SNIFFING OUT THE HIGH END AMPLIFIER HUSTLE

[@user-bc6ok1yh4s]

You hooked me with the " I don't read the mags, the mags are all BS" line. I've been saying that for decades!

[@bruceandt]

This is a systemic problem with audio (fans) We sit down in the evening and research gear. Amps in this case. We honestly think that we are being thorough with the reviews we gather on gear. The enthusiast takes times to consider all the things the reviewer has fed them. I have been researching components for years now. I actually haven’t purchased a system yet. The years that I have put into watching all the reviews has taught me some very flat basic facts. 1, What I have come to truly learn in speakers and amplification. 2. The anticipation of manufacture’s (with marketing) to use your lack of knowledge to sell gear. The worst of it is that most of the reviewers don’t have the first clue about the inner workings of the components they praise. Blind leading and fleecing the blind. For me? The review reviewer? I like what you offered here. Facts are facts.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks

[@stuartnorman8713]

I see, Constellation: $1000 parts (maybe) and $54,000 for the not-so pretty case! BTW the sand cast thingies are known as emitter resistors. (I was a pro audio technician for a few decades.) Also audiophile with formal music school education since my teens (now 74), so I know a few things that you know. Keep up the work.

[@hughjanus1135]

What do you recommend as an audio techn?

[@DjJugend]

WOW what an absolute scam. I know one thing is for sure when I end up buying some more high end stuff im always going to try and buy used and buy reputable products that dont have massive overhead. For example I just bought a phono pre from a newer brand called Darlington Labs that is lesser known but is well praised and quite a reasonable price and sounds great.

[@mr.o9152]

I'm glad we got Mikey in our Hifi community! Thank you for exposing the truth!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks for the support.. !

[@iluvsweaterpuppets9166]

Thanks my man. I needed this. You are correct in that all of us at one time clung to the opinions of the HiFi Holy. We didn’t know any better. You’ve got balls and tell it like it is and you have a great audio rig to back it up. Thanks for the 411 and a hell of a laugh 😂 keep up the good work 👍🏾

[@indyvin]

Back in the 80's there was the Hafler XL-280. I still have mine. You adjust a trim pot which subtracts the output from the input. When you have silence, you have a perfect response. Beyond that, there is nothing else you can do, except charge more money. Thanks Mike, for exposing the ridiculous fraud that is "high end" audio. Next, I wish you would tackle cables - the ultimate snake oil.

[@Revelator2025]

Wow Mike. This was one of your most informative vids. Learning a lot here. Good to know the hustle that exists and persists in hi-end audio. Thanks bro!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Wait till my Audio Research drop in 10 min..

[@xyzDonaldxyz]

this is probably the best hi-fi related youtube vid i've ever seen

[@JoãoCarlos-72]

I Agree !!!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks Guys !

[@tdrizzy41]

This might be the one of the most incomplete assessments of a component I’ve ever heard. First let me say that I am a fan and have bought gear/ tweaks from you. But to evaluate something based on what’s behind the curtain and you haven’t even heard the product is ludicrous. How many manufacturers over price there products because they use ridiculous materials but yet their product sounds like crap. Please look inside the Lamm 1.2 Reference amp and nothing says new technology and it’s a very simplistic design, but you know what I bet you can’t name 5 solid state amps that sound better. I will buy Constellations products because they sound phenomenal.

[@4ujase]

Thank you Mikey, this has been an education in amplifier design. When I purchase an amp, I always like to see the inside. If I'm looking at top end, it's usually based on my own intuition, I need to see dual torriods, quality components and I thought I had some grounding on the matter but you have shocked me from toe up. Kudo's to Jeff Rowland :)

[@vladipp2850]

I had to watch this again, unbelievable! Excellent job Mike. We need more reviews like this, not the usual parroting of marketing BS! Cheers

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thx

[@epi2045]

