TSOTS: The State of the Stereo 2022 SYSTEM TOUR

[@ZeroFidelity]

Congrats on the badass system! Love the video and your descriptions! Rock on.

[@poetryonplastic]

Thanks Sean, love your work, keep it up!

[@gustercc]

Awwww Sean. You’re a good Mofo.

[@arkerstater8856]

I’m surprised you don’t have more followers

[@justinhof6315]

Yeah I used to watch you all the time and youtube must've stopped showing me your videos. Their algorithm now is crappy. Thanks to the mofi video I've found this channel again.

[@vvmmuu]

Thanks for showing us around your system. It's refreshing to listen to a "real" person who loves music and music gear. Who has their feet on the ground without an axe to grind about nuances of Hi-end hifi. You can tell you are listening to music first and components second from the types of music you listen to from Rock to Classical to Japanese pop to Punk rock etc. I'm sure like the rest of us, we would like to buy the system of our dreams but it is not a prerequisite. ALL the best.

[@Roof_Pizza]

LOLZ, he's got a $2,000 power cord.

[@poetryonplastic]

@@Roof_Pizza The Audioquest thunder? You're high by 2x, and you can get them used for much less than msrp.

[@mazzysmusic]

Wonderful Michael. Great to see where you are with your gear and space. Appreciate the details and visuals. And you know I love seeing your music space as a living space too. Sharing music while you enjoy the lifestyle side is essential imho. Cheers 🎶❣️

[@NickP333]

Beautiful system, Michael. Seems very well thought out too. Thanks for the tour. I’ve got a “listening” couch as well, so I’m able to sit and listen with friends.

[@jameskennedy5795]

Nice work. Go for stereo subs mate. I did and am stoked. Same idea that you “don’t notice them” directly but it puts away any thought of image imbalance Also widens the sweet spot of listening position in my opinion.

[@alext2933]

Just to let you know the 250 Watts you mentioned (for the Hegel 390) are at 8 ohms. It is a mahooosive 420 watts at 4 ohms. I checked with Hegel as they do not list it.

[@jc6993]

Amazing system. I'm quite blown away. Curious... Did you factor in the Gai III, and the little feet protectors before making the custom stands so to get right speaker height. You know how important that is. It looks alright.

[@poetryonplastic]

The Gaia put the speakers maybe half and inch higher than the spikes did, but actually I think that makes the tweeters closer to ear height than before.

[@kuglepen64]

The Audio-Technica stylus cleaner is okay to use. I’ve checked and it leaves nothing on the stylus.

[@sean_heisler]

Older audiophile here. When vinyl blew up again in the last ten years it hit the younger generations which surprised me and it made me wonder if any of them would become true audiophiles. This is the one kid out of a thousand that became one.

[@allstopblue5717]

I have to agree. I’m 37 and I am obsessed with vinyl. But “audiophile” level. No way. These guys are few and far in between. Have to admit it seems To depend on how much money your blessed with. Obviously this guy is very blessed .

[@robertyoung1777]

Thanks ! I use a SME Loricraft record cleaning machine. It’s great and is relatively quiet. I tend to buy old records from the sixties and seventies that need a good cleaning when I first get them. Probably the best is to use two machines as does Michael Fremer; an ultrasonic and a Loricraft. The Kirmis (Spelling) is a hybrid wet was and ultrasonic cleaning approach but looks like work.

[@DeAudiofilosyLocos]

Excelent video and congrats on the great system. I use Mr Clean "magic eraser" between brushing for the stylus cleaning. It's cheap and easy and you slice it into little pieces, will last forever. I have a video in which I demo with a USB microscope.

[@poetryonplastic]

You know, I used to use the magic erasers before I "upgraded" to the gel cleaners, I should really get back to the Mr. Clean, they did a great job!

[@MK-rn2hm]

I am thinking of buying a pair of Harbeths myself this summer. But my current horn based system challenges this thinking all the time.

[@philipjacobsen6550]

i believe alan shaw uses spoken word because the human ear can actually hear if it sounds right or not, especially if it is a voice you know personally. no one knows how any given song is "supposed" to sound like. you just go by what sounds pleasing or engaging to you. if you tune a speaker to a human voice you actually know in real life you can get closer to the truth.

[@404010ful]

A really nice realistic system for the room . Beautiful wood work in those bookshelfs . With the stylist how much distilled water to use it on the brush

[@bluedogg138]

Always look forward to your TSOTS. Very informative, educational, and entertaining. Thanks for the tour! Also, a bit of a follow up. A few years ago we discussed turntables and I finally, with your input, purchased a Rega Planar 6 with the Ania MC. Amazing! Best my system has ever sounded. Gracias!

