Q. Which is the best? A. It depends

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Awesomeness! So glad you addressed this question!

[@MikeBissonthescribe]

Steve, I always enjoy your videos - I still really miss your writing. I admire how you and Darko always support other reviewers

[@audiorick841]

Love the format where you compare different pairings. Curation of hardware, showing examples of good synergy amongst components we could not afford to all buy at once to compare like this. Extremely helpful! It puts in context many characteristics about sound you often describe and ties together your previous reviews of these products. This is a lot of work to mix and match all this, not to mention you are not pairing with light bookshelves here. So thank you. Well done!

[@jscottcory]

You made the best case ever for doing research on components (from sources you trust), matching them and then auditioning them (with a critical ear), and finally selecting what works best for your musical taste and listening environment.

[@christopherwright8179]

Despite having a high end system that won’t be changed for many years, I keep coming back to your channel as I find it very informative and entertaining. Hopefully you will be able to help budding audiophiles from making many of the stupid mistakes that I have made with system matching. You cover all the bases so well. Keep up the good work.

[@jean-pierrethibaudeau7201]

Very clear, very simple and very honest review about specific items. That should give us an idea that choosing an amp/speaker combo can get very complex, especially with everyone taste taken into account. Thanks John!

[@leemartin2978]

The best advert I’ve seen, for having a hands on demo of an amplifier using your own speakers in your home. Some dealers offer it, and it has to be the best way of doing it. Try and have the use of it for at least several days too. You’re not going to get an unpleasant surprise then when you hand over your hard earned money and an untested item arrives

[@1999zrx1100]

Love the format and it’s a nice starting point for many. I clearly shows building what sounds good to you doesn’t happen in one afternoon of shopping, it took me years. That’s one of the most enjoyable parts of this hobby. Not like buying a car. 😎

[@JK-bf5mx]

Stuck at home....I am so grateful that you are getting new content out so frequently. Thank you

[@bob1956]

Interesting comparison and thoroughly enjoyed. The "don't ask me about..." segment at the end slayed it. Thanks John.

[@Z-u-m-a]

Eminently sensible approach/advice. My view is the room chooses the speaker options and the speakers choose the amp options. Personal taste/lifestyle preference makes the final decision.

[@albertosilva5935]

Spot On, very well done and demonstrated (BRAVO). It’s not a question of amp topology, brand or price, it’s always a question of match with the speakers and these with the room first... and many audiophiles seems not to get it.

[@stevep2111]

Great job on this video... I have asked in the past which is the best between this and that and you are so so right and I for one hope people will stop asking and just start listening. Great job John loving the work. 👍

[@DioscuriA85]

Love the format and equipment. Must say, the production value of your content is better than other hifi channels here on KZbin.

[@Sheik_Mickey]

The mini disco ball is really the OSCAR from all audiophile vids I have ever seen. Congrats, stay safe and and keep growing this amazing channel

[@martytoo]

Wonderful concept. It's like I've stepped back into my local 70's stereo store. The amp is matched to the speaker by the seller. 😀🤩

[@iand8548]

An excellent lesson in understanding some of the "other" factors to determine compatibility of components when choosing an audio system, just starting with the basics of speakers and amplifiers. You can't just pick one in isolation without considering the other. As you said, its not just about specs/power or features, the non-measurement aspects, tonal balance, control, etc. are not easily understood without education. Nice job John.

[@adamyelle4901]

I so wish I would have seen this video before buying the Elacs. I see nothing but praise for those all over the internet, and with no option for me to hear them in advance, I bought in as a result of a great deal. You're the only person to call out the exact same shortcomings that I hear. Thank you for the pairing suggestion.

[@treehouse722]

Three quick comments/observations: 1. We usually associate multi-device systems with a high-end approach, and all-in-ones with the consumer/big-box/non-audiophile approach. But here, it's reversed; the single unit is the most nominally audiophile/high end, and the 4-part system the cheapest. 2. The integration of a splash of colour into the graphics in this vid worked very well. 3. I like videos about chains, and the principles behind assembling them. You did this before with the "complete system for $1xx" vids too. It's interesting to contemplate the mixing & matching that chains require.

[@AntoineThisdale]

Love the heavy description in the box mate! And thanks for sharing the playlist!

