My top tips after 45 years of Hi-Fi .

[@nicksundby]

Fantastic advice, 40 years of experience delivered in 20 minutes. Outstanding.

[@bikemike1118]

…saved you about 40 years of your lifetime 😂

[@happyhippythevinylguy]

Fu*k yea😃😃

[@joeyjustin6895]

Glad to see Your Still Alive. I Love your Way of Stereo review And I Hope Your OK Alive And Doing well And Healthy. Is their any chance you could Just do A Video Just Letting Everyone Know what's Been Happening in your life These Days As We No longer see you on the channel. We Love Ya And I Have 1M People That Watch Your Videos With me. And Were Real Concerned If You OK these days. Any sort of catching up video we sure would love. Thanks ....

[@florinmoldovanu]

1. Speaker placement / tilting . . 0:26 2. Keep connections tight . . 1:34 3. Find out the weak link in your system (don't trust the badge) . . 2:12 4. Mix vintage with new . . 3:30 5. Run it flat . . 5:02 6. Room acoustics . . 6:24 7. Tighten the screws (don't overdo it on wood) . . 7:33 8. Money . . 8:28 9. Clean the pots . . 10:08 (heard rumours that DeOxit exposes terminals to corrosion, I use Servisol) 10. Mix and match equipment . . 11:11 11. Is it satisfactory . . 13:00 (find out what makes your heart flutter ) 12. Try it for yourself . . 15:08 13. Beware of chasing WATTS . . 16:50 14. Big sound doesn't come in small speakers . . 17:50 15. It's all about the music, man . . 19:10 Push this up!

[@corneliusantonius3108]

I concur

[@Brinta3]

He said: “Loose connections, lose signal” and then “Loose wires, lose signal”. Not ‘loose signal’.

[@florinmoldovanu]

@@Brinta3 thanks!

[@ekimandersom4478]

It is all stating the obvious

[@HolgerBarske]

Dealing with this profesionally for 42 years now, I am positively surprised by this video. There is a ton of wisdom in here. Of course I subscribe. Hats off!

[@sosonic12000]

Nice Mr k (aka Hi-Fi Yoda). Here’s a man who sinks his heart and soul into an art. Obtains a huge amount of good knowledge and passes it on through this media platform - for FREE. Takes time, effort not to mention money to get these out to us. We all appreciate it. You make a difference to a lot of lives with the choices we make and the money we spend. We applaud you sir.

[@iancopp7646]

Well said MrKaby. May I 2nd that.

[@stereoreviewx]

Great to hear thanks everyone K

[@danuber5559]

Hi-Fi yoda... Lol

[@LucasDaltro]

Respect for naming the gear you don’t like! I hate when reviewers don’t mention products they think sound bad

[@stephenkadarjr1131]

Perhaps some of the most honest and real world advise you will ever get on this subject.

[@MrDoc55]

Absolutely fantastic! I am an older audiophile too. I wish I would have known these things when I was young. On the other hand, the trial and error over the years was a lot of fun. Nice work!

[@edwardmm737]

Totally agree. The gradual breakthroughs are very rewarding.

[@bigjay1970]

I'll second that this advice is fantastic and presented properly without a script my I add!😬 Couldn't be more accurate of a statement!🤔🤭🤗😉😇

[@joaquinbarreto9398]

This guy is like the Hemingway of Hifi 😂😂…Love it!! My old man has this level of knowledge but it’s awesome to see it on youtube.

[@MandalaOfThe7]

A great rule to live by: Don't judge your set-up by the quality of a recording. There are speakers that are more honest than others and lie to you less, giving you the illusion that your speakers (or stack) has failed you when in fact, it could be that the mastering or recording of a certain album has been revealed as shoddy or poor of quality. Listen to a lot of albums before you lose hope.

[@edwardmm737]

100% agree. Some records, particularly newer records, but not all, just don't sound right on my fairly vintage system. 95% of my records sound wonderful.

[@briancampbell7712]

Love your Lava lamp!...you have the most realistic reviews and help over most all audiophiles on KZbin...👍🏼🎶🎶

[@lamaludwig1470]

Good advice. My 2 cents: If you want to save money, spend double the amount of money you are currently comfortable with. Then keep the equipment for ever.

[@stereoreviewx]

I like it

[@AlfieDoug]

Put your speakers where your wife tells you to, this will protect your ears .

