This will Surprise You! My Favorite Expensive Hifi Gear!

[@rodzilla47]

My current system - Topping Pre90 pre-amp; Buckeye 2 ch Purifi 1ET400A power amp; Lounge LCR MKIII phono pre-amp; Merason Frerot DAC/pow1 power supply; E.A.T. B Sharp turntable; Teac PD-505T CD transport. My current speakers are the Arendal 1961 towers. I plan to upgrade speakers in the next year to something around $3K. At 77 and retired, there won't be much more upgrading. I'm very happy with what I put together!

[@EvanCasteel-th2qs]

@@rodzilla47 Sounds like a great system!

[@h2ophilter]

RME DAC ADI2-> Cary SLP8-> Musical Fidelity PRX6s -> Tannoy XT8F. For vinyl i have a Music Hall Classic running through a Schiit Mani2. Might upgrade the phono, but don't feel I need to yet.

[@johngutmanis3580]

Hi Randy, I am a cheap minded Audiophile, I love your reviews! I hear you when it comes to meters! I own a McIntosh c50 preamp and a stupid heavy McIntosh mc352 power amp. I also own a carver crimson 275 tube amp and a pair of class D monoblocks. In all honesty I could live with any of the amps, they all sound great! The main reason I don’t sell the 352 for more than I paid for it is the stupid blue meters that look so cool, and the McIntosh vibe. I own 1980’s Klipsch La Scala’s with Crites crossovers and I also own Klipsch Heresy IV’s which I thought were going to be my final speakers until I scored the La Scala’s, the first speaker I bought five years ago, at a garage sale for 500 bucks and then I recently scored a second one for about 600 bucks. I was going to sell them for a profit, but after I listen to them, I was hooked. With old NHT subs, I marvel at the imaging and clarity and being there performance they give. I use the Heresy’s in the living room for TV duty hooked to an NAD C700, they sound great with a pair of REL Tzero subs. I put up with the 110 pound mc352 only because it looks so dam good!

[@ahuesphoto]

I enjoy your videos, keep up the good work!! My systems grow / evolve over time… The following is supposed to be a future iteration of my office system: Polk's R200 or Elac's Debut 3 bookshelves + SVS SB-1000 Non-pro subwoofer + Emotiva BasX A2 amplifier + Schiit (soon to be released) Valhalla 3 working as preamp / headphone amp + Geshelli J2S DAC + WiiM Pro Plus streamer & Sony X700M Blu-ray player. Building whole systems and finding synergy between components is fun! I also enjoy listening to the first 20-40 hours of each component and noticing the little steps as they “open-up” when brand new; those changes are not drastic or anything but they are enjoyable…

[@ethimself5064]

Being a Boomer of nostalgia a couple come to mind - The 1st digital receiver imported into N. America/Model forgotten. 130 clean WPC with huge heat sinks and the ESS AMT 3b Monitor Towers - In the US apparently called the Rock Monitors. The Heil Air Motion Transformer was spectacular and I found out lately it went down to 800Hz, Two 12 inch woofers - 1 active and the other passive. They had bridging for Bi Amping and a rotary knob at the back that would roll off the top end at 18db per notch I believe, frequency unknown - tried playing with a couple of time and gave up as the factory setup was just fine. The bass rolled off at 30Hz +/- 3 db and the shipping weight was 103 lbs each. One more I guess - A kenwood synthetic marble base(glass and resin) that came in at 35 lbs. Of special note it had commercial grade dampening feet/pads - no such thing as any rumble or feed back no matter how loud things got as in cracking a picture to the tune of 6 feet and we/wifey and I could watch a fair size solid oak coffee table move across the living room. Nothing else special cept the HPM 100's I had before this system. Although I have heard some really nice speakers at audio retailer's sound rooms. I almost bought a digital time delay with the Pioneer system, but glad not - very expensive and 2 more HPM 100's😱. Although the sound was very spatial and literally 3D.

[@thornwithin6195]

Appreciate the equipment you review. I find the price reasonable for most of the items you talked about!

[@brianconneranweig1772]

I have Parasound P6 preamp, A 23+ amp, JC3+ phono preamp44, Wiim Pro plus streamer running through an SMSL SU 8s dac. I have a Yamaha SACD transport and an Aiwa 3 head cassette deck. My turntable is a MoFi Ultra Deck with Denon DL 103 moving coil cartridge. My speakers I just love. At $1600 a pair my Martin Logan Motion XT B100 really reach into much more expensive bookshelves, like Bowers and Wilkins or Focal. I have put more money than I ever thought I would into my primary system, but I don't regret any of it when I want to just immerse myself in music. My first components definitely were so.e.of the budget products you recommended when you were starting out with your channel.

