Top 10 rules for audiophiles

[@Aswaguespack]

Steve is the Moses of Audiophiles delivering his Audio 10 Commandments on Digital instead of Analog inscribed Stones. 😂 Some great and very useful Rules. Thanks Steve.

[@davidcastillo1340]

You wont' believe #7!

[@LilWillyA2Z]

Steve dropping the realest of science indeed.

[@kohnfutner9637]

Steve is way cooler than Moses. Much more accurate than the Bible as well.

[@kusgilb]

@@LilWillyA2Z I have yet to gear Steve utter a single word of science in his videos.

[@7John]

@@kohnfutner9637 So you're the expert on Biblical truth??? Have you done studies in the original languages of the Bible so you actually know what you're talking about??? I get SO sick and tired of people like YOU who think it's a field day on Christianity, but wouldn't DARE insult Islam or some other religion!!! And just because I mentioned Islam does NOT make me an Islamophobe--indeed, it's people like YOU who point fingers that are the REAL Islamophobes, if ANYBODY is!!! Maybe you need to be called a Christophobe--and I hope and pray that term catches on!! In short: if you don't like someone's belief system, KEEP IT TO YOURSELF--IT HAS NO PLACE IN A FORUM SUCH AS THIS!!! YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED, YOU CHRISTIAN HATER!!! IT'S PEOPLE LIKE YOU THAT CAUSE THE PROBLEMS TO BEGIN WITH!!!

[@mohamedahmed1023]

I disagree with rule 10. It's NOT about having fun. It's about having mean-spirited venomous arguments with strangers on the internet.

[@markreeves7177]

And just who and the heell do you think you are?!

[@rekhaverma7334]

@@markreeves7177 r/whooooooooosh

[@markreeves7177]

Does she understand that I got the sarcasm? Or is she wooshing over the top of her own head?

[@TheMamaluigi300]

Mark Reeves Bold of you to assume it’s *over* her head with your puny 7.1 surround sound setup that, by the way, only had a disgraceful 4.9 star rating

[@markreeves7177]

@@TheMamaluigi300 Puny as it may be... I haven't found any reasonable inadequacies to begin any overcompensations. Other than, I'm a guy and that's what we do. I mean I have no esteem problems what so ever at all. No no not me.. Just dont you.. He Called mine puny. Its NOT Puny! Yours is puny! Wheres my wallet. I'll show you whose is puny. In not overcompensating, either! It's just not pu- ahhhhhh! Uh hi, Emotiva? Uh yeah. I need an XPA-9 delivered. Yes with a SVS 16 INCHER. Yes thank you.. No, NO, NOOO.....! MAKE IT TWO...! And trade my Emotiva XPA-7! An it snot pubescent! , puny! It snot. ;(

[@blueriverlore]

Rule #10 is the most important. I just picked up The Beatles Singles Collection set of 45s. These were never pressed for audiophiles but for teenagers to be played on their 'crappy' portable turntables. I'm 70 now and they sound just like I remembered. Incredible. I have other pressings of the songs on different LPs with different mixes and those are for audiophiles. Thanks for the video, Steve. Subscribed.

[@BlankBrain]

Most important rule for an audiophile: Don't take yourself too seriously.

[@ArcticMedevac]

You will never get out of life alive.

[@drabigorspins]

But they do lol

[@vinnyfromvenus8188]

Honestly more people should follow that rule

[@RetroPlus]

That goes for most things really

[@PeteNice29]

Have you seen how they present themselves? That doesn't happen.

[@danieljakubik3428]

Steve Guttenberg is one of the most experienced and knowledgable audiophiles around. Thanks for sharing your collective wisdom gained over many years of critical listening Steve!

[@gregmcmurray6112]

Best advice I've heard, thanks. And think the most important "Is trust your own ears not forums or friends' opinions."

[@wahooligan]

#1 rule: Protect your ears.

[@halpearson4226]

Maybe this could be the zeroth law? It's definitely the most important

[@matthewroberts1239]

My tinnitus thanks you.