[@cbpersel]

Outstanding video. Why? Because it addresses (in my opinion and as you address so eloquently) the "uber" importance of matching amps and speakers. The synergy of the two cannot be underestimated and is critical to getting the most (or even acceptable) audio performance. It doesn't matter how expensive, well reviewed, awesome, etc. either or both of the components are ... if they are not well suited for one another they ain't gonna sound great together. I ran into this repeatedly with my headphone/amp combos (I have several of each) which is no different or less tricky than loudspeaker/amp combos. I finally gained enough (costly) experience that I'm able to generally (although not perfectly) predict what combination might work before purchasing. Again ... an excellent and incredibly useful video (as most of yours are BTW). Bravo.

[@meganamehere]

Pairing amps to speakers is such an art. I have a Hegel h90 and paradigm 100 v.4. big full range sounds with clarity and that sweetness he's talking about

[@riccitone]

Forget any of theses setups...I’m now convinced any rig will suddenly sound amazing with that spinning mini disco globe on top🕺🏽 Seriously though...excellent overview/pairing comparison. And it does depend, so this less is more approach actually gives us so much more to go on than focusing on too many different pieces of equipment. Very few on this platform spend this kind of time, energy and exercise the intellect necessary for such a balanced review. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@liamo4]

Thanks John. It drew a chuckle from me when you so desperately try to head of the 'what ifs'.

[@markscott7583]

Thanks - this is great. Love the mini disco ball interludes from pairing to pairing.

[@channel-ls4uv]

Love the way you're building up these subjects with your video's. Keep up the good work and please stay safe everybody!

[@treborheminway1196]

True Experts in their field understand the full realm of permutations and various subtleties so they will normally answer with "it depends" when asked a general question. Self-appointed experts will often say " you want this", even before you finish asking the question.

[@michaelhastie7324]

John: YOU represent a great Audio Review, which transcends national borders. Thank you for your efforts & education on this difficult subject !

[@australianbloke3934]

Couldn't help noticing the JBLs L100. We still listen to our JBL 4311A monitors that we bought in the late 70's. Very similar. Love your work!

[@saverioricchiuto5386]

Awesome, wide compliments John. Not sure if it’s possible, but this video should be “pinned” on top of all video lists in your channel: it really nails it, not only on amps but how we should all approach hi-fi gears’ reviews. Thank you so much.

[@peter1987]

Nice that you had those there for the comparison. Will look forward to you doing similar things further down the road when your line up changes(if that's your plan). Thanks

[@timothyrogerson4251]

Love the Playlist. Just loaded he associated albums to take me through the afternoon. Thanks.

The content of your channel is so entertainment, useful and eyed caching that I can't have enough of it, keep the good work!

[@humanitech]

Nicely done and a good general confirmation of the realities and variables involved with component and system matching and the value of investigating and demo-ing stuff to hopefully get close to our personal tastes...kind of like sonic wine tasting reallyc

[@spacejaime]

Excellent video! That is exactly how system matching works. Cheers.

[@78sound]

That was a brilliant way to answer the question. The disco ball looked huge on the mytec

[@charlesferguson6678]

"Humid" That's wonderful. Love your reviews!

[@nacarp2000]

Amongst the best review you've done John. As well as the speaker, your preference, your music preference, the other attribute that affects overall sound is of course the room. You always mention that with speakers, but since speakers affect the amplifier choice, then you can say the room also affects the choice of the amp too. Excellent editing to the Disco ball too!

[@louismeluso8633]

Excellent discussion on the subject of pairing components. Well done.

[@giannislarch]

Very nice ! I hope you willing to do again similar reviews with various set-ups! Perfect

[@stephendupont6286]

Thanks John, I enjoyed this, as I've enjoyed most of your videos, which are by far the most most well produced hifi/audio reviews I've seen. you did leave one obvious combination out, which might have ticked a lot of boxes for a lot of people: Brooklyn Bridge + Schiit Aegir(s)...

[@ogonzilla]

I just started on this journey and have been researching amps to pair up with my schitt modi and vali2 out to my Klipsch bookshelf speakers. Thanks

[@yaniv-nos-tubes]

you can get a used 90's era arcam delta power amp (made in england!)for 300$ one of the best amps ive ever heard dual mono in a single chassis. it will rock those bookshelves like nothing else.keep in mind there is no such thing as too much power. what tubes are you using on the vali?

