Rowuk2024]

The worst component is ALWAYS the room, then the speakers, then the amplifier capable of driving those speakers. Honorable menmtion for worst component are many peoples ears and minds that are not trained enough to let the image happen.

[@PetraKann]

I have taken my speakers to my audio hi fi store and they let me try a variety of amps in their sound testing room. I ended up buying a Yamaha AS-1200 integrated amplifier - that was the amp that matched my speakers the best and gave me a sweater warmer sound which was what I was looking for. My music library got a good going over - still going. Alternatively, if you have friend that has an amp you are considering buying you can borrow the amp or take your speakers to their home to do some sound quality testing. It’s a good idea to listen to the same music or CD/Vinyl through the same playback system so that only one component has changed in the signal pathway. The listening room is another important factor you need to consider so it’s a much better idea to borrow or hire the amp and use your own home acoustics to test the equipment. (The speaker pairs I use are an old pair of JBLs and switch to a recently purchased pair of B&W 603 S2)

[@SpyderTracks]

This is unquestionably the best way to do it, either that or get your dealer to allow you to trial a piece at home in your setup.

[@davidkclayton]

That would be a Monumental switch in speaker taste. did you also change your taste in music?

[@jeffl915]

I have the same amp, and absolutely love it. The Yamaha does not color the music, and even the phono preamp in it, is not bad. I did go with a Sutherland preamp this year, and while I will not say it’s a huge difference, your ears will definitely be able to tell the difference.

[@PetraKann]

@@jeffl915 Initially I was not considering a Yamaha Integrated Amp, but the audio supreme master (who I knew for a long time) asked me what sort of sound I was looking for, the room, what kind of music and at what level I like to play it at etc. He then recommended two amps, the Yamaha A-S1200 and a Rotel RA-1572 (MKII). Both were great sounding amps, but the Yamaha surprised me the most and I decided to buy that (from memory I think I tested 8 or 9 amps close to my budget which was approximately $AU 3,000). Lots of options out there. My general Philosophy for Hi-Fi set-up is for the majority of the budget outlay to be directed to the music Library. At one stage, 80% of my money was spent on the music. It's probably about 60/40 today due to me upgrading some of my gear. Cheers

[@matteyles7466]

20 years in retail and manufacturing speakers I never came across anything that made such a profound jaw dropping improvement as having a well set up DEQX Speaker and room correction Processor in the system.

[@DaveC1983.]

Thanks Paul another great video broken down and simplified for people like myself who are some what clueless when it comes to this subject

[@LuisMartinez-og8bk]

Amazing thoughts Paul, I truly enjoy this episode. Regards from England.

[@itsallgood78735]

I would also recommend room correction before upgrading speakers.

[@scottscottsdale7868]

I agree with the advice. My two cents from personal experience. You need to get electronics that are returnable because you need to try them in your room with your gear. So if you need to squint real hard to hear a difference there is no real difference. If there is a difference you will hear it right away. For example an audiophile power cable made an immediate and obvious difference. So I kept it. Sound is so subjective but when things sound better you honestly will know it. And as a first and easy step you should order Paul’s setup guide and CD. It really does help.

[@jameswester333]

Thanks Paul

[@RoderikvanReekum]

Those Kef QX are great speakers!

[@tweakerman]

Audio is a compromise, you can only work within your budget & that's the reality, but within your budget, you can upgrade the crossovers within your current speakers, that can take your speakers to another level, another great video as usual Paul, diy audio is the way to go👍

[@faludabutt8253]

It was a good question. That’s why I keep on changing speakers. I seemed to be done with the amps. I got all the classes with different wattage.

[@onnonugteren2935]

Yes that's a good advice. Greetings from the Netherlands. :-) Onno Nugteren photographer and filmmaker

[@joyoffilming9500]

Great video and recommendation! I can only emphasize Paul's explanation by adding: speakers are so critical because they represent the device in a stereo setup in which electrical signals are transformed by physical movements of membranes into physical movement of air. Unfortunately, designing a device like this (i.e a loudspeaker) is way more complicated than designing a great piece of electronics. And, as if this alone was not tricky enough, there is the room and all its nasty influences on the movement of speaker-induced air that can greatly improve or completely ruin your sound.