[@kindageeky2]

YES! Audio shows are horrible about this, routinely found 110-120 dB presentations at Axpona and at Bristol

[@kindageeky2]

Strong opinions, loosely held, is a good and viable path for fellow audiophiles

[@urbantone]

Here’s an other with tinnitus problem Yes first protect ears

[@metintoyata792]

Steve, I love your reviews because I can tell that you walk the walk. Your enthusiasm energizes me. Thank you!

[@stevenholt5484]

Rule No. 11 : never spend an extra $1000 on gear to get an extra $10 worth of sound.

[@rb032682]

@Steven - GOOD rule!

[@beyondonethousand]

You may need to spend $1000 to get a satisfying increase so long as you don’t put yourself in a debt too difficult to pay off. Learn to live within your means.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

Bingo

[@stevenholt5484]

@Fat Rat Pls translate that, bro.

[@stevenholt5484]

@Fat Rat Thanks......people need to keep it in mind.

[@joeh9829]

Thanks Steve, Interesting how the disappearance of audio shops has created a real void in the quest to audition equipment. What you are left with is on line reviews and perhaps a KZbin demo. Not the best situation for deciding on what components and speakers to buy. But thank you for your presentation of equipment and thoughts. It has certainly helped.

[@ENGLISHISBEST]

You can find an audio shop if you want, there's still many about. From Bedford I can access about 5 within 10 mile.

[@julian73de]

Love your enthusiasm, experience and knowledge. Ty from Germany

[@IKnewMickey]

My rule is enjoy the music and equipment I have. There's too much fomo in this hobby.

[@airgliderz]

fomo = cables = snake oil

[@Robeaver]

You got it.

[@Matthew-by5bt]

Mine sounds amazing cranked up and sat in the kitchen listening with a cold beer

[@barlow2976]

Yes, and if I want my £1k of old hifi gear to really sing to me I vape a bit of weed. Cheapest upgrade there is.

[@JCP-Ghy]

@@barlow2976I never thought this hobby would lead me to the second Messiah! 🙏🏼

[@carlosarroyo5262]

Thank you for you honesty. I'm new to caring about audio quality so watching open ended vs closed views/ probably paid views helps a ton.

[@yourdiytechlife]

This is all fantastic advice! At 54 I have been around enough audio (nothing like your experience Steve), to know that it's supper easy to get wound around the axle over things that just don't matter and end up costing way to much when you could have spent the money on things that do make a difference. Trust your ears and play with what you have and maximize it BEFORE deciding to make big changes. It's very easy to make expensive mistakes so don't get wound before you play😀.

[@rb032682]

@Dan - Agreed. That's why I keep telling people to use acoustical treatment. It helps prevent those expensive mistakes.

[@johnhanselman6371]

Steve, I agree with your all of your recommended 10 rules. I was especially enlightened with a new understanding of why listeners may prefer to use headphones. Makes sense now.

[@brydon10]

I love how you emphasize speaker placement. It's so crucial. Headphones are also a great suggestion. So many amazing sounding headphones that are really really affordable. A $100 Headphone amp with them and you're all set.

[@timorouw5555]

I love this guy so much. Respecting low budget audiophiles as long if people are having fun

[@victorsixtythree]

Haha - before you started I guessed “remember to enjoy the music” would be number one. It came in at number ten but then you said maybe it should be number one. 👍🏽👍🏽

[@ericsunbacon745]

Great tips. Finally, a recent industry chat about speaker size. Very difficult to "overload" a room (in my opinion). I played the bookshelf/subwoofer game for far too long. Best decision I made, after addressing room treatments, was to go large floor-standers. Never again will my main system have bookshelves. Cheers and happy listening 🍻

[@billwillard9410]

Eric Sun Bacon how big is your listening room, approx?

[@ericsunbacon745]

@@billwillard9410 3000 cubic feet

[@blangeleven]

Eric Sun Bacon that’s nice for you. Lots of people have smaller room than that. Isn’t that like 20x20x8? I’d love a room that big.

[@Aswaguespack]

My room is just over 1700 sq feet and I have large “bookshelf” speakers but would like to upgrade at some point to an appropriate (which I haven’t defined what that could be) floor standing type but it has been said that the journey should be more enjoyable than the actual destination. 😂

[@gurdyman1]

I gave up on small speakers over 20 years ago. Today, I have BIG speakers in a small room. Love them!