Man this is possibly one of the best videos on audiophile equipment regardless that it’s covering the Constellation brand. Unpacking this video shows the reality and smoke & mirrors of the audio industry. I’m a subscriber to this channel and also Jay’s channel and I pretty much 80% of the time disagree with most of Jay’s opinions. He has a philosophy that since he’s owned so much high-end equipment that which qualifies him as a pro audiophile makes me cringe. I own many high end cars from Ferrari to a 6x6 10 wheeler USMC Kaiser 13.5 ton truck, but it certainly doesn’t make me an expert. This goes the same with my multiple audio systems, just because I own the stuff doesn’t make me an expert. However I like hearing Jay’s counter points and I’m open minded to high end gear. It’s rare to see such high gear being demo’d on KZbin. Glad his channel exists. With the above said, there’s something to be said about the old saying, “The sum of the parts don’t add up.” Obviously innovation and exclusive technologies are a significant factor, in the end the cost for parts and intricacies of manufacturing takes the heap of the cost. The Constellation line of products, irregardless of its questionable heritage and generic technologies, the sum of the parts simply don’t add up. Great job on building your audiophile channel Mike. My next system is definitely going to be with you. Just gotta get through with some of my other hobbies for now.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Cool Doan, I recognize you from the channel, and look forward to meeting you. 6x6 sounds like a blast to play in ! Tell ys what , Ill consult for free to demo drive the vehicles ! lol ... I also appreciate Jays willingness to show us the top level gear in action... ;-)

[@stephenbarnes8817]

Dona, there are people who own high cars because they love to drive them, some just for the status, some for their performance, some for both. Then there are people who own them and are truly into the details of what the cars truly are. Perfect example, Jay Leno. Cars wernt his living, but they are his passion. I would say he probably knows more bout cars than 99 percent of the population, easily. Jay in our audiophile world would fall more into the latter category. He dosnt believe he knows anything simply because he’s owned things. The normal audiophile who owns high end products owns one, or two systems typically, and may over time, upgrade components along the way. This is not what our Jay does. He changes out components so that for one, he can understand what they each bring to the table, in an environment that he can control, not just listening at shows, a friends house, or a clients home. I’d say he gets a better feel for products since it’s his own personal environment, and he can spend as much, or as little time as he thinks he needs to, and try different combinations, to fully understand what each can do. We’ve even seen him bring back something again after he’s moved it out of his system, because he feels it needs to be revisited. I’ve never heard him say he’s an expert to be held up by us to any particular degree. He is far more knowledgeable than the majority of audiophiles, but I don’t hear him beating his own drum. He always maintains that he his expressing his own opinions, and constantly states that others may feel differently, since we all have different preferences. I’d say any idea that you have in this regard of him holding himself as a foremost expert, is something you’ve convinced yourself of. Mike has his opinions also and the great news is that both can be right. I have not watched this whole video yet, but I get the idea that Mike feels this brand is portraying g itself as something it’s not. I’ve owned the previous generation of this brand and I found it to be fantastic, for me. Wasn’t based on price, and I purchased it used, so was less than some other lines I could have gone with. I didn’t look under the hood as Mike seems to have done. I just listen with my ears, and what I like is what I like, as is true for each of us. I enjoy mikes opinions, because he says what he believes, and uses logic to explain why. I can respect that even if what I hear in something is different than what he feels. Mike likes looking for value and has proven with some of his videos that spending more can get you less. I believe Jay does the same exact thing. He has shown some expensive products that he just didn’t feel met expectations for their price points. This difference is that Jay is looking for the absolute ultimate, regardless of price. As he stated in the previous video with him and Mike, he’d love to find the best for less. As would anyone.

[@epi2045]

@@stephenbarnes8817 I prefer Mike’s take on audio because he’s clearly more hands on and understands manufacturing. I have a background in electronics manufacturing including military and enterprise spec hardware hence I appreciate Mike’s take. As for cars, I prefer to race and drive them fast hence I am more tuned into Chris Harris and Randy Pobst over Leno who I consider more of a knowledgeable collector.

[@epi2045]

@@OCDHIFiGuy I’m in the Minneapolis area… home to Magnepan, Audio Research, Belle Canto, and other audio brands. If you ever come up to do a factory tour of one of these places, I’ll personally drive you in one of my military Humvee’s or the Kaiser 6x6 (mine is a dually hence two sets of duallies for a total of 10 x 500lb wheels). I like to be prepared for MN blizzards 😂😵‍💫😁!!! Or if it’s in the summer something less obnoxious… Ferrari or possibly a McLaren.

[@dragocelander6671]

Eye-opening video, Mikey! Always telling the truth about quality and value. 👏🏻👏🏻

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Boom!

