Three Hi-Fi Experiences That CHANGED Me FOREVER

Three Hi-Fi Experiences That CHANGED Me FOREVER
Throughout my 20 year career as an AV journalist there have been a number of "high" points, but three in particular stand out among all others as being truly transformative. Do you have a life-changing Hi-Fi or audiophile moment, if so, share it in the comments below.
HIFI PRODUCTS MENTIONED
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#Audio #HiFi #Audiophile

[@pcg3003]

While Christmas shopping in the early 1980's I wandered into a stereo store and found myself the only person in a large dimly lit demo room. The light was focused on a turntable playing Christmas carols through two very small bookshelf speakers. The sound floored me. It sounded real. I returned later and bought the speakers and thus began a lifetime of trying to recapture that experience. I have never quite succeeded but I have from time-to-time created other equally seductive living sound moments. A Thorens turntable was playing through Rogers LS3/5A's speakers powered by two Levinson ML-2 Class A 25 watt mono blocks which in the darkened room were inconspicuous. I never learned what album was playing, but it didn't matter. I heard love between the amps and speakers, and that's what I wanted to bring home.

[@AdrianIII]

This is why no one ever wants to do real double blind testing. You can't fool them with brand names, high prices, fancy finishes, etc. It's the Achilles heel of audiophilia.

[@pioferro]

100%!!!!!!!

[@peterwood2633]

Went to listen to a £50k+ Linn setup at a demo night. They had a £20k streamer attached to two of their flagship active floor standers that were 170kg each if I recall from memory. It sounded great of course. I asked the guy to NOT tell us when he was going to play the hi Res tracks, to which he agreed. At the last minute though as the demo was going to begin he chickened out and told us each time hi Res was on so we could collectively synchronise nodding of heads while tapping on our knees.

[@michaelstaniec6639]

I want to definitely do it because music has always been a big part of my life and would love to figure out what my ears and brain determine which is best for me not a sales person....

[@bbarten]

Especially with cables and interconnects...he he.

[@josefserf1926]

@@peterwood2633 Linn have been scamming folks for over 50 years and have now morphed into Bose.

[@NickP333]

Andrew, I’ve got 4 or 5 audio based channels that I watch regularly, yours being one of them. I’ve gotta say that this one was easily one of your top 3 vids. All 3 of those stories were not only extremely entertaining, but also very freeing as well. Thanks, man! Keep up the great work, Andrew. 🎶🔊🙂

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thank you so much

[@dougbulldog9947]

After setting up my latest 7.2 system with 6 tower speakers for music I realised I prefer 2 channel music!!!

[@Krommer1000]

Love the message here. SO many channels are so "DEFINITIVE" about what is "RIGHT", but as long as I'm happy with the sound of my system, then I'm happy. Felt that way for years.

[@tomcrook6796]

This is so refreshing! And liberating. And spot-on. I always want better, but after finding this channel, I'm much better at really enjoying what I have, and listening in the moment.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thank you so much! We appreciate you watching.

[@howardskeivys4184]

I frequently think that about the wife!

[@noahman27]

Great video. As a DJ for private functions and special events for the last 30 years, I've definitely had some major a-HA! moments...learning something new on each gig. How does the expression go? "Expertise comes from experience. Experience comes from making mistakes". Sound is so subjective and so much of your perception is in your mind. That's why that double blind speaker appreciation test is awesome. You're not influenced by the visual design of the speaker or by it's brand name. Then risk feeling embarrassed when you discover your preferred the least expensive speaker in the group! Ha!

[@EDKsurly]

I'm a newbie audiophile. Recently went to Magnolia to listen to Logan Martin's. I tested them against other brands. I never heard of KEF but my ears liked them better. Pretty cool to learn that a big name doesn't always win.

[@timothysullysullivan2571]

sober, rational, allowing for human factor, open minded.... awesome!