[@jefffeith4201]

This was probably my favorite video you have done! Not very cheap components, LOL. But you introduced me to gear I’ve never heard of so thanks for that. If you have more than one I think it’s important to have a reference system. It’s the one you love most… the one you splurged on. The second system is where you want value for cheap. I’m fortunate to have three systems. Two could be considered my dream system - they are similar but different and live in different parts of the house. Upstairs is a Dennis Had tube amp connected to Klipsch Heresy IVs. A Topping AKM DAC hard wired to an iPad is a super convenient source. I’m considering a Schiit Lokius to enhance the sound and may treat myself for my next birthday. I’ve wanted this amp and speakers for a long time and finally reached a point to afford them. Downstairs is a Cary Audio tube amp and preamp connected to Dahlquist DQ20 speakers. An Anthem tube CD player spins my 1000+ CD collection. I built this system over time in the 1990s (used gear to make it cheapah) and it still sounds great today. Totally different sound and experience from the upstairs system. I love them both for the perspectives they offer. A third system is a much more modest Musical Paradise tube amp connected to NHT speakers. Under $500! I stream music with an iPad or iPhone and with the push of a button I am watching TV/movies with great sound. I consider this setup a bit flawed. It doesn’t sound like the other two but it still sounds very good. A great thing about this hobby is you have so many options and can buy what you want. Researching what to get is part of the experience and YOU make that even more fun.

[@ginom407]

We all have our End Game gear list. Yours is more reasonable than mine when it comes to speakers. I'm in love with the Open Baffles I heard at Capital Audio Fest. But for now I love the speakers I have. Great video Randy!!!👍👍👍

[@connorduke4619]

Speakers? Dynaudio all the way, it's not even close! Bookshelves: Dynaudio Evoke 10, Floorstanders: Dynaudio Evoke 50. Why? They excel across the full frequency spectrum: clean detailed but never harsh treble, natural mids that make piano and vocals sound like they should, very punchy bass (especially if paired with a high current amp such as Rotel 1572 MkII).

[@francescotenti193]

Randy, being born not too far from here the Unico Primo amp is built you're killing me with your pronunciation! Great video!

[@haydendoan7691]

Yes, the equipment list was a bit on the pricey side but I didn't think Randy went off anywhere near the deep end. If anything, I thought they represented great value points of what you can get for your hard earned money. These equipment last a long time and if you enjoy them everyday, the cost would be totally worth it. To me, what's expensive, for example, is a full-house generator that sits there for most of the years and would only be used a few times. Cheers!

[@pseudoscientist8010]

Nvidia makes thee best GOUs in the world, releasing better every two years, and they are lowering prices. Audio has the high end watch virus, thinking their stuff is great! All BS! And over priced.

[@ungarlinski7965]

I love this vid. You turned me on to the Advance Paris A10. But I'm not in love with the digital text it displays. O/w, it's perfect. Now I am going to take a long hard look at the Unico Prime. You also turned me on to the Michell and the Pro-Ject S2 phono pre-amp. Incredible. Thank you! Speakers. I love the Andrew Jones floor-standing Pioneers as my "cheap" speakers. Expense no object, then the Mo-Fi SourcePoint 888's. Or the if-I'm-a-millionaire Klipsch La Scalas.

[@Sparklepony]

I want that Advance Paris, too.

[@johngutmanis3580]

I have 1980’s La Scala’s that I got cheap,installed Crites crossovers, honestly with subs I think I would have to spend 20,000 or more to get a better sounding speaker. Don’t think you have to buy a brand new Lascala to get 90 to 95% of the performance he’ll get with a 1980s version for cheap.

[@kevinbehnke7149]

Moving up to the JBL HDI 1600 this week from the Wharfedale Diamond 225. Should be a big upgrade..excited!

[@ufarkingicehole]

Will be more open/transparent on the top end

[@afishkind12]

Well … thank you Randy for introducing me to affordable audio. Using a Douk Audio ST-01 Pro, a Schitt Modi 3E DAC, and a pair of vintage Polk Model 7s out of my computer from Tidal/Qobuz. I love it and I’m enjoying near field listening. Thank you for all your help over the years and it’s been wonderful to watch your on air personality change so much over time into a true KZbin star. Good luck in the future just not enough "cheap" audio to make so many videos. Your future's so bright you gotta wear shades.