[@danshapiro1195]

Steve, The best video yet, from you, as I, 100 % concur. Number 10, is, without a doubt, number 1. I believe, one thing that was left out, though, was, for people to listen to as much stuff as possible, as listeners, generally, do not have a clue as to what they like. Yes, audiophiles are driven by test reports and recommendations, by reviewers, and as you mentioned, people, do not trust their ears. The bigger issue is, most people do not have a basis, as to start with. Most folks I have helped design systems, are clueless, and this, is fundamentally an issue. The other parts of what you said in this video, are, really significant. We, the listeners, are at the mercy of the recordings, and, whatever system we put together, will never sound like the real thing ( live, and unamplified ). Thank you for this video, and, your channel. You are one of the good guys. You old friend, Danno

[@georgealanlpsandcds9311]

I love Rule 10 - I am in love with my system, whether I am listening to Bruckner, Monk or Zappa they sound great. Sitting in my easy chair and being swept up into my music is such a wonderful experience. Thanks for the video Steve.

[@CornishMotorcycleDiaries]

I was skeptical about rule #1 as my system is down the end of a long narrow room with basically no options to resite speakers (200 year old cottage) So it thought 'that is what it is, just put up with it'. BUT after watching this and one from John Darko, I sat in my listening chair, moved it about a little and tweaked the position of my speakers. It was not by a lot, just a few inches and a few degrees. The result, a much improved listener experience. Thank you.

[@michelcouvrette7930]

Love these thoughts as always. From what I can see here you have followed rules 7 and 8 to perfections.

[@AndyP126]

Rule 11: Blind testing is important to remove snake oil from the hobby.

[@airgliderz]

Snake oil = cables

[@AndyP126]

alan connelly not just cable. High res music. Headphone burn in. The list goes on.

[@tonys4396]

This guy used to push a LOT of snake oil when he was with Sounds By Singer. I don't believe a bit of his BS

[@tonys4396]

FINALLY someone with a brain. I once told a friend to sit with his back to my audio system, told him I was going to switch the cables. Instead, with the same cables, I unplugged them from my Acoustic Zen Adagio speakers and plugged them into a pair of PSB bookshelf speakers. He was ready to RUN out and get the cables I was using. So, as you said "Blind Testing" is biased.

[@JSAFIXIT]

@@tonys4396 Blind would be not knowing what was changed.

[@michaelfitzgerald8835]

A beautiful distillation of years of experience into a top 10 of what really matters and how to achieve it ....sanely! I do vote for number 10 moving to number 1 tough and all the rest slide down a notch, if you’ve forgotten it’s all about musical enjoyment, nothing else will help. Stay our voice of reason Steve. 👍🏻

[@DKBoerner]

My dear Audiophiliac, thank you for sharing your wisdom with us. It means a lot to me and it is not self-evident to be able to participate in this. Great show, great spirit!

[@carlosbauza1139]

Yes! Great advice! And "Size Consideration" is n-o-t as absolute. It *depends* on the volume/shape/contents/composition of one's listening room. Thanks, Steve for this special "Nota Bene" episode.

[@ronbiekain6625]

Im running 31 year old Pioneer s-t 500 speakers they sound great but weighs 75 pounds a piece

[@Brassardois]

I am a musician of many years live & studio recording. I totally agree with you specially for the qualities of any recording session is the most important factor because is the source of the music no matter you play it in 16bits/44.1 or 96k 24 bits hight quality files. and of course, I record & playback with good headphones so the playback is not affected of the room size, reflection, muffing sound, dimention of the room. thanks for this good video about top 10 rules for audiophile. for didgital, they are better than in 1990 but still increase the high frequencies. to speak, My Gibson guitar sound like a fender stratocaster when playback it into digital format. I think it depend greatly from the quality of the DAC converter.don't forget that they treat the signal 30 times per seconds!.