[@HAL9007]

Speakers have the exact function as the microphone used in the original recording -- except reversed.

[@theonl1128]

As always very good Paul, you know your stuff. 😅

[@alkebulansan]

I have had my Accuphase E211 for many years coupled with a Music Hall Ikura with 2m blue. For a very very long time I was using Bowers and Wilkins cdm 1se as my speakers which I thought were brilliant. 4 months ago I bought a pair of Kef R3 Meta. I don't know how to write next what I want to write. Every album, Every Album has now become an experience. I can't put into words how these speakers have opened up the music that the Accuphase was waiting to show. Today I listened to Eabs Meets Jaubi, In Search Of a Better Tomorrow. So much more detail. So much more depth, clarity, space, transcendental punch. Just blew my mind. As long as you have a great neutral amplifier and find yourself a pair of speakers which are also neutral which match your amp, you'll be in heaven. I was very nervous about changing my speakers as the sound from the Accuphase and B and W was just amazing. Well, all I have to say now is, Kef! Holy Kef. Get a pair. Have an experience, constantly.

[@larrysmith5695]

I have a pair of LS50 Metas and a pair of Kef r3 Metas in another system. The LS 50s are with Pass Labs electronics and the R-3 Metas are in a PS audio system. Both systems use a pair of Red T-5 subs. Kef Metas are really great for the money. I'll bet the PS Aspens are probably better but in both cases I 'm really happy just to listen to music and not obsess about improvements. Try the R-3 Metas if you have a chance. I think they are surprisingly close to the Kef Reference ones

[@martinwtaylor]

I've had the same speakers for 16 years while all the electronics around them have been upgraded and upgraded again. They have simply risen to the challenge each time, just getting better and better. The speakers are Usher Be-20.

[@hifiandrew]

One would hope a $20k pair of speakers would rise to most challenges.

[@user-wc9vi2il9j]

It’s amazing how speakers really drive the whole system. One thing in car audio is always start out with a good amp, than keep upgrading the speakers. That way you can really hear the difference not just feel it. But by far the cheapest and best thing is always get a time alignment and spectrum analysis done after any change in the set up. Thanks

[@scottwallace1]

Yes! Despite popular narratives to the contrary, a great speaker can do a marvelous job of reminding you how far from their potential they are due to inadequate quality leading up to them (and EVERYTHING is in front of speakers in the signal path). Conversely, put electronics that are in a “higher weight class” than the speakers? As the interface with the room, all you’ll hear is how happy those speakers are getting bumped to first class, if you’ll forgive the multiple metaphors. Now there comes a point where reason and balance enter the equation for sure… But as for a satisfying system? Better electronics on good speakers is most often more enjoyable than inadequate electronics on much better speakers. You just hear too much of what’s missing and the tonality and strain is evident.

[@gunnarkarlsson195]

When I was young I had a low budget (not for me at the time) Yamaha rack and a pair of cheap Swedish loudspeakers. (Zachry). After some years I changed the amplifier with a pricier Rotel. I found that the speakers could give much more than before.

[@Mikexception]

. All gear cooperates in chain of technicaly perfect units and none of them separately is capable to maintain that what we get by hearing. For me matters perfect personal impresion which of course may be individual and surely in lot of cases may be disputable even by me. Even I have troubles to decide what character of sounding is my priority. . i trust that my hearing adopts by itself to any compromises which are within it's range of adoption . and even with slight shifts my impression tends to be exact. In practice I observe tha switching between obviosly different in instance sounding spakers after 2 minutes I can't say easy which set is playing

[@markwilson5262]

whatever

[@oohtob6685]

Spending more on speakers is not a guarantee. For me it's all about synergy and preferred sound. Everyone's sound is different. Everyone says if you've got a 5k amp you should match the price of speaker and beyond being the weakest link. Well from my recent experience. 5k amp matched to a 2k speakers worked ideal. Gave me the sound I was looking for. I could well have upped my game, as in speakers paired to amp ratio cost but night have failed. Lucky enough I found my synergy in expensive amp and cheaper speakers.

[@user-ge9rw6ug3c]

There is the time and mood that when you want to listen to music, the speakers and synergy of equipment to suit that mood! Say in quiet nights, for low volume listening .. vs a dynamic mood in the morning.