[@PCRoss2469]

What I have, and I'm happy with. pre-amp - Vincent SV236 (integrated but only used as a pre); Power Amp - Musical Fidelity KW750; Turntable Rega Planar 3; Speakers B&W 802D2 ; DAC Chord Chordette - Everything purchased 2nd hand except the T/T

[@JohnScheppler]

Great information on the best items you have reviewed. Wish you would have covered some near field gear, but maybe next video.

[@johncallaghan3097]

To those few cynics out there, I'd support Randy's occasional forays into slightly more expensive audio gear. Why? Because if he didn't make them -- and instead only reviewed/owned cheaper stuff -- how would he be able to speak reasonably about relative quality? Speaking for myself, I'd feel less inclined to trust his judgement if all he listened to was cheap as chips. Which is why I listen more these days to his videos. If you really listen, behind all the jollity, there's quite often some genuinely useful insight that you may not be able to get elsewhere. Just my tuppence worth, folks.

[@vwr32jeep]

There’s a point where influencers move from honest, struggling content creators to salesmen for the products they “review”. It’s tried and true progression into higher success on KZbin… but it comes at the cost of a real review. Randy’s videos are great to hear about the function and price of gear. Beyond that, the “reviews” seem to gravitate towards pleasing the manufacturers so they keep sending products. The real reviews happen in the comment sections and forums.

[@johncallaghan3097]

@@vwr32jeep Agreed, but not quite sure where you'd position Randy. IMHO, he's prepared more often than most to give a negative review regardless of the price ranges he deals with. It's another reason I'd say to place a degree of trust in his judgements. And one can always triangulate against reviews by others of the same gear, of course.

[@vwr32jeep]

@@johncallaghan3097 He’s caught quite a bit of heat for relentless clickbait video titles and hyperbole in his reviews. Each “giant killer” turns out to be slight upgrades to whatever new product is being released. The “negative” comments are usually more like wishlists for what he already calls awesome. But it’s his channel and he can do as he pleases. I’ve listened to him (and others by the way), lead me towards EPIC gear, only to be fairly disappointed in mediocrity. Let’s look at reality… he heralds low cost gear as ground breaking, industry changing, giant-killing products all the time. But we both know what he has for his personal setup. Honesty doesn’t bring sponsorships or review products from Fosi, Aiyama, Douk, etc. The B roll. The royalty free music. The gushing reviews for mediocre products. It’s like some successful influencer put out a how-to-be-like-me manual that every KZbin influencer adheres to. I liked it at first, but it’s a bit monotonous. By all means, if being influenced is your thing then you should watch it. But follow it up with some real reviews from ppl who spent their hard earned money on the product.

[@johncallaghan3097]

@@vwr32jeep Being influenced isn't my thing, specially with Randy's channel because some of my gear tends to be off the beaten track, including homebuilt open baffle speakers -- in total my main system is equivalent to around £8K (c $10.5K). I don't listen to be "influenced", but just out of interest and for comparison with other reviewers. And to be entertained, of course. I think you're a little too hard on him. As KZbin reviewers go, IMHO he's doing a reasonably competent job and his listeners aren't all mindless drones, but can exercise discrimination. Arguably there are technically better reviewers like A British Audiophile, New Record Day, SoundNews and so on, but I can't help liking Randy's channel despite what he HAS to do to earn a living. IOW, I'm inclined to give him a break.

[@vwr32jeep]

@@johncallaghan3097 You say you’re not into being influenced, but then list other channels that are technically better. What would it look like if you were into being influenced? lol. I admit I might be being harsh though. I’m not like you with a five figure stereo set up. The bulk of my equipment comes from Good Will. If I come here looking for an honest review and then make purchases based him overhyping mediocrity… I feel there’s at least some justification for me (or anyone) having my same position. No? I guess when you don’t have money to throw away on misleading “reviews”, it leaves a bitter taste for the source of that information. And ppl looking for advice from the CheapAudioMan might need that information to be a bit more honest.