[@stereoreviewx]

Tip number 16

[@maartenyzer4121]

don t buy small speakers

[@AlexDroog71]

Never get married. Best thing I ever did.

[@maartenyzer4121]

@@AlexDroog71 te laat

[@michaelrexrode3759]

Happy wife, happy life!

[@mikecees2230]

Agree, especially the part about getting ''class'' straight away instead of working your way up the ladder with multiple buy/sell/buy...

[@martyjewell5683]

You are so right, but sometimes "trading up" is the only financially practical way to achieve that quality sound. The end does justifies the means.

[@faustinluete7042]

Definitely one of the best review i heard about Hifi.... And definitely love the last (but not least) tip 👍🏾👌🏾👏🏾👏🏾!!

[@canadanatkelly4428]

Love your channel and your experienced insight Calvin. The X factor is spot on. Mixing and matching gear is sooo much fun; especially when you have that elusive Eureka moment. First time this happened to me, I thought there was something wrong because the sound I was hearing was so ridiculously good. Love vintage gear and love the music.

[@markkraft6675]

Thank you! You said "vintage" speakers, it suddenly occurred to me that my Spendor SP9/1's are in fact vintage - I bought them twenty years ago and never looked back. Just completed rotating the cones 180 degree - sounds awesome! SP9/1 speakers + Pass Aleph 5 amp = magic.

[@rickmackay4758]

BRAVO ! I've been soldering wires for 54 yrs. - as well. Many Many great suggestions coming from years of experience. Well Done. Room Acoustics is Number '' 1 '' for me. I see sound rooms with sliding glass doors, fireplaces, totally irregular shapes , hardwood floors. etc. 50 % gear, 50 % room acoustics. and yes. McIntosh would appreciate the gesture.

[@onecookieboy]

Great advice, especially the last bit, it really is all about the music, no matter what you are using to listen to it with.

[@tharveytucker1]

I use an EQ in between my speakers and amp. I have to for the sake of my enjoyment. Some albums were recorded terribly. When they’re good on their own, I just turn on direct. I also make sure that the EQ doesn’t color or change the type of sound as well, even when bypassing and going directly.

[@damanhurikamaruddin83]

You have the right approach to use an equalizer.

[@hansj5846]

Good stuff. Personally, at the minute, I throw my money at vinyl. It's useless to me if my hi-fi system cost £2000 but I only own 50 records. I love music more than equipment.

[@msgillingham]

It's all about the music.

[@stereoreviewx]

Fairpoint

[@markmorrow3250]

So true. I look at a couple of the audio groups that I am part of on Facebook, and constantly wonder, do these guys ever listen to music at all or is all of their time spent pinning for and looking for the next bigger amp, pre or speaker?

[@RennieAsh]

That being said, records tend to be the most expensive way to buy music new

[@cobar5342]

Thanks for very good advice. Amusingly my Quad 405 from 1978 is still my favourite SS amp and I have tried a lot of equipment...

[@stereoreviewx]

Yes that’s a good one

[@guinnessharvey4476]

I’d also add keep your ears clean and healthy. Pretty much the main component in enjoying music:)

[@bryanjennings7821]

Ultimately, if it sounds good to you, its right.

[@Toogoodtobetrue458]

Measurements are like reading an ingredients list and portions for a recipe - it doesnt mean it’s gonna taste good and measurements doesn’t mean it’s going to sound good. everything you say makes a lot of sense.

[@trekjudas]

YES!! Realizing what the weak link in your system is is crucial! I have bought $3000 amps and $5000 speakers and I still wasn’t totally satisfied. It’s only now that I’m coming to grips that my source was actually holding back my system all along!

[@bikemike1118]

Correct, that’s why a chain is only as good as its weakest link

[@jeffn1384]

What was your source

[@trekjudas]

@@jeffn1384 It's an original VPI Scout. I know it's a renowned turntable bit I'm starting to think it's an overrated turntable.

[@2112res]

Pre-amp...?!

[@bikemike1118]

@@2112res he said: turntable !

[@erwinalvarenga3448]

This is brilliant! Honest, unbiased and straight to the point. Great advice delivered under 20mins.

[@stereoreviewx]

Thanks Erwin

[@beamer.electronics]

Superb wisdom, thank you. Just a thought - watch out for ageing ears! They can seriously affect your listening enjoyment. At nearly 70 I can't hear frequencies above 12KHz now and I have mild tinnitus. I was driving myself bonkers trying to improve my slowly deteriorating HiFi until I realised - it was me. It's just life, there's nothing you can do about it.

