Biggest Stereo Misconceptions We Hear Around The Shop- Part 1

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Skylabs Audio

Skylabs Audio

Күн бұрын

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@roberttoews2775
@roberttoews2775 11 ай бұрын
Ironically, speaking of "therapist", your channel is my audio therapy. Your channel is down to earth with great advice and common sense. Rare things now-a-days.
@grants7390
@grants7390 11 ай бұрын
especially with the copious amounts of snake oil in the industry.
@user-handlethetruth
@user-handlethetruth 10 ай бұрын
Such common sense. I wish he would run for president. But that bar is too low for him.
@ProudDigital
@ProudDigital 11 ай бұрын
As a teenager growing up in a town of 40,000 people in the late 60’s and early 70’s we had 6 high end stereo shops! Myself and my friends would hang around these shops after school and weekends just shooting the breeze with the owners and employees while drooling over the equipment and hoping one day to be able to buy some of those beautiful pieces of equipment. Hifi was huge back then. If you didn’t have your own stereo system, 9 times out of 10 your parents did even if it was just a Magnavox console. To me, your channel reminds me of those days hanging around the stereo store asking questions of the owner who always took the time to chat with us even though we probably only had enough money to buy an album, if even that. But those stereo gurus knew that one day, we could become future customers and treated us no differently from the buying customers. Working as a dishwasher after school and weekends in 1970, I was able to save up enough money to buy my first true hifi system, a Marantz 1060 integrated amplifier, an AR Turntable w/ Shure Cartridge and a pair of JBL L100’s. I still have this system and it works just as well as it did in 1970 albeit with a few repairs over the years. I paid $997 for the system which works out to $7720.94 in today’s money. Presently, our town has grown to over 80,000 people and with the exception of a very marginal Best Buy, there are no stereo stores selling new or vintage equipment. Having your channel to watch on KZbin, while not a replacement for these stores, is the next best thing and I thank you Kevin, for the service and memories you provide!
@rv6205
@rv6205 11 ай бұрын
I have a new pair of $7,000 Kef R11 speakers and i use a 1976 Pioneer sx1050 reciever , which i run spotify thru and it sounds great ....There is nothing like vintage !!!!....The quality was off the charts !!!!
@audiopyle3606
@audiopyle3606 11 ай бұрын
I have always been into audio ever since I was a kid. I was a pre teen during the stereo power wars. My brother who was 10 yrs older than me had a pioneer sx1080 and large advents and a pioneer pl540. It sounded great. I used to love to hang out in the audio room of service merchandise, brendles, audition hi fi, and radio shack. I have quite a vintage audio collection now and still love it. It's like a time machine to the past. Thanks, you have an awesome channel and audio store.
@rv6205
@rv6205 11 ай бұрын
@@audiopyle3606 great comment, a time machine to the past ..i love it
@jmad627
@jmad627 11 ай бұрын
I can really identify with the drooling. It’s one of the reasons I sprung for a vintage Pioneer SX-780. It sounds great, looks brand new out of the box, came with its original box, and was reasonably priced. Good for you that you kept your system. I gave my first receiver, HK 330i, to my niece and now she’s enjoying it.
@rickc661
@rickc661 11 ай бұрын
Yep. ' stereo stores' like wall to wall in near every mll ( horrid place to listen but at least Ya could SEE 20 different receivers, t'table etc. ) gone the way of the dinosaur. and don't even try to find a decent electronic repair place.
@mrpbody44
@mrpbody44 11 ай бұрын
People forget how crazy expensive stereo gear was in the 1960's and 1970's. Also we had a strong middle class to support the industry.
@rolandlickert2904
@rolandlickert2904 11 ай бұрын
Agree a Nakamichi Taperecorder cost close to 3000 dollars
@MarvinHartmann452
@MarvinHartmann452 11 ай бұрын
I remember a paying 800 for a basic 21 inches colour TV around 1986. It was very expensive.
@aaronhayman8558
@aaronhayman8558 11 ай бұрын
Particularly if you go with digital sources and want something that's only needs to be faithful to the music and not to annoy the neighbors with extreme volume it seems that you can have some very good sound for a pretty modest investment these days...
@davidbutler8096
@davidbutler8096 11 ай бұрын
@@rolandlickert2904 The Nakamichi Dragon when it was released in 1982...was $1850. Now...they are three times that.
@rolandlickert2904
@rolandlickert2904 11 ай бұрын
Sorry got that wrong it was 3000germanmarks in Germany@@davidbutler8096
@MarvinHartmann452
@MarvinHartmann452 11 ай бұрын
The "I was wrong then, no big deal" part can be and SHOULD BE taught in schools for every aspect of our lives because being wrong and being able to admit it is an important part of any learning process.
@joenovak6393
@joenovak6393 11 ай бұрын
It's the Teacher Unions that are instructing our teachers to put out the...let's just say, crap. Parents need to be involved at board meetings.
@mariemccann5895
@mariemccann5895 9 ай бұрын
Instead we have a generation of flakes sitting on the fence.
@Bicklehoff794
@Bicklehoff794 9 ай бұрын
You are right!
@baybae92
@baybae92 8 ай бұрын
@@joenovak6393Stop it. This is a vinyl collecting video, not a place to spread your propaganda.
@googleedwardbernays6455
@googleedwardbernays6455 8 ай бұрын
Bruh, Could not agree with you more!! I was choppin it up with an old friend, and we were taking boomers to task when it comes to their dropping of the ball after partially causing the mess we are in. They are 90% incapable of owning their mistakes and poor choices. I don’t think they were always this way. But the trend is viral, as well as staggering. First generation (I’m aware of) where our elder community as a whole, DOES NOT fit the archetype we have become accustomed to. I wish i was wrong.
@howardscott7521
@howardscott7521 11 ай бұрын
A guy who knows vintage stereo and about JC Whitney catalogs? A rare breed indeed!
@danielknepper6884
@danielknepper6884 11 ай бұрын
JC Whitney was the bomb
@record_guy59
@record_guy59 6 ай бұрын
I'm a 64 year old collector of vintage gear. Love your videos and try to watch them all.
@davidworsham4052
@davidworsham4052 28 күн бұрын
I'm late to the party here, but I will say what keeps me coming back is your knowledge of HiFi. The fact that you are humble or even keeled in your presentation. You enjoy the hobby just like many others do without being condescending about what brands are the best versus what is affordable. I like that. You are doing a great job.
@skylabsaudio
@skylabsaudio 28 күн бұрын
Thank you. Much appreciated
@davidbaer4388
@davidbaer4388 6 ай бұрын
Your point about the mastering is spot on - CD's that are poorly mastered can sound worse than vinyl. However, vinyl degrades with every play.
@JonBass-h1t
@JonBass-h1t 11 ай бұрын
I just turned 70, and I’m still looking to add to my vintage equipment collection. I love to learn from your channel as well as others.
@jeanpsyhos7639
@jeanpsyhos7639 11 ай бұрын
Thank you for keeping vintage alive!