[@jasonarsenault3791]

Great work Randy. Highly entertaining and educational and making me realize how little I know 🤦‍♂️😂

[@Kappafied]

I have run a fair few speakers, from PMC to Monitor to Klipsch… but the ones I want most all, for how I listen now… Zu Soul 6. I don’t listen “critically” to music, I don’t need to see in my mind how many inches from the singer the cellist was sitting during recording; I want to have fun.

[@gamelovers11223]

I love this channel and have been following it almost from day one. But I have to say: Randy, you have so much more to experience, especially in Hi End. Well, my cost no object products are as follows: Speakers: Legacy Audio Aeris Power Amp: two McIntosh 1200 watt monoblocks Preamp: McIntosh C53 DAC: PLAYBACK DESIGNS MPD-8 CD transport: many options, Rotel RCD-1572 mk2 is just one of them Turntable: Technics SL-1210G

[@colmandonnelly1550]

Hi there Nice selection of kit. Before my favourites, the Audiolab CD Transports are excellent options at 3 prices, I have the 6000 in my bedroom system. My main system is a hybrid AV/Stereo system based around a Marantz processor AV8802A. But the pieces I'll never replace.....Michelle GyroSE with TecnoArm, Koetsu, Benz Micro & Denon cartridges, through a Whest Audio phono stage ( a small British company), PS Audio M700 power amps to Wilson Benesch ACT One speakers (second hand) supplemented by a REL S510 & Aperion AMT super tweeters.

[@rickyoung436]

Canton Reference 7k speakers. Incredible full range sound, great looks & build quality, and state of the art cabinet construction. Finding them in the US is the challenge. They sound twice as large as their physical size with very high, distortion free spl.

[@givemethejob3293]

What is state of the art cabinet construction? Genuine question.

[@tcalixto4v]

I use the Sunrise Lab Audio integrated amplifier and phono stage with excellent results. DAC is from Gold Note. Turntable by Acoustic Signature.

[@welderfixer]

For my income "cost no option" speaker would be either the Solstice MLTL kit from Parts Express with custom crossovers built by a long retired audio gear engineer I met this spring or the latest tower kit from CSS Audio. Electronics would be Emotiva, McIntosh for breaking the bank or vintage Conrad Johnson.

[@ufarkingicehole]

Nice. The morel drivers in the kit individually cost more than the entire kit

[@peterbaugh51]

Thank you for revealing your honest choice of speakers! I am not one to pay for jewelry on my speakers. I want my speakers to look decent and sound fantastic. And I know personally that I can spend 10 times more on speakers and not get a better sound. But they would be pretty and flashy and look good in a little black dress when taken out to dinner to impress my friends... NOT 😊. Thanks for the video.

[@ptpoul]

My dream system, in my small room: Gallo Acoustics strada speakersin a 5.1 setup, powered by a Lyngdorf mp40 and play around with different amp options. Subs would be 4 lyngdorf BW-3 boundary woofers. Back corners would have custom bass traps. Acoustic curtains on pne side and slat acoustic wall on the other side plus diffusion on the back wall.

[@claudiofrancisco9278]

Thank you for all the excellent info that you provide a fan of channel I really appreciate it, possible that you can create a video explaining how to connect that type of set up that you have

[@stevedeharde2712]

Thanks Randy! I always enjoy your take and taste in music. I had the Emotiva DR2. I liked it until I heard it compared to the Benchmark AHB2. I gave up up about 4 to 5 db in ultimate headroom, but I can always get another and bridge them. It was a startling difference. Much better low level detail and much better soundstage depth. I use a Kaya preamp.

[@hartsickdisciple]

I'm running a pair of Tekton Lores paired with an Emotiva PT1 and an Adcom GFA-535. I think it's tough to beat for the price. You don't need a sub with these speakers, but I got a deal on a Klipsch RP-1000SW, so it's there for movies.

[@GrayWolfe-34]

I just appreciate you being honest Randy, no matter how much it cost. You can't do everything cheap. Sometimes you got to do stuff that suspense plus I like seeing it sometimes anyway, I can at least look at it. Lol

[@ahuesphoto]

You can also listen to them at local meets and audio shows

[@pnichols6500]

Really like my Parasound Hint 6 amp/preamp, Have the JC3+ as well and it's fantastic. Have an Ultradeck as well, but moved it to my 2nd system and upgraded to a VPI Signature 21 turntable with a Hana Umami Red cartridge on my main system. So I know your system sounds good!