[@micheltremblay4774]

My first rule for any Audiophiles is don't be afraid to use the art of the deal to get a lower price or a free add-on, most often, the cost of a speaker system is 50% (and more on accessories)of the retail price and sometimes lower if they are selling an end of line. If you can get a good set of speaker wires or a good turntable cartridge for free, why not, free is good. My second rule is large chain stores and some small ones give "spiff" (money, products or points for a sale ) to their employees on certain products and many will try to railroad you to buy that special article because it pays them more than the other besides it. Thrust your ears, not his! Your 10 rules also applies. There is no substitute for cubic inches, it is a "Mechanic's Rule" that also applies to many things. Thanks for sharing.

[@agentm83]

Yeah, I generally don't trust people unless I know them. That goes for Sales people as well, they might give you helpful advice but they're out for themselves first - unless you know the Sales person/store and think they're on the more honest side of things.

[@kennethboss2549]

You brought me home. I’m always buying new not necessarily better. When you said those 10 rules you where absolutely right. Listen to my ear . Thanks

[@CORVUSMAXYMUS]

The best 10 rules from the world I ever find out. Congratulation Steven

[@asmallwhitedog0479]

One day , some years past , I found myself listening to the quality of the playback and not the song. It gave me this terrible feeling. Im now in recovery from audiophilia . I have all the pieces I will ever need. If it sounds pretty good its ok. It fine. Focus on the music is my no.1 rule now. You all will love this. My speakers are a set of AR2a cabs with the drivers out of a set of Large Advent A3s and a moderately priced set of ribbon tweeters. They look like hell but sound fine. I couldnt recall all the sets of speakers Ive owned and these are the ones I love. Love your channel Steve

[@SvenWesti]

wow!! you brought it to the point in 10 simple rules! Love it!!

[@nofacemonster]

Hi steve... I just tried moving my stuff around and then realized, i really like the way it sounded when they were as they were. But you are absolutely right, moving around changes the sound. I also love the idea of headphones, headphones is where i have started all this audio journey in to the self satisfying perfection. Ended up with a pair of HD-6XX and a tube amp+dac, it is the end game for now. Thanks a lot for this insightful video, i just shared it to all my friends who keep spending 1000$ on audio gear without moving them around.

[@vcp93]

Might be the most helpful video of yours I've seen. Rule #1 got me thinking. I've known this for a while, but never realized how impactful the smallest change could make. I started "futzing" around with my Zu DWs and after several changes, all making minor differences, I made one last change to the width between the speakers and a small adjustment to the toe-in and "WOW!" All of a sudden the sound is coming from behind the speakers (like Paul McGowan always talks about) and the sound stage is fatter and more evenly distributed. I wouldn't have believed that such a minor tweak could yield such considerable improvements. Thanks Steve. 👍

[@rjpwp001]

Frank Black I also have Zu DWs. How did you finally place them? Distance from each other, wall, and toe in? I currently have mine right up against the wall about 6 feet apart with a bit of toe in. I sit about 7 or 8 feet away.

[@opinion8033]

My rule: don't spend more than you earn.

[@MichelLinschoten]

Rule number one... Don’t listen to audiophiles, but your ears Rule number two See rule number one

[@donaldfewell8908]

Advice from the late Joe Meek: "If it sounds good, it IS good!"

[@taotechnique]

This is absolutely the best top 10 rules for audio enthusiasts!

[@gilbs72]

So true... especially #2 : sound perception is very personal (and that's science - we're all just not made the same way). No debate or wars should start from this.

[@Clint_the_Audio-Photo_Guy]