@AstonsVintageTechnologyWorkshp
@AstonsVintageTechnologyWorkshp 6 ай бұрын
Being an Ex-Sony audio tech, I get asked similar things all the time, and I guess my answers usually follow the same line. Expensive was, and still is, expensive. Painfully so sometimes. People's remembrance, for instance, of cassettes, was of their crummy beat box with cheapo cassettes from the local store. When I show them an ES Sony deck with chrome or metal tapes, they're usually blown away by the fact that it sounds virtually as excellent as CD. Same for wattage, it's the quality not necessarily the quantity that matters. Long live vintage. 😀
@haqitman
@haqitman 11 ай бұрын
What keeps me coming here on Sunday mornings is that it's just refreshing to hear someone talk about an interesting yet very subjective hobby with a calm and reasoned approach while attempting to be objective.
@dmunz7015
@dmunz7015 11 ай бұрын
If someone thinks that vinyl sounds better than digital, that's up to them, The beauty is in the eye of the beholder, nothing mythical about that.
@SammyBorg-w5p
@SammyBorg-w5p 11 ай бұрын
Kevin, your voice is almost hypnotic and your dryness and clarity always cuts through all the crap out there, without the over showmanship and adding to the white noise which is the source of the 2023 static and hiss that you hear through your vintage speakers that definitely wasn’t there in the 70’s! Keeping it just black and white is a rarity now a days I love you buddy and keep up the great work
@tmdillon1969
@tmdillon1969 11 ай бұрын
This is one of my favorite channels! On one hand, I wish I lived closer so I could stop by the store. On the other hand, I don't need that kind of equipment temptation on a regular basis.
@jim010109
@jim010109 11 ай бұрын
I dont even own vintage equipment, and I don't miss a video. You explain things in a manner that makes sense. And it applies to new equipment as well as vintage. A good example is wattage. You made valid points about wattage that I never really thought about before. Keep up the great work. I hope the channel keeps growing.
@CraigHollabaugh
@CraigHollabaugh 11 ай бұрын
No misconception here, we love you and Skylabs. It's genuinely a surprise and joy every Sunday morning.
@skylabsaudio
@skylabsaudio 11 ай бұрын
Thank you, Craig!
@AUTISTICLYCAN
@AUTISTICLYCAN 11 ай бұрын
Dude I was a computer systems analyst for 21 of the best years of my life. I loved computers and would have gladly done the job for free. You give the same vibe when you talk about vintage audio. I'm retired in my 60's now and I love my vintage audio collection. I come here to share everything I love about vintage audio with you all. I'm sure YOU know this. Just because a song is digital does not mean it ALWAYS sounds better than vinyl. Determinants in digital sound quality is source quality, sample rate usually 44.1 KHz and finally bit depth i.e. 16-bit: 65,536 values 24-bit: 16,777,216 values & 32-bit: 4,294,967,296 values. Each element can improve or denude digital sound quality. I think this channel is the BOMB BIGGITY!
@aaronhayman8558
@aaronhayman8558 11 ай бұрын
Of course all digital is not created the same... nor is all analog, like an 8-track tape can't sound nearly as good as a reel to reel tape, both played from a great system. MP3s aren't great but I would argue that the standard for CD was really well thought out and even with competition from higher resolution and greater bit depth formats, it still holds up. There's a point where any extra resolution and bit depth isn't really perceived by human ears. Particularly when it comes to bit depth, greater than CD quality is pretty much wasted. There isn't music that even contains dynamic range greater than what a CD is capable of. The highest but rates can do dynamics that might go from the equivalent of a pin dropping on the floor to a jet plane taking off 50 feet away... and what music do you know of that has that kind of dynamic range?
@AUTISTICLYCAN
@AUTISTICLYCAN 11 ай бұрын
@@aaronhayman8558 Any number of variables change the quality of sound being reproduced. If I wanted to I could write a tome filled with facts and variables to consider in a near infinite number of sound reproduction situations using different tools. My response was a confined to a very limited set of parameters regards audio quality. If you need to be right on this or any other subject I raise then by all means, "You're Right!" I'm not here to fight over details. I'm here enjoy and learn from the awesome videos shared by the Skylabs video creator and his amazing guests. I here to enjoy learn about new things vintage and new. I'm here to gain insights and get help collecting quality vintage audio.
@edverbeek6292
@edverbeek6292 11 ай бұрын
“I am not an expert”. Your honesty makes me listen to you. Greetings from the Netherlands
@TheKeymaster316
@TheKeymaster316 11 ай бұрын
Always enjoy your Sunday videos. My dad still owns his SX-980 and HPM-100's that he bought brand new in the late 70's. I brought the 980 home several years ago and cleaned the pots and switches as he had sidelined this receiver for years and had replaced it with an Onkyo from the 90's. I've had my share of spiteful comments on my meager, little KZbin channel, so I know what you mean. There's always an "expert" out there who knows everything and won't hesitate to tell you as much. Keep the videos coming, those of us who truly enjoy the hobby appreciate you. Thanks
@fentonfun
@fentonfun 11 ай бұрын
Really appreciate your channel and your no nonsense way of covering our subject! Hope one day to visit you in Iowa too.
@UltraMEGAMAGARandy
@UltraMEGAMAGARandy 11 ай бұрын
Honest, humble, knowledgeable. IMO, the best vintage (and more) audio info channel available. Good job.
@skylabsaudio
@skylabsaudio 11 ай бұрын
Appreciate that
@altokheim
@altokheim 11 ай бұрын
A common misconception that I recall from my years in 70's audio retail was that "12 o'clock on the volume control was only half maximum volume". I can't begin to count the number of blown tweeters coming into the shop from turning the volume up too high. 1-2 o'clock was often the point where amplifiers and receivers would reach their maximum ability before amplifier distortion (clipping) would occur and potentially damage speaker components. These life lessons would sometimes result in the sale of a larger amplifier.
@jonathanhernandez4304
@jonathanhernandez4304 11 ай бұрын
I've always noticed this. 3/4 volume was the max I'd run my system, and that was out in the park during a keg party. There seemed to be a fall off in noticeable volume decibel after that and a loss of sound quality even though very slight.
@mkshffr4936
@mkshffr4936 9 ай бұрын
How can I be over drawn? I still have checks. 😇
@unstablenetwork4744
@unstablenetwork4744 11 ай бұрын
Thank you for being honest with your viewers and to yourself. Huge respect! Owning a small vintage stereo shop is winning in my book. Wishing you future success.
@NCislander
@NCislander 11 ай бұрын
Kevin, very cool episode. I especially like the "Misconceptions about Me (You)". You under rate the amount of knowledge you share out here. Your insight of Audio, and how different people perceive Audio is huge. Most everyone on the planet in some form enjoys hearing & listening to music. The fact that you focus on the Vintage era of equipment and how we can get more out of it is really cool. Keep doing what you do. I'm on my 2nd purchase of a Pioneer SX receiver. Really fun watching & taking in your advice of the hobby. -Thank you.
@terencejay8845
@terencejay8845 8 ай бұрын
'Every day is a School day.'
@g.fortin3228
@g.fortin3228 11 ай бұрын
Totally Agree with the WATTS ratings.. I have a 1974'ish Pioneer SX-737, recently restored, on some recent model Klipsch bookshelf speakers that will go loud enough to really disturb the neighbors and it's got a modest 35 WPC rating. Nice points as always. Keep on rocking it.