[@davidle7864]

Truthfully, I didn't get into your content because I'm a hifi enthusiastic. In fact, aside from your content I know nothing about hifi but I've since taken an interest. I watch your content not only because I love your design sense and presentation style but you have similar values to me, experience #2 being case in point. Simon Sinek has a great saying to explain why people have loyalty towards brands: people don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it. Love your humility and open mindedness 🙂

[@CultureWars_]

I agree. I'm 66 and my Journey started in the early 1960's with a simple phonograph suit case listening to 45's and 78's. Later in middle school my father purchased a Zenith Console Stereo which became my euphoria moment. By high school me and my friends had Pioneer systems with dolby and even Quad. Went from 78's to 45's to LP's to 8 track to cassette to CD's to stream......and I loved it all. And now on a limited budget and watching your reviews I went back to what I thought would be plain and simple and just enjoy what I could, with Fluance Signature Speakers and a Sony Receiver. The first time hearing them.....I cried....... It was Rapture..... It sounded like every artist was in the room with me and the joy that I experienced was like that time I heard music on my phonograph for the first time. Thank you Andrew for bringing true joy to a old man hearing Sinatra, B. B. King, AC-DC, Beatles, Patsy Cline, John Williams and everything in-between...as if I was hearing them for the first time. Again thanks Andrew for all you do to help us all connect to this wonderful hobby of music listening.

[@stevenmichael7770]

Thoroughly enjoyed this! Your experience and insight truly appreciated.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thanks so much!

[@davecell3923]

Your comments at the end about the worst thing that could happen is being proven right, and how being proven wrong opens up new possibilities, is absolutely brilliant, and can apply to anything, not just audio. Well played, Sir. :)

[@hi-fihaven2257]

Awesome episode Andrew. I sat back and watched it on my main viewing system. I was glued to it from beginning to end! I found it very interesting, and insightful. Man thank you for all of your hard work. I still have my first stereo receiver that I ever purchased. I was 14 it was 1975, and my stereo receiver cost 750 USD. 45 years later I buy a 7.2 channel receiver with Atmos for 500 USD, to me that is amazing!

[@JeffreyThreat77]

Standing applause... Thanks Andrew!

[@AcidexMax]

I really like this video. IMO one of your best. I used to be a Hi-Fi dealer and had a demo room with different Hi-end speakers on a switchboard, played mostly the same pieces on a demo for clients, so I knew them well. I tried to play the game of guessing which one was playing and I'm embarrassed to say how many times I was wrong. I came to believe that my mood, the time of day, allergies, and even if I was hungry made a difference in how I perceived the sound. I also think that the way our ears are constructed (shape and size) make a difference in how the sound arrives at your ear canal and even beyond the sensitivity of the eardrum is very different from one person to another. It's all very subjective, at the end of the day I think most people like to have a confirmation that they bought or are buying something good.

[@chashint1]

Hello Andrew, with 450 comments and this video being two years old it is unlikely you will see this comment, but here I am typing it anyway...LOL When your channel initially showed up in my KZbin scroll, I got a chuckle because I remember reading some of your articles from the early-mid 2000's. I understand the demands of working for an audiophile "publication", but some of the things you wrote were really a stretch for me and the article recommending some cables where you said you saw no reason to spend more than a couple hundred bucks per meter really put me off of anything else you had to say about anything. To be honest the only reason I watched the video on the Pioneer VSX-LX305 was to see how badly you bashed it, I was quite surprised when that was not the case at all. That video prompted me to watch another, and that one prompted me to watch another, which prompted me to subscribe to your channel. Now I have stumbled upon this video which is quite revealing about your journey. Well done sir and thank you for having this channel on KZbin.

[@johndavies6253]

Andrew, thank you so much for sharing these stories. I can honestly say that not only was your description thoroughly enjoyable and informative, but really spoke to the one thing we really crave, honesty. Your humble admission of times where you had to question your preconceptions really resonated with me, to the point where I might have to say this was the most impactful video I have watched this year. Thank you. Wishing you and Christie a very blessed and prosperous 2022.

[@TheCarusoGroup]

New viewer. Classical and jazz musician. Impressed by your truths. I love great audio, but not so much the arrogance of “audiophiles”.