[@vuch9802]

Thank-you for this video!! I'm learning a ton watching your vids! Man, am I glad that I sold my Yamaha A-S3000 Integrated amp a while back! Now I know why it took a shit going from 8 to 4 ohms! I kinda miss looking at those pretty VU meters and beautiful glossed wood panels but at least now I've got an amp that can drive my speakers!

[@navinadv]

Which integrated did you replace the Yamaha with?

[@vuch9802]

@@navinadv The Prima Luna EVO 400 was the next amp after the A-S3000. Now I have NAT Audio Generator mono blocks from Mikey!

[@DrBroncanuus]

one of your best videos ...I learnt a lot about high end hifi from your insights...

[@jamiemcneil9462]

You can always recognize the truth, it has a certain ring to it. I know most folks are not engineers, but everyone can see the rat's nest of wiring and instantly know what is up. Nice job, Mikey. You are my favorite burrito smoking hi fi guru!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Right on Jamie..

[@dekz8]

blah, in 99% of our lives we just travel along believing in anything until one of us uncover some truth which either becomes a surprise or a shock depending on how one is invested in it. basically all of what one thinks is basically all nonsense until one discovers the truth. people are in that sense just a bunch of deadbeats trying to convince the world they know something, trying to believe they know something. some take it one step further, dress up and sell their bullshit, people ain't that smart, especially when it comes to their sensibility.

[@kongwee1978]

Even I am learned engineering, I am not well informed about audiophile circuit. Having to open up quite a number of amp. I can guess which is better designed. I used to have friend that mod stuff, they know who giving the right value. Good design don't seen the value to mod it into something better.

[@Kowinaida]

Awesome Mikey. One of the best audiophile vids I've seen. I was looking at their website a couple of weeks ago & did think where is the info...

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

You can see right through it ... its sad...

[@nickburak7518]

Mikey, this is a first class home run video. This is not OCD at all; it's the TRUTH. The cheaters are really to blame for that term, imo, because they live in the "just good enough but put it in a nice box and roll the song and dance show" category. But I digress. The work you do is a rarity today in any arena, KZbin or otherwise. This is how you arm the Tribe. Big BIG Up's for this video! Supreme! I know you've done stuff like this but I want more vids like this. I bet reading the comments will be fun and we won't be finding any shills, trolls or dopes. An idea. Keep this kind of video in a series category, but cut the story of how there's so much dishonesty out there to some kind of hip opening reel. We need to know the truth is a comin', and is needed, but not in a big way in every video cuz we geddit. Just show us whatever you want to and tell us the good, the bad and the ugly of the thing. But maybe you could also give us what you think the thing should sell for new and used. Everything has some value, and in this way, if we get a chance to buy it used, at least we'll have a fair "OCD" value for it. The OCD Blue Book of what you value in the market is what I want! Also, I just wanted to say that when you showed us the insides of that Boulder amp (last year?) it was as if I was taken into the future. It changed the way I look at any product. But this video shows that 30 or more years ago guys like Jeff Rowland were already there. There's always good shit being made, but it's rare. Now I know that Jay can keep his stupid "look at me and all my hyper gear" show just like Shmee (cars) can after seeing the guts of that Constellation. Jesus. It would be evil charging $10K for that and yet they ask $50K! Now I know that Hegel with their chicken wire guts and "zero feedback" SPAM sangwhich, while probably good as they say, certainly isn't worth the sticker price. I support what you do and will certainly join the Tribe. Have a cigar and a fine beverage and enjoy!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Hi Nick and thanks for your well thought out feedback, pretty sure I never went inside a Boulder amp because I can't stand the arrogant prick owner. This segues into why I wouldn't want constellation at any price. To me it's worth zero. This is because of the intention behind the build. Just like eating at a good restaurant there is no passion from the chef the food sucks. It has to do with intent. One the intent of hi-fi is to profit majorly, then I don't want that design no matter what. I need to see passion or I don't want it. My channel will eventually go more music centric and are probably venture off into the production end of things to show you guys how the recordings are made. It all starts with the microphone and microphones sound different. A whole other rabbit hole. ;-)

[@nickburak7518]