@techguy9023
@techguy9023 11 ай бұрын
I had a student worker who kept insisting that you had to have 1000 watts in a car stereo. I took him to the loading dock with a pair of 50 watt Macintosh amps and a pair of Bose 802 stage speakers. He was punching my arm telling me to turn it down.
@g.fortin3228
@g.fortin3228 11 ай бұрын
@@techguy9023 Love that Hahaha!
@matthewpeterson3329
@matthewpeterson3329 11 ай бұрын
There's a slew of vintage audio (or just audio) channels on KZbin. I've watched many, and Skylabs is the one I look forward to each week. Kevin's manner is relaxing and his truthful presentation is always welcome. I can't remember the last time I saw a negative comment, and if it exists, was likely some piss-ant hater who doesn't have much nice to say about anything, regardless. Keep up the great work!
@rondickinson8741
@rondickinson8741 11 ай бұрын
I think everybody out here appreciates the time and effort you put into the videos please keep them coming
@ronwilgenbusch1961
@ronwilgenbusch1961 11 ай бұрын
My biggest thing I love about my vintage equipment is that I can control everything from the knobs and buttons. Everything is pre remote controls. I hate how most modern stuff is made where you can’t operate or change certain settings without having the remote(they remove buttons, knobs for sake of sleekness on the front). And inevitably the remote gets misplaced or broke(something spilled on it). If you know, you know. Thanks again Kevin for the great vids.
@13Voodoobilly69
@13Voodoobilly69 11 ай бұрын
🙌
@MarvinHartmann452
@MarvinHartmann452 11 ай бұрын
Yeah. Having total control over what you buy is a luxury these days.
@goodun2974
@goodun2974 11 ай бұрын
The ultimate argument against equipment that is only operable with a remote control is, to paraphrase Frank Zappa, "battery leaks will cost you more than a quarter..." (from "Florentine Pogen")
@BTW...
@BTW... 11 ай бұрын
The biggest thing that sux is no remote on 'vintage' gear. ...and that gear has less control functions than contemporary quality gear.
@aaronhayman8558
@aaronhayman8558 11 ай бұрын
I really don't miss having a remote, though I really do like the convenience of a semi-auto turntable that stops the record at the end of a side rather than skipping on the end of it until I pull the tonearm off of it and shut the motor down...
@rotaxtwin
@rotaxtwin 11 ай бұрын
I think your channel is successful because you have tapped into a vein of happy memories, I think almost everyone my age remembers going into a stereo retailer in the 70s and the feeling of magic that all that glorious gear held. To own a little piece of it nowadays is powerful stuff!
@alm5693
@alm5693 11 ай бұрын
As long as there are boomers still alive, you won't run out of vintage equipment, or crappy old equipment or nice modern equipment for that matter. I say that as a 69 year old guy with some of all three and a collection that is split 50/50 between LPs and CDs. I just sold a Goldring turntable (off brand Rega w/ great tonearm) to a vintage collector and he told me that most of his friends/customers had nothing but vintage equipment. He told me that he really loved my system that's mostly made up of new equipment that you could buy tomorrow. No component costs more than $1500. It's centered around a Vincent SV-500 2x50 watt hybrid integrated amp.
@xForbin99
@xForbin99 7 ай бұрын
What a genuine honest dude talking about a hobby i love. Easiest subscribe button click of my life
@skylabsaudio
@skylabsaudio 7 ай бұрын
Thank you! I appreciate that
@phillipwoods1
@phillipwoods1 11 ай бұрын
Kevin, thanks for creating a great space and community via your KZbin channel. This is one of my favorite places on all of KZbin and the web. Really appreciate your humility, passion, and willingness to share. Such an enjoyable and positive space… I hope to make the trip to Iowa and see the store in-person some day. Meanwhile, I look for the next video… keep doing what you’re doing. It’s great.
@karaDee2363
@karaDee2363 11 ай бұрын
Well you deserve positive comments for just being down-to-earth and giving honest opinions. What you said about vinyl versus CD is spot-on in every regard and I don't know anyone that could have given a better synopsis of that and every other topic you touched on in this video.. you're very humble Kevin and I know you'll keep up the great work. And I actually do plan on making an album purchase from you at some point later this month
@alm5693
@alm5693 11 ай бұрын
Loved the final segment of this video. I'm 20 years older than you so I actually got to hang out in LOTS of Twin Cities stereo stores, but once I bought something I'd quit looking and live with it, so I really love watching and learning from your channel. I wish I would have known what you teach (yes you do) in the 90's when I took my Harman Kardon 930 receiver to the electronics recycling center. 😩 I'm going to take the 4 hr drive down to your store someday. Might stop at Fix My Dual while I'm there (and while he's still there) to buy a 1229 dust cover to replace my scratched up one.
@drmbgls1
@drmbgls1 11 ай бұрын
As far as CDs vs vinyl I did do a comparison of the same CD and vinyl for my son. Yes the CD was clear and no pops and hiss, but the vinyl was more organic, with a bigger bottom end sound. But that;s also up to the listener weather they like that sound, or clear and no background sound. Also as fr as watts, i do have a 100wt Realistic receiver and just picked up a Scott R-306 receiver with 15 watts. With a good set of efficient speakers, 15 watts pumped out some great sound. Again, it's a preference thing. As a kid, I did spend my Saturday afternoons in a high end stereo store getting some knowledge into equipment and what works best pared together.
@blue-sc1se
@blue-sc1se 11 ай бұрын
Thanx for your expertise! On the topic of digital vs. vinyl: I have found that the dynamics of the music to be superior on CDs. We used to use a dbx expander to achieve that type of depth from vinyl at the store I worked in back in the day. Also, the obvious advantages of less noise and better durability made CDs my favorite.
@unclemick-synths
@unclemick-synths 8 ай бұрын
Durability was (is) a big deal for me. I recorded all my records to cassette and played the cassettes to avoid the vinyl getting worn/damaged.
@dwightpollock
@dwightpollock 11 ай бұрын
I can't thank you enough for the thought and work you put into the channel and vintage stereo. Having recently moved from Iowa, I thought I could find other stores easily in bigger areas. That has not been the case unfortunately. Keep up the good work!
@theclearsounds3911
@theclearsounds3911 11 ай бұрын
Back in the 1980's, I was shopping in a record/CD/stereo store, and heard a really funny lie from a salesman there. The guy told me that CD players have no moving parts! 🤣 Then, what's that thing spinning in there? The truth is that there are no moving AUDIO parts, like a needle, magnets, coils, cones, or anything like that. But they have a motor to spin the disc at varying speeds, another motor to track the laser, and another motor to eject the CD.
