Time for a little audiophile myth busting

The audiophile hobby is loaded with myths, like the one about crazy expensive audio isn't worth it. That's true some of the time, but trust me on this, a well set up MBL101 X-Treme system that costs $250,000 will stomp all over any $20,000 speaker on the planet. Obviously most of us can't afford it, but it's fun to dream about. What can I say, it's good to be rich. Other myths will be tackled here.

[@dezzertrider4675]

Being an audiophile is similar to "photographers" that invest small fortunes into camera gear. Their real hobby is camera equipment and not photography. For people that like to listen and just enjoy music, the gear is much less important. A reasonably good amp and set of speakers is all that someone needs to truly enjoy music for the music.

[@MuahMan]

@@tonys4396 Hit a little close to home there eh sparky?

[@MuahMan]

@@tonys4396 You probably think Beats are "audiophile" and a Nikon D810 is "pro". Lawl

[@NakeanWickliff]

@@MuahMan I don't shoot Nikon but if you're in some way arguing that D810 isn't a professional camera...... I like his analogy, being a pro shooter myself. I think I would have worded it differently. As in a lot of people don't spend the time and effort maximizing the gear they already own before spending money on more expensive gear. In doing so they fail to reap the rewards of the more expensive gear because they failed to figure out how to set up the basics that prove most important no matter what gear you use.

[@cosmic-fortytwo]

I agree. I couldn’t afford a Roleiflex so I got a decent Rolleicord, and I have had more fun with that camera, taking it all over Europe. Technique and passion make a big difference. You can have a $20,000 lens and if your thumb is in the frame it’s still not going to be a nice photo. Haha

[@tonys4396]

@@cosmic-fortytwo I've had both those cameras back in the day for medium format and Nikon and Canon for 35mm. ALL great cameras. But what you are saying is that it's a waste to have a more expensive camera and better to get a cheaper one. Wrong. There are consumer level cameras and professional level cameras. It all depends on what you need. If you;re a profession back then, you needed a Nikon F versus a Nikkormat. You needed the Rolleiflex versus the Rolleicord. What the Rolleicord did, it did great, but it couldn't do many things that a professional needed a camera to do. Let me ask you, what good is a Rolleicord if your thumb is over the lens? I find your analogy as ignorant as you.

[@EddieJazzFan]

I once heard $100,000 speakers that I swear only sounded like $74,500 speakers.

[@brazillm10]

Did you treat the midranges with the optional King Cobra venom? It totally opens up the soundstage.. A bargain at $20k per oz.

[@RFIDemocracy]

That's $97,533.91 CAD

[@charliedavidson3878]

@@brazillm10 Elf's blood is better but it takes at least 3 elf's per speaker which brings up the cost to 200 K . Don't get me started on Brazilian smurf love juice . You can't put a price tag on Magic but you can on smurfs . Hey maybe they can do something with white rhinos ?

[@Thevikingcam]

I call Bull Shit. It was more like 73.850$

[@delstanley1349]

That's because the speaker cables were probably on the floor. You need dedicated cable stands to keep the speaker cables off the floor. It has something to do with MPE (Magnetic Polarity Effect) when speaker cables are near the ground. Each stand has a built in CPTM (correcting phase time modulator) that adjusts for the air drag inherent due to the earth's rotation or more commonly known to audiophiles as SATW (sonic atmospheric tidal waves) correction for high and low tidal airwaves that affect the sound or air in the hearing space. This set up costs only about $5K and is a bargain for people who are serious about sound. Just be sure to make your cables-on-the-stands run parallel to the earth's equator. Sit back in your sweet spot and enjoy.

[@fullblastman]

I hear amazing separation and timbre and a palpable sense of presence in your cough!

[@markpelletier4505]

You are making all of us THINK!! I love it. Thanks for the excellent videos. I don’t know where you come up with the subject matter but it works for me!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

That's it, making folks think for themselves, that's the best I can do.

[@marsh5953]

Greetings from United Kingdom! I have only recently discovered this hobby, just picked up my first set of audio equipment ever... After months of research I landed on a pair of PSB Alpha P5s and a NAD D 3045. Couldn't be happier, but I can totally see how this hobby can suck you in to a very expensive rabbit hole!! Anyway, just wanted to say that I've been really enjoying the videos. Thank you.

[@catho6785]

I just bought the PSB Imagine XBs- only bc they were on same for $50 less than the alpha P5s. Haven’t set them up yet- I’m so excited!

[@douglasjarnagan3835]

As someone with a music and recording education who also is getting into HIFI, I'd say the most important factors are the recording, position of your speakers, where you are in relation to the speakers, and the acoustics of the room. I'm having a lot of fun building my system and researching equipment. But some of the audiophile stuff simply reminds me of tonechasing that is common among guitarists. In guitar so much of your tone is from your fingers, but lots of guys get caught up in buying expensive gear because they think it'll make them sound like someone else. A instrument of good quality helps get that timbre you prefer, and the same appears to be true with HIFI. But so much of your sound is your source recording. Garbage in, garbage out. Good speakers certainly help, but don't waste your money on diminishing returns or no return at all.

[@northbound4296]

Hi Steve, I just wanted you to know that I am just starting up as an audiophile and I am so glad I found your channel :) You strike me as such a genuine guy, and the world needs more people like you :-) keep up the good work! Best regards from Norway

[@Coneman3]

Check out A British Audiophile

[@tonycolbourne7694]

One of the most astounding tweaks I've used cost nothing but time. All parts of my hi fi are set from top to bottom. The icing on the cake was my free tweak and that is RSP. Rational Speaker Placement. It bought everything together. It focuses on bass note, toe in and rake angle. Get it right and you can make any hifi in any room sound great.

[@peteanddrake4242]

I would go further and say 90% of great audio is a great recording.

