Kevin Answers YOUR Hi Fi Questions!

[@passqualecaiazza7728]

On mixed equipment. When my dad bought his stereo in 1971. The salesman said while one company can sell great receivers, it does not mean they make great tables or speakers. He put him into the Pioneer receiver, Dual turntables, and local built speakers. It worked great for him. I am using them all today as one of my stereos.

[@ripjones5294]

When I sold audio in the early 80's, I never "single-sourced" the components. The salesman steered your Dad correctly, which is why you are still enjoying them today. Listen On !

[@karaDee2363]

That salesman gave your dad great advice, and is the same advice that salesmen at the HiFi store that always went to when I was young used to tell me.

[@TheGreatTomDix]

😂😂😂😂😂 You guys are the type who think your batteries make your Pokémon battle harder!😂

[@passqualecaiazza7728]

Stupid comment@@TheGreatTomDix

[@davedallafior8218]

I completely agree with the above statement. Dual used to make 3 speed cassette decks as well as turntables, but I'd never buy their tape deck.

[@ebenchristensen]

I love your honesty about some of the questions asked (I just think it looks cool etc). Generally I have a rule for things audio related, and that is "I don't need equipment that my own hardware cannot be tuned to" - which is to say that my ears are not young, but trained- and if they cannot discern a difference then throwing money at them doesn't matter.

[@Poppinwheeeeellllllieeeeez]

He cuts the crap. That's why I like the channel. No pretentious BS.

[@glenncurry3041]

Simple test to hear if a record weight helps. Listen to the record being played with it and without it. But with the volume control off. No sound from the speakers. Put your ear close to the edger of the record. Listen to how much sound is audible off of the record surface itself. You should hear a dramatic difference. When using both center weight and outer ring the sound will disappear completely. The less sound you hear the more of the record groove energy is going to the stylus/ cartridge instead of wasted energy to the air. It also them stops that surface sound wave from bouncing around the surface and causing echoes. If you can hear the difference with the speakers off but not when they are on and through them, get better speakers!

[@edd2771]

Discussion of mats/slip mats should include impact on VTA

[@TheVintageNewbie]

Oh wow, thanks for posting (and answering) my questions on this episode! Totally made my day :) Oh and when you said “Audiophiles don’t like a lot of things.” I literally laughed out loud! Lots of great answers here to a lot of great questions (not just mine, lol). Thanks for another great episode and can’t wait for the next ones 👍

[@festersuncle6298]

Use the slip mat that your table was designed to have....Rega and NAD use glass and felt for a reason, it works. Cassette decks haven't entered my mind since the 80's. THE worst modern media source for longevity ever.

[@chrislj2890]

I consider a rubber mat a platter mat not a slip mat, and definitely prefer rubber on an aluminum platter. I recently received the "Star" felt slip mat which I keep on my acrylic platter until I'm ready to play and then remove it. It looks cool just like the record weight, which I do use on the record. Those speed indicators work but man they are small and hard for me to see. Kevin, is there any chance you guys will sell sweatshirts with the logo and script? I'm wearing my Skylabs t-shirt right now but it's cold today so I have a flannel shirt over it. A black sweatshirt with that classy marking would look and feel great with winter weather coming.

[@jamester1ful]

Just an opinion, might be an outlier, but: I run 2 pairs of very different speakers in my living room system (Ohm Walsh 2 and ADS l1590). Generally I only listen to one or the other, but both playing together sounds pretty amazing. I understand it's counterintuitive but it works. Call it "synergy" I guess.

[@raymondgarafano8604]

SounDesign with bass and treble on ONE knob! after I heard a Pioneer sx850 with a large pair of 3ways with ports I took my brother's Ruger rifle and shot that SounDesign full of holes. This was in 1980. 81 saw me at Tech-Hifi in Hyannis Mass and I bought a Kenwood KR6030, Toshiba d.d. Turntable and a great pair of Boston Acoustic 3-ways, a System I have today and works beautifully. 2 thumbs up for vintage.

[@wwz1011]

Everything I have is mixed. Finding a complete vintage setup is very hard. And then as Kevin pointed out, a lot of brands didn't make nice speakers. So my JBL speakers work with my McIntosh AMP and Dual turntable. My garage setup is Kenwood receiver plus KLH speakers and Pioneer turntable.