@ReginaldDj1
@ReginaldDj1 11 ай бұрын
I've been listening to you for about a year now and I've enjoyed every moment and ill be 60 in march 2024 keep pushing vintage Audio ❤👍
@NoEgg4u
@NoEgg4u 11 ай бұрын
For a proper analog vs. digital comparison, the turntable equation is tricky -- because there are many factors that determine how good a record will sound. Here are three: 1) Who set up the turntable, and did they know what they were doing? If you just plop down the turntable, and start playing records, you will likely get noticeably inferior sound quality. For a record to sound its best, all of the following must be dialed in with precision: -- the effective length of the tone-arm -- the cartridge's weight -- the vertical tracking alignment / rake angle -- the anti-skating -- the overhang -- the offset -- the zenith angle -- the cartridge's azimuth. If any of the above are out of alignment, by the slightest amount, then your sound quality will suffer. It will probably take a turntable guru approximately 90 minutes of tedious work to professionally dial in a turntable. But when done right, you will be rewarded with ear candy. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for your stylus to rub in exactly the right places within the record's groove. And then there is a possible manufacturing issue with some cartridges (even some multi-thousand dollar cartridges). Some manufacturers install the stylus into the cantilever at an improper angle, and will be beyond anything you can adjust to compensate for the improper stylus position. This will be more prevalent with mass produced cartridges -- but it sometimes happens with high-end cartridges, too. Last item for #1 is to isolate your turntable from vibrations / feedback. If, when you turn up the volume, you get any hum, that will kill the sound quality. Even if you hear no hum, you might still have some feedback. After I put my turntable on some bearings, my sound quality improved. There are also shelves that are built to isolate your turntable (or any other gear) from vibrations. It gets expensive. But the quality shelves really work. I do not own one, but have heard in-person demonstrations. 2) Phono amp. A phono amp is just as important as a pre-amp, or power amp. The better ones get pricey. If your manufacturer skimped on the phono amp (such as, if you have a receiver with a built-in phono amp, and the manufacturer put 5% of its cost into the phono stage), then your sound quality will reflect that level of design. 3) Most vinyl pressings suck, sound quality wise. You can have a dream turntable, professionally set-up, and it will sound lifeless with many, many, many records. But when you land a gem of a record, your stereo will sound like it just tripled in price. A pressing can make your stereo sound like it is playing re-produced music. Or... Your pressing can make your stereo sound like it is not there -- that you are in the studio with the band. Unfortunately, the pressing gems are the exception. Most pressings have sub-par sound quality. And even if you find a gem, it might have outstanding sound quality on only one of its two sides. How one side sounds has almost no relationship to how good the other side will sound. If you get everything right with the turntable, phono amp, and pressings (as well as cleaning the pressings), you will be rewarded with a wonderful listening experience. The above is hard to achieve, making digital a better choice for most folks. Digital has its own issues, including that most digital releases have sub-par sound quality (what the heck goes on in the studios?). But bang for the buck, as well as convenience, digital is the best bet for most folks. Good video!
@jeffbrooke4892
@jeffbrooke4892 11 ай бұрын
As Carole Kaye of The Wrecking Crew put it, digital recording solved all of the problems that engineers had been dealing with for years. Records can sound incredible in spite of their shortcomings, but yeah it takes a big investment in playback gear to get you there. I too like both formats however there's one format you'll never find me making a dive back into and that's the world of cassette tapes. Thanks again for another great program.
@keysersoze7291
@keysersoze7291 10 ай бұрын
How about making a dive into 8-track tapes? To me, that's the biggest crap format.
@Radiodoc560
@Radiodoc560 28 күн бұрын
I just discovered your channel last night and I learned so much. Thanks for posting and making videos like you do, it helps to get some perspective about audio.
@skylabsaudio
@skylabsaudio 28 күн бұрын
Awesome, thank you!
@allanellis5827
@allanellis5827 11 ай бұрын
Another great video Kevin. Your honesty, candor and advice is very much appreciated. I look forward to your next one. Thank you so much!
@christschool
@christschool 8 ай бұрын
I grew up on vinyl records. Then I was there for the CD introduction. I simply don't understand how anyone, anyone can say vinyl sounds better than a CD.
@stephentrust2241
@stephentrust2241 7 ай бұрын
Love your channel, keep it rolling
@JrGoonior
@JrGoonior 11 ай бұрын
@8:50 My dad was selling audio equipment in the very early 70's 1970-73. They would have one stereo that was 15 watts per channel but THD was much lower that the one that was 20 Watts per channel, he had a hard time convincing some guys that the lower powered unit would actually sound louder and cleaner than the higher powered one. A lot of them bought the 20 Watt version just based on the output not the quality of it.
@pcno2832
@pcno2832 11 ай бұрын
If you run a receiver with power meters on any normal pair of speakers in a residential-sized room, turning the volume to a generous, but not uncomfortable level, you'll rarely see the needles go over the .1 watt mark. Of course, the peaks bring it up exponentially and a bigger space will need a lot more power, but 15 watts will easily annoy most people's neighbors without distorting. PS: I remember working in a movie theater in which the speakers behind the screen were so efficient that they could be (and were) powered by a 10 watt amplifier. But the surround sound theater systems of that vintage (1950s-1970s) used smaller speakers that were less efficient, so they needed more powerful amplifiers.
@frankflores3948
@frankflores3948 11 ай бұрын
All I can say is “Thank You Kevin”!!!!! Like I stated before, Skylabs is part of my Sunday morning routine. Watching your channel, coffee and absorbing the information! Case in point, I building a new system and I’m incorporating a WiiM Mini. Keep it up! Frank
@dmonthome
@dmonthome 11 ай бұрын
I just went to the "dark side" and added a WiiM Pro+ to my vintage system. I love my vinyl sytem and the experience of playing vinyl but, for myself, I find that I tend to exist in an echo chamber of music that I grew up with. I usually don't discover new music when purchasing vinyl, I just go with the artists that I know and love. I am hoping that the WiiM Pro+, along with the Tidal streaming service, introduces me to new artists and music that I may not encounter otherwise.
@frankflores3948
@frankflores3948 11 ай бұрын
@@dmonthomeI purchased the WiiM Mini for a specific reason and that’s to stream my SiriusXM subscription and Amazon music subscription through this new system. I have two other systems and they are powered by my Sansui 9090DB and a Marantz 8006PM!
@mattspokane
@mattspokane 3 ай бұрын
Your attitude towards negative comments is not only wonderful in this case but the general philosophy I tried to teach my kids and the community members with whom I work (both kids and adults). If Somebody is negative, just tried to give them some grace and appreciate that they probably need some positivity in their life. it not probably helps them get a better attitude but helps us not take it personally. I welcome negativity as a challenge to see if I can make their life happier 🙂 Your friendly, honest, and funny delivery is what makes this channel my favorite of everything on KZbin right now. 🙂
@wvufreak56
@wvufreak56 11 ай бұрын
Kevin: You may not even have the time to read this, but nevertheless; I thoroughly enjoy your channel. I recently retired @ 67 and purchased a Marrantz 2238B receiver, Yamaha turntable and set of Boston Acoustics speakers all in great condition. In the late 70's I bought a Marrantz 2238B but later when it developed some issues, I sold it at a Yard Sale! Did I blaspheme? Lol...I only hope the guy who bought it refurbished it! Anyway, late congratulations on opening a business that you are obviously passionate about! I recently purchased your record cleaner from Skylabs and will be busy soon cleaning my vinyl! Keep the videos coming and I many others truly appreciate your knowledge and time to bring it to us!!!