@@OCDHIFiGuy Dude! You're most welcome. In case you come back again, Yes! Great reply. Oh? Someone else showed the Boulder... Maybe Jay. But yeah, I didn't think of that intent thing, but it makes sense. Purity indeed comes from the intent. It's gotta be Mama Nonas cookin', eh? Constellation. Pfthh! This reminds me of Intel... But that's another rabbit hole. As for your direction towards music, I'm not surprised - you get jacked on guud choonz (as do I). Yeah, I'd love to learn about that stuff. I recently watched Fremers video of how of this record pressing factory in, was it Eastern Europe? Anyways how they make better vinyl. Not recording but interesting. For some reason I'm reminded of David Wilson, who said that that his understanding of good speakers came from his experience in recording (and he had a unique way of recording)(mic above the musicians facing down for those who don't know). This area is of really big interest to me of late. Sure I love music and great recordings but I find it amazing - I'm not sure how much this is exaggeration - but I find it amazing how sometimes a great recording makes a good sound system (dunno, $10K?) sound better even if that recording is in a lossy format than a really expensive system (Constellation: pthfft!) playing a poor recording "upscaled" and or remastered (okay, some remasters are good) to MQA (pthhft! Red book with Loudness on) or Hi-Res audio. I'll never have your knowledge sadly, but am I way off? I'm really interested in how good acoustic room treatments and speaker placement in the studio and at home makes for equal impact as the kit you've got. I'd love to hear more about the inspiration behind your direction choice, so I'll be looking for this in your future videos (I haven't watched all your vids, so maybe the hints are loud and clear). Later!

[@daftdiver]

Outstanding informative post Mike. "The prosecution rests..."

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks ;-)

[@garyleeds4470]

Mikey, great meeting you at the CAF/DC Show! This is an incredible video. If you're paying for a hot rod, get a hot rod. Love it!!!

[@ivanhardy2288]

Awesome class on amplifiers and marketing schemes. Thank you so much.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks Ivan, I appreciate it.

[@ananzeevy]

Wow, you just made me feel so great about my amps. Nothing as fancy or expensive as what you've been showing (Gryphon, Jeff Rowland), but at the very least I know what's inside my Class-D amps, unlike so many people who have nearly no idea what's in their boxes.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

We are all learning all the time. I am helping people shave years off their learning curve.

[@absoluteaudio0028]

I never laughed so much in a long time, thanks

[@jamesgilgannon4164]

I'm so glad I'm subscribed to your channel Sir. I believe there is not enough people in this industry with the integrity and honesty you have. I've always been somewhat sceptical with marketing within the hifi industry and your video just highlights this more so for me. Thank you.👍

[@Claymore64]

Ooofffft! You just gave them a hiding! Good on you OCDM. A lot of light in this video.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Ka BOOM goes the C4 puck !

[@rcarloz]

You should take a look inside the Boulder amplifiers. The Boulder 2160 cost as much as the Constellation but it's at a whole another level.

[@kottke25]

That's crazy money. Great content as always. Probably top 3 hifi you-tubers right here people.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks Zach. !!

[@joegallenberger6032]

Thanks Mike - great presentation passionate , methodical, logical and caring about the customer. I had the covers off my Jeff Rowland to change some settings and it looks and feels even better than the pictures can convey, inside and out.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Hi Joe ! Good to hear from you man ! Isnt it the truth ? It clearly looks different than any other amplifier... Because he KEEPS innovating. Most other amps are legacy designs that are old and just very slightly updated. The reason is why change if it sounds good ? But lets charge commensurately then.. ;-)

[@joegallenberger6032]

@@OCDHIFiGuy , And what it results with for Jeff Rowland 625S2 is an amp that sounds better, is smaller, lighter and less heat than more conventional amps in its AB class. And I love that the heat sinks are rounded, form natural side handles and don't cut you when you have to move the amp

[@68wrko]

Brilliant audio technology video! Unlike cars, motorcycles and related toys, just how much "improvement" or "innovation" can we do to Hi-Fi Audio that is in the 20hz - 20Khz audio spectrum reproduction, in that no human ear can hear that entire audio spectrum range. Advances done by RCA and others essentially established the benchmark years ago. You are spot on Mike. It is marketing and advertising that has to come into play today to keep the Hi End audio business going. Just look at the new turntable & tonearm genre today.......really......we all know what the limited specs are on vinyl reproduction. I love vinyl, but a $20K TT????

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

That's nothing, there's $150,000 turntables !! Thanks for your support 68!

[@huy801]

I like old audio tech, I have a pair of Mark Levinson ML2 monoblocs, and they sound better than a lot of the new crap being mass produced. Great video.