This is my 17th year now selling Hi-fi, almost 30 years loving audio. Rule #1 for sure is to enjoy it, it's supposed to be fun. #2 Should be, don't make yourself the stereo police and try and tell everyone else they're doing it wrong. This includes the cable trolls and measurements-only fools. This should be #2 because it directly impacts #1 sucking the fun out of the hobby. It's also weird because it seems that the least experienced people, tend to be the most vocal about giving advice. I had a troll on my channel telling me everything I do is wrong, and when I looked him up I found out he was coming up on his first year at Best Buy, and he owned the smallest pair of Def Tech tower speakers they make and lived in his mom's basement...yet he was preaching to me. He then threatened me, so I banned him from my channel so that's neither here nor there, lol. He was a HUGE anti-cable Nazi. #3 should be, don't hate on people with more expensive systems than you. I like Porsche, but I don't go on Porsche forums and berate people for spending too much on a Porsche 918 when he could have got so much more value in a Cayman for much less money, because it would be a worthless pursuit, and in poor taste. There's a lot of jealousy in this hobby because of the expense of some of the gear. If you love it, and you sacrifice other things in life so you can have the money to spend on audio gear, then who should tell you that you can't or shouldn't. The anti-cable trolls are the biggest with this, always touting how you wasted your money. A nice system can be had at any price point, but you shouldn't try to knock down anyone with a better system than you just because you can't afford it. Enjoy yours. #4 should be listen with your ears. (In a world where people buy with their eyes) The measurement only people likely never take any measurements at all, that's the irony. They aren't scientists about it, they just trust that someone else took the measurements, and that's good enough for them, so they rely on spec sheets. Where's the spec for sound-staging, I always ask, or sound-stage depth, height etc? What spec is off axis dispersion or holographic imaging, sweet spot width? What about dynamics, impact, and scale? Is that a number on a spec sheet I've just been missing? There aren't specs for most of the stuff that matters, so it's useless to compare based on specs. Not to mention, different manufacturers measure with different standards, so you can't compare them between brands anyway. With those 4 rules, we can all enjoy this hobby, and anything that gets in the way of #1 shouldn't be in this hobby. Cheers!

[@swinde]

Super expensive "cables" are made of pure snake oil. That is why they get a lot of heat from those of us that know this.

[@chrisblock6697]

Didn't read your entire comment, but this hobby reminds me of my golf days so much. Don't tell someone how to swing asshole. Just enjoy the game. And by the way, you can get caught up in equipment in golf just like audio (I'm not sure how many extra sets of clubs I have and extra speakers, pre-amps....).

[@swinde]

@@DaleRC75 I just told the truth. Expensive cables are fine if your goal is aesthetics and the way your system looks, it is fine, but the idea that all of these so called enhancements makes for better sound is snake oil.

[@bobaloo2012]

Rule number 12, don't take equipment advice from someone who's paying their bills with your money.

[@wadimek116]

Unfortunly its always like people with no experience know the most. They pushing lies and popular opinions over actual stuff

[@philipnicolle6240]

I really like this guy and thoroughly enjoy his thoughts and reviews.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Philip Nicolle Thanks Philip

[@danieljakubik3428]

Nice collection of thoughts about high fidelity audio systems! Practical wisdom for audiophiles and all music lovers.

[@recordingwhiz]

Totally agree with all of these points. Nailed it

[@RyanLovesReds]

Good Rules Steve, thanks for sharing.

[@v3z6kc]

I really enjoy your videos. This one is helpful in understanding all the basic functions to enjoy audio. Thank you very much.

[@catdeddy8427]

SG, I only recently discovered your channel. My journey into and through audio began fifty years ago. Your treatises are quite parallel to things I learned way back when. As I review your observations I realize that nothing has changed in the pursuit of the "perfect" system. It ain't happ'nin'! Keep up your great work!

[@chris_hayes]

Think this is your best video, nailed it.

[@TheSujanroy]

Omg Steve love your shirt! The Batik collar-less shirt is very Calcutta inspired. Love watching your every video!

[@justanotheryoutubeuser5029]

Yep rule 1 is the best. Moving speakers around is what i do with some of my spare time and i enjoy it a lot. I mark the floor where i like it, then after some time try to move it around again and relocate my marks. It may sound weird but its how i enjoy my time. Great video sir, keep it up.

[@sidvicious3129]

Short sweet and to the point. Excellent advice and I have used all of it. I'm also a huge headphone guy. Don't ever get mad because you feel something is too expensive and because you can't afford it you call it snake oil (somethings are and some not). Also always remember what is new equipment today will be old equipment tomorrow, which can fit inside different budgetary concerns.

[@treschiflados97]

Many thanks to Steve Guttenberg for his excellent analyses and explanations. It is rare to find a knowledgeable audiophile with Steve's credentials who possesses the knowledge, interpersonal skills, pedagogical savvy, and humility that Steve conveys so seamlessly. He doesn't reduce the world's most beautiful equipment to endless charts, graphs, and every conceivable data set. Even the well-intentioned self-described audiophile can be so off-putting that her/his/their work can discourage sincere folks wishing to improve/build upon their sound systems. Finding someone in the audio world with Steve's knowledge, interpersonal skills, and genuine humility is like finding Bigfoot in Central Park. All one has to do is pick up any issue of your favorite audio journal to understand what makes Steve such a wonderful resource. THANK YOU Steve!!