[@midevil1980]

Absolutely amazing topic and presentation! Pretty much confirms my suspicions that I've had for a while now, and really makes you think. I love that... Great video! 😉👍

[@infinite1der]

A relative and I talk about gear and what we want to try. We're both happy with our own systems, but there's SO MUCH out there that we want to try. And it's all because: We don't know what we don't know! And when you can't play in the realm of price-no-object gear, you're limited to your own budget. To which we say, "I don't wanna know, what I don't know."

[@waynechesser2000]

Just found this fantastic channel a couple of days ago and immediately subscribed. Don't know that I have ever heard anyone say "I don't know" with such enthusiasm and it is wonderful! Thank you for all the great videos!

[@maxwellroxy3184]

I graduated from high school in 1973. I knew that I would have to work my way through college, so I got a job at a factory that made medical products. I visited a coworkers house and he had a stereo system with "Voice of the Theater" speakers. I could not believe the sound that came out of them. I had to have a system. Went to the local mall and found a receiver that was "state of the art". A huge 60 watt per channel system by Onkyo with Pioneer CS-99A speakers. I was in heaven. The system was state of art for about a month (before I bought it). I still have this system. My Creative sound system on my PC has sound that is almost equal to my system and has a subwoofer. I still listen to my stereo while I am retired. I love my old vinyl records (with my disk washer system).

[@sjt66]

Hi Andrew, thank you so much for that info about the “test” you did at the audio show! That was awesome! And that was something I always believed would happen! You proved it! Way to go! 👍

[@AdamGalvez]

Idk how I’ve missed this video for so long, but…wow, thank you. Love your honesty. More ppl need to watch this.

[@tehtapemonkey]

"I don't know shit." Something quite a few audiophiles could probably do with learning :P

[@NosEL34]

I have only been watching Andrew and Kristi for the last year and a half probably, as I took a hiatus from hifi gear and reading publications while the kids grew up and life was happening...but every once in awhile I'll come across some of these older videos and there has really been some gems that he has done. This was one of them in my opinion. I really enjoy when he shares stories and thoughts from his earlier years. Great stuff..some of these videos need to be reposted lol. Try talking to the younger generation about blind testing and they will give you the business...but I guess I was the same way once upon a time.

[@northlake732]

I really enjoy all of your videos. The way you articulate yourself and speak in terms we all understand shows you have had a lot of experience in hi fi journalism in your past. Keep them coming, love it.

[@nonametofame]

I really enjoyed this one. All your latest ones have been excellent. Valuable advice without comparison or gear reviews. Just simple, personal, & humble perspective.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I've really enjoyed not focusing so much on equipment so I'm glad you've enjoyed the videos too!

[@gtric1466]

Andrew been watching your videos for awhile. Honestly one of your best. Thank you. It's amazing what you can make a fairly budget speaker sound like with the right synergy.

[@jamesbarrick3403]

I had a hifi moment that changed me... I was 16 years old and went to Mike Holmes house where his older brother had a system that was mind blowing. Two Klipschorns in the front channels and two Cornwalls in the rear. Four mono Crown Amps, a B&O linear tracking turntable and crates of records. We smoked pot until my face melted and yea the music was good too.

[@guccisasha]

Every once in a while in life, a moment comes to you that makes you realize " I don't know shit'. Well said, and so true. We all encounter humbling experiences every once in a while, the key is to learn from those moments. Ty Andrew.

[@thomaswachter7782]

Andrew, it wasn't all that long ago that I realized your experience. I just liked hearing your take on things. Seeing as the Audiophile experience is so limited in my area, that my community is all online. You guy's are all my friends and community. I love each and everybody's contribution.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Well, I'm glad to have you as a part of the community. Appreciate you watching!

[@mrman7453]

Worst rabbit hole I went down home theater.

[@BobDerGute84]

Try wine. You're in for a surprise

[@parraangel]

Thank you for sharing!.. fantastic 16 and half minutes... oh that ecstatic "I know nothing..." experience in life! is so liberating and opens so many doors to growth!! Echoing your thoughts all the way! You reminded me of someone who dared to say it like it is in my life, and people like you help so many of us...