[@radiojet1429]

I would say 90% of great audio is a great performance by a great artist. The Edge demonstrated during an interview, some excellent, early U2 demos he made on a small cassette recorder. Louie Louie, by The Kingsmen, was recorded with one take and one overhead mic. Bad recording, priceless performance. Keith Richards insists that 4-track recording is all that is needed for excellence and that one can separate the good bands from the not good bands by how well they can make a simple 4-track recording, Enya notwithstanding. Just my perspective.

[@adotopp1865]

I would say 50% because even lesser quality recording can be more much more listenable on a better system. The thing is it CAN be but also the opposite is true sometimes. It all depends on what is meant by a Poor Recording and where the shortfall is . Home made recordings I have of family members from 1970 transposed to CD on a home computer have inadequate quality but the feeling of reality is still there making them "Great recordings" They sound much better on a high resolving system despite the lo-fi nature of the recording

[@SayUptown]

Ado topp actually a poor recording would sound worse, it’s like a saying a bad make up job looks better in 4K than in standard definition

[@adotopp1865]

SayUptown . It depends on the recording, and what we mean by a poor recording. As I have got better HiFi over 40 -50 years ,some "less quality"recordings are now playable and enjoyable. If we think about vinyl records then a better quality "record player" actually makes records play better and brings out the music rather than surface noise. I agree with you that in terms of a poor recording being one that is being made too loud as in the "loudness wars" then yes a better system won't make them any better and can sound worse on a better system.

[@patrickbaillargeon8051]

Absolutely.

[@belovedconsole]

I freaking love this show bro. Because of your age, when you talk about things, I remember them, and I swear it's like I'm back in 1982 reading Stereo Review. I remember ordering speakers at the age of 12 cuz I had a job, and so I would build speakers to play on my Dad's turntable. That's what this reminds me of.

[@user-ex9zm7bg3x]

Dude do you remember the Wisconsin Discount Stereo ads? Almost bought a system from them.

[@alexanderfleming9104]

This is a very good and informative video. I appreciate the time you took to make this and inform us.

[@nicholascremato]

Most people will never experience the huge variety of emotions that audiophiles and music lovers experience while listening to music when you get your system right. Even the comfy chair is part of my emotional rollercoaster ride that makes me love this hobby.

[@WyreForestBiker]

The best audio upgrade for the money …. getting your ears syringed .

[@jfrodi1191]

Or getting your hearing checked for starters haha! great point David Jay

[@salvadorrodenas3071]

Yeah! Absolutely! Better highs, improved resolution and extended bandwidth 🤗

[@johnholmes912]

fill your speaker stand up with cat-litter; the cheapest upgrade there is!

[@tomterrific9459]

@Jordan Murray How so???

[@sivoltage]

or have another beer

[@larryshaver3568]

I think your commonsense approach to audio is certainly refreshing

[@georgeanastasopoulos5865]

Very enlightening, Steve. I gave your helpful, very informative video a thumbs up.

[@belovedconsole]

This was good 4:15 ish. I am so loving that you are talking about how stuff/electronics can get in the way. I would say, when not used very, very carefully.

[@daveduffy2823]

I agree. I have crappy sounding LPs and great sounding ones. The same with CDs. I have nice bookshelf speakers on stands and a old Kenwood amplifier, CD player and turntable. The whole thing cost about $300 and the sound is pretty good for the room it’s in.

[@dalefriesen7812]

I'm in favour of the ultra high end pushing back the boundaries of what is possible. I enjoy hearing about it too. Jealousy regarding high end audio stuff is not one of my vices.

[@Magnulus76]

The problem I see is the high end in audio is often so full of woo it can't be taken seriously, especially at the prices much of the equipment goes for. Meanwhile, companies like Bose that actually do produce innovative products get panned simply because they design affordable mass-market products.

[@juststuff5216]

The best system I've ever heard, cost less than £2,000! However the first 'Transcendental' experience I had was with a system that cost well under £1,000. McIntosh, Focal Utopia, Wilson, I've done some big price gear, and I've never had a lightening bolt moment with any of it.

[@ProjectOverseer]

Will absolutely agree with the quality of a recording. The recording is your true front end to amazing sound if the rest of your system us setup well. CD, Vinyl or pure digital transfers from digital masters 🎼🎵🎶😎👍

[@vaderconstantine]

i totally agree that the recording is everything in determining sound quality. a bad mix is a bad mix regardless of format.

[@Deathrape2001]

A $hit recording sounds fab on a GR8 system. U R a simple dummy seeking a 'mantra' 2 'solve every question'. Reality isn't like that. There R many factors, & a good system can make N E thing sound GR8... just not as GR8 as it COULD B if they didn't trash it 'up the chain'.

[@Deathrape2001]

You're right. A great mix played over a boom box is better than a crappy recording played through a big powerful set of speakers with EQ & other goodies... HAHAHAHA =)) Tell us next how the taste of a sandwich is determined by it's weight LOL!!!

[@conannanoc8768]

mmm, I'm not too convinced by these arguments. A piano in my room sounds like a piano, and doesn't blow my mind. No stereo system reproducing a piano should be able to do something the piano doesn't do. Now, a guitar, a drum... ok, those are closer to blowing minds. But still, the guitar plays through a thousand dollar amp and cabinet, recorded by a 400 dollar microphone? I don't think you need to spend 200k in gear to render an accurate reproduction.

[@russellhamner4898]

Actually, you should be spending at LEAST $200K on power cables alone to even have the right to call yourself an audiophile. And who cares about how realistic it all sounds? It's not about the music and it never has been. It's about the equipment, specifically about using it to express your OCD and autistic tendencies. Also it's about snobbery.

[@prep74]

@@russellhamner4898 Yes snobbery but these audiophools are such fools that they don't realise most of the world laughs at them.