[@lilpony200]

There are a couple of reasons for tinitus and it's not always old age. Be sure to turn off the wi fi and all electrical items at night as we build up positive energy in the body from microwave signals[ walk on the beach in bare feet or the garden if not near a beach [ this ground you and removes the pos frequency] we run on negative -25mv . also i use hydrogen peroxide mixture in my ears every so often and the clarity improves ! not advice just information. keep enjoying the music.

[@beamer.electronics]

@@lilpony200 Interesting, thank you for your kind advice. My ear problems/damage stem from chronic psoriasis and a great love of rock music (loud), particularly as a youngster! Many years ago, I also did a fair amount of research into the biological effects of EM waves. This involved Sunderland Polytech, Cambridge Uni, and various hospitals - it's a fascinating (and little understood) subject. On the positive side, EM waves can help heal breakages and wounds. All the best, Beamer

[@elvisburgerking8675]

I know the feeling I owned 3 generations of S class Mercedes and was convinced the headlights on these things are getting worse with each generation.

[@beamer.electronics]

@@elvisburgerking8675 With a first name like yours: was that driving around the Graceland estate in Memphis? I always knew it - he's still alive ;) Yep, there's nothing we can do about age, but on the bright side, and I don't know about you, I feel much more relaxed than I did when I was younger.

[@antigen4]

honestly i do t see what frequency has to dow ith anything. 55 here and i cant hear above 10k.

[@jonboy9912]

I bought a pair of floor standing Mordant Short 906's and my wife made me put one behind the TV and the other at the end of the sofa. Sounds great! No headache!!

[@ianiles6430]

My old Naim NAIT (currently in the care of my eldest son), is just 13 watts and still sounds beautiful, fully able to fill a reasonably sized room & drive some decent speakers (like my old Linn Index Plus', also in the tender care of son number 1).

[@stevemumford6983]

Kelvin Brilliant advice. I'm guessing there will be many youngsters out there that will still learn the hard way but in some ways that's some of the fun. As a man of years 66 years🥴 I'm so glad I eventually copped onto your channel. You have blown away so many myth's you have taught me so much about vintage components it has lifted my hi fi system to a level that belies it's cost. Of course I would love to have thousands to spend and chase perfection but by listening to your advice at last I feel satisfied with my system that I can sit and enjoy the music. Keep up the good work Steve

[@stereoreviewx]

That’s great to hear thanks Steve

[@SunnySingh-tg2rg]

Hi, I agree with you on 14 of 15 things. But tone controls are necessary to certain extent to easily fade out room correction or if you have too much bass or too much highs you can.

[@andru2625]

This is the one thing that you should not correct using tone controls. If you have too much of too little bass or highs, it means that your system has issues and you need to address those. Tone controls usage are like sweeping dust under carpet.

[@ENGLISHISBEST]

No. No. No. Your using excuses. Don't tamper with the tones.

[@kiwimjr]

Excellent advice. Very much appreciate your fifteen points and I am saving your video so that I can watch it again when I need to refer to the advice. Thank you.

[@renebels7896]

There is something very credible and honest about this guy. Never overstating, never postulating nor pretending to know too much - but always giving valuable information’s and opinions, letting you know which is which. Great !

[@stereoreviewx]

Thanks mate appreciated K

[@utube4andydent]

Switch cleaner is a great tip. I also use it on the turntable head shell. It makes a big improvement. Great video thank you for sharing. Signal path where your sound is coming from and how you listen and what you listen to sums up all these great tips.

[@Diatonic5th]

Excellent video!! it took me a few years to realize that I hate ruler flat reproduction of music. A little EQ is almost always needed in my opinion. Agreed on your point regarding room acoustics as well. My system completely changed for the better after I added a rug, curtains, and diffuser panels to my room. I would say that room acoustics are responsible for around 70% of the overall sound of a system.

[@ENGLISHISBEST]

No equalizer its just a money spinner gadget. They didn't spend days in the studio for you to change the tones.

[@InconsistentTechDad]

@@ENGLISHISBEST Okay… and you know for sure that every single home audio setup just happens to be producing the EXACT same thing they were dialing in at the studio?