[@ChogTheGreat]

This is very true. The other bias we often form (often due to marketing) is that "newer is better." The truth is, Hi-Fi created a decade or two ago may reproduce just as high quality fidelity and sound as top-end gear manufactured last week. Marketing and cultural expectation has a lot to answer for.

[@psikeyhackr6914]

I am an old ex-audiophile that used to work for Pacific Stereo before you were born. I had a pair of AR-11s that I kept for years and was quite satisfied. But I would read about more expensive speakers that I was not about to buy. I stopped into a used hi-fi store and they had a pair of Vandersteen 2Ci speakers so I just listened long enough to test for defects. I started comparing them to the ARs not expecting any phenomenal difference. Then I played Stand By Me by Ben E King. There is the sound of a triangle being struck periodically in the background. The difference between the speakers was shocking. Each strike was easily audible on the ARs but with the Vandersteens each strike sounded distinctly different from the previous strike! Once I noticed I could barely recognize the changes with the ARs when I listened for it. So what music makes which speaker strut its stuff may take some searching.

[@dsonyay]

We have a friend who's a giant Paradigm speaker fan.. nothing else compares. Well one day we're at a hi-fi shop and he asks us to listen to a set of Paradigms he was interested in upgrading to. So the sales guy switches over to them and is streaming some great music on Tidal. Our friend loved them and goes on to point out all the awesome details the speakers are picking up. These speakers sounded superb, we all agreed. Our Paradigm fanboy was truly blown away (frankly, we were all impressed). After a few minutes, we notice that it appears the Motion 50s aren't the ones playing.. the salesman then says, "oops, yeah, I have the wrong speakers selected, the one's you're listening to are the Klipsch RP-8000f models. LoL. I suggested my friend save about 3 grand and get the Klipsch. He hasn't been the same since.

[@Toogoodtobetrue458]

dsonyay it’s like switching to Folgers and not telling your friend. Blind listening is valuable.

[@a.c.1474]

I better not find out you work for Klipsch or else !!! .....I must say though that the latest Klipsch speakers sound good even over KZbin and because of their outrageously good efficiency of 97, 98 will work with some lovely low wattage amps.

[@dsonyay]

@@a.c.1474 haha.. no not associated in the least. I think the RP8000f is a 98 in efficiency. I think all of their speakers are known for that.. aren't the Klipschhorns, Corwalls, and LaScala ober 100?

[@sixstringsdown1]

@@dsonyay My very old FORTE ONE SPEAKERS are 98 db. efficient. It's because the horn mid and tweeter require very little power. Driven by a NAKAMICHI STASIS 35 WATT receiver, circa 1988.

[@sixstringsdown1]

@@dsonyay Klipschhorns... hold your hat... 106 db efficient!

[@thorinhg]

Late to the party on this as I play "catch up" on your videos, but YES! Joy, amazement, FUN! I love getting granular on stats and graphs and specs as much as the next guy, but when you lose sight of the point, the enjoyment of the thing, what's left? Nicely said Andrew! Thanks once again!

[@iowaudioreviews]

So glad you shared your experience in a double blind study. I've dug through the web reading about many of these and the results are usually the same. Not one person can consistently pick the best piece of gear. I've done studies with friends and family over the years with cables, speaker, and sample rates and again not one of them could consistently pick out the best anything. This is why I'm very sceptical about what manufacturers and other audiophiles claim.

[@blakeanderson7906]

So true..."the only person who has to love the sound of your system is you"

[@theone69ize]

Refreshing videos!! A pleasure to listen cause it Seems like you want to and are making a difference. You care to make High End audio better. Need more like you. Keep up your awesome work!!!

[@donknox9122]

That may be the best “audiophile” video/commentary I’ve ever experienced. Damn. I’m a fairly new subscriber and have only watched a handful of your vids, but you absolutely won me over with that. Thanks Andrew.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thank you so much.

[@ST-pn5nu]

I love how you are out here just telling the truth about audio. Nobody is actually doing that and it’s so frustrating. Hopefully you prevent upcoming audiophiles wasting a fortune on the types of equipment they wont benefit from. You seem like a really good dude keep it up.