[@denniso9503]

😅🤣 I have to say i was doubtful about your content till i got halfway. Very true , i appreciate the honesty and upfront explanation. Keep it up.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks Man !

[@Metranger-xd4bt]

This video makes me love my Rowland Model 12's even more. Jay loses his street cred with his adamant love for Constellation after this destruction! Thanks for the education Mikey!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Remember, Jay is just talking about things that sound good and at the top of the sound platform in his view. He does not consider value but rather goes for the all out top level products in an effort to receive the best sound. So if we were to judge his cred, it should be on the sonic result not value ... This vid shows how Constellation loses the Value proposition in a hard way, but we dont know about the sonic results until I have one in my rig ...

[@michaelmityok1001]

@@OCDHIFiGuy honest answer Mike, appreciated!

[@dekz8]

@@OCDHIFiGuy Well Mikey, if it is sonically comparative with a dan d'agostino m400 and a gryphon antileon, seeing it is some old ass design with brown capacitors, then what are we paying for those ultra manufactured pieces if sonically its comparable to that junk in Jay's opinion? Either Jay is flabergasted by the msrp of these devices, his system has such an impact that makes him flabergasted by whatever he smashes on to it, or these over manufactured pieces is just bullcrap on top of bullcrap that does absolutely nothing but increase the msrp of the component. I know what I think it is.

[@johnwanamaker358]

Love you bro. Always great to watch!!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks Brother !

[@artyfhartie2269]

The best hifi system is the one you bought decades ago, still use and gives you lots of pleasure listening to your records, tapes and cds.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thats for sure... Ive got mine now for the next decades !

[@artyfhartie2269]

@@OCDHIFiGuy I am listening to a Linda Ronstadt cassette tape right now that is dated 1978 that I bought in a charity shop for 50 cents (bought very many from charity shops) being played on a vintage Sansui cassette tape player I bought for a few bucks. Played with Marantz SR 7005 and Klipsch RF 63. Awesome sound. The trick with cassette tapes is that they have to have been well kept. The trick with cassette decks they need to be cleaned with isopropyl gently, demagnetized, lubed with tape lube and with Dolby NR offnand the heads aligned if you know how to.

[@kongwee1978]

@@OCDHIFiGuy My country is the nightmare for all electronic almost on the equator. Everything break fast. I even repaired an $30,000 monoblock back then.

[@michaelmityok1001]

Mike, love it. Simply love the attitude lol! Here is a thought - my bet is if you bought a few poseurs, and videoed the interiors explaining the design, build and parts choices, sometimes you'd discover they were some worse AND better than you might have guessed purely from looks and rep. Either way, not only would these videos demystify the black box mystique the hifi industry leverages, you'd gain TONS of subs just purely because of the educational value. I learned more about amplifier design from this video than I have in 5 years of "reading" about it!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thats awesome !! I love to hear that Michael.... Lets see what 'appens !

[@davobmw]

That Dussun was what Levinson rebranded as RedRose and sold it for 5x more.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

;-)

[@robh9079]

Looks like a Levinson Approved bit of 'ChiFi' then!

[@gmoney1961]

👏🏽👏🏽 great review in exposing bullshit… you’re the man Mikey!!!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks G.. ;-)

[@eugeneleroy15]

SUPER Mikey and thanks to help us open our eyes !!! Cheers from FRANCE

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Cheers my brother from France.. !

[@NickP333]

“They hurt themselves, actually” lol. $55K for that?! Haha! C’mon now…. Contemptuous is right on point. Well said. Good stuff, Mikey. Keep shining that light.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Looking forward to hearing you shred in person one day Nicky !! lol, you caught the little snark...

[@NickP333]

Haha! That, I did…

[@cmalc8]

Thanks for the warning! IMHO an even worse hustle goes on with some of the monstrosity turntables.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

100%

[@clarencehoover6748]

Time marker 21:00 We are looking at a stamped/bent sheet metal frame (probably painted steel), with some machined aluminum exterior fascia plates for cosmetic deception. Totally unacceptable at this price point, or even 1/10 the asking price.

[@SimonA-ip8hr]

This time the vinyl sounds more pleasing in my ears but they sound all high quality in its own way.

[@ricmech9128]

WOW MAN! WHAT AN EYE OPENER!

[@NorwegianSpirit]

Just discovered your channel because of this video. Loved it!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks my Spirit friend !!!