[@mehmetcamat4458]

my system consist of KEF R3 Meta Speakers powered by Hegel H190 amplifier and KEF KC62 Sub. My streamer is WiiM Pro and my DAC is a Gustard R26. The sound is 3D holographic and the imaging is pretty nice

[@winstonmcgill6667]

I love the ZU Dw6's. Sound fantastic and not crazy expensive

[@EvanCasteel-th2qs]

I completely agree. I’d like to see Randy review these.

[@michaelsparrow4798]

@cheapaudioman: I'm confused why you specify the Advance Paris as your unbalanced choice. If I'm not mistaken, both the AP and the Emotiva have both balanced and unbalanced inputs. Am I missing something? Perhaps the distinction is more about power output than signal inputs?

[@markleung3928]

Cost no object speaker: JBL Paragon. I got to listen to one in a Jazz club in Japan (Matsuyama). It was like having warm honey poured into my ears.

[@jeffm1806]

Favorite expensive gear: the Sony HAP-Z1ES into a Nagra PL-P preamp, a pair of Halcro DM-68 amplifiers, driving a set of Vivid Audio B1s. Only have managed to grab one of these so far...

[@spirosk7984]

You should also check Atoll IN200 and IN300 amps....exceptional quality of materials, superb feel and assembly as well as so much real power that you can drive almost any speaker...Made in France and extremely reasonably priced

[@luxlamf]

A friend just replaced his Focal Scala"s (wanted the Maestros but wouldn't fit down the hallway to his room) with the Radio TD3.8's..... They are something when he also added to his set up six REL Carbon Specials, and the tube ARC 160M Mk2’s,

[@terryhu57]

I’m in process of building my perfect system. I’m just now raising money for my power amp but I’m using a class d until then. I have the denon 900ne CD player. The Vincent SV 500 integrated amp using the preamp to go to a VTV 400 with spark op amps. The VTV will be replaced by the Vincent SP332 power amp. The Vincent equipment is much like the Unico being the first 20 watts are class A before A/B kicks in. High power with a tube buffer and VU meters. I’m using a Music Hall Stealth turntable with a ortofon blue cartridge. Again soon to go to black. Using the Vincent 500 phono stage. I have the REL T/5 subwoofer with Quad S-2 bookshelves.

[@davidfowler2720]

I'm sure the Q Acoustics speakers are nice, but based on the other components in the system, I would get speakers from Revel, Sonus Faber, Martin Logan, B&W or other similar brands for about 5-9K/pair.

[@aitchr8770]

I lurve what you have done here. You big hunk of Cheap Audio man

[@kl9941]

I am actually very pleased with the Wiim Mini connected to the Denafrips Pontus II into the Rogue Sphinx v3 integrated amp. After being obsessed with the never ending seeking perfection bug, I realized after going to a few hi-fi shows that I am "good." The only plan is to add a second set of speakers to my current Magnepan MG12s/Rythmik dual sub L12's setup. Saving my dollars for the Kef Reference 1 Metas should they ever go on sale. Otherwise probably just the Wiim Pro for the Mini to access the room correction. Nothing else......for now.

[@mbvx7]

Stereophile reviewed a Unison Research Integrated Many years ago, and they agree with you. Really great list. Do you think the Unison Research is better than the Emotiva PT1 and BasX A2?

[@blinkingmanchannel]

I'm just pushing my sense of the expected with this question... What about the Gishelli DAYZEE directly out XLR to a monoblock amp for each speaker? (I'm thinking of fosi V3 mono.) ... this would drive four speakers and allow me to focus my money on the op amps to get sweet sweet sounds... right? But I'm wondering about the "magic factor"...? If I go with Unico Primo, I'll have to step back a little to Gishelli J2. So I think I'm asking you for confirmation or redirect of my guess that focusing my budget on the Dayzee is the wisest path to magic...? (The wiim Ultra is waiting in its box for me to figure out my "max magic" decision... I realize the fosi monoblocks are just clean power. Neither adding nor taking away...)

[@m4nc1n1]

I just bought the Cinema 30 - $4500, Cinema 70s - $1200, and the M1- $1000, so I am good with it, lol. My whole house (HT, Livingroom, and Bedroom) is Marantz now!

[@gregsoucie]

Love my KEF R3 metas. But really enjoyed your recommend other gear.

[@Rockruio]

KEF is the way to go for great directivity and low distortion, hard to beat those R3.