[@GuiltyRocker]

Andrew is great. Also check out Audioholics, I think they pride themselves in saying it how it is.

[@agentm83]

I'm fairly new to being an audiophile. It's a fun hobby! One thing I like about being a budget audiophile is you can spend relatively little money and still get amazing sound these days, plenty of room for discovery and being impressed.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Never lose your naïveté and enjoy the journey.

[@agentm83]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews Thank you! :-)

[@bphilbac]

Once again very good stuff Andrew. Thanks for the post!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thank you so much.

[@VishnuPadmanabhan]

That whole "power of suggestion" experience, wow! Thank you very much for this video.

[@rafacq]

Great commentary. Brought back memories of my teenage years and how much I enjoyed listening to my father’s new stereo in the late 60s. What a wonderful warm sound from our H.H.Scott 33 watts tube amplifier! Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@pioferro]

man, I love this! Thanks for sharing and the honesty.

[@michaelmityok1001]

Kudos to you Andrew, this video is one of the very best on the subject on KZbin right now.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thank you so much!

[@jmax5105]

Very cool video! Fun to hear about your experiences. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and history with us! Really enjoyed this video!

[@EricLucero]

Enjoyed this video. The humility vs elitism, enthusiasm vs know-it-all, makes you very approachable. These stories were interesting to listen to. It seems like you took away the right lessons which helps explain why I’m here listening to this channel instead of someone else. 👍

[@fred1boot]

I'm recovering from a medical situation and spent a lot of today watching your videos. This one is by far my favorite and solidified my impression of you. I already subbed, but if I hadn't I definitely would have after this video. 👏👏👏

[@burliesanford1863]

Damn fine video of your journey through hi-fi music Andrew . I'm 65 years of life and I find your videos very informative . Thanks ..

[@MrKlapper68]

Very much enjoy your content. I’m so glad to have your insight and honesty. Keep up the good work.

[@christopherjohnson9001]

Really enjoyed the stories that carried your messages, also the personal insight, and the perspective you apply now. You cannot teach experience but absolutely appreciate your approach to happiness rather than technology. I think you’ve arrived, now help the rest of us get there, too!

[@fredrikotterstad]

This video rings true on so many levels, and goes way beyond audio! Thanks for making this 👍🏻💪🏼👊🥰

[@DwightMS1]

Andrew, thank you for your honesty and humility.

[@JackTheladd]

After spending the weekend with speaker placements, room arranging and such, I've finally found something sweet. My confirmation was calling in sick so I could spend another day just listening. NAD C338 with Elac debut 6.2 speakers. I can't believe how good my room sounds on a decent budget.

[@a.c.1474]

You're fired !!!!!!!!

[@schlegs86]

Man! How did i miss this video!?!?! This was AWESOME!! I loved hearing your experience's!! Seriously this was soooo good!! I'm mad now that i didn't see this back in Feb! Its for all those reasons i love watchin your vids!

[@prateeksaini5412]

You’re so humbly honest. Love it!

[@pauldavies6037]

A very honest approach dont forget hearing something and listening to something are two different things

[@sweatyballsac]

I subbed yesterday after watching your vids here and there over the course of a few months. The reason? You seem like a genuine person. The moment you stop sounding genuine though... I'm watching you!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Appreciate it.

[@jamesmackinlay4477]

I have watched a lot of your videos all are great as usual still love the Asian grandma with the cats LOL. But this video was one of the best because it goes well beyond the difference in stereo gear opinions. It was a great way to explain how everyone can be influenced in ways that can and will change their life's forever for good or bad. It was sort of humbling for a lack of a better word and as a reminder we are all human and to respect everyone's opinion.