[@reveme]

Seems that we're all attracted by expensive hobbies, isn't it? :)

[@mariosupa4027]

Great 👍 video John, quite possibly the best one of all the ones I've seen from you.

[@ayellowbeard]

Sorry for LMAO but I could have made money if I could have bet this would end up at "it depends" and "don't ask me!" I'm so happy to have you in my life John!

[@frederikdegraaf9463]

Great approach from John to this subject..

[@mark22732]

Would love to see more like this. Maybe one with selections from Cambridge, NAD, and entry-level PS audio, with the same choice of speakers. I suppose the options are endless, but I really did enjoy this format.

[@EfeTe2010]

Brilliant one and ever so USEFUL, thanks JD!

[@michaeleller7514]

Really enjoyed the video! The format of comparing setups is fun. I will second the call for a lower end setup comparison.

[@paulshepherd1805]

Many audiophiles suffer the real life choices of matching the best components they can afford & subsequently are NEVER satisfied (for long!) I’ve arrived at a point where simply enjoying my choice of music 🎶 & being less analytical is the goal! No harm with others making comparisons with high end gear, it’s all part of the audiophile game...👍🏻

[@Drackleyrva]

Such a fun video---thank you!!! Please do more!

[@bigjt37]

Good review John. Thanks for the good stuff. I agree, pairings matter. In my growing knowledge and experience with it.

[@xro1589]

John, please more material if you can :) We are stuck in our homes, and your videos are so good.

[@iscmiscm]

As you said in another video, the effect of the room and speaker position can be massive and I would say that it could also change which of the amps was more suitable for each speaker, as the room can effect speaker balance plus bass control and depth. It just shows how important home auditioning can be.whenever possible.

[@wojciechnierodzinski9305]

Hi John, first time watching your review. Concise and very informative, thank you. Although must say that somebodys lifestyle does not affect the sound at all. As you mention the equation is quite simple: source+amp+speakers(+cables)=effect. Obviously the most important factors are: your room (very nice 30sqm) and your sound preference. The term „lifestyle” has recently been abused to such an extent that one can only imagine shifty salesman trying to label any weak and overpriced product with it (e.g. SF16).

[@terrywho22]

Nicely done. Really not much of a surprise that the speaker with horns sounds best with a circuit that has tubes in it. I've always felt that the speaker/amplifier pairing was the most critical to get right in order to have a good sounding system and your video supports this somewhat. While it's fair to say that its difficult to know how every speaker will sound with every amp, there are two generalizations that I've found work in almost every case: amps with tubes for high sensitivity speakers and high power solid state amps for low sensitivity speakers. Class A solid state will also work for high sensitivity speakers if solid state is non-negotiable.

[@roeland1205]

I had the same problem with my previous speakers. I had to put socks in them. I since then have moved to closed cabinet Kef speakers. They are a little bit less easy to place, but no singing or resonating low end anymore. I have chosen tot add a closed cabinet svs subwoover to get my set to have a relatively flat frequency response all the way down to 20hz (although it doesn't have a high pass filter and actually goes to about an audible 12-14hz) and it's ace. The Kefs do sound a little bit harsh or bright using the amp of my avr, so I put a Primaluna set of amps (pre and main) and it opened up the sound in a way I didn't dare to dream of. I knew the frequency response curves and the responsiveness from the speakers and bought accordingly.

[@davidrivera2165]

JD makes a three way comparison and comes up with three winners, only JD. It "depends". Read between the lines, of these three amps, the Hegel will probably match the most speakers. Love it JD.

[@SuenaTremendo]

Hello John, very helpfull as always. You are still taking a Lot of time trying to prevent stupid questions in the comments. Sorry mate but that is a force that can not be stoped 🤣. Love from Argentina

[@53doowopbill]

Thank you for the info on the definition ,sweet, being that I'm a old man I just always referred to that sound as warmth or warm. Everybody seems to dislike that term these days, thanks again bill....

[@sonny8085]

This is actually why I lean more and more these days towards buying powered speakers if I had the disposable income for audiophile grade gear. The amount of amp/speaker/musical-taste combinations available just makes the desicions for me over-facing. I love the form factor of the Mytek boxes and would happily just plug a Brooklyn Bridge staright into a pair or powered boxes.