[@raygarafano3633]

Me too, KR6600, ADC 10band Eq Toshiba dd Tt, Sony CD player and JBL A180S

[@davedallafior8218]

Regarding class D amplifiers; I think you’re looking at this backwards. If the goal is to find the best amplifier for your “existing” speakers, call the speaker manufacturer and ask them. Here’s why they won’t lie: *Every speaker is designed [built around] with specific amps/pre-amps at the factory. *The speaker manufacturer wants their product to sound its best at any cost. *The speaker manufacturer has no skin in the game- you already bought/own their product. THE ABOVE FAILS if the amplifier company also sells/mfgs speakers. Lastly, the speakers should be the first purchase of any audio system. *Find a pair of speakers you absolutely love and build backwards. *Wire brand? Whatever brand wire the speakers are internally wired with. Consistency is key.

[@virtualmike13]

Thank you for another straight forward and honest video. I wanted to add another perspective to the A + B speaker review. While your comments on proper speaker and audio amplifier are very valid I have found from personal experience that running A + B speakers can sound better depending on the music genre and audio room layout. For example, I have a pair of KLH M365 tower speakers and a pair of C-note speakers from Parts Express. High frequency audio detail from the C-notes is better than the KLH M365 wheras the M365 are superior for orchestral music with substantial low and high frequency audio. Perhaps the final answer is, how does it sound? Is it better or worse to you as a listener? I am 71 years old (ouch!) and upper frequency audio perception has degraded oevr the year. An audio system with more high frquency punch wil sound more natural to me than to a 30 year old listener. And it is listener experience, in the final anaylsis, that determines what is best. Personal experience is most important and if someone prefers A+B speaker output then I say, great! Thanks again for your videos!

[@garygilbert6612]

Very good questions with great answers. Thanks for doing this Kevin. Im retired and really enjoy vintage gear. Cheers from Canada :)

[@glenncurry3041]

You misse4d a very important part of using A and B speakers together at the same time. Load impedance. Many popular speakers have loads at 4ohms or less. Some drop down to around 2 ohms or less at certain frequencies. Put two in parallel and the amp might be trying to drive a 1 ohm load and overheat, shut down...

[@kevinyoung2431]

Your 10oz. record weight does look cool!

[@6Commando]

Lots of inexpensive speakers that sound pretty good...but don`t remember any models? 😄

[@SurnaturalM]

A60 A80 from Boston accoustic, Bose 201, Bose 301. Mission, the smaller 760 760i. You can try these.

[@davidt8438]

I use a record weight on my turntable to cause an inertia effect to keep the speed constant in case of minuet speed changes. In my opinion it does create a small flattening effect for slightly warped records which I can see, so there’s that too.

[@williamdenton5716]

In regards to 4 speakers, I guess that I have been way off base. Currently I'm Running a '79 Pioneer SA-5800, with a '79 Pioneer TX-6800 Tuner and a pair of '79 Pioneer CT-f950 Cassette Recorders capped by a '79 Denon DP-23F TT with a Stanton 680ee. They're powering a pair of Dahĺquist Dq-8s, and it sounds great. Better than great, impressive. Unbelievable Sound Stage and presence. But visually, which shouldn't matter but kinda does, the Dahlquists alone were kind of lacking. So on speaker B, I added a set of RtR IV Model e. I'm not so sure that the room's sound stage increased or clarified. I mean at 11 drivers per speaker on the RtRs, that's basically 4 speakers in 2 boxes anyway... lol... Honestly I have had both speakers hooked up mostly because they look cool together. And I don't want expensive stuff like that sitting around not working, and not being shown off to friends. Honestly I think most folks assume that the great sound MUST be coming from the RtRs. But it's the Dahlquists that bring the jaw dropping sound. Ya if you haven't heard the Dq-8s and you get a chance take it. They're just as pure as the 10s are.

[@luislunacortez1929]

Hi Kevin Do you think is it worth to restore and recapping a Sansui AU-719 even though is still working . I think is not easy but an expensive task. Is the price around how much?according to your experience in average 300ish 400ish 500ish thanks.

[@exvan3571]

If you're in the United States, see QRX Restore. They're Sansui experts and will give you an estimate.