@EtonieE25
@EtonieE25 9 ай бұрын
Been there, done that, even the swearing bit 🤣👍
@gimble447
@gimble447 9 ай бұрын
You are so right in what you say, I’m your age ( 50 and n April 24) served my audio engineer apprenticeship in the early 90s where it was at the last big hurrah of still seeing gear from the early 70s onwards on a daily basis come in for servicing/ repair was the “norm” ( I’m based in the UK) I like you know my stuff but I most certainly still don’t know everything and am the first person to admit that, but my word some of the utter nonsense I see online is throughly mind blowing, I try my best to just keep out of it and “ do as I do” but honestly it’s no wonder that some people are so misguided with the utter minefield of complete and utter misinformation that is presented as “ fact” it’s actually truly laughable really, it’s been refreshing to find your channel, keep up the great work.
@timcorner2821
@timcorner2821 11 ай бұрын
I really love channels like yours as it indulges my need for the nostalgia in audio. Speaking for myself, I am over 60 years old and remember the 70's when what we call vintage audio was in full swing. I used to go to my local hifi store and check out the new stuff, and would just dream of owning all the gear I would see. Recently, I found a really good Pioneer SX-780, which was one of the pieces of gear, I remember seeing all those years ago. Like you say, there is equipment out there today, that would likely surpass it in overall performance, but for me, there is the nostalgia and the tactile feel of turning the tuning dial, that just does it for me. I am investing in upgrading the Darlington Power packs, to newly invented modules, as well as a complete, restoration. It would not be worth it for a lot of people to spend money on an old piece of gear like I am but I'm sure there are people here, that can relate. Thanks for the work you put in to this channel, it gives an old guy a lot of pleasure.
@Silverface1987
@Silverface1987 11 ай бұрын
You and me brother,I’m in my 60’s and loving it. Kevin does vintage GREAT! I have 11 vintage pieces,I’m not a hoarder,I’m a lover of vintage. I truely love my equipment. Pioneer 780,880,980,1080, Marantz,Sansui…..enjoy my brother,enjoy!😎
@timcorner2821
@timcorner2821 11 ай бұрын
Thanks for the reply. I can see more gear in my future, once I finish my current project.....lol @@Silverface1987
@thomasnemecek-br3cz
@thomasnemecek-br3cz 11 ай бұрын
4 systems IN HOUSE,2 in Garage,SOUND is Fantastic! Plenty of BACK UP too! Thanks!
@andykeena8767
@andykeena8767 11 ай бұрын
I am always sharing your videos with people that have vintage hi-fi questions. As you have covered a lot of great stuff from repairs to your favorites or things to watch out for in specific brands. Hopefully they have become fans.
@johnstump2433
@johnstump2433 11 ай бұрын
Thank you Kevin for the kind words about your viewers and you are very appreciated on this end!
@robmaxfield780
@robmaxfield780 11 ай бұрын
I enjoy your weekly videos! I knew some things about vintage stereos as I grew up listening to my father’s Pioneer SX-1500T and other equipment of his but I never got in deep until this year. I’ve learned a ton and bought a ton of Pioneer gear. I’ve also made a few new friends getting into the hobby as well. Learning and talking to others has probably been the most fun aspect of it overall. Keep up the great and informative vids!
@kyomori
@kyomori 11 ай бұрын
I tend to be 80% vinyl ... "Ritualistic" reasons. Completely agree with your comments on mastering. Fwiw, I've stopped trying to make vinyl sound like a CD and vise versa.. each playback medium has its own virtues. One misconception I cringe at is the notion of "Pure Audio means 'original sound playback'". It may be useful when playing recordings of birds chirping or thunderstorms etc. (not my thing.. really) but I don't know that such thing as "original sound" playback can exist for musical playback unless you were in a live studio (or in the producer's head). Everything is coloured to a certain extent via one's playback equipment and, ultimately, ears. At the end of the day, it is just stereo equipment, as you say, and whatever sounds good to your own ears is the right thing. Thanks always for the fun videos, I try to watch whenever I see new ones uploaded. You may not be the all-knowing master of audio equipment, but your providing a forum for thought and curiosity is very much appreciated.
@johnpeace971
@johnpeace971 11 ай бұрын
Another thing you don't mention when talking about mastering in the 80s is record companies started mixing for cassettes to be played on boom boxes. No rock or pop music in the 80s had any bass, and I think this is part of what spurred rap producers to bring the bass back
@davidt8438
@davidt8438 11 ай бұрын
I grew up in Chicago back in the 60’s and 70’s and have been in a J C Whitney store. They also went by the name Warshasky. And I can’t describe the feeling of walking the isles with automotive items and parts except to say it was like a kid in a candy store. I still use my old Kenwood KR8050 that I bought from a store called Pacific Stereo and it has a beautiful warm sound with A, B and C speaker selection. Wish I could go back in time and enjoy stores like that again. Now a days I mostly use a Yamaha AS 3200 amp for my main stereo and a pair of Paradigm speakers and/or old JBL L100’s (which I bought new in 1974, and that tells you how old I am) I think we all have nostalgic feelings sometimes but in this case it’s warranted.
@pedrofernandez8729
@pedrofernandez8729 11 ай бұрын
Those who claim vinyl sound better use a phono cartridge that costs more than my whole system.
@IrwinWeisman
@IrwinWeisman 6 ай бұрын
Thanks very much for your videos! You are providing a much needed service to music listeners everywhere!
@Winterfell1066
@Winterfell1066 11 ай бұрын
I completely agree with your assessment about vinyl. I love it. I think I have 9 or 10 turntables? Not all of them work great. I have about 3000 Albums. Classic rock, plus jazz, show tunes, classical. I buy almost any albums that are in fantastic condition. I sit there, listen to them, look at the cover, look at the liner notes just like you described. Some.... I will never listen to again. Some have changed my thoughts on particular genres. For convenience, I listen to CDs a lot too. It is also a little nostalgic to me and for a while I was able to pick them up for very little money. I love vintage audio and love your channel. We had a few stereo stores in Jackson MS. Mainly Hooper Sound for higher end and then Radio Shack. I used to ride my bike to them before I got my license.
@MoD_Master_Of_Disaster_
@MoD_Master_Of_Disaster_ 9 ай бұрын
Hi, This is teh first video on your channel that I watched, since I just discovered your channel. Man was I amazed to see one of the most sincere and honest videos I've seen so far on YT, no audiophile bs, no pretentious opinion, just sharing information and knowledge, this is cool. Keep up the good work, YT needs more like this. Best regards from Amsterdam.
@AndyBHome
@AndyBHome 11 ай бұрын
I feel like you summed up my own thoughts about vinyl versus digital beautifully. I think it's much more about the master than the format, AND the interaction of any given master with the specific system that you're playing on. What I've been saying to people for years is: vinyl has been more than good enough since the late '60s, IF you are using good enough equipment. Very basic cheap turntables aren't as good as very well made models. That was the beauty of the CD - even cheap CD players sound pretty good, relatively speaking.
@Joe-mz6dc
@Joe-mz6dc 11 ай бұрын
I am a guitar player so I own a DAW and it's super fun to listen to very high resolution digital audio. 24-bit 192 kilohertz. It's not a question of digital versus vinyl so much as quality versus lack of quality. I think a lot of people did not like CDs when they came out because they had bad experiences with Hardware or bad CDs. A quality system should be able to play any type of audio and make people happy.