[@charleshuguley9903]

Why wouldn't a piano be as impressive as a guitar or drum set?

[@conannanoc8768]

@@charleshuguley9903 impressive? yes, but in a different way. The guitar, via the amplifier, moves a lot more air than the piano can move. That's why you will feel it in your gut. Same happens with the drums. Both instruments live can knowck your socks off. I think those two instruments benefit a lot more from a good (not just loud) stereo system than the piano which, at best, will sound like a piano.

[@chrisguygeezer]

It would be cool for you to show us around your system Steve.

[@yorbalindason]

chris guy right. I’ve watched some of his videos and it never gets to sound like when will we ever see him enjoying sound vs talking about some theoretical system? Blah blah blah expensive blah resonance when will he show what he’s talking about

[@blackwaterdogs4256]

You have the correct approach....this hobby does not have to be terribly expensive or complicated to be enjoyable. My personal philosophy has always been to devote a good chunk of my audio budget to a good phono cartridge, and speakers. It`s never failed me....

[@recordpirate]

Awesome insights! Thanks for sharing!

[@tarasbulba3190]

I'm glad I stumbled into Steve. Love his channel.👍

[@jimmyFX]

That's right all recordings sound different. Rock.jazz hip hop.edm.country.etc I usually have 8 cds for testing sound.that I have had for 30 years. And if I stick to these.the difference between systems( when purchasing). Setting up .(moving) Especially when moving from house to house.was very helpful Is a big help for me. Doesn't have to be a quality recording (but a familiar one).

[@Darrend42]

I use 1 CD for testing every piece of equipment, every cable change for many years, if IT sounds right then everything else will sound right, Tubular bells 2

[@suprael]

It is funny that you cover your mouth for coughing but you actually turn to the mic, increasing the coughing for us haha

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

You're right, I'll try turning the other way!

[@adotopp1865]

Israel Branco Why is this funny?

[@adotopp1865]

@m riggs you are absurdly paradoxical

[@adotopp1865]

@m riggsHey good come back Thanks babe.

[@DannyHoffman57]

Decades ago heard a great system with Infinity IRS Line Array Towers (I think that was the name). Still remember the incredible, life-like sound. I think today those speakers would be multiple 6 figures.

[@TheOzthewiz]

Danny Hoffman The speakers you're referring to is the Quantum Line Source that Infinity released in 1977. The idea behind them was great, unfortunately the quality control was lacking resulting in loose components inside the enclosures. I was interested in these speakers, but had to pass on them because of the spotty quality problems. Consequently, in 1987, I purchased a set of Polk SRS units ($3000/pr) and never looked back. These speakers were SUPERBLY crafted with sound that totally blew me away. The bass response was "down" only 7db @ 12Hz with distortion at the lowest that HI-FI/Stereo Review had EVER measured. I still have these speakers TODAY. I love them so much that I COVER them after EVERY time I am done playing them. I use them only in 2-channel stereo because for MUSIC they sound best in this arrangement. CHEERS!

[@ig8___]

Steve you are AMAZING at simplifying the art of love of music :D

[@ig8___]

@Steve Tllsdaleys Yes he sure does and I appreciate him for doing it

[@cletusberkeley9441]

For me, it's the music and the equipment, being a musician and an electronics engineer. I literally built all my stereo equipment, and this is a labor of love that has been evolving for like half a century. Really, at this level, one is NEVER truly satisfied for any extended period of time. I love music, I also love engineering and will tinker and tweak till the soldering iron goes cold and they nail the damn coffin shut (please somebody, put a couple good CDs and some vinyl in there, no cassette or 8-track, thank you). Footnote: "Expensive" is a relative term, and it alao relates to your musical expectations in a period of time. Given the myriad of dynamics at play, it does not disqualify one from achieving a great sounding system, regardless of circumstances, if one properly manages their expectations and be be creative. Above all, enjoy the music.! ....lol

[@NipperDog]

Thanks for your input on DSP Steve, because I felt like I was missing something by not having access to it.

[@Metal-Possum]

I spent $800 on speakers, the experience was great for a week, after a few years it just sounds normal. What I'm listening to makes a bigger difference than what I'm listening to it on.

[@Metal-Possum]

@@kingchakazulu7762 Taga Harmony, from Poland.

[@brettaylor2661]

Thank you for the video. Could you clarify, what is your position on using a dsp for nothing more than an active crossover?

[@arneche]

Yes, you really are right in your statements about these things. And Yes, it also really depends on many factors that need to be taken into account.

[@rb032682]

Good stuff. Of the three requirements you listed: well-chosen equipment, set up, correct acoustics, it is the acoustics which is most important, imo. I have found that adequate bass traps and side reflections treatments with electronic room correction works very well for getting accurate sound reproduction. I'm using Sonarworks Reference 4.2 for room correction. I'm using high-quality foam for sidewall reflections and various thicknesses of glass wool, mineral wool, and recycled cotton wool for front wall and ceiling. I'm using a variety of diffusion on the rear wall. I'm using a PC-based DAW for all my audio. The Sonarworks room correction is a plugin. I also use ARC 2.5 plugin for room correction on my other PC. Of course, it would be better if no electronic room correction was necessary, but it would cost me about two years worth of Social Security checks to correct the room with only passive physical devices. With physical treatment and electronic correction, I've gotten to the point where I no longer feel compelled to tweak something because it "just isn't quite right". It only took me 20 years to get to the point of "reasonably satisfied" for a relatively low cost. It sounds lovely.

[@garyolshan4177]

Love your show. Share your love for records.