[@poetryonplastic]

So glad you’re happy with the Rega!

[@jonathanhotopf1823]

Great system there. I got the HD360 a few years ago as I heard it at a Hi Fi show where Alan Shaw was demoing the Harbeth speakers through the HD360

[@512bb]

I have had all the Harbeths except the 40's I couldn't agree more, the 30's are the gems in the line.

[@dmr9767]

Do you prefer the Harbeth M30.2 xd or the super shl5 xd?

[@Benvos]

I love listening to people going through their system, what they like and why the bought items. This was thorough and really enjoyable, I wish more audiophiles on KZbin would make videos like this. I too own the Hegel H390, currently with Spendor D7.2, but I’m wondering if I want to look at other speaker options with some more punch. Interested to know how you’ve wired up the sub on your speaker terminals to avoid any hum.

[@poetryonplastic]

I've never had issue with hum in my system. When I set up the REL I simply connected the high level wires to the speaker taps of my Hegel the way REL instruct in their manual. I do have a friend that had some hum with his H390, he found it was coming from his TV, and when the TV was off the hum went away. Noise in the system can be hard to diagnose, I'm lucky that it hasn't plagued me in a long time.

[@jazzmetalaudiophile]

100% agreeing with the degritter. I found pre cleaning records with the Project VCS and giving it a heavy cycle on the degritter does wonders especially on quiet classical pressings. Plus nothing beats the convenience of fully automatically cleaning new records. Great video Michael. One question regarding the Subwoofer. I was always hesitant trying down firing subs for the fear of bothering other family members? Is this not the case or how do you prevent that

[@poetryonplastic]

I think it just depends on how your room/floor is constructed/insulted. There's no "shaking" per say when my sub is running, but you do feel some vibration, just like you would from a powerful guitar/bass amp or from a drum hit.

[@jazzmetalaudiophile]

@@poetryonplastic I guess I just have to try it then. I live in a timbre building, so it is rather clairaudient

[@markcarrington8565]

The KZbin algorithm has finally offered you up for my entertainment and I’m delighted. Congratulations, you have a really nice collection of components and I’m sure it sounds wonderful. I would say it’s the sort of system many British audiophiles would love. I have two systems at the moment. One is based around CD playback, in my main listening room. The other is in my study and it’s based around a Linn LP12 and also a streamer. I really want to hear some Harbeth speakers on my analogue setup. Good luck with the channel, you have a new subscriber. 😀

[@gryphongryph]

Great system you have there, I have the Graham Audio LS 5/9 myself but run them with tube pre and class A power amp mostly, have been wondering getting a sub or two but have problem making my mind op in that regard.

[@poetryonplastic]

The nice thing about the Rels, is that you can try them for 60 days no risk. I bet that Graham 5/9 is wonderful, I've been wanting to try them out for a while, only heard one briefly for about 20 minutes once, but it left me very impressed.

[@PhotographyInFlight4183]

Could you please state the finish of the Harbeths?

[@aussierob7177]

What a fantastic set-up! And i can tell you know what you are talking about. British speakers are hard to beat. In 1984 i was looking for a set of speakers to replace my Telefunken L645 speakers. I walked into one of the hi fi stores in Sydney and heard a pair of speakers playing music for a customer. I was stunned by the sound from these speakers. I had found what i was looking for. They were Rogers Studio 1 speakers, made in England.

[@poetryonplastic]

The ones I am the most curious to try are the Grahams.

[@analoguecity3454]

Very nice 👌 Thank you for the tour, you were very clear and specific!

[@carlos2bass]

Wonderful system Michael! Very well thought out! Congrats!

[@dhp1231]

Very similar system - I also have Harbeth (30.1) with the ISO Acoustics. I could use more lower end - but have been debating about a sub. I've heard there can be integration/phase issues and concerned it may make the sound less "pure". I'm guessing you ahven't seen that? Do you have it connected via the amplifier terminals?

[@poetryonplastic]

Hey, I too had those fears but have had no issues whatsoever with the T5x. Yes I connect it via the high level (speaker wire) outputs to the binding posts on my Hegel amp. To me the sub has succeed in making my speakers sound bigger with more extension, but I don't think its changed the tonal balance or purity really. But every room is going to be a little different. I would suggest trying one out, I think REL gives you a 60 day trial.