[@nicholasdeem1016]

So much truth in this video, I’m a 50 year veteran audiophile as well, your spot on the $ , I have had some awful pre amplifiers that have made kept speakers from really singing, I love the tube combo pre amps, they can really add the final icing on the cake.

[@paulkerr9128]

Great, honest, down to earth advice as always. Thanks. Enjoyed the video.

[@RonRivet]

You and I have been in this fun hobby for around the same amount of time. I started when I was 13yrs old here in Canada in 1976. I have played around with many brands of gear and components over the years and now, since I am retiring, I am content with my current setup which except for my Audio Research SP14 preamp and REL sub, all my gear is used Rega gear. Rega Exon 3 mono blocks, Rega RS5 speakers, P6 turntable, Ania Pro mc cart, Rega DAC R, Rega Apollo CD and Ear headphone amp. My headphones are Sennheiser 6XX. Thanks for posting! Most informative and enjoyable.

[@willielangoor4369]

my advise that you like the sound , save you money and keep what you got

[@davidkerr4374]

Enjoyed your vid. Great tips from your many years. REally liked the one about using your ears and enjoying the music over the specs or power of a system. Thankyou

[@paulshepherd1805]

Great advice without doubt, but I’m pleased to say I’m now a ‘healed’ Audiophile after 30 years! I’ve done away with my expensive speakers, leaving behind a more than adequate invisible ‘wife friendly’ multi speaker Sonos system in lounge which admittedly sounds great 👍🏻 I now listen to a quality headphone setup ‘on occasion’ instead when I want full on Audiophile music streamed to my ears, so much more revealing! Upstairs I have a modern all-in-one QUAD system with S1s also with headphones. I now don’t worry about upgrades, positioning, interconnects etc etc.. I just ‘play & enjoy the music’. Recommended!!

[@Rob1972Gem]

Rule 15 the rule most KZbin Audiophile's forget BUT NOT THIS CHANNEL love the music great video i love vintage Amps and speakers i just picked up a pair of Mordaunt Short Pageant Series 2 Speakers for £15 at a local second hand shop and they sound great very musical

[@doplinger1]

A lot of what we buy is because of our budget limitations, which is sort of what you said. Over the weekend I just pick up (from the ORIGINAL owner) a Yamaha CR-600 and two BIG speakers for $300, all in excellent condition. The speakers I'm certain are ones you've never heard of - Audiocoustics Laboratory XR-310F - a "house brand" speaker sold by a high end audio store here in Indianapolis, designed to compete with Advent at the time. Very well built and they really pack a punch!

[@philbarone4603]

Finally a guy I like who's not getting kickbacks.

[@stereoreviewx]

I know I must be crazy

[@philbarone4603]

@@stereoreviewx I'm just like you in my business and I may not have a lot of money but I've managed to keep my integrity. Thank you for your contributions.

[@johnadair6108]

Love your joy and enthusiasm for the hobby. Keep it up :)

[@SUde-vd1qo]

Good advice, Calvin. A must view for anyone looking to scratch that itch!

[@malcolmlittler9408]

If you are dipping your toe into the complex world of Hi-Fi I would recommend you watch this video several times and take it all in. This is a person sharing years of experience for your benefit. Great video 😊

[@stereoreviewx]

Thanks for that!

[@bonsai03449]

“You may be trying to get sound out of a room you’ll never get.” -really well said. Thanks for sharing your passion, experience & wisdom.

[@richclips]

Nice, as usual. I like small speakers, I like tall speakers 😃 in fact I like all kinds of speakers, I always a couple of systems set up. My main system, tone control free. My integrated second system, a receiver with tone controls, sometimes a little added colour is what's called for, especially with some rough old recordings 😃 speaker placement, yes, keeping things right yes. For me the speakers are the most important part... If your speakers are letting the side down, then no matter what sits upstream of them, you'll only realize parts of its delights! Get the speakers that you really enjoy and then a decent amo, and you'll find tons of source components that are pretty great. Love your videos Kelvin

[@greymurdock2]

Find a good match is so true! I’ve spent hours trying different combos and have found some excellent pairings. And found some that don’t blend. But that’s part of the fun of this hobby. Great video Thanks for sharing

[@capoislamort1613]

Thank you! Great suggestions love the idea of pairing old with new. I have been thinking of pairing some AR9 speakers with an Adcom GFA-5802 Power Amp Cheers!🥂🎩

[@trekjudas]

My source is a very highly regarded piece of gear! It’s been almost universally praised and it’s probably THE top manufacturer of its field! I didn’t want to believe that it was actually the weak link in my system!