[@amarcy5369]

Well done sir I must admit that if I see a can labelled worms I tend not open it So good on you to even consider it Informative and entertaining as always Bless you keep well keep safe Kind regards Mike in the U.K.

[@kurthertel4299]

Love the tiny disco ball. Awesome.

[@edmundgil6008]

Thank you John Darko!!!! Love this!!!!! ❤️ 🎶 🎼 🎵 ❤️

[@josexavierjr.5633]

Good video John, you covered a lot of ground. Really dig Wanda Shakes from your playlist; sounds like a cross between Chic and Daft Punk. The little disco ball was a nice touch!

[@nicholasrexing4721]

Really appreciate the point that you make. My dilemma is that I have a system today that I want to replace the amp. I don't know of any measurement that will clue me into an amp that may sound best with my existing speakers. I have to become a reviewer, source multiple amps, do in home listening and return the lease compatible. At least I have time...

[@chrissimmonds4383]

Well. I learned all these lessons the hard way but not necessarily the most expensive way as I've always been hard up. Synergistics should be hammered into the brains of those starting out in audio system building. In the end, it comes to something simple. It's not a collection of 'the best' items. this never brings satisfaction. But, i harken back to the era of the Linn Sondek against Direct Drive turntable argument in the 70's (you won't remember that John). What came out of that was the Garbage in, Garbage out, which is true. Turntable mass mattered, arm stability mattered, Cartridges mattered, arm and turntable bearings mattered. The front end, whether vinyl, CD, SACD or Hi-Res streamed, is the key to me. Many amps and speakers would do fine on a system with a great front end. What you should do is to get that front end first and then tune it with the amps and loudspeakers. The amp and speakers will affect the overall tonality, warmth coolness etc, whatever you prefer, but if the information isn't there in the first instance, it's irrelevant.

[@DJJEZ]

really enjoy your reviews john.learnt alot from you. my current fav audiogear youtuber

[@WJL91]

Thanks John! Love your videos, so helpful. Also, fantastic Aphex print!

[@obibaddad1991]

I am a bit behind the times but have to agree with your choices. I am running a Hegel H300 and the Brooklyn Bridge. Bought the Mytek for its MQA capability on Tidal. Discovered that it does a great job all together. Seeing that I like Qobuz more than Tidal I am not really unhappy with how things sound. The Hegel is a great amp put out by a real nice company to deal with if that becomes necessary.Speakers are Tekton Pendragons. Keep up the good work. Stay safe.

[@bassandtrebleclef]

Great content like this is very appreciated during these very strange times. As someone who has never had tubes in any home system, I would be very interested in a comparison of equally priced tube set ups compared to their solid state brethren (e.g. Icon Audio v Hegel). I'm asking because a local shop to me had a PHENOMENAL sounding system of a turntable, tube amp and some $3k speakers that really spoke to me, and I previously scoffed at the idea of tubes. We all have our biases, and mine got exposed really fast that day!

[@nigelgauntlett582]

Great choice in the Hegel! Hey even with the 190 (150 watts per channel) would work extremely well with the JBL’s . Plus you have a headphone Jack !

[@buttonman1831]

excellent video, great way to do a comparison

[@riccardovargetto7990]

I just love this kind of comparisons!

[@MikeBissonthescribe]

I wish I could like this 100 times - I always like your videos, but THIS one is just awesome - made my day! Thanks so much!!!

[@orronoco524]

7.02 I really like the disco light ball along with the music

[@pchlars5666]

True. Synergy is very important. Taste is another chapter.

[@hushpuppykl]

Love the comparisons .... pairing is just important. I love my Mytek BB ... am satisfied when paired with my P3ESR. Schiit got those 6SN7s, Mytek definitely won’t have that tube sweetness. 😬 Love the disco light ball 😂🤣

[@vaneast411]

really great video to show these differences John🔊🌏🏆

[@laurencerothman931]

I love my Schiit Freya+ with Vidar for listening to vinyl. The tubes rock.

[@DjSunki1]

Great video. Thank you John!

[@goodboid]

Thank you for including the track list!

[@mkfmkf55]

Lots of thought & work went into this posting. Thanks!

[@yaniv-nos-tubes]

synergy at last! i'm addressing all the other audio reviewers watching this . reference points, comparisons. this is how it's done. useful practical information about matching components.we can read the spec sheet ourselves and get the bullshit straight from the brand's website . most reviews i see leave the difficult blind spots for someone else to tackle. that's why these basic arguments (about setup or cables or tubes or hi res audio...) live forever .