[@leeandrewclarke]

I've slowly evolved my system from entry up to £10,000 over 20 years and made pleasant hi-fi improvements along the way, such as better definition, detail, richness, presence, ect. None of this add up to a better 'connection' to the music, only a better appreciation. Only when I spent real money on supports and mains quality did I finally 'connect' to the music.

[@annetimms8431]

😂

[@jamesmelton7637]

"I'm going to bust all these myths!" and then "well maybe, I mean it might, or might not, it depends, but you know maybe..." That's some serious myth busting going on there.

[@andrecarvalhomusic]

I'm in love with this comedy show!

[@abigailsockeye1586]

Good video. Keep 'em coming.

[@nickparkin8527]

My buddy has some Zenith 49cz852 speakers (that I own 4 of) and we run them in an open baffle configuration and his sons build incredible tube amps. He compared his sound system running the Zeniths to a $250,000 pair of speakers and he said they are right up there with them.

[@adotopp1865]

Well he would wouldn't he

[@mrpositronia]

i'm glad you didn't mention those things that connect all the hardware together. Very touchy subject! (not for me) :D

[@60zeller]

mrpositronia , do not get into discussions about religion or politics...........or audio cables

[@nicholascremato]

I did!

[@TheOzthewiz]

You can get into politics or religion, but please DO NOT start on $100/ Ft interconnects. THANK YOU.

[@tweakerman]

Hello steve, I couldn't have said it better myself, your so right👍

[@tedtimmis8135]

Great discussion. Very interesting.

[@johngutmanis3580]

Hey Steve, I have been following your channel fo about a year now, really enjoy your look on the audio world. I actually purchased a pair of maggie .7's because of your review. Also the fact that they are built 15 miles from my home, and the fact that our Audio Society of Minnesota club has a pair of 3.6's pushed me into trying them. I retired my DIY Cornscalla's to the garage. I started out playing the .7's with my PrimaLuna Prologue 4 tube amp. Which sounded great but after a couple of months started to sound a little limited. Then I dug out an old Yamaha P-2200 amp that I had been trying to sell, and man did that make the .7's open up with better soundstage and better detail. The bass also improved. I then plugged in a Rel Zero sup into the mix and really gave me the full range experience. What do you think about going to an Emotiva XPA-DR2, it's a class AD amp, can output up to 1K into 4 Ohms. Actually is there any chance you would review the XPA amp or even the XPA2-Gen3. Both are crazy good spec for the money, 1600 and 999. I know a lot of your followers would be interested in your opinion on Emotiva. Thanks

[@joelstuart873]

Steve, you are by far the most interesting person to listen to,,,

[@curtisdye7102]

Steve, as always , thanks for shedding light on some albums ( that are off the beatuloôen path (other than the Clapton/Melencamp /Davis). Two . questions

[@gilbertrios5283]

I buy as expensive as I can afford, have done this since I started this fanatical journey, and my enjoyment has grown everytime! I'm sure at some point up the price scale it becomes "as good as it gets " but I won't have to worry about that because very doubtful I'll reach anywhere near that point.

[@joerosen5464]

I wholeheartedly agree with what Steve G. said about this, so I applaud your strategy. But the endpoint depends on your budget; chose extra-carefully, include used components, & I put the..."event horizon" at no more than $10-15kUSD.

[@classicaloracle]

Can you explain why a state-of-the-art Steinway Model 'D' as used in the finest concert halls will set me back a mere £125,000 but some speakers I've seen to reproduce it might cost double that? I own the best clarinets money can buy at £6k. Should it not be possible to reach the best sound without spending the kind of money you'd spend on a house or luxury car?

[@RasheedKhan-he6xx]

Spot on comment. I was just thinking, if I had that money to spend on music I'd have season tickets to all the best concert auditoria and operas and money to travel between them and visit cozy jazz bars in between.

[@BlankBrain]

I currently have a limited budget due to early retirement (taking care of relatives). I may be in a better position when my pensions kick in. So I'm mostly coasting on audio that I bought when I had a good income. I never bought headphones after my Sennheiser HD 414s gave up, until a Black Friday when I bought some HD 598SEs. Even though their published frequency response isn't great, they sound good to me. So you can conclude that I have damaged hearing or damaged nervous system. I used Neutron on my LG V20 to even-out the response, but found that I preferred the native sound. I haven't been able to figure out why. I bought a Snikerdoodle Black FPGA board with the intent to experiment with my own DSP designs. There is enough real estate to implement fairly long FIR phase-linear filters. I will have a three-way crossover, but now I'm wondering about my need for room compensation DSP. Maybe I'll like the sound of my system the way it is! I prefer the perfect imperfections of rustic furniture. Maybe it's that way with audio too. Maybe rustic sound compensates for imperfections in my soul.

[@jysquare2]

It's a Christmas tree of headphones in the rear Lol How do you keep track ?

[@odincoulombe706]

I find the MTM or the WTW sound the best,,but ive always loved the subwoofer from home theater since i tried one in the early 90s. What do you think?

[@grahamdouglas7756]

It all comes down to what sounds good to you no matter what the cost is. I just love good sounding music. I just have to deal with what I can afford I have saved up 400 dollars so far for a new stereo system I am saving for the Fluance Rt 81, Emotiva PT 100 Pre amp the Emotiva A 300 Power amp and for speakers The Elac Debut 5.2

[@cmkilcullen8176]

Graham Douglas Yes...and there is nothing like finding and enjoying that sound you love..

[@mattwinters7768]

I couldnt agree more! I have a 1990's Kenwood reciever and CD player, connected to 2 1985 bose bookshelf speakers with a BSR Quanta 500 turntable from the 70's. I also have 2 early 2000's Kenwood subwoofers hooked up. Each thing individually cost less than $100. Sounds like the best setup on the block to my ears!