[@jim586]

Was it?

[@trekjudas]

@@jim586 Well, it wasn't before but now that I've upgraded my amp and speakers so much it is now.

[@briancampbell7712]

I know they're big speakers but...don't forget the vintage Spendor S100 speakers😁...and yes I do belive a mix of vintage and a modern pre amp does wonders to your vintage gear...as always, love that Lava lamp in the backround✨

[@stereoreviewx]

Funny thing, if I was ever gonna sell a product on my channel, it’s probably the lava lamp 😅

[@briancampbell7712]

@@stereoreviewx 🤣

[@newsigmundfreud3023]

*EVERYTHING said here is great advice and very helpful. Eye opening indeed. THANK YOU.*

[@stevezeidman7224]

Always love the content. Please keep them coming. Love the vintage / modern mix idea. I’m kinda opposite using vintage McIntosh with modern speakers, Dac, streamer. Sometimes tone controls can be very helpful. Speakers (especially modern) that are bright can truly be helped by a little intervention.

[@edwardmm737]

I'm no expert but I just recently got to a point in building my system where I am completely blown away by the sounds I'm getting. Ecstasy. And I did it on a relatively tight budget ( 400€). Started with a pretty decent Technics direct drive turntable (80), then Marantz 2225L Amp (180), and then this last weekend picked up two Audio Research 2AX speakers (150). For 400€ my life is changed. It feels like the musicians are in my living room playing for me. Unbelievable feeling. Possibly the best 400€ I've ever spent. Great video, thanks! 2 little tips to add maybe for people who want records : 1. really take the time to set up / adjust your record player correctly. 2. Fight dust like a madman.

[@johns6256]

What a great video. Applies to both who have been in this hobby for ages and anyone just coming into it. These little things are often overlooked.

[@BadMonkeyFinger_Audio]

Gave you a thumbs-up right off the bat b/c of your very first point. Correct positioning is, in my opinion, the biggest factor in achieving good sound quality, aside from the room itself (which is the biggest factor). And now I'm off to watch the rest of your tips. :) (I'm an oldie, too - I have 40 years of audiophilia under my belt, but I'm always open to what other audiophiles have to say). Cheers from Toronto, Canada!

[@gerontius3]

Every single tip is on the money. All great advice. Thanks Kelvin!

[@stereoreviewx]

Thanks mate

[@MrDoc55]

Great presentation! Love the advice about experimenting. Also, the comment about mixing vintage and new gear. Thanks!

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

Very wise common sense words. I have just subscribed and will be enjoying watching your videos, thank you.

[@barlow2976]

Well said. Your most important point was the last. Enjoy what you have, and enjoy the music. My (mainly used) gear cost less than £1k, but from the moment I switch it all on I am filled with joy. I know there is loads of room for improvement but until I'm ready to upgrade I don't even want to hear systems I can't afford, I feel that will just detract from what I've got right now. Too many people just want,want, want and never take the time to enjoy what they've got. There also seems to be a good deal of boasting and arguing going on at the forums, I wonder if they have time to listen to music, or indeed are actually into it.

[@jimmyjoejeeter2366]

With living in a small studio apartment, I put my Pioneer speakers on the arms of my over stuff loveseat, and point the speakers towards me! I don't have to have it turn up very loud to hear the separation and it is better than listening to headphones! The sound is probably lower that when I play my tv.

[@Billfish57]

This guy is right on. Since I was 16, when I bought my first real system, I got the idea that it's about a system and needs to match or the weakest link would bring down the whole thing to that lowest level of SQ. Later you can upgrade something like a processor or speakers but then you will have a good idea what difference it makes. It's going to cost a lot to get great sound and that's a fact of life. Hobbies are not cheap, boating, photography, flying, motorcycles and cars all cost a bundle to have nice stuff, stereos are the same. I can't live with out great sound and never have. I love this guys assessment of how to build a system, he's right on. The only thing I used to say different from him is about the speakers, I always said they produce the sound to your ears and no system can sound better than you speakers, so buy the best ones you can afford at the time and then upgrade from a receiver to separates later, turntable to a CD player and the cartridge was more important than the turntable, I used to say the two most important things are what pick up the signal and what put it out, the wires and amps and processors can all be upgraded to match those later. But it's really a system and it can take years to afford the whole thing.