[@dhp1231]

@@poetryonplastic Thanks. Appreciate the input.

[@MrLovell1971]

Michael that’s a amazing new setup that Pure Fidelity looks well built and with the Hanna ML has to be stunning sounding I’m definitely looking to getting the Hanna for my Rega . I finally got to hear the Harbeth speakers at a audio shop in Chicago wow the warmth is excellent sounding a well balanced I really enjoyed this tour thanks for sharing its very inspiring Michael take care . Lovellandrew

[@poetryonplastic]

Thanks Lovell! Do you remember what model of Harbeths you got to hear?

[@MrLovell1971]

@@poetryonplastic it was the M30.2

[@143GADGETS]

I’ve been waiting on this!!! VERY NICE!

[@marcoserafino835]

Instead, I believe that the speaker must be integral with the stand without any rubber or felt pads that prevent it from discharging the vibrations towards the tips and the floor and consequently the stand must be soundless.

[@thorstenwieszniewski6875]

Please do something with your room acoustic!

[@jamonexsted]

Hi Michael! I see you're now reviewing for Absolute Sound. Congrats! What an awesome gig. I can't wait to watch all of your new content on that channel. I also have a PF turntable and H390 amp. You obviously like the Hana ML. Any other carts you tried and liked? Same with phono preamps. I'm building out my system and would love to know your thoughts on cartridge phonostage pairings with your setup. Thanks!!!

[@givemethejob3293]

Your room sounds very echoing, have you assesed the room acoustics as it has a massive effect on the sound far better than spending big money on gear.

[@poetryonplastic]

There's no real echo in this room irl, its very well balanced. I have practiced hundreds of hours of oboe in every room in this apartment. My dining area and kitchen have echos, my bedroom is overly dead, this room is just right.

[@givemethejob3293]

@@poetryonplastic OK, maybe your microphone is a bit sensitive but I could hear it.

[@ivankrga8817]

How tall are the stands, they seem to be lower than universally recommended 24" (60cm)? I'm looking to purchase the same speakers and would generally find 22-23" (50-55cm) stands more aesthetically pleasing in my room, but I'm concerned about how it would affect the sound quality. Thanks.

[@bobsykes]

These are always fun. As a reviewer, you have that extra advantage of having experieneced a lot more and different componants than most hobbiest audiophiles would (including me) so it's great to see what and why you've chosen your current settup. Oh, you're not kidding about the Degritter. I bought one last year, and it is amazing for records with lots of dynamics! I, too, keep a vacuum macnine for solvent based cleaning of nasty used records, then "rinse" them on the Degritter. Regarding streamers, I've been very happy with an older Aurender unit. While designed as a music server, they keep thier software up to date and it streams Qobuz with the best sound of any solution I have tried. One of thier units might be worth your time to try or review.

[@1061shrink1061]

You must lean towards a very warm sound. Of all the Harbeths, those are probably the smoothest of the bunch, the Hana ML is also slightly softer and more rolled off than the likes of an Ortofon Black or a Transfiguration car, then theres a denafrips DAC into a Hegel amp. Pretty much every component here is on the warm / smooth side of neutral. I had a Hegel with a Pontus II, and i found it so rolled off, it sounded like I'd unplugged my tweeters, and that was with a set of Harbeth SHL5+ which have more top end bite than many of the other Harbeth Monitors. That was back when I had a hegel H200... I then tried an H390 hegel, which again, was so soft it almost sounded broken. I can only imagine you must have a significant preference to a warm, rolled off system.

[@darekkawulok2462]

Hello Michael. I have been following your reviews on Audiophilia. Really enjoy reading your reviews :). I just found this channel. Really hreat setup. ! Wanted to ask your advise. I have spent many years on stage and in studios singing with both orchestras and pop/ jazz bands. I appreciate true timbr , dynamism amd true body to the sound. Right now for atationary listening i have Mojo Audio mystique dac and mojo audio dejaVu streamer ( audiophilia recommendation) and have Bakoon 13r amp and spirit torino Valkyria headphones. But i travell a lot and wanted to take with me a system , obviously with sacryfices , i have Cayin N7 DAP amd was wondering between focal stellia or clear. .would you be so kind to advise me ? I do love small ansambles , jazz , classical, but also rock from the 80's and 90's like Sting , george michael etc . Thank you. Darek

[@Borednlonely]

Lol don’t be afraid to say it. I’ve compared the Harbeths directly with Kudos 505 10k Sterling and the Børresen Z1 Cryo edition 15k sterling. The Harbeths were more engaging, more focused with a much better midrange presence. Just an overall lifelike presentation compared to the very boxy sounding alternatives.