[@joerosen5464]

The problem is saving up for "new" equipment! When you have no money, or simply refuse to part with much, USED is where the value is! Guys like Guttenberg, Stereopiles, & The Absolute Joke ragazines have such a vested interest in whoring the new CRAP that they go out of their way to pretend like used gear doesn't exist! I don't live in their alternate universe, filled with racks of FREE headphones given to me by manufacturers who don't want my ear jam back; chances are neither do 99.44% of us (probably more!). New turntables are especially crappy. Cartridges are largely unimproved since Analog's previous demise in 1985, everything under $1000 is the same shit with a different model name, or even the same name (Hello Gradog, Ortofart, Crapaoka...). Amps are mostly worse because we didn't have this Class D digital RUBBISH back in the '70s & 80's. Anyone who shills for Class D amps is either deaf, a whore from the review "press", or a deaf whore from the review press. Speakers ARE better (mostly...), but unless they are made in a corrupt totalitarian communist SHITHOLE country called China, they are a complete ripoff & no sane person can afford them, much less justify them. Get an old Dual turntable, the older the better. Put an Audio-Technica AT95E on it. Make your own interconnects & speaker cable from minimum 16ga MIL-W-16878 Type E or EE silver-plated & teflon-insulated hookup wire. Buy an old Sansui integrated amp or receiver, or a Lux RX-100 series receiver from 1984. Or for tubes, a Musical Paradise MP-301. Or an Audio Analog 8W/ch. job (sorry, don't have the model # handy, but it's under $500USD). For speakers, get a pair of Dynaco A25's, an old pair of Advent/1's, or any number of EPI, Genesis, Burhoe speakers with the inverted-dome tweeter. Boston Acoustics A70's &A100's are a tasty choice as well. If you insist on new for under $500, I hope you like TINY! Oh, one more thing: YOU'RE WELCOME.

[@robertleeluben]

When my dad sold gear there was a crazy myth going around about marking the inside ring of a CD with a green pen. They swore up and down that it made the CDs sound better, and when I explained how CDs worked and that the Data on the disc was either read correctly or it wasn't they just scoffed at me.

[@stevenstein5306]

Steve, what's your opinion of the Klipschorn speakers? I had a pair back in the 70's paired with a Pioneer turntable, Shure cartridge and Marantz 20/20 receiver which I sold after about 10 yrs.

[@BadChizzle]

I’m enjoying you. Thanks!

[@Clint_the_Audio-Photo_Guy]

I've heard the MBL Extreme system a few times and it is magical. I'd be happy with just the 101E's. I don't need to be greedy, haha. I'll never understand people who will bash something just because it's expensive. I hear all sorts of comments "I know you're just paying for the name with X brand", or "I could build a system that sounds twice as good as X, for less than HALF the price!" and so on. I don't go on Ferrari forums and bash people who can afford them or the cars and say that "I could build a Chevy X that's faster than that for 1/10th the money!" because it would be stupid to do so. But this is what we get in the Audiophile world. There's a lot more Anti-Audiophiles than audiophiles me thinks. Lot of hate for a hobby that's viewed to be extravagant by most unfortunately.

[@HareDeLune]

Clint the Audio Guy Your last sentence addresses the problem. The reason for so much rancor as prices go up is due to the perception of high-end audio equipment being outright lies. Think about it: How many people are satisfied with highly compressed music streamed over Bluetooth or otherwise from a low quality source? How many people listen to music as background noise? How many people, this time including audiophiles, have had the chance to even listen to a megabuck, Hi-Fidelity system anywhere, ever? Now, go out and try to tell these same people how much you love the sound of your new $300K whatever, and watch what happens.

[@adotopp1865]

Clint , I too have heard the MBL system at audio shows . It sticks in my memory as it was so good . in the room there was the MBL system AND an aural hologram of a jazz pianist it was brilliant.

[@Deathrape2001]

Actually you CAN build a way better performing car than a Ferrari 4 like 1/10 the price or less. One example that comes 2 mind is the 'Atom' = street legal, but basically all frame, so very light & agile =) It's a glorified go cart, but outperforms Ferraris because of it HAHA

[@johngordon1175]

Nearly all recordings are digital nowadays since 2” tape master recording no longer happens, copying tapes to vinyl involves modifications to the signal to accommodate the playback cartridge.

[@lazaruslong92]

Hi Steve, I would like to delve a little into your analog vs digital statement. Does that extend to the recording medium? When I was younger and I played with a 2" Studer Revox tape recorder, we would record he drums and then mix the 12 tracks down to 2, left and right, and you would lose 16 to 20 percent of your signal due to analog signal loss. When using digital however, it is 90db in and 90db out. That was a breath of fresh air in the studio. I remember old school studio engineers bright eyed and bushy tailed over the possibilities ;-)

[@miavonni]

I thumbs up your videos before I even listen to em my man!

[@packers1m704]

Steve that sneeze needs to be remastered so we can enjoy it even more

[@sethje]

No audio system sounds better then the way the audio is recorded. Looking at the quality of a lot of studio equipment compared with the multi zeros audio stuff, is see myths growing.

[@vainparasite]

Hi Steve, have you ever heard of some floorstanding speakers called DITTON AV3? I have a set which got left to me but haven’t tried them yet and I can’t find any info on them anywhere.

[@201950201950]

Mr. Guttenburg have you thought of having images pop up in reference to perhaps at $100,000 system

[@dreamrealitysyndrome]

You bring up an interesting point that I was pondering about yesterday. Can "high resolution" audio be worth anything if a song was recorded on old equipment? Or perhaps equipment that had much lower resolution than the format one listens to? Also, DSP is totally necessary in car audio. I consider myself a semi-audiophile, and I'm noticing all these audiophile videos seem to only pertain to home audio. Do audiophiles not listen to music in their cars?