[@richclips]

Excellent, you get it totally, have fun with the kit, enjoy the music, and just enjoy the fun of the hobby :) so much kit out there that sounds great, and at the end of the day, if you're enjoying it then that's what counts :) love your videos, many thanks

[@mattgiunt]

Would love to see you conduct a blind test here with class D crown amp and an expensive AB amp and play same track through both and then reveal the results the next day.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

We did that at (withheld) between two Class D amplifiers from two different third parties against their top selling AB amp and even a Class A amp. The results were mixed to say the least. Not everyone picked what they thought they would -or should I say, not everyone ended up liking what they thought they would. There was no "winner", but there was a lot of head shaking (in a good way). Needless to say, this company started offering amps with Class D topologies after that ;).

[@mattgiunt]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews Thats great. Im still on the fence between a crown and an Outlaw.

[@AdrianIII]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews I actually think that perceptions are influenced by the NAME of the amp configuration. "Obviously" A is better than AB, and of course anything with an "A" in it's name is better than anything with a "D." If we reversed the naming conventions of these topologies, would we also change the perception of their goodness?

[@tedmanasa907]

Great video. One of your best. Thanks

[@shuvsee]

Love your honest and practical views. It's so refreshing. Maybe it's also since they align with what I've believed in ! The power of confirmation ! You are also saving me a lot of money 🤣. Subscribed.

[@tomprowda9581]

So far I've watched 4 videos on this channel; I REALLY like this guy! I'm 69 years old, my experience with high quality audio started in 1957 when I was 7, my Dad brought home a "hifi set" It was a Garrard RC-88 record changer with a GE cartridge,a 10 watt Harmon Kardon "Prelude" integrated amplifier and a University 6201 12" coaxial speaker mounted in a cabinet the size of a refrigerator that stood in a corner of our living room. The first thing my Dad played was the famous Fritz Reiner recording of "Scheherazade" and I was hooked! I've progressed thru the entire spectrum of audio gear, at one time worked at 2 very fine audio dealers in the SF Bay area and assembled a system that most people would dream of. I'm retired now and I just completed assembling a budget system of a Topping DAC/preamp and a Hypex Class D power amp and I'm utterly floored at the level of performance from this electronics rig; it easily betters far more expensive setups from less than 5 year ago! The future has never been brighter for audio enthusiasts who desire high quality sound on smaller budgets!

[@joshuasterling2144]

D class is fun and often very good. I have used them in different applications to include our own audio setup in our personal PA system in the hobby shop which has a projector and a hobby area. I run two Yamaha DBR 10 inch pre amped PA speakers and two PA powered subs. They all run on D class technology.. They are process by a SMSL Balanced XLR Dac that just sound really amazing for the money. A/B will probably never go anywhere but D will rise in prominence in the future.

[@galessi1226]

Tom....what bookshelf speaker would you recommend with your new system?

[@zoroluva]

Aaah so this is how he came up with his sign off. Very eye opening.

[@bruceprouse5562]

Have watched this show several times. It is great. Thanks Andrew.

[@redstepable]

LOVE IT, thanks for sharing

[@GBukalders]

Thank you for this video!!! Truly appreciate!

[@rangersmith4652]

Good story re: blind testing. The key to blind testing is SPL matching; otherwise, the loudspeaker that is loudest tends to sound best.

[@AudioGearhead]

The little things that make you say, "O." I do not have the latest or greatest but I do love what I have. No one in my life appreciates audio the way I do and I've accepted that. Everyone and everything can be manipulated. I love how raw this video is. I've watched a bunch of your videos, this is my favorite.

[@efilnikufesina7532]

I enjoy audio a lot with movies and music. My family thinks I'm nuts.

[@fuffy442]

I am a retired symphony musician and I've never heard a system that could reproduce the sound I experienced sitting onstage. But, if you want a real high point, how about performing St. Saens' 3rd Symphony in Carnegie Hall? No sound system is going to match that.

[@craigfilion1909]

Love the way you approach all the topics you cover.