[@dennisbohner6876]

Does anyone know how much elevated temps affect the longevity of gear? My Yammy A8A ran a bit warm TO ME (5-4, powered subs). The internal fan never made noise. So I caught a vid about a temp-sensitive fan product which does auto on. Purchased it, and it does run. Did the same for my Xbox and that is VERY effective in keeping the temps controlled.

[@raygarafano3633]

I got lucky and picked up an sx650 for 50$ with a CDplayer and big- ass magnavox3-ways. System is great. With Pioneer the more you spend you get more options like more inputs 2 phono settings Aux and Mike and more watts per channel, but the quality is always there. The sx 950 has a glass window for he tuner!

[@mitchmitchell9588]

One of the recurring themes in your videos is “don’t deny the desire for cool looking gear.” There is an aesthetic appeal to vintage audio that doesn’t need to be downplayed in an effort to be a more serious “audiophile”. At the same time, don’t sacrifice quality for a pretty face(plate). Am I getting this correct? It reminds me of a central theme of Buddhism: the middle path. Perhaps you are a boddhisatva of vintage audio…

[@thefrictionzone]

Hi. Have you heard of the Fairfax Industries Fx-400 vintage speaker. It was rated by Consumer Reports as the best rated hi end speaker in about 1974. It’s about 105 lbs. I have it put can’t find any info on it

[@lwdp74]

Turntable mats alter the sound so much I’ve always kept a few around. Don’t care what they look like, ceramic’s are best but thick and need an arm adjustment. Lately I’ve gone to the dark side, digital but I will be back to some vinyl when my turntable’s repaired. It has a lead-loaded delrin platter and is mat-less. Always surprised how a needle sliding through a vinyl groove can match or out-perform the latest ones and zeros.

[@DynastyVinyl]

More great content to go with my Sunday coffee. ;) I'm looking forward to the chi-fi ep. I follow Thomas out of MTL and his experience seems to be these units are great if you ditch the stock tubes and get into some tube rolling. Sounds expensive! I'm more interested in how they compare to say a vintage Mc for the same $$. All the best to everyone on here and be safe for the holidays!

[@howardcrosslen8241]

On a Pioneer PL600 Silver TT, there's an aluminum piece that is screwed to the aluminum chassis. There is some whitish gunk, is it Heat sink compound or conductive material?

[@tomday7309]

Great post. I knew nothing about record weights until I saw them on your channel. My opinion is that when the record gets warped or comes that way, a weight in the middle doesn't "flatten" it. I assume since the weight is on the spindle axis it doesn't affect the momentum of the platten or wear out belts, motors, gears faster?

[@hjalmarfossi5728]

Definitely gonna be a fun one

[@ceylonmooney]

i wish people selling hifi wouldnt use "serviced" and "fully refurbished" as meaningless buzzwords. most people i come across throwing those words around without specifying exactly what was done did nothing more than spray deoxit and turn it on. most the folks i come across who dont name the "reputable tech" who gave it a once-over are full of shit, too.

[@joemartin6439]

,my ears and opinion are how I find speakers. I bought my 15 years ago and at 76 my Casta B’s will be with me until I die, Same as my tube amp . China made tube amp life expected time is short before I have to resolder.

[@karaDee2363]

Thanks Kev, interesting and honest as always.. I must be boring, I never used any aftermarket record mat or weight on my records, simply because I never felt a need for it

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks Karen. I don't think you are missing out on anything. I think they are more "audio jewelry" than anything.

[@BobbyBass-x6i]

Thanks for the Q and A. Appreciate your honest take on things. Keep it up!

[@jeffcampanale3540]

I replaced my rubber mat for a Hudson acrylic mat, like you it was purely for looks, I don't think it made that much of a difference. But hey, it looks cool.

[@CraigHollabaugh]

Dear Santa, I've been a good boy this year 😉. Please bring me one of those killer Skylabs tie-dye T-shirts for Christmas, XXL. Tell the elves they better stock up. Thanks Santa, you're the best!

[@MrProfchaos71]

Question. If you listen to mainly rock music , some acoustic stuff, some Dave Mathew’s band , and metal music. What amp would you buy between an SX 1010 , SX 1050, And a Fisher 500C ?

[@paulv22]

Thumbs up but especially for the "looks cool" reason. Lets face it, that's a major reason for having a vintage system.

[@raygarafano3633]

I think Marty J is right, buy speakers from a company that just builds speakers.