[@chrispicquet733]

Great video! I found that out twenty five years ago! But your video showed how Depraved the High End

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thank you ... I saw it long ago as well, and its painful for me to have to do this but its needed , people are under the ether..

[@volteqsystemslimited1611]

You're so, so RIGHT!!!

[@marcbungener1877]

I’m curious if you have a view on Bryston, I own monoblocs 7b sst from 2006 (2nd hand purchase last September). Could not find much reviews on them ! Kind Regards Marc

[@sheerenergy8602]

Marc Bungener Newer Brystons are better, but even older 7b are great. For the right money cant go wrong with that purchase you made. Mikey is wrong in one thing - we dont need dual mono power - there is no difference beetwen 2x400VA toroid or 1x 800VA toroid. I can risk a guess that one 800VA is more expensive than two 400VA. Problem is when insted two 400VA toroids is one 700VA.

[@marcbungener1877]

@@sheerenergy8602 thank you - I would not be too concerned indeed between monoblocs and stereo, the stereo is slightly cheaper than dual mono (one less chassis) - my preference comes from the weight : I prefer to have two monoblocs of 22 kg as of now (and 2 x35 kg with my old tubes monoblocs Sonic Frontiers SFM160) rather one time 45 kg or more

[@sheerenergy8602]

@@marcbungener1877 Dual mono and mono blo-ks are two different things. Mono blocks are much better. Dual mono are two power transformers in one chassis and monoblocks are whole mono amps in separate chasis and body. Mono blocks will have bigger transformers than dual mono integrates. Momo blocks will be in most cases also separate from pre amp.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Hi Marc, Bryston is the top of the "workhorse" class. Its got an unbeatable warranty and it takes a lickin and keeps on tickin. It stems from the Pro Audio realm and its strong suit is reliability under stressful conditions. They do not disappoint those seeking the brand.

[@fredflintstone8048]

Good presentation, thanks for sharing. FWIW, on the 55k amp the circuit boards are paper thin. That screams to me that they will be susceptible to warpage due to temperature changes over time, and I agree about the wiring. It's hap hazard slop. As you point out the build quality and the parts used don't even compare to other amps in it's cost class. Tough position to be in. You learn that someone got conned and they're bragging. Do you hurt their feelings, piss them off with the truth? If they're a person who likes to update their rigs often then a good lesson needs to be taught quickly for their next 'go around'.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Yes it's true, I choose to tell the truth in an open forum like this rather than on an individual basis. I understand people spend good money on some things that are not so great. Maybe they sound okay and that gives them license to charge through the nose. If I care about you I'm going to tell you the truth.

[@kimberg3701]

good one - i am curious what about rega what do you think about their build cuality?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Great stuff for the money. Have not heard it in years however...

[@dwightballard3868]

Big JRDG fan. Have owned an Rowland amp for the last 35 years.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Yeah Dwight it's one of those things that once you buy one, you understand what it's all about and you will really settle for no less, so I understand completely.

[@s.t.e.r.e.o.]

Well that was the call out we were looking for.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

HEY NOW !!

[@labalo5]

Gryphon build are insanely good. Love mine.

[@jlo8775]

We need more of this type of content!!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Its what im committed to. I Cant do it without your support !

[@lionblack6023]

outstanding vid.

[@ychilds99]

Thank you for shaking the cage and waking me up. I had fallen asleep.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Easy to do, dont feel bad.... life is a process of falling asleep then waking up .... continually... unless you have good Sadhana...

[@jblesser]

Excellent presentation logically presented. I love your devotion to truth in audio. Wish you were local to me so you could come over and help me improve my system! Great job. Thank you for your crazy and unrelenting devotion.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks for the feedback JB, I do not need to be there. I can set up rigs over the phone with pictures and your feedback...

[@daveeusanio9526]

Awesome video! Thanks for bringing the truth. Please keep these types of videos coming.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

You bet Dave !

[@carlosvilhenavieira6968]

Excelent, thanks for all information....