[@detailsmove]

one of my favorite vids from u, glad I stumbled upon it

[@bivitabrata3188]

The fun is the journey of finding what's nice for our own ears itself

[@robertrichard469]

I must say that your attitude is impressively refreshing, especially to a man who later on in life discovered the joy and passion of listening to vinyl. A man who is also on a fixed income and just cannot afford all kinds of audiophile equipment. Believe me, tomorrow my first set of open back headphones are arriving and I only spent $126 on an Amazon special. I was particularly struck by the fact that of all the speakers in that second story the $400 speakers were chosen as the preferred pair. Anyway, I am really impressed by your humble attitude and self reflection and doubly so that that realization brought you a certain amount of renewed joy in what you do. So many audiophiles will NEVER admit to not knowing all that there is to know and their arrogant insistence that they, and ONLY they can possibly know what is right for everyone else. Bravo!

[@howardskeivys4184]

Excellent video. Ultimately, there is no better or best, no right or wrong, there is just personal preference. Your point about bias is crucial. I think it can be more influential than any of us realise. I’m not going to name drop any brand names. I have a preamp monoblocks combination by a long standing highly respected manufacturer, cost me £17000 2 years ago. All my close family, friends and colleagues have enjoyed regular listening sessions with me, and agree the amps sound superb. I recently purchased another preamp monoblocks combination. They cost me £4999 consumer direct. I bought them because with out exception, every review was brimming with positivity. In my opinion, they are very good, for the price. I’d probably say they’re good at twice the price. But, again, in my opinion, not in the same league in terms of all round performance as my original combo. On a number of occasions, I’ve invited various family and friends around for a blind AB test. With very few exceptions, they all agreed that my original combo outshone the less expensive combo. They weren’t aware that I was lying. I’d told them that they were listening to one combo, when actually they were listening to the other.

[@rekodo_intl]

Amazing stories. The double-blind test and our biases or pre-conceptions are fascinating. I'm absolutely sure that my $5k speakers are much better than my $300 speakers. Or are they???? Anyway, I think the takeaway of your story is to be opened minded about products. Is what we're playing or listening to great or not -- no matter the brand or price tag.

[@rickybobbyracing9106]

It's soo true. I was showing a friend of mine 3 DIY speakers i was going to build. While watching some of the videos, he says to me - that one, I like that one the best. I'm thinking, I didn't even build them that, what are you basing this on? That one looks the best so far... LOL, smh.

[@eduard-alexandrulomanar3065]

glad having people like you in the space :)

[@davidreece1642]

Thanks for sharing Andrew.

[@Rourkeize]

Great channel! I'm glad I found it. What I like about audio as a hobby is that if you put some thought into it you can get great sound for very little money. Getting good deals the second hand market and making a custom setups. I just built my own "hifi" subwoofer cabinet and used a second hand 12" car sub. Calculated the box geometry and made it on my free time. Plays great with a second hand mono amp, and all it cost was ~250€. My floorspeakers are old CW AT-80 which I got for 40€ and replace the foam surrounds on.

[@laika25]

I enjoyed every 2nd of it!!! Kudos

[@johnbrentford5513]

Adding a external DAC to my computer not only made the music sound better made it so much better that I listen to more music now.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

That's awesome! Sounds like a good purchase!

[@johnbrentford5513]

@@demonreturns4336 I have the Schiit Audio Modi 3.

[@1972jwalk]

Your words are so true ! Not everyone sees the same and obviously hears the same !

[@karellen00]

My idea is that for any given audio component there's a certain amount of complexity (that is translated in money) that if it's exceeded doesn't make the product objectively better, at least when we consider the sensibility of the human ear when used as a measuring device. A lot of times what you get crossing that point is just a slight difference in sound signature. I am not saying it is a wrong thing to search, but that it's possible that you truly prefer the sound signature of a cheaper product.

[@stephenpaulhassall]

I really enjoy your videos and trust your opinions on all things audiophile. It seems we can not help but listen with you eyes as well as our ears, and maybe judging by price and specifications instead of sound.

[@TheOrreWombell]

I was happy with my setup for almost 20 years. When I was researching for new speakes, I discovered the esoteric world of "High End" Hifi.... There are actually grown man dicsussing the "sound" of cables and wires.