[@joemartin6439]

Funk Frim Achromat are fantastic

[@jmfloyd23]

I second that! I have one on my Technics SL 1200 mk II and Technics SL Q3 table

[@chuckaluck123]

I love my 90s sl-qd33 technics turntable that demands the oem rubber slip mat for operation due to the "finger" sensors that detect record size. Completely eliminates the desire for me to figure out what mat is better😂 thanks for keeping it all level headed!

[@Menieres4Life]

The only mat worth using was and still is the d’Stat II.

[@dhpbear2]

9:00 - "Yeah it works; it lights up!" :)

[@bigcity2085]

Bought an Onkyo tx2500MKII on Ebay. Dude said his company cleans up warehouses after tenants move out, and this was sitting on a shelf a little banged up (just tuner knob gone and dirty and he honestly said, "I plug it in, hit the button and the light goes on. That's all I know". Rolled the dice, gave him thirty plus cheap freight, took it apart cleaned it made it pretty,(all the old gold lights work) and my mom listens to it in her painting studio: sounds like a concert hall in there. 3 dollar knob and cleaning. Ya never know. She's on her fifth year without a problem, and she got played hard by me during the pandemic. And she's beautiful.

[@ripjones5294]

Great installment, as usual. Record Mats - Discwasher sold a felt mat in the 80's that had graphite fibers embedded/mixed with the felt. Was said to dissipate static. I still have one left, and do still use it. An issue with the question about A+B speakers -- Receivers and amplifiers "parallel" the speakers, if you are trying to drive both at the same time. There are two problems here, in that, unless both pairs are the same resistance load, the lower resistance load will be louder, at least in theory. In addition, two low resistance pairs of speakers in parallel, could make for a very "unhappy" receiver/amplifier trying to drive that low a resistance load. Stress and heat equates to "Not Happy".

[@ripjones5294]

Got my shirt....

[@howardcrosslen8241]

Meant to add, connecting circuit board tochassis

[@airsickgrove]

Don't worry I'll will not ask you another question, so sorry a 50 cent word made you mad... furthermore I'm a high-school drop out, so my lack of a formal education isn't the culprit. Also to save you from worrying about me asking another question with a 50 cent word have already unsubscribed to your channel take care and don't worry I'm already gone.

[@skylabsaudio]

I have absolutely no clue what you are talking about.

[@davidstevens7809]

How about I answer your questions😮

[@phillipmeza3459]

Hello Kevin, I discovered your channel recently because of acquiring an AKAI "Rack" System from my "in-laws" estate. Could you speak about AKAI's position on the landscape and the "Quality" of its offered components? I acquired an "AA-M3" Receiver and the "EA-M7" Graphic Equalizer. These are the ONLY pieces left from an included turntable & cassette deck system, I remember my wife's father enjoying the system upon holiday visits. We are "clearing the house" of its contents, my mother-in-laws recent passing, I hope to find that cassette deck, which I remember using on subsequent visits... it may have been discarded or trashed, Anyway, I have more thoughts, I'll write again.

[@Poppinwheeeeellllllieeeeez]

As for matching brands.....I had a mismatched setup and was happy. I restore gear, so over time I pieced together my dream set....all Yamaha: CA1010, CT1010, YP-800, 4 x NS-690 speakers. I love it, but still prefer my Sansui 4000, ESS speakers, and Dual 1219. I find myself using that combo more frequently. My favorite is getting to constantly experience new to me equipment and cartridges. I now know Im not a Grado fan. That is just my opinion.

[@jim010109]

So, I know this is a vintage channel, but curious if you stay updated on the new stuff? And with that being asked, do have any thoughts on the newest Yamaha receivers the RA 800 through the 2000 models. From a untrained eye they look well built.

[@jrc3547]

Kevin this is not a comment to this post but for a couple older ones sorry. In the mid 70's I worked on a lot of this equipment at an audio club in Germany. I always liked the sound of the HK's. My first good receiver was a Kenwood 9340 with 4 Bose 501's. Later I went to an HK 730, mainly because of the wide bandwidth. After that I came upon a HK Citation receiver, that has been and still is my favorite. And note worthy I also have a Marantz 1200b. In the process of selling many of my other receivers HK 330, 430, 730, HH Scott 387 recently been up graded new semis on the driver PCB, PS and recapped. LED Lights etc. and more. I also really liked the video on Dual. I went to their factory school in St Georgen which was great. I like your videos!