[@MALI1185]

Hey, I know you posted this video a year ago, but I do have a question for you about the lamp in that room: Do you use LED or incandescent bulbs? I ask because some people claim that LED bulbs can cause speaker hum/buzz. Feel free to let me know when you get the chance.

[@rachelsghost]

A beautiful system, Michael - nicely articulated and a great picture for the show and tell with your camera. 😊

[@poetryonplastic]

I'm ready for my closeup Ms. 'Mam!

[@rachelsghost]

@@poetryonplastic 😅😊

[@albertoperezgalindo5475]

Very nice system and video Michael. Wondering how would you compare the Harbeths to your previous R3s?

[@poetryonplastic]

Not really a fair comparison considering the Harbeths are 3.5x the price. I'll say this, the Kefs don't do anything wrong, in fact for the money I would say they are excellent, but they aren't magical. I went from LS50s to R3s because I found the LS50 to be really magical, but I wanted a more full sound with more low end. The R3 kept the basic sound signature but didn't do the same level of imaging or upper air that the LS50 did, in some ways it felt like a lateral move where I gave up a little bit of special sauce for a more "full sounding" speaker. The Harbeths don't have that compromise imo. They are also a lot more organic in their presentation I would say, Kef speakers are pretty amazing in the imaging and detail they are able to retrieve, but sometimes it can sound a little artificial compared to something like Harbeth, that just sounds so organic and lifelike, especially with vocals.

[@albertoperezgalindo5475]

@@poetryonplastic Interesting. Your assessment makes sense based on some Harbeths I've heard. I haven't heard the LS50s in my room but I own R3s and very happy with them! They image wonderfully and have more bottom end than the Q500s they replaced. The only thing is I wish they were a bit more forgiving with bad recordings and have a sweeter midrange...maybe I need two or three pairs of speakers haha..I also own the Hana ML which I love! I was using 155 impedance and switched to 100 recently, made things more relaxed : )

[@crisjr6478]

I like the look of those harbeths they remind me of the old infinity reference 2s. I’ve always liked that look although those will blow the infinity speakers outta the water.

[@oluhamilton2121]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6aYaomLgZ2thrcsi=Jc4oDdqUNDKdRysg. I like Harberh as well, but there ARE caveats.

[@thanapoll.849]

Speakers is awesome

[@nicksayes9502]

Great to see your living space along with the gear. It's a small room. I see there is some wall treatment. I recently moved house and now set up in a similarly sized room (although walled 4 sides) and have been struggling with a dramatic loss in sound quality with the same gear. I've added some broadband absorption which has helped but overall the room is simply not as enjoyable as my previous larger room. Do you find your small room to be limiting and what has been your strategy/philosophy in dealing with that?

[@poetryonplastic]

this space has been rather fortunate in being free of major sonic problems. The ceilings are pretty high, my floors aren't springy, and the left side of my room is open to a much larger floor plan, so the room doesn't really sound "small", the only thing that makes is small is my usable space, and the distance from the listening position to the speakers. So I think its always important to match your speakers to the distance you are able to give them both in their distance to the wall(s) and to your listening position. The Harbeths are pretty good at mid-field listening as they're basically studio monitors. Not all speakers would work in my space. I've reviewed floorstanding speakers that didn't overpower the room, but I've also reviewed bookshelf speakers that did, so it varies by speaker design. I also haven't spent significant time with this amp/speaker combo in another space, so I have no idea if it could sound better in a different setting, because the room is part of the system essentially. Do you have more specifics in how you think the room has downgraded your system? Absorption often can help with small rooms, but there's other things to think about like reflection/diffusion, the ratio of the speakers between the wall and your listening position, and vibration control just to name a few.

[@nicksayes9502]

@@poetryonplastic Thanks for the response. My speakers are close to a studio monitor also and I experiment with the positioning. In any position I seem to lack depth at the low end and it gets a bit harsh at the high end. The absorbtion helped a lot with overall clarity of the sound however not so much the lack of bass and depth. I’ve added a sub which brings back some grunt but it comes across a bit forced sounding. I have not tried diffusion yet. All part of the fun I guess.