[@richardlaub889]

I guess I just want to say that the average American "Joe" makes just $32,000 a year. If you speak on lower priced audio equipment...You are speaking to the masses. Every year I buy maybe, just one piece of audio equipment (200.00 - 750.00) because that's all I can afford. I would assume most of the people that watch your videos are just like me and earn less than the average $32,000. Thanks for all your wisdom and keep plugging the great, innovative, and reasonably priced audio equipment.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks, I love covering a wide range of gear. Reading about stuff we can't afford, like Ferraris, seems interesting to folks who will never own or even once drive a Ferrari. I hope the same is true for expensive audio.

[@jeffadams9699]

And that's what I love about Steve. He covers a wide variety of high end and very affordable but high fi gear. Thanks Steve. And I love it all! I love reading and hearing about the crazy expensive audio gear and the stuff that I can afford. It's a great hobby and its like my subscription to Car and Driver and Motor Trend. I actually read the articles on the Ferrari's and Lamborghini's multiple times and read the article on the Subaru Forrester once.

[@brazillm10]

Richard, the truth of the matter is that a relatively modestly priced can sound wonderful if you take the time to set it up properly and pay attention to room acoustics. I've seen six figure systems set up in an absolute echo chamber and I've seen $3000 systems that worked like magic it a proper room.

[@rb032682]

@@brazillm10 - Yes! I agree. There is some "magic" in a well-treated room.

[@ML-rm3vk]

at the end of the day how good your hearing is the best guide post for purchasing gear or expecting great sound in other words have your hearing tested.thanks steve great video

[@golfhead54]

Steve: I agree with most of what you say except for the first item about expensive gear. A $250K amp does not sound better than a $10K amp. A $90K DAC does not sound better than a $1K DAC. No amount of lipstick Stereophile puts on the expensive gear changes that. Alan Shaw, owner/ designer, of Harbeth speakers has a challenge that says if you can identify your amp from his while auditioning his speakers, you can have the speakers for free. I would think there would be a parade of reviewers going to Harbeth to collect their free gear. He has yet to pay out. In fact, he has had zero takers on his offer. I wonder why?

[@adotopp1865]

Mike Witkowski If you forget the price though, some amps are better than others aren't they?

[@golfhead54]

I believe in the sufficiency argument: Once you get to a certain level of design and material quality, there is little to no difference in sound between amplifiers. You can still have a mismatch in amplifier and speakers based on load, loudness requirements, etc., so all those considerations are valid. This is an interesting read from the late Tom Nousaine. www.biline.ca/audio_critic/mags/The_Audio_Critic_19_r.pdf He has published several of these tests. Bottom line: Spend your money wisely.

[@chesapeake566]

Agree. (As someone who's participated in amp blind tests) It's all about the speakers and room.

[@adotopp1865]

Mike, But regardless of price, some amps are better than others in a given system aren't they?

[@clarenceboggs2406]

Maybe it’s because Harbeth speakers aren’t that good and therefore you wouldn’t be able to tell much difference

[@rbspider]

Believe it or not I had that mind blowing experience in a car . It was like being on stage with the band, not distortion at full volume , I wish it could have been louder . You could feel the music , not just hear it. The problem was it only lasted a month. Turned on the system one day and instantly knew it had changed. I spent the next few years trying to get it back but never could.

[@glenngoldsmith5645]

Steve the main reason why vinyl sounds different to CD or digital streaming is because digital can only play back exactly what you provide at the source, a mirror image. When you listen to a CD or Apple Music, you are listening to an exact replica of the artists final master. Vinyl on the other hand colours playback, depending on your set up. Every variable with your record player comes into play, mostly your tonearm and cartridge. The tonearm becomes your microphone and this will define the sound of the playback. So turntables give the enthusiast and individual hands on experience, depending on their set up. That is much more interesting to some.

[@gervaiscurrie6675]

The Dansette theory: "if it don't sound good on a Dansette, it won't sound good on anything"

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

I'd day that a 3k system setup well in a well treated room will sound better than a 30k system setup badly in a bad sounding room. (even if you used 10k cables) :)

[@Deathrape2001]

Price does not determine sound quality, so both or neither setup can sound better. It depends what design U buy, not the price.

[@rb032682]

@Crazy - YES! I agree, very much. I keep telling my friends to put up some acoustic treatment to upgrade their system. It seems equipment without flashing lights and LCD displays is considered "low-end".

[@Deathrape2001]

The only equipment U ned N E more is amps & speakers =) Do the rest with computers =D Room treatment U can do yourself cheap, but the best treatment is actually 2 physically change the shape of the room by putting big & tall pieces of furniture in it to break up the 'boxy' nature of the sound. U can fiddle around with 'traps' all U like but you don't even need that $hit if the space is no longer so 'resonant'. It's like sabotaging a flute by stuffing legos into it LOL

[@rb032682]

@@Deathrape2001 - Not quite an accurate analogy.

[@Deathrape2001]

No, it's totally accurate. U R stuffing a room with various big furniture pieces to break up the shape. U R just contradicting because U R a weak stupid jakazz afraid 2 admit U wasted your $$$. Try the furniture thing out. U can get big furniture FREE (or close 2 it) on Craigslist 4 frax sake.

[@scottyo64]

I have just under $4,000 in my system and went to a high end dealer and their system stomped all over mine. The thing was though that they had over 12k into power cables not even getting into the system cost. Nice stuff just out of my price range. I won't even pretend, no matter how much I like my system, that it is even close to a "high" end system.

[@scottyo64]

I should also state that I have around $400 in cabling etc getting power to my system.