[@davidalmieda6617]

Kevin, good video. I was happy to hear you used the term "diminished returns." I preached that to clients constantly. I hated selling same brand "rack" units. I buy equipment that the manufacturers excel in. Speakers from speaker manufacturers, tape decks from the best, etc. Digital Class D for audiophiles? I picked up an Onkyo A-9555 pure class D amp. Wow! Clean, powerful, articulate, warm bass. TT mats? Yeah, make your TT pretty. If you have slippage, you need a better turntable. I have a fully auto TT that has record sizing sensors and can't use a mat anyway. Keep up the good work. Enjoy your videos.

[@HomeTheatre101]

Great video! I’m personally a big Class A/B Integrated amp lover, when it comes down to music.

[@skylabsaudio]

Good choice!

[@rays9719]

Kevin, I have an idea for a video. The truth be known, CD's are still as popular as they always were to people that want a hard copy of all there music and they may even make a comeback. How about a review on cheap VS good CD players and the differences between digital and analog output CD players? I'm sure there is a whole lot more you can cover.

[@keithvincenttucker9923]

I have had a hard time getting over using A and B speakers together. Most of my audio background comes from car audio. In car audio you almost always have, at least, 4 speakers. Often, 6, with subs. The reason I quit using A and B together is that it causes excess heat, and with enough volume, makes my receivers cut out.

[@passqualecaiazza7728]

On the A & B speakers. I always love the sound with two good speakers. At one time the only thing we did is A in the Livingroom, B for the patio, and C for the garage. Never the combination of outputs.

[@ceylonmooney]

i have an acrylic platter mat because of how it looks--got a glass platter. turns out that, between cork and rubber, both is better than either. i may go for one of those. dunno. im open to trying hifi things i havent.

[@TheBigbruce20]

Cool shirt Kevin!

[@tomlindalewis2146]

I love trying to collect a stack of same year and comparable level for a brand. Never included speakers in the effort. Great video!

[@davidsmith4330]

Hi I’ve watched your KZbin channel and found it really interesting. I live in the uk, just bought a pioneer ax 608 amplifier, and you recommend a pair of bookshelf speakers as I’m turning a small bedroom into my listening room/ man cave. Thanks and keep up the good work

[@briannewell6064]

I was recently given a Sound Design 4494 8 Track/AM-FM player from I believe 1978. I had never seen a Sound Design product that wasn't bottom of the barrel. I was was suprised and intrigued by how heavy this thing was. I dug into it and the 8 Track seems to work but the belt is gone. It has an outstanding AM-FM radio and also has a Mic/Guitar input on the back that works. Also on the back panel it states Quad and has an extra set of terminals for a second set of speakers. Have not been able to find a users manual. Was there a time when Sound Design made decent gear?

[@williamcampbell3868]

Sound Design never made anything that was great. Built with cheap IC's, Transistors, plastic and what metal parts there were felt like aluminum foil. You would be better off with an old RCA, Zenith or Emerson. None of these are high end, but they were not off brands like Yorx, Sound Design, or Daytron in those days.

[@donrumgay5200]

In run A & B most of the time…Bose 901 series VI and Klipsch R-51M…. and if you know those speakers…each one lacks a little, but seems that each pair rounds out what the other lacks…at least to my ear…and that’s all that really matters….

[@skylabsaudio]

100%

[@davidstevens7809]

Honestly..id love to try to answer any question that you can try to stump me with kevin.. just for the heck of it..lets see if you agree with my answer..

[@skylabsaudio]

Google kind of takes the fun out of that game, don't ya think?

[@davidstevens7809]

@@skylabsaudio ok.. heres the question. What can you tell me about graphyx..model SP-10?

[@davidstevens7809]

I have a pair. I think made in addison illinois.

[@Reflectiveness]

I only use a record weight when the vinyl is warped to the point where the cartridge cantilever is bouncing up and down an extreme amount. In this regard, I'm using the weight as a tool to accomplish a task.

[@andrewjochum4814]

That’s where you’re missing the boat. Tape a nickel or dime to the cartridge to place more pressure on the stylus. It will flatten the record eventually, plus you get the added advantages of hearing subliminal messages that are deep in the grooves. 😅😅

[@26Jorgeb]

Thank you for the informative video.I like your being really careful not to offend any of your viewers when you make an opinion.