[@Capitan_Cavernicola_1]

Thanks for the video! I am quite curious about the Schiit set-up. I just wish its aesthetics would be a little different. Sound quality apart, it is not difficult to see where they (had to?) cut corners to be very price competitive.

[@jazzydog5635]

Love your reviews, I find them very entertaining and informative. This review, in particular, was of interest as the Hegel and Mytek amps would be on my dream shortlist for upgrading my spkrs/amp/dac/turntable. In practice, as any hi fi retailer won't have all the shortlist combinations I want to hear, I think I would buy the amp of choice (probably the Hegel) first. The speakers are probably the best starting point but at least it is feasible to take your amp with you to different dealers (when they reopen) to hear it with the speakers/ turntable/ digital source combinations they offer.

[@doopisday]

This validates a recent experience I had where I was setting my system up in a new room and swapped out the speakers I normally use with some Klipsch's. Paired with the Cambridge amp, they sounded way too harsh in the upper range, but the mid-range sounded incredible. They also apparently overpowered my amp because it shut itself off at one point, at a not too high volume. When I switched back to the Polks it sounded way more balanced and even and less harsh.

[@yaniv-nos-tubes]

the cambridge amp sounds too bright so you have to use speakers that are less alive to tame the highs .ive had the same problem with old cerwin vega till ive found the right amp. even though brands like cambridge audio and nad were the heroes in the budget audio scene years ago these days they have nothing to offer against the competition.

[@antonioalvarez5253]

Awesome vid John but I do not think that modi 3 does any justice with the DAC inside the Hegel, so there is more involved here besides the amp.

[@chrisvinicombe9947]

Love the disco ball touch 😄

[@dhahntube]

I've noticed that a lava lamp always makes my system sound better. I've never tried a mini disco ball. Interesting...

[@joybrucebruce3377]

Each color of lava lamp has a slightly different sound. I prefer funky purple but your mileage may different. The liquid used makes a difference too.

[@HexeBF4]

@@joybrucebruce3377 and ofc you go full noob and dont even mention the most important thing about the lamp the power cable duh

[@afrog2666]

Disco ball is better for 70`s music, while lava lamp goes with 60`s music as well ;)

[@QoraxAudio]

Try taking some beer, I mean, a lot of it. Then see how it sounds.

[@nacarp2000]

Interesting fact. In Australia the Disco ball rotates the other way.

[@jkherberger]

Synergy is everything, NAD and PSB are tuned to work together as is Rotel and B&W. Although Rotel is departing from Bowers. My Parasound HINT6 is a wonderful match with my Totem Sky Towers and Magnepan 1.7's. Very different speakers but they both like the Parasound.

[@bigleemac]

Really like this guys viewpoint, refreshing!

[@rosspidoto]

Nice denim top, it suits you 👍

[@DarkoAudio]

Thank you. :)

[@damianzaninovich4900]

That was a great comparison. I’ve never thought tone controls were needed but lately with my setup of a Cambridge CXA60, JBL 530 and Technics 1500c the only way I can get a listenable balance is with the bass at 1:00 because I’m not able to push the speakers close enough to the back wall(there’s a fireplace in between them)and the side walls are even further away but of course that makes them more open sounding so that’s another variable.

[@avtom_]

Nice video John!!

[@hansdieter4381]

Thanks for the videos. I would be really dying to be able to listen to those JBL L100s. Those really are a dream!

[@rickg8015]

Just came here for the Playlist.. Thanks.

[@ThomasHoffDE]

Please keep the music recommendations coming. I downloaded Destroyer by Kaputt with AmazonHD based on one of your videos and LOVE it. Thank you for introducing me to this. I would love a video on your favorite music to listen with audiophile equipment.

[@Sampardhanani]

Wow wow wow. John. Finally. Thanks for breaking your norms.

[@RasheedKhan-he6xx]

Very enjoyable video. Thank you.

[@DoubleO7-11]

Came here for the adjectives... did not leave disappointed 😎

[@gavinburt3750]

Good clear video. Budget, peoples ears, listening taste and room acoustics are the reason there are so many different amps / streamers / pre-amps / phono stages on the market. #horsesforcourses