[@nikosidis]

All audiophiles or people interested in audio equipment should see this. All the rules are very true! Spot on Guttenberg!

[@Themadscientist6858]

This is really the most important rules of audio. Waouuuuuuu.🤗🤗🤗🤗 Finally an icon from the audio industry tells it how it is. Amazing video Steve👏👍

[@mattbates6887]

From my own experience with getting the best sound from my audio gear over the years, I have always suited the speaker and amp system to the room environment I listened in. So from a garden shed, to a small upstairs spare room and then to the living room, each and every one of these locations had a different audio system to suit the very different sound environment. I have to say that my present audio system, is ultimately the best I have ever used, the end result of many years of listening experience. Naturally a lot of my fun and enjoyment with audio, has come from just experimenting with different sub woofers and different speaker layouts to get the best sound, it's not a perfect system by any means but it sounds pretty good. Dare I say it, but a graphic equalizer works wonders in a dead acoustic room environment.

[@philipweber637]

Steve, Your audio tips are very helpful and I think your delivery has genuine enthusiasm. I bought the outlaw RR 2160 because of your review and I’ve been incredibly happy with my purchase. Keep up the good work but the next time you get eyeglasses please put a non-glare on your lenses so it’s less distracting when I watch you enlightening all of us!🤓

[@lightberricsHDHD]

thank you for the vid helpful alot ever since i found ur channel i been opening my mind up on being and audiophile instead of so mad about bad sounding stuff keep the vids coming please i need ur knowledge and advice

[@marcbegine]

I also used the Audiophile book and SACD of Paul Mc Gowan!!! Very helpful!

[@stevemumford6983]

I love your common sense approach. I follow a guy in England Kelvin Stereo review X he specialises in reviewing vintage affordable hi fi. Between you two you are blowing away a lot of hi fi myth's. I am now at a stage where if it sounds right to me then it's right. Also as I said to him in one comment and I will repeat to you I trust your ears.😉👍

[@LuisMartinez-og8bk]

Love you Steve, you put so much happiness and good mood to these days.

[@Ladco77]

About the audio never sounding like live, to me I think as the quality improves it's a lot like a good movie where you get the suspension of disbelief. You know it's not live, but it's close enough to let you get lost in the moment and forget about the hardware and just hear the music. That rarely happens when you're critiquing a system because you're so consciously focused, your awareness isn't going to be fooled.

[@MrAyrit]

My new favorite channel! Thanks, man.

[@hooben...5211]

Great video, you're right. For me it's my late 70's silver faced woodgrain system.

[@theklipschcave3389]

It's as simple as this. Great video. Big is however important if you want the depth. Once I had an American Klipsch K-horn.... The room wasn't big enough however... I think horn-drivers are also important for the live-feeling in some cases? What do people think about this? Breaking in speakers should possibly also be a very interesting new subject? Especially for the new Cornwalls and Fortes you been listening to for a while. From the manual the breaking in time is 100 -200 hours for the Fortes. During that time you will really have some fun, I assure you. It is amazing what's happening, and my room is no good. And my hearing is not good either. I am sorry to say I am the weakest part of my whole soundsystem. Still I can't just wait what is going to happen next day or week. The breaking in period is very exiting. Would love to have a video on this, and if you still think the same about these speakers, let's say after a year or so? Long term testing and listening as such? Do try out Vanessa Fernandez : - When the levee breaks...

[@jlmain5777]

I thought the first rule of Audiophile Club was we didn’t talk about Audiophile Club. Just saying.

[@douglasgreen437]

Amen.

[@jdlech]

The thing about talking about audiophile club is that the more you talk about audiophile club, the LESS people want to join, lol.

[@trudychacon2000]

haha, that's only fightclub :))

[@mariodesmo]

what Audiophile Club? lol

[@airgliderz]

Club: By definition is A method used to exclude others

[@cplcombat]

I have purchased at least 25 sets of speakers and I keep going back to my $8 Klipsch Kg1 set. They just make me happy

[@brydon10]

Measurements of DACs and Amps can be very helpful. A well engineered component will measure well too.