[@ethimself5064]

Just got a Notification that appears to be ironic - Legendary Montreal music hall ordered to stop making noise neighbours can hear🤣

[@thomasalexand]

Woke neighbours?

[@ethimself5064]

@@thomasalexand Oh ya and more. What it showed was some kind of head banging band - just a banging away. Search for this/CBC - Type it in the search bar

[@efrensanchez1243]

I have a pair of Lintons, with a Cambridge AXR100. I’m looking for an amp upgrade and saw your video on the Único, Do you think it will be a good match for the Lintons? I’m was also thinking to buy a Technics SU-g700. Thanks

[@jeffreymayer8550]

Speakers would be Cornwalls or if I had the room Klipschorn. I have always wanted to have a pair of Magnepans as well. I'm happy with my CD player and love my Technics 1500 turntable, but would love to jump up to a 1200. Nakamichi decks to replace my Yamaha's. I'm also happy with my Adcom 5500 Amp and matching pre-Amp. It's old, but still sounds great and can drive anything. I've been toying around with getting a Dayton Audio HTA 200 on my second system in my office that is powered by a Yamaha receiver... But I've never had a tube Amp, even a hybrid, so I don't really want to drop $400 on something I'm not sure about... Especially when I have money to be spending on my Firebird's and saving for some Cornwalls!

[@kjaristabusch6901]

Fuffy?

[@jim010109]

I'm pretty happy with my system, Parasound amp, Rotel Pre Amp, Geshelli Dac, and Wiim Pro Plus. So that just leaves speakers. I would have to narrow down to either the Klipsch Cornwalls, Linton Dovedales, the flag ship SVS speaker, sorry the name escapes me. KEF R11 meta's would be interesting as well. Great video.

[@phatjbl]

Randy you can aim as cheap or expensive as you like. I like Unico too. There is not enough mention of the surprisingly good middle ground. Today you can buy heaps of good gear for $1500 and under . I'm a Yamaha and Rotel fan in the sensible category. For a bit more ide look at Adcom and Michi. In the top teir it would be Gryphon anything from their amps dacs to the speakers. Subs JL Fathom no question. Each to their own.

[@-syN]

surprised you didn't pick the prodigy1 for the nearfield, love those speakers!

[@ptpoul]

Only used stuff: Lyngdorf TDAI 1120 stresming amp with room correction and bass management, gallo strada speakers, xtz 12.17 edge amp and room treatment! Good room correction is amazing

[@reserva120]

There’s No Such as Used Audio hi fi Factory- so very stupid.

[@ptpoul]

@@reserva120 😅

[@Sparklepony]

A few weeks ago on a livestream you were saying if you budget about $1k per year in good equipment, you’d be pretty happy. And this video is proof of that!

[@jukingeo]

Setting $1k as an absolute cap per item in your sound system would probably be a good value to shoot for in putting a system together long term like that. However, there are quite a few items that Randy brings forth that are unrealistic and unnecessary. I mentioned this in my opinion to what I took away from this post.

[@Sparklepony]

@@jukingeo I don’t know that anything is “unnecessary” here. It depends on your priorities. I never thought I’d want a power amp because integrated amps with DACs are easier. But then I changed my mind and I love my collection of little DACs.

[@whome8192]

Homemade E34L, 6 watt tube amp, Polk R700 speakers, any cd player, blue sound node, Geshelli lab Daisy dac, $300 Audio Technica turntable, Ear 384P phono preamp, and pair of 70 watt 10” subs from NHT vintage early 1990’s or any similar sub based on Peerless SLS woofers. Almost there. Just need the second sub and my system is done. I have the SVS 1000 Pro…sounds like a sub, does not blend with stereo for good audio…just bass for movies. Lately listening to Dub music with no subs, just 6 watts driving the Polks.

[@WildManDanWMD]

Im saving this video to watch and critically appraise its value to both objectives. Can I find quality performance in my budget while still enjoying those out of reach toys in the sears catalog.

[@kennethjrgensen2087]

Radiant Acoustics Clarity 6.2. New Danish brand, design by the top people from Denmark. It a fantastic bookshelf speaker.

[@iamnatis]

My current setup is probably my dream setup; Cambridge Audio CX stack (CXN v2, CXA81, CXC v2, and Alva TT with Sonus Faber Sonetto VIIIs, first generation.