[@PrinceWesterburg]

I was with a major top end brand at a hifi show and this squirrely little guy walked in with a CD. He announced that this CD only sounded good on top, top end equipment. So we put it on, it was God awul!!! OMG this was like the worst recording ever! Sort of light rock jazz with this horrible piercing flute recorded on potato mics. The guy wouldn't have it that it was whats technically termed 'Crap' so I pointed out that the room was packed when he came in and now it was just me and him. Then he saw reason! LOL

[@JonBlondell]

Digital vs. Analog. You are correct. I'm a musician, recorded on over a thousand albums, and countless jingles, etc. You are absolutely correct.

[@petecanthropus9947]

Hi Steve ! Talking about myths ... what do you think about leaving solid state amplifiers and CD players always on vs turning them off/on daily, life span - wise ? (I know they sound better after some warm up so we should turn them on, let's say, 30 min - 1 hour before use in case of having turned them off the night before).

[@brianmoore581]

Pete Canthropus I know you were asking Steve, but in my opinion I would turn things off when not in use, if only to save on your electric bill. I have electronic equipment that has been turned on and off for over twenty years with no problems. On the other hand, I upgraded my preamp to a Pass XP20 a few years ago and it doesn't even have a power button. It is always on, again with no problems. Amplifiers get hot and draw a lot of current, so I would turn those off. Anything that doesn't get hot probably doesn't matter, but if it has a power button, I would use it. Presumably, somebody knew what they were doing when they designed whatever gear you have. Just my two cents, if it helps.

[@petecanthropus9947]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts/experience. My integrated amps and CD players (Arcam and Rotel) do have power buttons (but not the standby option, which might be the "best of both worlds" option for the dubious users, like me). I've heard some audiophiles stating that the repeated offs/ons (even if just once a day) wear away some electronic components more than leaving them constantly on. There seems not to exist unanimity among audiophiles/users/experts about this matter and there's not clear advice by the manufacturers, who tend to evade this question (no mention in the user manuals, etc).

[@simonadams6640]

A bit late to this discussion, but I think he's nuts on CIEMs. The Fiios (FH5/7) or super high end universals like the Solaris are just as big. And I'd bet if you weighed the Solaris against a comparable CIEM the custom would weigh much less. The great thing about a well fitted custom is that you don't feel it, you can press hard, and it doesn't pinch or hurt your ear. Bought my first pair a couple of years ago and wouldn't go back.

[@tarasbulba3190]

Steve is my new audio guru.

[@lizichell2]

Bose is good - there is a myth right there

[@AC-rd4ld]

They make one good thing, noise cancelling headphones. Not audiophile but better on NC than anything else by a wide margin.

[@lizichell2]

Andy Cohen I have to admit their noise cancelling headphones are good but the lifestyle home theatre systems are a rip off

[@sometimesreviewsandthinkin5056]

lizichell2 if someone likes bose they are quality to them

[@jacinshardlow2409]

lizichell2 - bahahahaha. Love it. That’s gold

[@sometimesreviewsandthinkin5056]

Jacin Shardlow Haha yeah what do you listen with? I have a pair of grados 500

[@brianthompson72]

I have over 300 Vinyl albums. For the longest time, I was always told all vinyl will sound better and more natural. I found myself trying to hear that "warmth" vinyl had over the digital counterparts (I have over 54,000 digital albums) and found that the clearest vinyl tended to be more of the acoustic or even orchestral as opposed to, say metal. That being said, I bought OneRepublic's Native on vinyl and was blown away at the stuff I could NOT hear on the digital version. It's hit or miss. Led Zepplin, IMHO, will always sound better on vinyl as does Santana. But what really melted my brain was Metallica AND Megadeth vinyl albums. Holy cow what a difference.

[@felixfranzen7318]

There's an obvious reason Metallica sounds better on vinyl. That band (along with the Red Hot Chili Peppers) are infamous for brick walling their albums to maximize loudness. That kills all the dynamics, smashes down peaks, makes everything sound equally loud and introduces digital distortion. You can't do that on vinyl, the album would be unplayable for various technical reasons. So in those cases the vinyl is going to sound a lot better. But the vinyl format itself is definitely not better.

[@enigma7070]

So I think a better question is given equivalent pre-processing stages, which has the potential to be better, analog or digital?

[@thetechq]

DSP won’t fix a bad room, but manual DSP after much time invested can make many rooms sound better. The automatic systems work, but many hours of tuning will get you the best results. Do DSP last and only as much as you need.

[@tonesbones502]

Always loving your videos Steve. Ok, I have to respectfully disagree with your myth at 5mins. I have found that in general a three way speaker will sound better than an equivalent two way speaker eight times out of ten. Yes there are exceptions but they are less common, not more common like you suggested. Speakers with a dedicated mid driver and bass woofer have an advantage over an all-in-one driver.

[@mikecees2230]

Hi Steve, Please suggest a few well matched, well set up systems that are within the regular (ie not millionaire with dedicated 10000 sq ft listening room) audiophile's means. Like amp X with speakers Y. Another myth similar to DSP would be the sub myth. Some swear by them, some despise them.

[@Chance-ry1hq]

When I want to hear great audio, I invite some friends over, pickup my guitar, banjo, saxophone, mandolin, or fiddle, and we play some music together.

[@russellhamner4898]

Then you're missing the whole point of high end audio! It's not about the music, it's about the $$$ spent on the equipment! Hell, it could all just be empty metal and wooden boxes as it won't be listened to anyway. It's all about satisfying the OCD urges and having status symbols.

[@drat6627]

That’s fine but you aren’t listening to anyone else’s music so whilst I am sure it’s a great experience it is only one of many possible ones. I played in bands for years and of course the soundstage a musician gets is very different from the audience

[@tomterrific9459]

@@russellhamner4898 Do you honestly believe that ?????

[@onetwo6039]

Definitely depends on the recording. I don't really like country music, but I'll be the first to admit that they do one hell of job recording music. Hats off to country.