@madspecv
@madspecv 9 ай бұрын
Great Video, it's nice to see that someone dosent go " Vinyl are better sounding" right off the bat. You are absolutely right, it all depends on the system and tu use you make of it. I have a 45-year-old Sansui G-6000 and I just love it. Got it completely recapped last year, I'll try to get another 45 years out of it! Paired with some Kef's 105.4, this system sounds amazing for what it is. I stream, have cd's and also have a record player (Rega P6 paired with a Hana SL cart and a Moon LP110 V2 phono pre amp). Not a bad setup but still, I have cd's that sound better, it is what it is. Keep up the good work, love the videos. Cheers
@jonathanhernandez4304
@jonathanhernandez4304 11 ай бұрын
Another good KZbin post. Old vs New, Vinyl vs Digital are strictly preferences. Some days I put on a record, other times I steam from my digital playlist. I find older recordings like "Papa was a rolling stone" have a great mix in quad/ stero separation, and I have found new music with a great prodution mix. A prefer the older mixes however but I think its mostly out of years of brain memory and being familiar with the nuance's in the mix.
@steveswell1
@steveswell1 6 ай бұрын
I signed in just to reply. Papa just sounds so damn good anyway, right? LOL And I couldn't agree with you more abou the OG mixes. They are imprinted in our minds and that's the way we want to hear 'em. Kinda like replacing a cherry vintage Camaro with a "new" one...nah, thanks!
@TheSpeakerseeker
@TheSpeakerseeker 11 ай бұрын
The comment about watts is totally accurate. There's something to be said about owning one of the big monsters. However, if your not gonna use that power, then why bother (even though monster receivers are art in their own right and still fun to own). Still there's dynamic headroom which I'm a huge advocate but that a 270W receiver on a pair of 75W speakers is too much. The mid to low watt receivers (mostly the entry level units you've mentioned) actually have the ability to hold their own. The pioneer SX-450, 550, 650, HK 330C, 430, 630, Sansui 350A, 6060, 7070, 661, 771, etc. More power isn't always better..but it is MORE FUN!
@jcs3451
@jcs3451 11 ай бұрын
I certainly appreciate your effort to debunk vintage stereo myths. It is a fun hobby and your information is really helpful.
@joew94th
@joew94th 11 ай бұрын
You speak the truth! I'm 65 and have been an audiophile since I was a 19 year old soldier. My music was all vinyl until the first day I heard a CD around 1980. For me it's about the music, so now I'm all into the convenience of streaming. I've heard people say that they can hear the difference and detect the sampling rate of the digital device. Maybe it's my ears. I can't tell the difference. I was simply glad to be rid of the hiss, scratch and pop I'd inevitably get from vinyl. I had the best Technics turntable I could afford, direct drive quartz lock $100 cartridge (in 1977). I had the latest cleaning systems for my vinyl, solutions, wipes, anti static gun etc. All gone now. Now I worry only about speakers and amplification.
@davidbutler8096
@davidbutler8096 11 ай бұрын
Joe...CD's weren't even available commercially until late 1982...so, the first time you heard one was most likely 1983. You and I are almost the same age. Where were you a 19 y.o. soldier? I was one at Fort McClellan, Alabama. A bit of a culture shock for me...being a nice boy from California.
@joew94th
@joew94th 11 ай бұрын
@davidbutler8096 Baumhoulder W Germany. First one I saw at a high-end stereo store in San Francisco. I couldn't afford it at the time, but I stopped buying vinyl.
@davidbutler8096
@davidbutler8096 11 ай бұрын
@@joew94th I was supposed to go to Germany after my 9 month specialized training to learn everything about teletype machines, which I figured was the closest to the newfangled computers that were being invented and released around that time...but my recruiter failed to disclose that I did some county time the previous year and I was kicked out at 5 months 2 weeks. Not even considered a veteran...even though I was the highest scorer in the G3 testing in basic. Story of my life.
@casesimmons2645
@casesimmons2645 11 ай бұрын
Love your videos you seem very honest and to be able to admit your passed mistakes proves that keep up the great work
@Geary-yx1bi
@Geary-yx1bi 4 ай бұрын
While in college in the late 60s, I worked in the appliance department of a local discount department store. We sold some lower-end consumer stereo equipment, including a few portable "record players" of the kind that were popular with high school students who didn't know about, or couldn't afford, better quality. One day a middle-aged customer came into our department looking for a record player. As usual, I asked him about what kind of music he liked to play and how he intended to use the record player. It turned out he was a musician, a violinist in our city's symphony orchestra. I demonstrated our various stereo systems, everything from the best quality we had down to an inexpensive ($44!) General Electric phono with a plastic case. He listened carefully to everything before happily buying the plastic G.E. phono. The musician was very enthusiastic about the sound quality of his purchase. I learned an important lesson that day. As a budding wannabe audiophile, I knew how flawed the little G.E. phonograph was. But I discovered that it didn't matter. I rarely made a customer happier than I did that day when I sold an "inferior" piece of equipment to a musician. As you often say on this channel, if it sounds good to you, then it IS good. Now I'm much older and my hearing has changed over the years. When I bought new speakers a few years ago, I auditioned some B&W and other "quality" models. The salesman suggested I listen to a new Klipsch model for comparison. Using music I brought from home, I was a bit surprised to find that the less expensive Klipsch sounded much better to me than the highly regarded competition. I've been very happy with my purchase and don't regret passing on the "bragging rights" that would have gone along with the speakers I thought I would probably buy. To paraphrase a dance instructor I once had, "If you're listening to music on your system and smiling, you can't be doing it wrong."
@luckytech7186
@luckytech7186 11 ай бұрын
I really enjoy your videos. I learned decades ago about the power rating deceptions. I have a 150 watt/channel Pioneer and a pair mach ones if i want to rock the neighborhood, but the stereo i listen to every day is an old school 7 watt/channel and a very efficient pair of 8" bookshelf speakers. sound is fantastic and plenty loud for every day listening. Agree with your vinyl vs digital perspective 100 %. I still enjoy the tactile experience of playing records, but most of the time listening through Bluetooth adapter to the vintage equipment. Looking forward to more videos.
@MarvinHartmann452
@MarvinHartmann452 11 ай бұрын
A 10W channel tube amplifier (or solid state) with sensitive speakers can be very loud.
@mikechivy
@mikechivy 9 ай бұрын
I’d recommend getting a WiiM mini over playing through Bluetooth. It allows lossless wireless streaming. Significantly better than Bluetooth
@Dan-r3u2f
@Dan-r3u2f 11 ай бұрын
Thanks for taking the time to make these videos. I love learning about vintage stereo equipment & your channel is one of the best in this field.
@brucecoyle2565
@brucecoyle2565 11 ай бұрын
I really enjoy your videos and I can’t know how hard it is to make a video. You have taught me quite a bit about vintage gear and will continue to watch and I’m also close enough to come visit. Good job Kevin
@skylabsaudio
@skylabsaudio 11 ай бұрын
Thanks Bruce. Always good to see you and your wife.
@boeticusmaximus
@boeticusmaximus 5 ай бұрын
I think your comments are for the most part positive and thoughtful because music soothes the soul...