[@christopherhafer3783]

Exactly.

[@airgliderz]

No, does not mean it sounds good. Period.

[@brydon10]

If something measures like crap it was designed like crap.

[@christopherhafer3783]

@@airgliderz : Maybe not for an "Audiophiliac"... But good specs result in "High Fidelity". It's as simple as that and the basis for all engineering, most audibly with speakers. Period.

[@chrisvinicombe9947]

My room is not only a cube but a small cube it's a pain getting balanced sound. As if that's not bad enough the speakers are off to one side and the listening position is to far back. Joys of life

[@JP-zh6ss]

You are very knowledgeable and your suggestions make a lot of sense. Learning a lot from you, thank you 😃😃

[@danielr1615]

Thanks for all of the advice. I wanted to experiment in a way that I never thought would help. I am glad I did. I have four subs. The best two are up front and the older/smaller ones are in the rear. I switched them and put the better ones in the back and smaller ones up front. WOW! My bass is as even as you can get now. I don't have any "boom" areas nor any "nulls" as well. My system doesn't look as strong now but who cares. The sound improvement, especially for music, is all that counts. You are the man!

[@mymixture965]

Agreed, you are my favourite reviewer, I think you really got it, you really understand it on all levels, good video!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks!!

[@rcpdox11]

Starting with Rule 10 and working backwards is a great way to identify one's audiophile issues!!! Then, and only then, can one begin to resolve them. Bon Voyage!!!

[@neilaltschuler6064]

Most important..get your hearing checked. Get the wax out.

[@scottstrang1583]

I need to have that done; long overdue. I just hate to do it since it hurts like hell. I bleed like a stuck pig when it's done.

[@jlutell]

@@scottstrang1583 find a better ENT

[@Aswaguespack]

Excellent advice! Something that most people usually do not do because it’s not something we place high on our list of personal Medical Care but I can personally attest that the gradual degradation of sensitivity to high frequency response can be seriously impacted and the removal of wax by a medical professional that has been built up over literally decades will make a bigger improvement than buying a better speaker!

[@FOH3663]

Good advice. Also, NO Qtips!

[@Aswaguespack]

FOH3663 Exactly! Qtips are more likely to exacerbate the problem rather than solve it.

[@johnlorenz6795]

Well done, Steve. All good info. I am probably going to pass this on to certain persons I know who should hear this!

[@chasmenear7130]

This stuff is key- especially# 1! I can break it down to 2 rules. 1) Placate the 'audio pie hole' within when purchasing! 2) Have fun with the expenditure (ie; YES, move speakers around, adjust settings for greatest joy, Listen to an enjoyable mix of musical types, etc. etc., have fun with it)!

[@zenos.5315]

Rule #1....Obey all the Rules......Thanks Steve your the best!!

[@itswamba2060]

I can't agree more with your last point. I hate turning my stereo off, but I know that I'll never sleep if I don't!

[@jaackdanielsful]

Having fun is the thing. You can buy a house depending on the money you spend on a setup, but if you're willing to do so, you're not enjoying it anymore. Even if you can afford it.

[@domingobermudez6780]

As always great advice Steve

[@Marcus_Sylvester]

Thanks a lot Steve for these must needed rules of audiophile wisdom! 👌 Content is more important than packaging. A loose interpretation of a poor subway musician is often better than a masterpiece through a high end sound system! I subscribed!

[@GordJuby]

I love the last one. I start listening to my system every night around 10 p.m intending to listen for an hour.Loose track of time and end it at midnight.

[@danieljakubik3428]

Blind listening tests are highly useful to help avoid personal preconceptions and biases!

[@PeteNice29]

Right, but your wants may be about more than strictly a sound change. I know, it's hard to grasp to those driving Camrys and wearing Timex, but it is reality.

[@Tnapvrvideo]

SUPERB presentation!!!

[@BustRadioMyths]

Steve is right on target as usual. I just learned the lesson about big speakers. I'd hate to part with my Klipsch Forte's. Smaller speakers sound small.