[@davidfromamerica1871]

Good video’s for the vinyl enthusiast’s people into albums and audio gear collections. There are too many audio gear manufacturers around the World to count..😀 Every week something new comes out on the market..🤔😳 Sharing music is where it’s at today. People looking for something different they haven’t heard of before or never knew existed in the World of music. Big Planet with thousands of years of music and artist history is yours to discover. 🤔👍🤗🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵 Learning about the artists you never heard before is as important as listening when you ask yourself. What Is This I am listening to..???🤔👍🤗😎

[@francofranco9683]

Total Price?

[@allstopblue5717]

I love this stuff. I also scoff at it at the same time to some extent( I mean you literally had somebody hand make speaker stands for you). Lol just being honest. Could be jealously. Haha. I have decent equipment but nowhere near this level. But I absolutely love watching videos like this. I honestly wonder sometimes if it’s just peoples ears? Some guys seem to hear stuff on a different level. And therefore I understand wanting high end stuff if your ears can actually hear all that minuscule detail.

[@Staybrown11]

How does the Harbeth do with electronic music/ hip-hop? I’m supper tempted to get a pair…

[@playbackamusicloversjourne8620]

Oppo exists I think but just not making disc players any longer. I like your style. Good luck with the channel.

[@michaelw6554]

Just found and subscribed to your channel. Really enjoy your enthusiasm and explanation of what you like and why. I too have Harbeths (SLH5) and a Hegel (H200) integrated. Great combination. Traded my tube gear for the Hegel.

[@defenseandsafety]

If you use gel to periodically clean your stylus, just brush it afterwards and I think you will be fine. The problem is when you only use the gel to clean your stylus IMO.

[@charlesf2804]

I used Kimber 12TC for years. Good choice. And Kimber Hero was in my system for quite a while, albeit with WBT RCA connectors. I still have a pair of Hero on my tuner. Haven't seen the need to change it out so far, even though I upgraded interconnects elsewhere. If I want to be completist I may do it eventually, but I'd better move on that soon as I'm getting close to retiring (I hope). Appreciating your videos (the few I've seen so far) and the way you present and talk about things. I can certainly believe that you're a reviewer, too; you're well-spoken and know how to describe your gear. Good job. I just subscribed, too.

[@TEST-rt1ui]

I tested these Harbeth speakers in my listening room. Compared it with the Dynaudio Special Heritage and choosed the dynaudio. Both are very simular.

[@miguelgilbravo4228]

Magnifico equipo de audio a disfrutarlo 👍

[@davidthom7127]

Hegel circuitry intentionally attempts to produce digital style sound.

[@AndyBHome]

this is hardcore - I could comment with as many words as exist in the video, but I think "hardcore" captures my impressions pretty well without a lot of words congratulations on having this amazing system

[@phil0910]

You say 'under 10,000$ with a straight face. I challenge you to a sound test with an original ar-xa with a descent cart. Difficult to justify the extra $9,500$ .

[@poetryonplastic]

ok, go ahead and set up the experiment. I'll happily participate.

[@rongreen1538]

Never use those gel type cleaners, inevitably they will leave residue. I use ‘Last’ stylus cleaner about once a week, works for me.

[@greencraig8570]

Your downstairs neighbors don't feel the sub?

[@tomlocke7628]

Hi, follower from Vancouver, Canada (home of Pure Fidelity) and great set-up! I've read somewhere (feeding into the digital vs analog hot topic) that Hegel digitizes the analog signal coming in. So is this to say another step is taking place prior to feeding the speakers? Thanks and look forward to more videos.

[@poetryonplastic]

Thanks. I think you're thinking of the NAD M33 which digitizes all its input signals. The Hegel's SoundEngine technology does something a little different that isn't necessarily digitization, but it does slow down the feed-forward signal so that the feedback loop (how they are able to reduce distortion) arrives in time. You can read a little about it here: darko.audio/2018/10/letters-to-the-editor-hegels-soundengine-explained/

[@darrylland5659]

Truly excellent content keep up the amazing work 👏 👌 👍

[@mikechivy]

Have you listened to a Rega P10?

[@RichMorr]

I recently subscribed to your channel and regularly check it out. I like that you get some classical music into the mix. Question - what type of gooseneck lamp are you using as a turntable lamp? Looking for one like that. Thx.

[@poetryonplastic]

The Uberlight Flex!

[@lindsaywebb1904]

Doesn’t want to annoy neighbours….installs down-firing sub. Neighbours say thank you

[@poetryonplastic]

Haven't had any issues so far

[@rongreen1538]

BTW, very nice system. Thank you for sharing.