[@Error2username]

You did not find the designer, you made him👌

[@biketech60]

Figuring out the weak link in a system is tough , yet rewarding and helpful when you have friends with similar interests . Sometimes a second pair of ears is useful .

[@hifiandrew]

I didn't even see this video before buying new PS audio, but it's timely. I have a pair of new Forte IV ($5k) speakers. I'm running an older Musical Fidelity A300 amp and external 6 year old Schitt Bifrost DAC. I've never been tempted to upgrade the A300 for 20 years because it sounds so good (to me). BUT the Stellar Strata is on sale now, so I decided to give it a shot. I really like Paul's videos and PS-A's great reputation so figured I'd try it and see. I will be very curious to see if I notice a significant difference. I believe I have 30 audition days to find out if my electronics can outperform my speakers, or if my speakers outperform the electronics at this budget level. Or maybe it's a tie since my system components are roughly at the same budget/class/tier. I'm not unhappy with my system. If the Strata kicks it up a notch, I'm keeping it. If I can't hear a difference, I might return it since I don't see myself upgrading speakers again anytime soon.

[@Lucasnxvii]

Yep, I just trialed a bunch of speakers all the way up the budget ladder and I wasn't happy until I landed on kef r3 metas lol

[@homerjones3291]

Stepping back when considering whether a new component is up to the task - first off, are you unhappy with your system’s presentation of music and in what specific ways? It can very hard to discern a bottleneck in your system if you can’t swap in/swap out components to try to hear a difference. Don’t forget the setup and size of your room is very important and many people think they can just buy “better” sound by purchasing more expensive/larger/powerful equipment. The absolute (and only, IMO) way to a different/better sound is by trying different equipment in your own living space, set up correctly. If you can’t readily hear a difference or hit the dreaded “I THINK I hear a difference” conclusion, practically you really haven’t made an improvement where it needs to be done. Another point: don’t buy equipment with the purpose of trying to “match” the level of performance. If you hear a set of speakers etc. somewhere that absolutely knock you out, you know that that system/combination of components can get you to your destination - if of course if room conditions/other equipment allows; you at least know what you want your system to sound like and the rest of your system can possibly catch up later in your journey.

[@AUXdrone]

Paul, I would be fascinated to learn more about the companies you mentioned. Especially infinity as i think those are some extremely overlooked speakers. I have had a a pair of the rs-3 two way bookshelfs since 1994 that i bought new when i was 16. They have been adored by me their entire lives and still in near new condition. They are extremely predictable and accurate speakers imo. So if you could elaborate on those companies (especially infinity), that would make my day.

[@AUXdrone]

I also have a pair of 625s that need some work but will be glorious when restored. Nice score for a “curb alert.”

[@bikdav]

The other thing that you may want to do is experiment with room acoustics treatment. I experienced cases where a “ less than marvelous” sound system sounded good because of the room.

[@Roof_Pizza]

We called it the 'amplifier of the month club'.It isn't your amp.

[@tn9274]

how about nordost flat cable which I think should be a very thin stranded core?

[@howardskeivys4184]

I’ve made many changes to my system over the years. Making purchasing decisions on a performance to price ratio. In my humble experience it’s speakers that make the most noticeable difference. Having had the pleasure of owning many sets of speakers, including:- Pioneer, Jamie, Q Acoustics, ATC, Warfdale, B&W, Fine Audio, I am now proud to say that I’m a Kef convert.

[@Wacoal34d]

Suggest he take his electronics to a stereo store and listen with different speakers

[@finscreenname]

If you like what you have before I would go crazy I would get another set of the same speakers you have now and just set them beside the ones you have. Even splitting the power you used for 2 between the 4, you will be shocked by the change.

[@imqqmi]

Shocked indeed because of the combing in high frequencies, time of arrival issues, impedance mismatch etc. With 4 speakers connected you're in quad stereo territory, you'll have to take care of more things than with 2 channel audio.

[@finscreenname]

@@imqqmi None of that.

[@tkl0111]

I don't know about this Paul, I'm a fan of PS Audio and have own almost all of your products, including BHK250 and BHK Pre. But, and it's a big but!, you're saying there's no speakers below the $30,000 price point of the Aspen FR-30 that you can recommend!? hard to believe. I'm not sure this sale pitch is going to work well in your favor.