[@andyhorobin1605]

Excellent as always Kelvin just to add ensure your speakers are in phase especially if cables are not coded and swap them regularly to ensure they sound the same.

[@D1N02]

Great advice Kelvin. You really gave me a head start with the Sansui Au-317 and the 331

[@johnnytoobad7785]

I've been mixing (re-built) vintage, new and home-built for 10+ years now. It's really not all that hard to do with some basic knowledge of electronics. But I disagree with you on EQ's. If they are properly adjusted to the room acoustics (with a test record) they can be a huge benefit. The biggest issue with "vintage" EQ's are the (inferior) quality of the legacy Op-amps used. That's what ruins the "depth" of the image more so than the EQ settings. DeOxit is good stuff !

[@andrewthemusicalbear1034]

Really good to hear from you that we should focus on music instead of equipment, big money don't mean big pleasure. Have a good time buddy.

[@johnnypea43]

This was the first video of yours I've seen and maybe the most relatable I have come across in the audiophile sphere. I appreciate the thoughtful, simple insights and observations and overall you've summed up what I've sort of arrived at myself. In a landscape where people are so opinionated and sure they're right about everything, it's refreshing to hear a someone say essentially "If it sounds good to you, you're probably winning!". That;'s tough to argue. So thanks for that.

[@eugenefudge1883]

You know you have arrived when you think the musicians are in the room with you. Very few systems can do that.

[@MichelLinschoten]

I had a audio engineer visit me once, he was buying a set of speakers of me. He listened to my main set up , long story short. He spend already 8k on gathering the same gear I run 😂

[@bikemike1118]

Love listening to this London dude 😍. Very good information!

[@greymurdock2]

I agree with what you said about prioritizing on a better amp rather then speakers . A good amp goes a long way.. Same for guitar players. I’d rather have a 800 dollar amp and 300 dollar guitar then 800 dollar guitar and a 300 dollar amp. Some might disagree but that’s what I’ve come to learn.

[@seafarer9553]

Thank you Kelvin. As a beginner in vintage hifi I've learned loads from your videos. I have a set now with NAD and Celestion gear which cost a pittance and sounds brilliant.

[@stereoreviewx]

That’s £1000 you saved Mines a pint 😀

[@robinkleinsteuber5217]

Thanks for the video. You're right. In my many years of listening, it really is all about the music. 🙂🎶🎶🎶

[@myu4039]

Super advice! Rotating woofers is an important tip for vintage speakers. Also, some vintage era speakers just don't sound right with CDs

[@Harald_Reindl]

will that nonsense about vinyl sounding good never stop? bad dynamics, noise and a terrible frequency curve and when only that sounds good the speakers are crap

[@hugobloemers4425]

Very cool advice, some of it unorthodox like speakers last but it makes sense. There is a lot of wisdom in these years of experience.

[@nicksundby]

I've watched hundreds of hifi videos on KZbin and this is the best one.

[@xcvbxcvb2179]

Agree on all but the tone controls. Done right and used with moderation tone controls can save a bad recording and make a net benefit. When not in use just push the direct/bypass button and go pure. Just bought a pair of really good speakers and they reveal all the shortcomings in my other gear and the shifting quality in power supply. Great speakers don't automaticly mean great sound. Great source and amp always add to a net positive.

[@stereoreviewx]

Agreed

[@patthewoodboy]

the Lava lamp is the key to great sound :-)

[@stereoreviewx]

It’s a Mackintosh lave lamp

[@stevezeidman7224]

Kelvin, You’ve been uncharacteristically absent. I hope all is well! Looking forward to your return.

[@richardmanning4090]

Always welcome a new video being posted by you and make a point of watching at the earliest opportunity. This one well up to standard, thank you! Rule 15 agreed! The music is the most important thing, hifi should be just a tool to get to listen it. However, hobbyists such as golfers, fisherman, photographers, hikers, cyclists to go on, seem to spend at least as much time talking about gear as the pursuit itself. Hifi certainly not on its own there. Don’t actually have an answer except to say the best is the enemy of the good. If a system is “good enough” then you should be happy, at least for a while, to sit, listen and enjoy. Not you though Kevin, you have more videos in you.