[@filofilo8127]

Informative. Exposure pre/power , Project 2 xperience turntable with Ortofon Cadenza Blue MC through Project tube box ds phono amp. Vienna Acoustic Mozart SE speakers , Primare CD player. Have a look at this, will be relisting on the Australian stock exchange shortly. Audio Pixels Limited. May give you something to talk about in the future, interesting concept in speakers.

[@rickbrookes9491]

I was under the impression that the amp you “live with” on an everyday basis was the Advance Paris A10.

[@sylvio1980]

I’d like to hear your take on Harbeth speakers. Any chance you could grab a pair for review ?

[@twenty4seven368]

I love Harbeths too but he’s the CHEAP audio man lol.

[@richardstearns621]

Randy do you have a site in which you order the Unico Primo integrated amp?

[@itsvladzino3246]

‘If I want to listen to tapes’ - which you do do do, da da da - is all I want to say to you

[@soumynonareverse7807]

What if I'm searching for both music and a home cinema system. It may be expensive while not going bananas. My first thought would be to get a Denon 13.2 AV receiver and B&O or Klipsch speakers. But I don't know if that's my best option. What would you do as you're probably more into audio than I am?

[@tebbywafer1665]

No such thing as price no object, but here is my end game system. Grimm MU2 preamp, streamer, DAC. Audiaflight fl4 mono blocks . And magnapan 20.7x. This cost more than the last car I bought, but the sound moves me.❤😂🎉

[@BillDouglass-m9d]

Remember this is a hobby! Quit judging Randy just because you can't afford things that are not cheap. 😊

[@AndrewB23]

This comment screams out of touch elitist, his channel is literally called the cheap audio man there are plenty of cheap gear he could review but he doesn't want to because he gets free hifi now

[@ufarkingicehole]

​@AndrewB23 have you ever watched this channel before?

[@jukingeo]

I don't judge him personally. I think he is a great guy and he does a good job at reviewing. I also don't have a problem with him reviewing expensive gear, it just doesn't belong on the same channel where he reviews hi-fi gear that the average working Joe can afford. Not everyone is hemoraging cash out the anus, I am certainly not among those. Also, guys that review multi-thousand dollar items are a dime a dozen here on YT and it is hard to find a good fellow that is straight up and does a fair review on AFFORDABLE gear. So naturally it is upsetting that he is (lately) shifting his attention towards the expensive crap and posting it along with the affordable stuff.

[@BillDouglass-m9d]

Ive been watching Randy since he started, love his honesty and humor! I also follow Jay's Audio Lab even tho I can't afford his level of equipment. Remember it's a hobby😊

[@misterzero8667]

All the cheap stuff is the same ,it's been done to death ,just buy topping fosi and Winn and move on

[@A_Handle_2_Continue]

Isn't always about that last 10%? You can get the affordable, but how much does it creep into 92-95 percent perfect. I believe that any reviewer MUST have that extreme system to set the bar. Gotta say again that every single analog recording medium technology that I know of degrades with playback. Chasing that perfection is exhausting. I invest in music instead. Anything that sucks on my budget, gets in my way to acquire MORE music. I'm still of the opinion that you should get as high into that 90's percentile as you can, then buy or subscribe to more music. The MUSIC IS THE POINT. Get a hearing test, you can start to accept your limitations. Adjust your budget accordingly.

[@stevezeidman7224]

Very entertaining, Randy.

[@tylerflores4761]

Surprised the Arendal thx s monitors didnt make the list, If i could choose, Id send my gloss black arendals back & get the gloss white ones, & go with a Yamaha rn-2000. With matching cd player. Or keep the gloss black and do eversolo dmp-a8 with 2 Emotiva XPA -hc1s With dual svs sb-3000 pros.

[@thomasdix8453]

Great stuff, Randy!

[@bengleason508]

Thanks Randy

[@theoracleprodigy]

Love my system, way too much spent... I'd be curious about cheaper speakers though the svs ultra evolution, css audio collaboration with Jay or the Andrew Jones source point 888. The svs would be interesting because you could get a whole setup for theater with matching timber. Mine are the Focal 1038 be.

[@mikewebber3693]

love my Unico Primo, favorite amp I've ever owned

[@SeanMcSherryLancia]

Just wondering if anyone in the US use Tannoy speakers anymore? They where the go to speaker for studio monitors and sound amazing.

[@donfinnie3303]

I have the GoldenEar Triton 3. If cost were no object, I'd get the T66. Lots of reviews out there for those now. About $7000/pair.