[@brentcollins9727]

Huh? They have the FR-10 and he’s even shown a sneak peak of the FR-5.

[@tkl0111]

@@brentcollins9727 Paul mentioned before PS Audio releases their speakers that he cannot recommend any speakers because the entry price point is too high. I'm making a reference to their FR-30 speakers where the price is $30k and asking if that's really true? That there is no speakers on the market for the last how ever many decades that PS Audio been in business before the release of their own speakers that Paul do not even consider to be good enough for his electronics to honestly recommend. I called BS - sorry.

[@medonk12rs]

Upgrading (pre-)amps can greatly benefit existing speakers! As for Paul's advice: try experimenting with different cables - they will have an impact. Speakers need to match the room IMHO, and electronics need to feed them to taste. Your taste. And (trigger warning): try acoustic decouplers and cable raisers. Under some circumstances (depending on the room's floor) they will make quite a difference, too!

[@johnwhite2576]

Oh please -cable raisers ? Vooodoo….i give you a pass of cables (barely) but suggesting this really is delusional. Show he double blind test please…

[@medonk12rs]

@@johnwhite2576 if it's not your idea to try out new stuff, how unbelievable you think it might be... no worries! Just give it a pass. Jeeez, the ABX double blind bla bla police at its best.... snooze

[@PanAmStyle]

First get the room right. The room has the greatest effect.

What about room treatment?

[@defsonic2884]

The amount you spend on equipment and speakers should depend on whether you are able to position your speakers and listening position properly. If you have major constraints on that keep you will have major constraints on sound. Secondly are you able to optimise the room with treatment plus correct placement of speakers and listening position. If you can optimise speaker position, listening position, room treatment then: Speakers Power amps Source Pre amp / dac Cables I’d personally recommended treating the speakers as long term project - 5 to 10 years and have fun building your own active set up. After speakers, power amps and source things become extremely low value upgrades regardless of the endless Dac reviews😜

[@thepickyaudiophile]

Great and demanding speakers can be a pain with the wrong (which sometimes mean too cheap) front end. I spent too many years like that. Just saying,.

[@carlsitler9071]

A system of $1000 of new gear sound (audible measurements) 95% as good as no $ limit gear. Speakers on the other hand, sound as big as they are, especially when you crank them. The only new speaker I would consider would be the size of a Tekton MOAB. I currently have 2 15" woofers per side (plus 3 subwoofers).

[@xaviermontalban717]

I think one thing that people always overlook and should throw money at first is room treatment. You can buy the best gear and fail at room treatment, and the sound will come out poorly.

[@adriancressy8363]

Speakers are sort of a personal thing. What is that you want to hear??? Bass ??? Heavy??? Screechy tweeters???? Today's amps are pretty open and free of distortion. Anything over 100 Watts is not needed. I love my Heathkit A-100...TUBES...30 watts /channel. Efficient speakers connected.

[@hocktooey]

It's a bottomless pit of compromises. If you have a few extra dollars, play around with something--better speakers or a new dac or a new cartridge/tone arm, etc. Find the best match for your system/room/ears and then enjoy the music. If the music already sounds good, spend that extra cash on live shows, travel, food: enjoy the life.

[@kevinmccormick419]

The issue is that high quality electronics AND speakers exceed the source. They have far exceeded the recording quality produced from the majority of most recordings. In fact, the better electronics and speakers are, the more noticeable poor recording are. Thank God that there are some (not the majority) artist that demand high quality recordings.

[@DavidslvPT]

Create a good relationship with a good local dealer who can lend you equipment, instead of spending money on assumptions :)

[@djhmax09]

It lies in the room...

[@bayard1332]

I wager acoustics treatments would do way more than any equipment or speaker upgrade. $ to $ acoustic treatment is by far the biggest bang per buck.

[@SSTC.]