[@garethparr9482]

Brilliant kelvin boy you no your stuff and speak so much sense. Brilliant

[@26Jorgeb]

Thanks kelvin! You make us music lovers smile

[@willielangoor4369]

Great advice , l spent so much money of chancing perfection, could of bought another house. got so frustrated that lt put me off with my life time Hobby. So now l have what sound good at the time and leave it at that. Now l love my music

[@stereoreviewx]

Yes all those magazines and reviews get you going most times they don’t deliver

[@SuspiciousAra]

Love and respect! Thank you and happy listening.

[@mikecuell5030]

Futility of chasing watts. Never a truer word spoken . I keep going back to my Sugden A21a - 20 watts per channel of sublime sound.

[@blackcatsarenopussies]

Have the 21SE. Both fantastic amps

[@sbwlearning1372]

I like to" feel "music sometimes 20 watts not cutting it with my floor standing Ruarks In 40 years of listening my true wow moment was the introduction of a 600 wpc power amp. This power amp gave me a new CD player Turntable and Speakers. I'll miss quote him "If you want a big sound get a big amp and big speakers" 😁

[@mikecuell5030]

@@sbwlearning1372 nice one

[@RennieAsh]

I have an a21a, in keeping it around because it looks so nice . Sounds good too though I still use my Yamaha most of the time. It's probably the technically better amp . The Sugden has a nice subjective balance of sound that's just right. Not too rolled off but smooth.

[@Chris-nd5se]

Thanks for enjoyable video. The only thing I would add is the extent to which the recording affects the sound, probably more than the equipment

[@robmills537]

Thanks Kelvin this is the best video I've ever seen just full of great advice on finding musical nirvana.

[@bryanmorgan758]

Buchard mark ii might be challenging your small bookshelf bit 😂 great video!

[@madhurk5350]

Great advice here, I got Klipsch Cornwall IV paired with NAIM Uniti Atom....old speakers with modern gear is a winning combination.

[@PlaybackMansion]

"I don't think the measuring devices needed have even been made to truly say when something sounds good" Hell Yeah

[@cliffg4437]

Of course, this is not quite right. They do exist. They are called Ears 😁

[@JarvisSpecial]

Great …great advice ..well delivered, I love the passion it so lovely to see someone really enjoy his hobby, the only problem is after listening to this advice I end up buying new or vintage gear 😂… how is he possibly getting thumbs down, some people are real spiteful, there should be no thumbs down, I watch loads of channels like this, I have been in to hifi for 40 years and I think this guy has one on the most realistic channels out there, I also love Steve Gutenberg … very similar but American, very passionate.. well done for the work on this channel you make my day when a new video comes up ❤️❤️

[@stereoreviewx]

Great to hear thanks Marcus

[@mattschmidt2164]

Loved this video. Especially the part about listen to your system for weak links. The corollary to this is, "when you get great sound, don't go changing things and mess it up".

[@stereoreviewx]

Yes I think if you’re relaxed and happy job done

[@ricmech9128]

Very informative and straight to the point.

[@danielmclaughlin8608]

Thanks for the tips. Was thinking about replacing my Linn 212 speakers. Took your advice and tightened every driver bolt I could access. Fantastic.

[@stereoreviewx]

I know I just did it today with my LS35A is is such a winner

[@2CoolNot2]

Thank you, enthusiastic & factual -- excellent advice! The Fives by Klipsch may not be the best sounding speaker but it IS the EASIEST to set up. Old TV can do nothing modern but a 12' optical worked the first time on a cheap laptop sending reg HDMI 25' playing KZbin live performances. Mindblowing!! (even though I don't have best set of eardrums)

[@guinnessharvey4476]

I could listen to this dude chat about hifi for hours. Subscribed:) 😎👍

[@ekovv6831]

tip number 4 made me happy. I'm currently waiting on a Yamaha A-S801 to pair with some ADS L810 speakers. I hope they mix well. This will be my first system.

[@jimreilly6933]

I hooked up a pair od 38 year old American Koss "dynamite" speakers to a 1970's Technics SU V76 integrated AMP the one with the built in fan inside the case. Then I added two more Technics surround speakers above me in my basement. Plus an old American subwoofer. The speaker cables were thirty years old also. It turned out to be as interesting and fun as my NAD C 326BEE integrated AMP hooked up to Canadian made Totem Mites and the Totem Storm subwoofer. Old can be excellent !