[@larryshaver3568]

i prefer belt drive turntables as the motors can fluctuate on a direct drive turntable

[@hifitommy]

stylus cleaning...ortofon recommends NO fluids so i comply with that. Gels and goo are also out. i highly recommend the Mr.Clean Magic Eraser. the dip method is the best, look on the forums for the technique. when i used Stylast, i would moisten the stylus brush a little and brushed it. no liquid applied to the stylus/cantilever. but the eraser is the best.

[@poetryonplastic]

Thanks for the tip!

[@thebiffer100]

Thank you for such a complete and honest evaluation of your gear. In particular I wanted to ask you about your PS Audio Power Plant 12. I just purchased the Furman P-2400 AR Power Conditioner and wanted to ask if you are familiar with it and if so can you offer any comparison between the two. I have heard great things on the PS Audio and with respect to the way they convert AC to DC and back to AC does one do this better than the other etc. I can return the Furman if I am not satisfied with it and your input would will prove valuable with thanks.

[@poetryonplastic]

Never heard that particular Furman, the only Furman I have hands-on experience with are the cheaper $125 strips (which are a great bargain imo). I think the PS audio stuff is really great for people in apartments or people who have known power issues that are too difficult or costly to fix directly (Michael Fremer has a nice write up on using some of those PS Audio power plants while his house was experiencing power issues). If you don't have any of those issues, instead of using a regenerator, I think it's much more cost effective to use one of the Audioquest Niagara passive power conditioners (the 1200 model competes with your furman price-wise I think) for everything BUT the power amp/integrated, and plug the amp directly into the wall. The benefit of these PS Audio power re-generators is that they can provide the current needed for power amps, but most normal power conditioners are just not good for power amps, but for everything else they work great. The Audioquest's are some of the better one's I've heard. Hope that helps!

[@REX4340]

The Hegel 590 got panned by Anadialog on youtube, who is right?

[@poetryonplastic]

I like Anadialog and enjoy his channel. A few comments: I've never heard the 590, I've heard it's more detailed and analytical than the 390, but having never heard it, I just can't make a judgement on it. Second, he and I have very different systems, he has ATC speakers which tend to have a much brighter sound signature than Harbeth, he also has a direct drive turntable and has owned a number of tube amps. My guess is that the hegel did not have good synergy with his components, it is also likely that amps he may enjoy wouldn't work well with my speakers and source components. But the overall truth is that different people like different types of sounds and that's ok. There is no best, only what you enjoy. On paper the Hegel is a great amp that has great features, but you have to decide if its a good match for you with your own ears. Me personally, I like them.

[@stockbrian]

Hi Michael, it seems we share similar tastes in equipment. I too have the Hegel, Harbeths, Pure Fidelity and a REL sub. Looking to benefit from your experience. I see you’re using Kimber speaker cables. Should I assume you are happy with them? I’m finding it a struggle to match cables with my system.

[@poetryonplastic]

Hi Brian, yes I am happy with the combo, although for a phono cable I use Cardas Clear Cygnus as I don’t want an un shielded phono cable. I’ve also heard that some people like using Nordost with Hegel and Harbeth.

[@stockbrian]

@@poetryonplastic Thanks for confirming! I subbed in the Kimbers yesterday and they are the sweet spot! Everything is sounding fantastic. So far this post has informed my purchases of the Hegel, the PF AND the speaker cables. Very happy with all three!

[@michaelcannon3978]

I’m curious if the down-firing sub has caused any issues with your downstairs neighbors?

[@poetryonplastic]

Nope! My apartment is pretty well insulated from sound.

[@FleagleSangria]

Michael, do you find the Harbeths to serve the music whether it be classical or metal? Always understood the Harbeths are limited this way. Appreciate your input on this and my apologies if this has been asked and answered already in the comment section. Thanks for the video!

[@poetryonplastic]

I John, I havent had any issue playing a wide variety of music with the Harbeths. I too have heard that criticism in the past and frankly I don't understand it. These speakers were significantly more "punchy" than some similar speakers I auditioned such as the Devore o/93 or the Alta Alyssa. I think the only thing you could knock on them is the soundstage width, but otherwise I find the tonal balance great for all types of music, and I really enjoy them with everything from classical to heavy metal. If you want to know my in depth thoughts I recommend reading the review I wrote for them on Audiophilia.

[@FleagleSangria]

@@poetryonplastic Thanks Michael, will check out the review!