Controversial opinion here. Get a quality set of active speakers. This way electronics and drivers will be a perfect match for each other. Also, an active crossover introduces less distortion than a traditional passive one. This type of system (if done right) has much more potential in it. You won't have to struggle as much with choosing your components among many different models and brands out there

[@staLkerhu]

"an active crossover introduces less distortion than a traditional passive one" Interesting, in the comment section of the PS audio passive or active crossover video there is a comment saying the elephant in the room regarding active solutions is the mid and high range where it suffers from noticable distortion (PS also using passive elements at the mids and highs with active on the bass section, as Paul mentioned). So what is the truth then?

[@sidesup8286]

An even bigger truth is that the amplifier inside a speaker like that is being literally bombarded by the internal vibrations from the woofer. The amplifier might be ideally electrically matched, (which I think too much is made of), since MOST speakers sound good with MOST amps; but what about all those nasty vibrations from the woofer going directly to the amplifier inside the shared speaker cabinet? Just like moving your turntable further away from your speakers and their vibration, always makes a huge improvement, so does movi g your amp further away from your vibration producibg speakers, make a big difference. An active self amplified speaker is both the best scenario and also the absolute worst scenario at very the same time. Extraneous vibration is the major cause of degradation of sound quality

[@garethonthetube]

@@sidesup8286 Interesting point. If it was a problem I should have thought that the likes of ATC would have mentioned how they get round the issue. Properly isolating the amplifier shouldn't really be that hard.

[@tubefreeeasy]

I’ve optimized my system with anything and everything I can think of and haven’t thought of, to make sure I have no excuses. Anything from cables, vibration controls and even crystal filtration.

[@flargosa]

You also want electronics to give your speaker a sound you want. If your speaker is too bright, you might want a mellow sounding amp or preamp. The cycle never ends. get new speakers then get new electronics vice versa.

[@davidwilson9568]

Hi I have £2000 budget for a small hifi set up I would want a cd player, record deck a 100 watt amplifier and a set of speakers to match. Could you recommend some gear for me I live in the UK

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

Save more money and buy used. Your budget isn't enough for anything decent even used.

[@hugobloemers4425]

Why 100W?

[@dangerzone007]

If you live in Britain I'd ask a British audiophile.

[@RDK006]

Cambridge Audio might get you far with that budget.

[@dangerzone007]

Get an Acoustic3D - Emergence AS4 Holographic Speaker System and a chord mojo 2

[@6mmBRA]

I have a great amp great speaker cables room treatment then I bought kef r3 meta. What a mistake.

[@Oystein87]

And what if you hear little difference between i.e two amps because they actually sound pretty simular then?🤪

[@sidesup8286]

If you have two people and they each have say $2,700 to spend on a complete system.. Person one will likely spend 60% of their budget on speakers, and the rest on source, amps and cables that at low price won't likely be anything special. And that's what they'll end up with; a system and sound that isn't anything special. The speakers will likely have more size, bass and dynamic range, but will be more likely to expose the grain, hardness and lack of refinement of cheap electronics. Person two, who spends say 65% on electronics will likely not have as much bass or dynamics, but likely will have a cleaner, smoother more refined sound that is more pleasant to listen to. The first person has a system that will reveal the unpleasant flaws of cheap electronics. The second person's cheaper speakers will reveal the glories of good electronice. Maybe not all of them, but most of them. A company's entry level speakers often have the same tweeter as their more expensive models. Better electronics is actually the way to go; if you cannot afford enough expense for both.

[@mjot2360]

To those who think cables (power and signal) make no difference. You need more resolution.

[@joz411no8]

This suggests thousands of us out here are living in denial.😂 Thanks for the video Paul

[@manitoublack]

A salesman wanting to to say: "buy my stuff" but far too smart to do so. The best system in the world is the one you listen to everyday and can share music with friends and family. Start second guessing yourself and you'll become like every heroin addict. never happy and willing to pay/believe anything for that next hit.

[@Mark-lq3sb]

Yeah, but that next hit is exactly like the hit before. Changing audio equipment shouldn't be like the last "hit" that's the whole idea.

[@davidtomsett]

He may well be better off with some room treatments

[@user-oq9mv8pc2g]

No. Source electronics is the most important place money can go. Example. You can have the best TV in the world and how do you think the picture is gonna look with you playing a VCR as the sorce component

[@faludabutt8253]

Perception of audio is more subjective than video.