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@carlosvilhenavieira6968]

@@OCDHIFiGuy Yes. I hate this guys that charge irracional prices

[@silviosarunic3234]

Great video🎉

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thank you 😁

[@jenniferwaterman5046]

Just wanted to echo all the comments here. Keep speaking the truth. You and gr research are tops in the truth arena that these other paid reviewers are just not gonna touch. It’s a weird phenomenon that we fall into: justifying a ill informed purchase. I see it all the time. One of the big ones is Harley owners. JS

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Jennifer it's so funny that you mention Harley. When I made my transition to the dark side from European sport touring, I rode all the Harleys and I can't stand something that has bark and no bite. So I ended up going with an S&S custom that gave the bite along with the bark. But it was so surprising how loud and slow the Harley was. Unless it's a V-Rod and that thing sounds like a metric twin and has no vibration the way a rip snort and roll chopper does....

[@brianmccauley5524]

Great Video Mike! Thanks for opening my eyes!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

You bet Brian ! Thanks for your feedback !

[@cmalc8]

What do you think of Chord amps?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Not my thing. No particular reason other than they left me with nothing memorable.

[@cmalc8]

@@OCDHIFiGuy That's good IMHO. Extreme neutrality, or lack of a 'house sound' is a great thing.

[@pennfootball71]

This is a legendary video seeing through the b/s and marketing and the junk we are exposed to at top dollar.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

You got it , Chuck ! ;-)

[@alfonsomorales8268]

F ING love your show knowledge and Candid priceless opinion. But a richer microphone w minimum room resonance would make listening less fatiguing. Ty.

[@Athanor3d]

Very revealing, thank you. 999th like - come on, one more!

[@martybousum1010]

You're fun to hang out with!!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thx !

[@zaldam]

This was super entertaining! Had to laugh several times...

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thats what Im here for ... the funny man that shows whats real...

[@jeremiahchamberlin4499]

Loved looking inside the Jeff Rowland amps and preamps, the Griffith, etc. I wish the vintage audio sites would be as ‘revealing.’

[@Campbell1.]

Good stuff Mike. I have the same issue with streamers and the high $$$ you pay for a basic computer etc etc

[@n.lyndley.9889]

The Emperor’s New Clothes

[@slippinjimmy4455]

I recently bought a NAD S300. For 960 euros. Is basically a Gryphon taboo, great bargain!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Nice !!

[@matthewcooke4477]

Let me say that I love the raw truth and how you expose these scam artists. I'm working on my own amplifier(pre-amp, dual power amp, and 4-5 way linkwitz-riley 24db active xover) doing all point to point pure .999 silver( all shielded with ptfe tube and silver plated copper braid) and silver litz point to point on the pre and crossover'S(yes 2 of them 4-5 way bastards) I'm working on my handmade cables and connectors(as in milling and pouring them myself) P.S No way to make that 15$ board 80watt class A. Many if you cooled the power transistors and driver transistor with liquid nitrogen.

[@imosolar]

Keep up the good work and awaiting OCD and Jay showdown

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Right on IMo

[@michaelmasztal7871]

You da man!! Subbed!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thx !

[@user-eh3qz4zv1o]

Great job! Thanks for this video...

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

At your service my friend. ;-)

[@user-eh3qz4zv1o]

@@OCDHIFiGuy Mike, Have you ever heard or listen to Block Audio? if so what is your take on it? Some of my first gear was Rowland! I had the model 1 amp and the coherence one preamp series ll that I should have kept. Jeff sent me for the preamp new modules that were replaceable on the series ll. The air and detail just took my breath away. Because the pre was of age I let it go along with the amp, what a mistake!!

[@donnystrife1908]

I learned a lot. Thank you. I'd love to hear what you think about the 70's SS gear. Before my time but back then people could hear before they bought and competition was fierce.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

70's solid-state gear was killer. Way underrated if we are talking about Japanese built. Some of the American stuff was a little rough back then, a lot of it actually needed maintenance to keep from breaking. Amps commonly blew speakers or amps would blow, start on fire, etc. I'd feel safer with the 70s tube amp most likely if were talking American

[@ethimself5064]

I notices that you have not given Bryston electronics a spin or their speakers. Unfortunately they are outa Canada, although the appear to be top shelf equipment

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

To me Bryston is Pro audio gear. It cant compete with the true high-end but it does sound good and it's got a hell of a warranty. You'll never see me with Bryston, my apology.

[@jameswandiba7929]

Subscribed ! Great work!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Jack96993]

I would love to know the weight difference between the hot rod amps and the $55 K amp I have a 1994 VAC tube amp that weights 80 lbs

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

OOOoo oooo o hoooo.... Jackie Poo !