@billwoods9302
@billwoods9302 11 ай бұрын
An aspect of the wattage myth that you forgot to mention is the importance of current in the output stage. A high current, low wattage amp will sound thicker, fuller and more controlled at reasonable listening levels than a low current, high wattage amp. Cheers!
@richardrose2606
@richardrose2606 11 ай бұрын
Correct. Wattage is average power (RMS) and current is peak power. My first receiver was an Advent 300 with a number of interesting features such as an FM only tuner and a pre-amp out/main amp in capability. It was only rated at 15 watts but was high current.
@mr.hamiltom5440
@mr.hamiltom5440 9 ай бұрын
The nature of the output sound is more dependent on the speaker design and whether you can exactly match the amplifier power to that design. A lower watt - mid current design works extremely well for very high efficiency (96db+) in my experience. The best advice is get the best speakers that meet your taste and than get the components that will run them.
@mkshffr4936
@mkshffr4936 9 ай бұрын
​@@richardrose2606Well in truth current isn't power at all but it is true that for inductive drive (most) speaker's the cone's motion is determined by current. In the real world the amplifier and speaker are a team and the impedance curve and sensitivity of the speaker must be compatible with the output characteristics of the amp.
@mikefrazier3826
@mikefrazier3826 11 ай бұрын
I'm 67 years old and have recently dusted off my old stereo that I still have from back in the day. My main focus has been vinyl and I have gotten my system to sound pretty good. Very recently though I decided to explore the digital streaming realm and bought a decent DAC and joined a music service. It was a revelation! I had no idea my system could sound so good! I still buy and play records but Vinyl does not sound better than digital.
@mikecampbell5856
@mikecampbell5856 11 ай бұрын
I always look forward to your videos. Vintage audio is my favorite subject and you cover it so well. In 1985 my wife surprised me with a CD player for my birthday. I fell in love with it and never looked back. I sold most of my vinyl and about 25 years ago gave my turntable to my son. Now if a manufacturer could come up with a device that could add clicks, pops, scratch and surface noise to my CDs.... Just kidding, my son loves vinyl and I think vinyl is cool, but it's just not for me.
@fredjoel8113
@fredjoel8113 11 ай бұрын
Thank you for the good, honest commentary. Audio has been a passion for me even in my pre-teen years, starting with a 'Voice of Music' (VM) tape recorder with tube electronics. I hung around audio shops drooling over equipment and chatting with people there. Lafayette Radio Electronics stores also provided equipment and interesting accessories as well as quality well-known brands often mentioned here. Working a paper route provided money to buy equipment. At that time I'd usually buy the electronic components, then build my own loudspeakers after much research and reading magazines like Audio, High Fidelity, High Fidelity, Popular Electronics, and then Stereophile, Audio Amateur and Speaker Builder as well as various books. This led to my decision to become an Electrical Engineer. Of course I made a stereo power amplifier for my college senior design project. At one point I co-owned a stereo shop. It was great meeting people, and I got to play and test a lot of gear. I set up many turntables, did repairs, and even build and modified equipment. (Somewhat now over-looked are American-made products by Dynaco and Hafler.) This took me on a path to work with sound for live bands, and as well as involvement with discotheque equipment and DJ work, which then branched into radio stations and mobile sound. As they say, "Those were the days." It's been interesting to watch "audio" evolve. Thankfully equipment from that era was well-made so much has survived for us to enjoy!
@40mmSummarit
@40mmSummarit 11 ай бұрын
Good, common-sense advice. No hype. Refreshing!
@alm5693
@alm5693 11 ай бұрын
You're the same kind of collector that I am. I was buying vinyl all through the period where people were selling their LPs to replace them with CD's. That was kind of a mini-golden age for record buyers. I also have both CD and LP versions of my most played or favorite albums. Some record companies produced really inferior pressings in the 70's thru the 90's, and CDs are much more convenient.
@hugobloemers4425
@hugobloemers4425 11 ай бұрын
Hi Kevin, I remember that back in the heyday of the record player the discussions direct drive versus belt drive where already passionate. So in a way, the story just continues. It is also nice to be passionate about something :) BTW, back in the day, there where also similar discussions about straight tone arms versus S shaped tone arms :D Perhaps less of a topic today, but back in the 80's, there would also be heated debates on whether the high end cassette decks had overtaken the reel to reel recorders, with passionate advocates on both sides.
@patmeadows4759
@patmeadows4759 11 ай бұрын
Well done Kevin. I just restored (as far as cleaning, lamps, and Deoxit controls) on a friends Yamaha 1010, plus restored the wood & new crossover caps on NLA Advent speakers. They added a iFi Zen Blue Bluetooth interface and they are super happy on the sound.
@francescotenti193
@francescotenti193 11 ай бұрын
Another great video and, like in the past, very humble and full of good information. I love vintage gear, I gave a shot at an amp with raging reviews here on KZbin but after 1 month I returned it today because my SX780 is far better sounding and looking. Great channel, keep it going, thank you.
@dangitdan9938
@dangitdan9938 Ай бұрын
Remember to hear with your ears and not your eyes. Best advice I've ever gotten and saved me a lot of cash being unnecessarily spent.
@passacaglia28
@passacaglia28 11 ай бұрын
I can't express how much I enjoy your channel and look forward to your newest videos!
@aaronhayman8558
@aaronhayman8558 11 ай бұрын
I couldn't agree more about the vinyl/digital thing. I'm a vinyl collector as well but I have no allusions that it's superior sonically. As you said, one has to spend more to really get good sound out of vinyl than one would need to invest in digital to get a similar level of sound quality. If one spends lots more on each, I still think digital wins though as it starts to sound more warm and engaging with none of the "harsh digital" qualities that the die hard analog folks claim. At best vinyl is a flawed medium, one that has less dynamic range, less capable of full bass and susceptible to all kinds of issues from pressing problems to scratches and pops and wear, which seem to happen to even the most carefully handled records. There is a beauty to the vinyl format and there's something really cool about the fact that even 70 year old records can be played on today's quality gear and sound as amazing as they do. They're interesting and often fascinating cultural artifacts and for that they are, at least for a lot of us, worth collecting. I think though that if we think that they're superior sonically, particularly through an inexpensive system, we're kidding ourselves...
@TheBenztownM
@TheBenztownM 8 ай бұрын
As a kid in the early 80s here in German, you would desperately wait for your church confirmation. Because then you would get enough mone gifted to buy your stereo system. :) We were spending hours and hours in stereo shops and going though each catalogue we could get from Marantz, Yamaha, Denon ,Pioneer et al. At the end I got a low/mid priced Onkyo receiver and tape deck and a couple of average loudspeakers for my money. My dad recognized that I was a bit dissapointed that I couldn't effort a record player. So he bought me a Denon DP 59L which was drastically reduced but still cost the same as the entire rest of my system! Man, I was that grateful and proud. Years later the needle broke and CDs wer on their rise. So I wrapped the Denon, stored and forgot it. Last year my dad got seriously ill and I remembered the Denon. I purchased a DL-103 and got the Denon seviced a couple of weeks before my dad died. He was so happy, when he saw the pictures. The Denon has now a prominent location in my appartment and it will always remind me of my dad.