[@owenjbrady]

good content and proper speaker placement is a large chunk of the battle.......

[@drrrrockzo]

Steve, I used to work for a high end a/v company and I couldn't agree more with everything you have said. I installed several Meridain speaker systems (+$100K) and they all sounded awful until tuned in. I also installed many Audiology DSP systems, before they sold out and every Marantz included the basic firmware...did they work well? Yes they did if properly setup but they can't fix everything and never once did the software get it right out of the box. In my time the industry I learned that 70% of a given system's performance came from tuning alone...a bout in the car audio (not bass boomers, real deal SQ stuff) realm reinforced that thinking as well. Three way speakers are hit and miss for me...my mentor told me once (and I still agree with him to this day) that more drivers equals more distortion. I never heard a bad pair of 3 ways in home audio, but never heard a good pair in car audio. I dig the content and please keep it up!

[@06mukhtar]

To comment on the part where you said room correction can sometimes sound worse. I think in my case it was. I use Denon receiver and used Audessey's room correction. I always feel that the system sounds better without the room correction on that it does with it on. Correction often masked a lot of the sound that I would pleasantly hear with it off. Anyway, that was just my humble experience.

[@georgeelsasser]

Better speakers definitely, better amps usually - But there are pitfalls and alleys we need warn new people to avoid, although maybe experience is the very best teacher. Strange observation - my big stereo was down for 8 years. Now "I can not tell any difference" between a highly reviewed pricey "stereovox" coax cable and a BJC coax (zero, not-ta, zip). Back then I "heard better better better" now I hear the same. I am making a plea - to steer new people away from low low value expenditures like wires. Audio memory like color memory lasts maybe milliseconds. Our brain's work in concert with our ears & eyes. They do most of the work to parse and organize the information we receive . To the newer people careful this whole thing can turn into "an addiction" where we constantly "desire better" and charlatans will sell you the wire drug. Then our anticipation of better becomes a self for-filling illusion. Year one "boy she sure is sweet, kind, honest and loaded with integrity". Year two "OMG she might be a sociopath". Our perceptions are not "reality", they are our reality which is temporary tied to desires, expectations and host of things that skew our perceptions.

[@Deathrape2001]

There R massive differences between cables, mostly E Z 2 tell in the highs, especially between bright, clean-sounding gear. U will notice differences in 'smoothing' effects =) As 4 clarity, very thin stuff of 'coax' style design with thin copper stranded core & solid aluminum sheet outter wrap sounds best. Somehow the difference in materials 'evens out' things. Speaker wire 2 = aluminum on 1 lead & copper on the other.

[@maxwelsh6121]

Hi, how do you like your Grado 325 headphones ?

[@Foltl]

a wine for € 200 tastes much better than a wine for € 20 (but only if you already know the price)

[@911truthfarmer]

After the first glass who can tell the difference?

[@alext2933]

Your sneeze almost blew my ear drums. Ironic.

[@ianallen8305]

Steve you said it “ it all depends on the quality of the recording” So so true, remember the days of analogue only when one vinyl pressings blew you mind away with the quality of sound then another by the same label was awful. Stop taking sense😜

[@oddboxTopper]

Mastering. I have compact discs and other digital files that sound better than the vinyl counterparts due to proper digital re-mastering. Careless/bad analog mastering or even bad vinyl pressings can ruin an audio experience for me. On the other hand, I have vinyl records that blow digital files out of the water for much the same reasons. It does not pay to be an audio snob just because someone prefers one format over another. It should always be about finding the best sounding recordings of your favorite music. Having said that, I still prefer a good vinyl record over a compact disc anytime! Audio extremes! My system is VERY modest. In fact most components have been given to me by friends and family. I strive to get the best possible sound with what I have to work with. I would love to hear some of my favorite recordings on a half million dollar sound system. Maybe one day.... I enjoyed this posting Steve and just subscribed. Peace...

[@jimf42]

I completely agree....the most important component to good sound is well recorded and well mastered material. That being said, I think vinyl is slightly more forgiving of less than good recordings that is digital.

[@kacperuminski1547]

Let us just admit that digital recording and media is objectively better than analog recording and media. They are however both of sufficient quality for us to use and listen to them.

[@HareDeLune]

oddboxTopper I share your philosophy of getting the most out of your system. Therefore allow me to recommend Mapleshade Records. If you go there and do your research, read carefully and follow the advice and technical principles found there; I believe you will be able to improve the sound and performance of your current system to a surprising degree. Even if you employ DIY versions of some of the products (which is even mildly encouraged), I think you will hear an improvement. I could say more, but I don't want to sound like an infomercial. Cheers!

[@scottlowell493]

One of the biggest issues CD had in the early days, was bad mastering and RIAA curve., They were harsh, tinny and bright coming from Japan. German pressings got it right and the fidelity was VASTLY improved.

[@kacperuminski1547]

Scott Lowell CD does not employ any kind of RIAA. Vinyl does. I think what you meant was brick wall filtering.

[@tesmith47]

A lot of this depends on the type of music. Thrash rock,electronica, polkas,rap /hip hop etc. Have no subtle things to hear so anything is good enough

[@chadparker8198]

What do you think the coolest song is to test on a system? Welcome to the Machine?

[@wric01]

Ora Graphene headphone will get you there 20k plus speakers. 6 hours No fatigue. To me it has the best attributes of Electrostatic, dynamic and planar in one. (The long instrument decay and resonance you are missing from a live music is now heard.) 32ohm thus work on all existing equipment with more amps. Play the best recording on it and becomes live(None of that over emphasis of front faced stage that some iem or headphones create).

[@danteedee8204]

I agree completely on the analog vs digital. The recording engineer has has the most influence on the sound. That is the choices made in recording and mastering have a greater influence the cd vs vinyl.