[@Jack96993]

@@OCDHIFiGuy Yeah Man!! No really what does the $55k amp weighs compared to hot rod amps Isn't that another indication of quality??

[@JoãoCarlos-72]

Mikey kicking-ass again 💥 you rock man 🤘… this is what I mean by “ there are different levels to everything “ 🤗 and for me “audiophile gear” consumers are divided in 2 different groups, dum-dumies with more or less cash to waist and smart knowledgeable consumers who don’t fall into marketing hypes and overrated pretty faceplates and raving reviews done by the Audio-Mafia. Mickey I wish you were based in Europe so we could do some business 🤗 Everybody buying the so called “ high-end” Audio gear should see this awesome video. You’re the King 👑🙏 Respect

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks Joao, you can still do business with me even though you're from Europe, I ship worldwide. You are correct however the buyer must beware.

[@craigenputtock]

This precisely why my Topping PA3 ($99) outperforms units costing 10-20k.

[@moshezuhmih]

Yes of course 😄

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

All we know in life is our own perception. You are saving money with yours !! Thanks for your support !

[@mer9706]

If I was drinking coffee when you showed under the lid of the const. I would have spit it out.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

I know , right ?? lol

[@hectoralvarez941]

Gryphon is awesome. Never had Rowland, but it looks great.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Hi Hector, yes, its very well made and great sounding !

[@s.t.e.r.e.o.]

Did you see jays post regarding this. He Skirted around the issue. Keep up the good work.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

You know this post had nothing to do with Jay at all actually. It was due to A client sending me an open picture of Constellation and I absolutely couldn't believe the price when he told me. I think Jay knows that it was not a bust balls video on him whatsoever. Jay really has no reason to open up gear and look inside. I however am a low-level repair technician, and I understand circuits to certain degree, so I like to see how things are built. Thanks for your support though man, I appreciate it !

[@s.t.e.r.e.o.]

@@OCDHIFiGuy Really enjoy your posts and all the info. You and jay getting together has been rad.

[@jitrapornpha5104]

“ Reeks of hustle “ Lol

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Reminds me of Eddie Murphy... "You can schmell it !" talking about being a kid and farting in the bathtub..lol

[@birdyy878]

constellation audio website : No address No phone. Nothing. I guess that next year the awards in the Audio Magazines will suddenly stop since they will not want to look ridiculous.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Its a travesty. Our industry is rancid.

[@hifisymphony]

I'm 100% agree with this.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks for your support Martin !

[@hifisymphony]

@@OCDHIFiGuy Mikey, I'm here local in Atlanta and would love to stop by sometime

[@clemmtec9506]

Thanks a lot I was begining to think that, I was behind for not having all the very expensive amps. to play my records,tapes, and some cds. I have sansui G8000, Marantz 2270, mark levin ml 23, hafler dh 500. Nakanichi pa7. crown k2 I keep looking for what they are selling now but don't have that kind of money. Not knowing I have the answer to my music, untill this.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

People forget its about the music and get distracted by the gear. ;-)

[@amazoidal]

In amps and preamps, there has been nothing new for decades. Just the same circuits in different packages. Don't overpay.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

There are new things. They are few and far between, but I know and sell them. ;-)Keep up the support !!

[@tractioncontroloff9796]

Love this vid!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks man !

[@elongatuspiranha]

They should have weld it shut.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Lol. Thats for sure. DOOP !!

[@VicariousAdventurer]

Maybe like NAD - Audio Research wanted to sell new products, but got pushback from dealers who wanted to sell only Audio Research speakers (These were not the days when Purify or Emotiva sold everything)

[@ianjohnhorwood2605]

Another well said.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks Ian.

[@TombstoneTube]

This is gold

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks TT !

[@Fiend404]

very informative video. thank you

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks Mister Fiend , sir. ;-)

[@christophergaus3996]

Wow man, well done!! I'm going to start commenting to these reviewers - open the case 😎 May not matter lol

[@Novilicious]

What are your thoughts on Parasound JC5 mono-blocks (8k each) or JC5 (6k)? I like value engineering and trust them unlike these other companies!

[@cameronkrause4712]

sand cast resistors are the bottom of the barrel. Those wires are a disgusting mess.

[@KT88gs]

More of this content please!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Not a problem... ;-)

[@milkman100001]

many thanks

[@datka3]

Even my Parasound that hifi ppl dont want to call hifi looks nicer