[@marcse7en]

I don't claim to be an expert, but I have been into Hi-Fi almost as long as Paul, and here's what I think about system building ... I've heard Paul say the most important part of the system, and the starting point, are the speakers ... I disagree strongly! ... 45 years experience has taught me that the SOURCE is the most important place to start ... Linn Products (of Sondek fame) used to say, "Rubbish in, rubbish out!" ... Start with the source!

[@PIPERBOYWILLIAMS]

Ls50 speakers aren’t revealing ?

[@audiodemos2579]

No, they aren't. Don't believe the marketing plot behind Kef. I have purchased the LS50 originals and the newer Metas. I sold them as quick as they arrived. They are far for a "reference grade" speaker as (paid) reviewers said. A friend of mine that was a huge fan of those Kefs accepted the challenge to compare them with my set and never, ever defended the LS50 again.

[@markwilson5262]

@@audiodemos2579 you get what you pay for these are BUDGET speakers at best / you can only be disappointed if you believe the hype lol

[@sidesup8286]

The LS 50 was a Class A rated category speaker in Stereophile. How "clear" they were, were one of the main reasons that a sub $1,500 speaker made it into Class A, when the other speakers in their Class A category cost many thousands of dollars; with the average price of the rest of the speakers being around 10 times higher. If putting them in Class A was a farce; as someone suggested, it would have taken more than one reviewer, as it takes some consensus there, as to what Class something belongs in. They are a notoriously picky speaker as far as amp partnering, akin to the Magnepan LRS. I'd hear them with many amps before making an absolutistic statement.

[@audiodemos2579]

@@sidesup8286 that is the same argument I constantly hear. They are far and away to be a Class A speaker. The Magnepans are way, way better than the L50s.

[@sidesup8286]

You have to realize you are never hearing something in isolation. Anytime you hear a speaker, you are hearing the amp and how good or bad a job it is doing with the speakers complex impedence curve. I am sure the Maggies are bigger sounding and more spacious sounding, but far ess focused. Take your pick. Some listeners value one more than the other. I listened to many panel speakers, used and new, and they never have that pinpoint focus that dynamic drivers can have. Also even the most expensive planar speakers and non-hybrid straight electrostatics, never in my experience or others, do they ever have great bass slam or dynamics. Planars have a big sound with lots of depth and space between the instruments, but there are things they don't do well. So who is to say what is the better speaker? It depends on one's priorities. I've heard Vandersteens in more setups than I can count, and they sounded anywhere from mediocre to one of the best sounds I've ever heard, depending on what was the associated equipment and room. A panel speaker that takes a $3,000 amp to drive them well enough to show their true potential is not a good value, and some would say the LS 50 wasn't a good value because of that either. I avoid both, even though I have electronics that would shine with just about anything.

[@2sc458]

I disagree with the statement, "If you don't hear a difference in electronics, that means that your speakers aren't resolving enough".

[@editorjuno]

Dude voices regret that speakers "revealing" enough to benefit from first-rate amplification aren't affordable for most enthusiasts, including much of his own company's clientele -- the "Sprout crowd," so to speak. Dude hires first-rate speaker designer. Results: line of three lovely-looking, undoubtedly "revealing" floor-standers that *start* at $10K/pair. Enough said...

[@spotshooter1]

Better source = better sound. No amp or speaker can improve the source. Source first!

[@faludabutt8253]

Better source is limited.

[@spotshooter1]

By what? @@faludabutt8253

[@NoEgg4u]

High end stores will loan gear to serious customers. That is one sure way to know if a new amplifier will do the trick. Our host has said in videos that he makes loans, for customers to listen in their own home. I wonder why he did not make that offer in this video? It would surely provide an answer to Tom's question.

[@Mark-lq3sb]

Because every time he mentions his audio equipment dozens of people jump all over him and accuses him of being nothing but a salesmen. Didn't you notice his when he did mention something about PS Audio's product he had reaction of, "oh know! don't jump on me." He knows............