[@Abraxus34]

oppo is discontinued so its no chance to buy this

[@ciaoamore2634]

WHERE IS SOUND FROM SPEAKERS??? YOU TALK BUT THE SYSTEM NO WALK!!!

[@poetryonplastic]

Do you have any idea how KZbin copyright detection works?

[@monsieurlehigh4912]

These speaker stands look a lot like the Tontraeger Audio Reference stands from Germany.

[@poetryonplastic]

Same basic design concept, same wood type, just without their patented “tone beds” on top and with more adjustable footing options at the base. These were a custom job by my friend and we did look at the measurements of stands like Tontraeger, Resonant Woods, and Skylan.

[@s.t.e.r.e.o.]

Great Tour. Lots of awesome nuggets. Thank you

[@vincentubachs6129]

Really friend, I wish you all the best and there is nothing better than being able to enjoy music to the fullest, but as you talk about that fantastic record player that it would be an affordable device, well not for the average person of your age! So once again really awarded, but please stay realistic

[@poetryonplastic]

I think you should go back and rewatch the video, I’m fairly certain I never referred to this turntable as affordable. I did call the Hana ML “relatively affordable” and I stand by that statement, it’s a hell of a cartridge for not an obscene amount of money. As far as “realistic for the average person my age”, I don’t really know what you mean, I never claimed anything of the sort. The average person my age isn’t an audio journalist. If I didn’t work in this industry I certainly wouldn’t have a system nearly this nice. But I’m well aware that this level of system isn’t for everyone, there is good hifi out there at every level and every price point.

[@vincentubachs6129]

@@poetryonplastic My apologies, but then I misunderstood. Sorry about that, and again my reaction is very positive because there is nothing more beautiful in life than being able to enjoy music to the fullest. And I understand that as an audio journalist/youtuber you can earn quite a bit and you are very welcome to do that. Tip from my side: invest in a Røde microphone 🎙 or something similar, because the audio of your videos is important too 😉👍🏻 is well-intentioned advice, and that's not the cost in total! good luck with your videos

[@boratsakdiev1722]

Technics sb-rx50

[@KB-os6lh]

Great stuff! Cheers from Australia.

[@sidvicious3129]

I have the same headphones and headphone amp.

[@ceejaydeesoozaa]

GOOD CHOICE WITH THE HARBETHS. IM USING ROGERS LS35As

[@oluhamilton2121]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6aYaomLgZ2thrcsi=Jc4oDdqUNDKdRysg Beginning to think Harberh is a bit over hyped, what with the jump in prices

[@markwilding3828]

I have discovered that the importance of a carbon brush is not to remove dust before playing (although I do that), but to remove dust after you play a record and put it back in the sleeve. Dust is organic, sometimes microbial. Dust left on the record that accumulated during play will decompose, ooze gunk or grow on the record while it sits on the shelf. Giving you the gift of new noise that wan't there last time you played the record. The sound of my collection has actually improved over the last 6 months, since I started doing this. The other effect of the anti-static device is that it neutralises the static bond of particles to the record surface, so that the stylus will push them out of the way rather than ride over them.

[@poetryonplastic]

I didn't know that last part about being able to push debris more easily, but it makes sense!

[@markwilding3828]

@@poetryonplastic Yeah, that noise you hear on highly static records isn't actually the sound of 'static', it's the sound of dust strongly statically bonded to the record.

[@zbigniew---1959]

👍👍Super

[@howard5992]

T5/x has an 8 inch down firing driver, not a 10 inch driver. Small point....

[@poetryonplastic]

You are correct, I misspoke!

[@jameskennedy5795]

You gotta try stereo t5xs. You’ll love it.

[@EddyTeetree]

Fred Perry very nice.

[@davidf1712]

I think you might want to take a Pass on the Degritter, that tiny little bottle costs $34.00 and was out of stock on the site I got directed to.

[@poetryonplastic]

That tiny little bottle has lasted me a year+. You really don’t need much fluid.

[@davidf1712]

@@poetryonplastic ok, that’s better and I have to confess that they are actually providing a price point lower than any others on the market (in this level of capability. Kudos to them for that!

[@rockrecordreport7136]

@@poetryonplastic Ever tried diluted Palmolive dish soap, good rinse and terry cloth dry? Nothing like using your hands on the platter so you can feel the sometimes tiny pebbles lodged in the grooves of an old LP found used. No bush would ever feel those, or it would ruin the LP it it were that course. Better cleaning job, and much less expensive. They make label protectors to keep that area dry.

[@charlesquinn8746]

What is the unit on the floor with the blue light under the Hegel ?