[@skylabsaudio]

I try! Not easy :)

[@larrysmith5413]

Great video as always. I use a weight on both my turntables. Through my Rotel/CM10’s, Project (Tube Amp, Speed box, Expression III), Ortofon 2M Bronze….Keith Jarret “Koln Concerts”, I can hear piano resonance with the weight that is less pronounced without it. It could all be in my head of course, but I swear it’s there. On speaker combinations: Bose 301’s on top of the Big Advents. I’ve known multiple folks who have this and it just works. Might be the reflecting technology.

[@skylabsaudio]

I would never doubt or question anyone in regards to what they hear. If you think you can hear a difference, that sounds like a great reason to continue using one to me!

[@Darrylizer1]

I thought record weights were audiophile fairy dust until I AB'd the same record with and without a weight and I heard slightly more bass and low midrange with the record weight. Not a large amount, but there was a difference.

[@dtracy03ss]

I have 2 sets of speakers but only listen to one set at a time! JBL L100 Classic 75s and KLH Model 5s , each have their own Characteristics for Different Modes Moods and Different Music! Even Vinyl vs CD vs Cassette vs Streaming etc. But not together.

[@stevenjosephs9]

JBL L 100 Classic 75s ???? You mean 1975 built

[@dtracy03ss]

@@stevenjosephs9 Limited Edition Teak only 750 sets for the world. 2020 or so is when they came out.

[@stevenjosephs9]

I have the L 100 t3 in the lite Oak finish . I upgraded the 12 in to the 2206 H woofs , with the accordian surround . I replaced the foam twice , leading to Pro series . Each is rated @ 400 wpc . Teak is nice ( fav wood ) . Denon man here.

[@gewamser]

Love your videos, learned a lot from them and normally I don’t have a bone to pick, but I thought your views on having a multi speaker set up, were a bit thin. If done right…many of the best audiophiles I know have three or four speaker setups, five or seven for video setups. I think you were right in that once you do that, you are kinda experimenting with the speaker creators product. But, creators like Paul Klipsch encouraged multi speaker setups and playing around with the room too. In my experience I have always had the best home sound out of a good four speaker setup in a nice sized room. Currently 4 Heresy’s in a 25’ by 35’ man cave…100 WPC integrated amp. The speakers are set cross channel kitty corner, listening chairs in the center…sounds great with a K12 sub …I have friends with 4 LaScalas, 4 (get this) Rectilinear Low Boys! And an old Pioneer 950…The best is a three unit Klipschorn setup….with a MAC receiver. Though more than two speaks are not required for great sound, four is a definite option. But of course, you know that. You just didn’t explore that enough in this video, maybe a future one.

[@ripjones5294]

If they are all at least 8 ohms each, then you should be okay. Do not know a lot about Heresy model, but am drooling over a couple of Fortes as we speak. Just need to make sure that the parallel load does not make your amplifier "unhappy" trying to drive that load. Also based upon what kind, and how loud the music.

[@skylabsaudio]

At the end of the day, it's just my opinion. I'm sure there are very smart people on both sides of the subject.

[@jackieblank4249]

Great show Kevin.Some things just don't make that much difference to throw money at it. It only matters if you enjoy it. I run a small Sony system in my shed with 2 cs5s and a pair of Pan.ak22 side by side. Sound better together than they are alone. By the way they are 6ohm rated though.

[@handymoore-ik7oc]

Kevin you misspelled Receivers.

[@skylabsaudio]

Hi Handy! That wasn't Kevin... That was me, the graphics guy Eric. Good catch! Updated the art now. Have a great Sunday!

[@marcelgommans2020]

Please lose the fake background.

[@skylabsaudio]

?

[@erichermann2692]

Where is the fake background?

[@robertdavis5714]

I Like that Black tie-die T shirt. What you say makes sense, however have had good experiences running 4 speakers (never run different OHM speakers together). Works, EBAY Trash. Stereo receiver over Integrated/FM Tuner, it depends how anal you are with FM Reception, IE: 1973 Accuphase T101 is just a FM only tuner, however this weighs close to 30 lbs. The sound this produces is just plain outstanding.