[@NoEgg4u]

@@Mark-lq3sb "Because every time he mentions his audio equipment dozens of people jump all over him and accuses him of being nothing but a salesmen. Didn't you notice his when he did mention something about PS Audio's product he had reaction of, "oh know! don't jump on me." He knows............" People call him out on being a salesman, when he goes into sale's mode, deceptively. If he straightforwardly said: "I am happy to loan out an amplifier to Tom, in Oslo Norway, or to any other serious customer, which will be beneficial to both of us, if our loan of our PS Audio amplifier results in a sale. It would mean that Tom liked it enough to purchase it, and it is one more sale for my company." But, instead, our host routinely goes off script (which is, by the way, his script), and pretends to wander into some topic where he talks about his products. Yes, he should talk about his products. But he should be straightforward about it. Often he is straightforward, and few, if any, people complain when he is straightforward. My local high-end store's owner does the same thing, but is more direct. He does not pretend that he wandered off into a sale's pitch. I called him, inquiring into his transports. He replied that an Audioquest power cord for my DAC would be more beneficial than a transport. It irked me a bit, that he did not answer my question. But on the other hand, he will lend me the power cord, and I will be able to hear for myself if it is that good. But would it be better than a quality transport? Well, he was evasive. He knows how to configure amazing sounding stereos, at any price point. So he was not misleading me. But he pretended like I never asked my question, and turned it into a sale's pitch for an Audioquest power cord. Perhaps he would profit more from the sale of the power cord? And that is where I lose some trust with him. Anyway, our host is a story teller, which is entertaining. But he uses his story telling to pitch sales, and pretends as if it was accidental or coincidental. And it can be accidental or coincidental. But the frequency that it happens is what brings about comments critiquing him, because it can't be accidental or coincidental so often. It is by design. It is his way of pitching his products, by pretending that, oops, how did I get here?

[@minuteskill]

"Experiment with cables...." Why havent you won the million bucks from James Randi's challenge, huh, Paul?

[@Paulmcgowanpsaudio]

Hah! Great question. I don't think any of this qualifies as paranormal and besides, he's no longer offering the prize money.

[@jimorgain63]

running 1500 watt amp with 300 watt speakers, i just dont turn it up all the way, sounds good to me

[@Artemis_Prix]

Should we assume you have a super preamplifier to modulate all of that power?

[@jimorgain63]

@@Artemis_Prix the qsc power amp has volume knobs, pre amp is lexicon audio interface for home recording, speakers are old Boston acoustic tower speakers, sounds great at any volume

[@jimorgain63]

i can remaster tracks i Logic Pro and compare changes in eq, i can add compression, re burn to itunes playlist, as a musician im not really an audiophile, but you xan hear if the speakers are being comprimised, i was going thru smaller amps heat up bet the big amp is not pushed hard. Like in welding a bigger machine run at lower duty cycle will run longer and be more consistant, i got tired of reciever sorts of amplifiers with cinimatic fx they sound squashy to me. i feel like the big amp has made the speakers more acurate. I also use self powered yamaha hs8, studio monitors, it is interesting listening to mixes on different speakers, i didnt realize how nice the Boston speakers sounded till i pulled this amp out and hook it up.

[@cengeb]

Made in China? Where are they made?

[@Mark-lq3sb]

All you have to do is watch PS Audio's videos and you'll find out they are made in China. It's been talked about in the past by Paul.

[@cengeb]

@@Mark-lq3sb They are grossly over priced then. Legacy audio made here in IL., much better stuff includes DSP, why does't PS audio have DSP?

[@Mark-lq3sb]

@@cengeb You knew they were assembled in China. Per as usual you're just throwing $h!t at the fan. Why do you care how much PS Audio's speakers cost? You surely won't be buying them. Don't act like you're trying to "save" somebody. People can decide on their own what they want and don't want. Besides, it's THEIR MONEY! Why the hell are you asking me about PS Audio's choice to not use DSP? Once again, I remind you view the video where Paul talks about DSP. You cry about this and that and all you have to do is stop being lazy and find the videos. Everything you've bitched about Paul has talked about.

[@endrizo]

aaaah..."experiment with cables"...ooooowwwww yeeeah the magic of $$$ cables haaa.

[@D1N02]

If you don't hear a difference from different cables you need to upgrade you equipment first.

[@endrizo]

@@D1N02yeah yeah i know.. ill change my ears first.. at 50 years old cables dont matter anymore.