[@poetryonplastic]

My cable box! haha

[@yellowpaper61]

TFS!!! Great set up!

[@WelkySchullin]

Nice- thx

[@AF-rd2vf]

Nicely done!👍🏾

[@danielemastrangelo8016]

Have you ever tried or think about an all-tube amp (pre + power) with your Harbeth? Thanks for your videos!

[@poetryonplastic]

I’ve heard Harbeths with tubes and while I do like the sound, I think the solid state high watt grunt on the Hegel really helps give them more dynamic energy and low end control. If I were to use these with tubes, I would want something like the Rogue Stereo 100 that’s got plenty of power. Unfortunately I live in Arizona, so big power tubes are just not a good idea/practical. Tube preamp is totally doable though. I actually considered a Hegel H20 with a tube preamp for a while, but ultimately decided on the h390 because of the newer design and practicality of an integrated unit in a limited space like an apartment.

[@danielemastrangelo8016]

@@poetryonplastic Dear Michael I want to thank you for the reply. I really appreciate your work here on youtube but also on analog planet and audiophilia. Be strong, be indipendent, have fun. (Your Yarlung’s Fire and Fancy review was great. There was al lot of food for tought, I tried to add a comment ...) Thanks again, excuse for my English

[@poetryonplastic]

@@danielemastrangelo8016 Thanks! And don't worry about the comment on the website, it is currently undergoing a change of hands as Fremer and our writing team are departing for a new website (will be launched in the coming weeks), so its been a bit buggy there the past few weeks.

[@harrysmusicroom]

👍👍

[@timleelim9930]

I thought I heard “the company doesn’t exist anymore” when referring to Oppo … . Interesting. Thanks for sharing the tour of your stereo system.

[@poetryonplastic]

Well, for the most part, yes Oppo Digital as we know them doesn't exist anymore. The brand name is still being used for some cell phones in parts of Asia, but that's about it.

[@RennieAsh]

"Oppo" in general still makes heaps of stuff, just not the hifi/av stuff.

[@poetryonplastic]

@@RennieAsh Their corporate structure is kinda weird, technically the players were made by "Oppo Digital" which was a separate subsidiary of Oppo, headquartered in California. That company no longer exists, while the parent company remains.

[@geraldschrader8511]

Harbeth speakers are designed to be used with the grilles in place.

[@poetryonplastic]

Yes that's correct, as I noted in my review of them last November: www.audiophilia.com/reviews/2021/10/26/au41h1kkayv2m6xyjff3svgy8clt6n However occasionally I like listening to them with the grilles off, it's just a different flavor. And for the purposes of this video I liked showing off the stunning front baffle and drivers.

[@geraldschrader8511]

@@poetryonplastic Thanks, I'll check out that review as I'm seriously considering getting these speakers.

[@tweakerman]

Lovely system👍

[@tweakerman]

I don't know if you've watch my channel, cable building is a bit controversial, I hand build cables from scratch, just wondering if you would like to try a set of my signature analogue interconnects, they would be yours to keep, you won't have to return them, all I ask is you show them in a video on your channel, I'm extremely confident your love them, I've sent them to other KZbinr & have had excellent feedback, let me know.

[@arize84]

Where is the music from your intros from?

[@poetryonplastic]

forhoursandours.bandcamp.com/track/plaster-zodiac

[@arize84]

@@poetryonplastic preciate it.

[@rongreen1538]

Power cables, what a load of bollocks. What about the miles of cheap and nasty cabling in your walls that feed the power sockets.

[@ener5361]

There is a lot of snakeoil in this one.

[@RennieAsh]

I'd buy the knockoff thick snakes just for the looks ;p But currently it would look silly as my amp isn't much thicker than the connector on those

[@poetryonplastic]

@@ener5361 I’m curious as to what specific criticisms of Ray Kimber’s design you have, and/or what particular pieces of gear listed here you have heard that you think are ineffective?

[@poetryonplastic]

@@ener5361 For more context: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKesaHZtm6p5qLc Keep in mind kimber publish all their specs and measurements, every claim they make is backed up by numbers. You can say “I don’t hear the effect these things have on the sound” which is fine, but that’s an opinion entirely based upon how many of these products you have heard and in what kind of systems.

[@ganesanr923]

Hi sir

[@HowIsThat69]

Saw the Hegel, up until that you sounded knowledgeable. Now I’m out :)

[@poetryonplastic]

I apologize profusely for liking something that you don’t.