[@trudychacon2000]

amen

[@kohnfutner9637]

I experimented as much as I could with placement. I found my original placement was my favorite. I was able to pull them away from wall and closer, angle any direction I wanted. I am limited with center placement and not much I can go with my speakers, they're just too big for my room.

[@kaypee1972]

Rule no.1 should be: get someone moving your speakers while you are sitting and evaluating the sound

[@markfreedman2470]

Excellent set of rules. Particularly rule number four. As most audiophiles are not aware of what goes on in a recording studio. And unfortunately many of them don’t know the sound of live acoustic instruments. There is an Enormous amount of variation In the recording and mastering processes. Great video. Thanks

[@1968krug]

#1: SO TRUE. I’ve ‘enjoyed’ my mid fi system for a long time. I recently upgraded cables and a new CD player and it all helped but man, a few nights ago I pulled my speakers further away from the wall than I ever have and I was BLOWN away. Everything came to life, the sound stage and imagery was something I’ve never heard before. Hands down the cheapest and most effective improvement I’ve ever made to my listening experience.

[@michaelsmullen9891]

What, even more than smoking a joint?

[@1968krug]

@@michaelsmullen9891 probably, not that I’ve been taking for the last decade!

[@michaellevy2181]

Thank you Steve. Rule number one is so important. Sometimes the slightest change in position will make a drastic change in sound. Listen and trust your ears. So true there is great digital. Mastering is more important than analog vs digital Live is live, it is the perfection we seek The room is the most important single component Bad sounding rooms just sound bad A great set of headphones is great, but great speakers are better. Sorry, though, I need to show you what a small speaker can do, and the right size speaker is the most important factor in a room. If your speaker is too large for the room it will blur and overload the room. I would say there is a right size for each room. and for number 10, thank you for expressing such clear thoughts on our love, the quest to recreate the sound of live music, The impossible dream.

[@uniquephoto369]

Rule #11 books are great for room acoustics if you place the bindings inward. Great job Steve, just subscribed, and liked!

[@bernardjenkins1630]

I would love to hear your thoughts on the Klipsch La Scala compared to the Cornwall. I have a big room, but no good corners for the Klipschorns. Considering the La Scalas with some old McIntosh tube equipment.

[@6643bear]

Hi Steve, great info . Thanks mark

[@BryanHalo123]

Smart stuff, as usual. 'No system will sound like the real thing', this is such a great point. I've been to over a hundred classical concerts, no recording or system has sounded remotely like these live concerts....and I prefer recordings! Very few live performances have the polish of recorded. There have been some electrifying live performances, but they are very very rare - and none of them had a guy behind me talking in street voice and a women in front of me rolling her neck to Mozart as if she were in a yoga class.

[@sethivict1]

Another great advice from a Legend. Steve, thank you for sharing your thoughts mate.

[@biggstile]

Wow. I'm not an audiophile, but a mid-fi guy. I thought this might include hype, but this was truthful, and real.

[@GoLongboardBroseph]

Would love to know how your listening room is set up. A tour maybe :)

[@jesusgavemeaids]

Rule number 10 is one of the most important ones. More people need to realize that.

[@myk1200s]

Great Advice Steve..... You hit it out of the park!!! 👍👍

[@chuckmcdonnell5275]

I agree with all of the rules you pointed out. It is fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@paulk.3473]

Great video Steve, Thanks !

[@StewartMarkley]

Steve, another alternative to a bad room besides headphones is near field listening. Not only does this greatly affect the degradation of the sound from room acoustics, it also has the same effect as increasing speaker sensitivity and/or power from the amplifier. When I am in the mood to listen at levels similar to those used when recording and mixing the music (and when the wife is out) 😁 I like to listen at distances from about 2 to 4 feet, depending on the speaker. This allows the one to listen at levels not unlike what were used to make the recording, therefore rendering it’s tonal balance similar to what the engineers/producers/artists heard (due to the Fletcher/Munson effect) when they judged the amount of EQ and compression to employ. Having worked in the pro-sound industry, this is the only way that I can afford to approach the sound quality that I heard in the studios, in some cases even better than what was heard in the studios. Thanks for the succinct and useful tips to help people understand what to focus on to get the best sound from their systems.