[@sidesup8286]

Cables make just as much difference as ANYTHING, except maybe loudspeakers. If you don't have a good ear maybe its useless; but: Listen to cables in the $500 and up range. If you don't hear a difference with one brand, keep going and hear other brands of cables. Some are worth it sonically, while others are not and are just high priced to price gouge

[@hoobsgroove]

Paul can you stop these damn adverts, can you turn them off please! Makes me ill, I'm not watching so many videos now because they are stressing me out! I don't think you need adverts do you?? I think a specification I know it's not scientific but putting sound stage as a measurement width and depth on your amplifiers would help people, You can buy an expander that does the same thing DBX make them three band dynamic Q expander, but you need to use it really with a low band graphic equaliser because you lose bass, depends how much you expand it a little bit but you'll be ok, but the 3 band 120 bass boost with subwoofer output subsonic frequency equaliser is a worthwhile addition. You're doing what the amplifier is doing anyway by using an expander, so get a clean powerful amp driven amplifier and just use expander with bass boost. Expander and bass boost fairly cheap you can pick both up for about 2- to 300 alternatively you could use a speaker management system some of them have expansion characteristics. Well room treatment plays a part as well if you want something to be revealing if you concentrate on 200 Hertz and below you'll get much more revealing speaker in general Just get a small subwoofer doesn't have to be expensive passive would do if you had the equaliser, place it at the back of the room about 3 to 4 feet off the floor in the middle of the listening position, you might need to swap the phase, that's what a active room cancellation device is, try and crossover it at about 120 Hz you'll need to move the speaker if it doesn't have delay functionality further to the listener from the wall. You shouldn't hear the sub is not meant for that purpose it's to cancel standing waves that's all

[@D1N02]

KZbin does it. There is a solution, it is called an ad blocker.

[@hoobsgroove]

@@D1N02 yes but I can't seem to get it to work on my phone tho, you can switch it off it's not compulsory but he's needs to demonetization he doesn't have monetisation on then it won't show ads

[@D1N02]

Doesn't work on a phone @@hoobsgroove I usaully watch on a pc. KZbin will still show ads even if you turn of channel monetization.

[@_fakeklg]

Should probably ask Paul for a refund.

[@hoobsgroove]

@@D1N02 well there is a way of turning it off.

[@digggerrjones7345]

"not 'cause we just make 'em"??? There's a *lot* of 'fertilizer' in those words!

[@cengeb]

Oy vey, what nonsense.

[@Mark-lq3sb]

I agree most of your comments are.

[@cengeb]

@@Mark-lq3sb the only speakers are his, or the two he used to be with, what a load of nonsense. Studios never heard of PS audio, funny stuff, neither did most people.

[@Mark-lq3sb]

@@cengeb "the only speakers are his, or the two he used to be with"

[@cengeb]

@@Mark-lq3sb He's making absurd claims, that no speakers are as good, unless they are some old obsolete Infinity, or the out of business Genesis, and now, of course PS, is the only speaker that sound good enough. Oy Vey. what a condescending blatant smarmy salesman. recording studios don't use anything he was ever involved with. For sure not PS Chinesisum stuff. Legacy audio are used in studios, and commercial big installs, look it up. JBL, EAW, most large live events....nothing from any brands he mentions

[@cengeb]

@@Mark-lq3sb he claims all speakers are no good, only the stuff he is involved with, do you have low comprehension skills?

[@tomasstolpe8177]

CABELS??? FUCKING SNAKE OIL MAN

[@SantanKGhey1234]

Can't even spell… 😂… If you don't believe cables make an appreciable difference, then your system doesn't have the resolution, meaning sub par

[@_fakeklg]

Then don’t use them. At all.

[@audiodemos2579]

Do yourself a favor and borrow good speaker cables to try on your system. If your speakers and amp are good I guarantee you will hear improvements. I didn't believed too until I took a test.

[@kx8960]

@@SantanKGhey1234 LOL So, you're going to spell check him, but buy 100% into the snake oil BS in regards to cables.🤣 Man, do I have some Placebo Labs Ultra-Expensive cables to sell you....along with the Brooklyn bridge...

[@SantanKGhey1234]

@@kx8960Show us your vintage garage sale gear 😂 We get it… your gear is low grade