@sirsuse
@sirsuse 11 ай бұрын
Kevin, your channel rocks! I love and appreciate that you speak from the experience you have. I also can tell that you speak honestly. If I lived closer I would definitely visit your store.
@adsbadsb9488
@adsbadsb9488 11 ай бұрын
Just that cool relaxed way you explain things. That is a hit in itself. You never come across as knowing all, but share things you do know as a professional tech and hobbiest. You let's us know it is in your opinion, and you may change it as you too learn. That calm voice of reason and oassion. Keep up the great videos.
@skylabsaudio
@skylabsaudio 11 ай бұрын
I appreciate that!
@philipketchum1407
@philipketchum1407 11 ай бұрын
You are one of the few that accurately describes the mixing process of music through the decades. Most music is and has been mixed for the customer and their equipment. Rap is not mixed the same as classical music for a reason.
@BTW...
@BTW... 11 ай бұрын
Lets not forget that the quality of the recording process varied. Some of that stuff recorded 'pre-digital' formats was poorly executed, and no amount of 'mixing magic' can have it sound 'better'.
@raymondgarafano8604
@raymondgarafano8604 10 ай бұрын
For those into vinyl, ur probably always buying viny, do urself a favor, get a box of Q-tips and get a bottle, say Gatorade, add water and a few drops of dishwashing detergent, yup clean those grooves, you will see dust u never thought, you will get a much better sound and you will be doing your needle/stylus a big favor. Mr Skylab, two thumbs up on inspiring others with your love of music and vintage stereo.
@ejcheck
@ejcheck 8 ай бұрын
Good video. I'm 73 and have been building and reworking my systems since the late '60s. I've been through the Power Wars, and the CD/walkman/LP wars. - Inflation - You are correct, people forget to take inflation into account when looking at differences between new and vintage. You didn't give an example, so I will. 1976 I was a student and splurged on a Thorens TD-160C with a Shure V15III cartridge, the cost new was $276 (I still have the receipt). In 2024 that would be just under $1500. I think most would agree that in 2024 $1500 would buy a solid mid-level turntable and cartridge. The V15III alone was ~$75 in 1976 which today would be ~ $400, and places it in the Ortofon Bronze category. Funny, I did a video comparing the V15III ($75), 2M Bronze ($400), and 2M Black LVB250 ($999), and the Shure and Bronze were pretty damn close. Funny how those numbers worked. I picked up another Thorens TD-160 that had been destroyed in shipping, planning to part it out. Instead, I rebuilt it. The cost to rebuild and upgrade was just over $1,000. - Watts = Headroom - As you stated most of the time you're using 0nly 4-5W. Power above these levels gives you headroom for more powerful passages. I tend to look for amps rated around 100w (RMS) which for most systems/rooms is adequate for good sound. Unfortunately, you will then get people saying my speakers are only rated for 80w, not realizing that this rating is meaningless. I have never blown a speaker from too much power, it is distortion that will blow a speaker which is where the headroom comes in. - Vintage - There was some fantastic eqpt built in the '60s, '70s, and '80s. But there was also a lot of crap. - Just because it is old doesn't mean it is quality! - Just because it is old doesn't mean it is plug-and-play. I had some HK mid-fi eqpt in the '80s. The HK-825 pre-amp had proprietary switches that could not be replaced (easily). All of the pieces in the set had the I/O jacks fall apart and need replacing. Original jacks would probably do the same so I did workarounds (3 videos). When I decided to go new for my retirement Man-Cave I decided to sell the HK-870 power amp. I went through this 40yr old amp first. The power transistors needed dried-out thermal grease replaced. solder joints needed fixing, and circuit boards needed repair. HEAT does a number on eqpt! My daughter-in-law had a Pioneer PL-15D turntable she was happy but (I thought) it didn't sound great. The cartridge (ADC, I think) looked to be shot. I did a simple refurb for her. New Headshell with pre-mounted Ortofon 2M Red (and new wires), new belt, lube, hinge repair, and a carbon fiber wrap for the base that was peeling and for ~$150 she had a major improvement in both sound and cosmetics. She loves the difference I picked up a Dyna ST-70 for my son 5-6yrs ago. I started going through it and decided to have a pro finish the job. The total cost with the acquisition was just over $1000. Heat takes its' toll; electrolytic capacitors and resistors go bad and out of spec. My point here is you will have people brag about vintage finds at thrift shops but are excited because it is old with no idea what's under the hood. This is where a shop like yours can come into play. A quality shop will separate the wheat from the chaff and go through the pieces prior to selling. This will also effect the price as I have shown.
@Sunrayman123
@Sunrayman123 6 ай бұрын
Kevin, You remind me of everybody's best High School friend who went on with the stuff and now you are the GURU on the You Tube! Keep On Truckin, Man!!!
@supermopar7497
@supermopar7497 11 ай бұрын
I love it when you put out a new clip. I’ve learned a lot. But I’m building a vintage stereo that was my dream when I was a kid. Now I can afford it. It’s just my dream machine.
@atomkraft69
@atomkraft69 11 ай бұрын
kevin, no matter what, it's always a pleasure to hear what you say... greetings from Italy 😀😀
@tomreidy1237
@tomreidy1237 11 ай бұрын
I always enjoy your videos and visiting your shop is on my bucket list. Keep up the great work.
@duaneanderson2671
@duaneanderson2671 9 ай бұрын
Im in my late fifties and run across a few folks with expensive systems that i could never afford. Rather get advise from an actual repair shop than someone who way over spent to get a decent sound. You and your channel have saved a lot of people money when it comes to vintage audio, keep that in mind when reading negative comments from haters that know they overspent or may own overpriced systems. Got any suggestions on the 80's stuff as that is vintage nowadays as well. love the channel.
@alextaylor6707
@alextaylor6707 5 ай бұрын
Your best video ever! Canadian guy here. You bring such great, well balanced, perspective to all this and thanks for everything you do. I've learned more useful things about this subject than from anywhere else on the internet. In the last week I've used your advice to purchase a Pioneer sx-737 receiver and a Technics Sl-Q2 turntable. Can't believe my good fortune in finding your channel and perspective. If I'm ever in Des Moines I hope to pop by your store and shake your hand. Keep up the great work.
@skylabsaudio
@skylabsaudio 5 ай бұрын
Thank you! Glad to help
@robertballard8833
@robertballard8833 11 ай бұрын
Good point about cheap equipment. In general, though, on at least mid level equipment, Cds just sound harsher than records to me. EX - I just compared Bustin Out ( PPL) on original vinyl from 1974 and the 1990 release on Cd using my vintage Sansui 4000and my linear tracking turntable. The record was warmer on the cymbals and a little warmer on the vocals. both sounded really good. If it was a record with lots of pops and clicks, the CD would be better despite this. also notice the first several years of CDs seem harsher than most, like they hadnt figured out how to adjust the treble yet.
@jamesdicker5992
@jamesdicker5992 11 ай бұрын
I don't think anyone can judge you for knowing more than the average guy, because you have seen lots more equipment in your life and worked on much more than most. That's why we watch, for information and knowledge. It's all about experience in the field and that's what you give. Thank you for all your videos, I really enjoy them and learn so much! James here from South Africa. Respect!
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