[@middleearthltd]

I think every component you picked is a good/great value If I were starting over today I would get two components and simplify my life But I am way past that Marantz M1 at $1k Pearl Acoustic Sibelius Speakers $6k Done

[@ghn01]

My Arendal 1723 Tower Speakers are awesome value at £3,100.

[@denislemieux7294]

Headphones?

[@BeyondResolution]

Speakers for me are simple.. Egglestonworks Nico Evo.. such an underrated brand.. should be mentioned amongst wilsons and magico's.. far better than everything ells i have heard, and it's not a short list.. Superb speaker.

[@joeythedime1838]

Unico Primo, add the optional phono card for $200. Great phono stage for the price.

[@phil9593]

Haven't listened yet - I'm guessing the paris audio hooked up to the Sony sscs5.

[@HareDeLune]

Randy, I can tell you've never heard a Nakamichi cassette deck, because you don't own one. Seriously, there's a reason for their legendary status, and it doesn't matter that they haven't been made for forty years. Once you've heard one of those things, there's no going back. Speakers, for me, would have to be Gallo Strada's or Gallo a'Diva Ti's. For cost-no-object speakers that I've never actually heard? MBL Omnidirectional speakers (made in Germany).

[@geographyinaction7814]

I owned two, the Dragon, and the RX-505...both sounded amazing. Had a friend with a very nice TEAC as well.

[@HareDeLune]

@@geographyinaction7814 Those Dragons were no joke! Nice!

[@jonathanreich6360]

Aiwa was a good brand too. I had a Nakamichi tape deck.

[@blinkingmanchannel]

I’m breathing easier now. Thanks very much for this one!

[@theodorezurla496]

SVS ultra bookshelf allllll dayyyy 🔥🎶❤️

[@orwhat24]

I’ll say it again, I’m cheap I don’t buy cheap. But I love good value and cheap prices. I suspect Randy may be the same. Randy?

[@markorchard2272]

Why has Dali totally disappeared? They are my favourite!!

[@fredoswego]

I'll never get over the fact that if I buy a CD player/transport today I have to be careful to select one that plays gapless. Why is this even a worry? Are there actually audio engineers that go, "No, Dark Side of the Moon needs silent spots between tracks."

[@Pok-001]

Cheap may be a definitive amount for most. But Value is relative to price to performance and build quality. . If I had my dream system I would need my dream room first lol. End Game probably be jbl Everest powered by pass labs or Jeff Rowland. And front end = Playback Designs DAC.

[@ethimself5064]

Cost no object - Gota be good👍

[@jukingeo]

If your line of thinking with hi-end audio is that the more you pay, the better it is, then you definitely have much to learn. You DON'T always get what you pay for with hi-end audio and there are MANY companies that rob you of your hard earned cash. Be careful and do your research...always.

[@ethimself5064]

@@jukingeo I know that 100% and I made another comment, I am guessing that u did not read

[@ethimself5064]

@@jukingeo Forgot to mention that I know how Randy works also

[@jukingeo]

@@ethimself5064 If you are suggesting that I search for and read all of your comments here, then no, I didn't, I don't have the time for that.

[@ethimself5064]

@@jukingeo There are not many comments, you seem to have the time to complain

[@cbayardelle]

Tubes do not sound thin on the bottom!

[@Keith-ux9ku]

White shirt and tie.... No more cheap audio man.

[@admiralnorman]

What is this channel? ExpensiveAudioMan? /s

[@thomasetesta5641]

What happened to the cheap audioman?

[@SuperMcgenius]

Yes, the Moon lacks soul. I have recommended Unico to many of my friends.

[@francoisleblanc5074]

I have an old Moon I-5 and I like it.

[@SuperMcgenius]

@@francoisleblanc5074 it’s all about system integration, I have owned many moon products, but never found them to work for me although they were well-made and solid sounding just lacked in my systems.

[@Bzz22]

How different we all are didn’t rate / like the Unico , had one borrowed to me for a short time while my MF nu vista 800 was being serviced . Didn’t touch the boot laces .

[@marklloyd4153]

But I love judging others it makes me feel better 😂

[@AnthonyPalazzo51]

Where’s the list?

[@BostonMike68]

For my integrated Hegel h600 .

[@BostonMike68]

My dac would be a denefrips Terminator

[@GIGyards]

Randal the Expensive Audio Gentleman. Have a seat and enjoy a single origin bean latte ☕