[@themergen1]

One thing changed me was in 1989. It was Pioneer SP-700D surround sound processor with 3 AV receivers, Dual 606 turntable, Sony CD player, Sony dual cassette recorder and player, Pioneer 12" large subwoofer, Panasonic VHS player, RCA 25" XL-100 TV, 2 bookshelf speakers used as center right left(one on each side of TV), and 11 speakers(10.1 system).A 256 function remote for SP-700D, 16 soundfield modes and 8 movie modes, with impossible constantly me getting to change EQ.The EQ was not as a constant no need to get up to change as is today's sound systems, which are Audysee, Disney disc etc. With all the COMPLEXITIES, it taught me to look for simple audio systems.

[@charlesluck3536]

I’ve watched hundreds if not thousands of videos on audio and video, and none of them have left as much of an impression as this one has. It brings back so many memories. Outstanding job, keep up the great work. I really enjoy the direction you are going with your channel.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thank you so much!

[@jimgardner5129]

Hi Andrew, I've been following you for a bit and think this is the post that nails it. You are an incredibly gifted communicator. While I expect a good deal of this comes from your years of writing, guaranteed most of it comes from within, along with a willingness to share. Sure, there were plenty of edits here but it appears you're using neither a script nor recipe cards. You've got your thoughts organized in your head. You talk directly to us. Thank you for that. You care about the final product before you post it. I was genuinely interested in your story, as I expect others were, too. Ever thought of hosting a TV program? Your voice and calm & confident presentation are made for it. Barring that, becoming a teacher? You'd excel at either and your audience would reap the rewards. Now, if I can be completely sappy for just one more moment, I think you'd be an incredible father. You'd fill your children's minds with ideas, imagination and possibilities. Fundamental building blocks. Oh, and fun. Let's not forget fun. Cheers.

[@PrestonVenzant]

In this world going with the crowd usually will get you firmly on the wrong side. It works that way in so many ways. From how to raise a family, how to build a marriage, your career path, and how to increase the value of those things are actually tied up into the simple art of picking the sound that sounds best to you. I'm being serious. Listen to your spouse, your kids, your boss, and you will quickly learn all the various nuances of each and every tonal quality of things said. Listening to a sound system works exactly the same. What quirks does a system have that are enjoyable? Which ones are a turn off? Sound is inspiring in so many ways that it is ultimately spiritual. Sound goes down into the soul. It moves the heart, it expands the mind and it is the evidence of God. Keep up the good work, sir. That was incredible.

[@mondavou9408]

I share your point of view and have had similar experiences analyzing (blindly) all sorts of things (high end, low end and things in between) ultimately, I reached the same conclusion. However, I do not share your skill in communicating it. Its a great point of view and applicable towards so many things. Nice job and nice to hear!! Thank you.

[@77936fief]

i bought those infinity bookshelves about 13 years ago. still love the sound quality

[@trumanfalkner3475]

“If it challenges your way of thinking, then let it challenge the way that you think. The worst that can happen is you can be proven right. Because if you’re proven wrong, what doors of possibility are now open to you?” 🔥❤️

[@darrenleslie9276]

Well said and explained Andrew. Too many people get caught up in what is the latest, greatest thing. What some people forget, in the audio world, is you can build a world class system (in a cost effective way) if it's designed for your personal needs. I sold stereo equipment for independent hi end stereo shops in the late 80's. I learned very quickly that everyone hears things differently. No product is a save all, fix all solution. The system must be tailored to the customers listening taste, room acoustics (setup) and sources normally used. There is no wrong in audio unless you spend money for no appreciable performance gain, especially if you have ventured outside your budget. You simply don't have to spend silly money to get audio performance that is truly jaw dropping if the system is designed properly for the person spending the money. Thank you for spreading the word Andrew.

[@basspro209]

were you an audiophile snob before the test? lol great job on this video as usual!! I agree totally that we can be bias and like something because brand name or looks of a product. so we expect it to be superior....then we buy it and find out not so awesome after all. Too many variables like genera and recorded quality. I dont believe 1 system can out shine the rest all the time, just not possible? Again great job on the Chanel Im new to your Chanel and other audiophiles on You tube. But yours seems to be my favorite.