What to order first in high end audio

[@tacofortgens3471]

Agree with Paul, Speakers first

[@FOH3663]

No question, plunge headfirst into the room, ie., both the loudspeaker/room interface (set-up), ... as well as a fully sorted room acoustically. Bass trapping. Hardly any room has adequate treatment to maintain proper decay times. And no, when well executed, it doesn't overdamp the experience.

[@pietromanno8916]

THE FIRST THING!!A NICE BOTTLE OF WINE & A GREAT CIGAR!!!! JUST JOKING!!!✌️❤️🎼🎶🎵🎵🎶🎶🎶🎵🎵🎶🎵🎶❤️

[@stimpy1226]

Definitely a great system! Everyone should have the current system you have. I definitely think it’s crazy to do something like this all in one fell swoop when you have such great equipment. My personal opinion would be to start with either planar or open baffle speakers depending on the size and shape of your room and your room acoustics which I assume have been taken care of with a system like this. Slow down and take a few breaths before you do anything!

[@rickhigginson8546]

`Never want to contradict you, Paul, in ANY way, but!' While I've had quite a bit of equipment, over the years, while my system is separates, I must presume that it's NOT, particularly: "Frank N. Stein," because it'd ALL PS Audio: CD Transport, separate DAC, into a M700, into a mid ~ quality Klipsch speaker! `Just,' four good components, & connectors, cables. NO Preamp, & the clarity is great! Perfect for electric guitar! {Sorry about the speakers, Paul, but I purchased everything from you, a few years ago, you kept saying, "They're coming," but, so were The British!} 😀😁

[@RanTausi]

You have a great system, I agree with Paul, upgrade the speakers. But in my case if I had your exact setup I would upgrade my wife first 😜

[@60zeller]

Upgrading audio equipment is expensive enough. Upgrading wife ? Now your talking real money.

[@Error2username]

​@@60zellerOnly if you want a gold digger😂 married since øhhhmmm i cant remember anymore🤣, but she dont mind what i buy, and i keep clear of whatever she buys😅

[@Dawizbuffy]

Pass and Focal are great match. Had the X350 as with Scala Utopia. Audio Research LS25mk2 then Ref 6. Was really awesome. Positioning is bit tricky, but done right.... I would go, upgrade speakers, Front, then its up to you. Use PS Audio P20 can recommend. Enjoy ur music. Regards.

[@NoEgg4u]

I agree that speakers are the top priority. If Morico, in Mexico, agrees, then he should try to audition highly regarded speakers. It is hard to find stores with listening rooms. And they will probably have different gear feeding the speakers. And their room will differ from yours, too. But it is better than crossing your fingers that the speakers will sound great in your room. Even better is to try-before-you-buy, which I believe PS Audio offers. Is that an option, internationally? To actually hear Aspen speakers in your listening room is as good as it is going to get, as far as a demo is concerned. They get great reviews, and you will have no surprises if you decide to keep them. You will know exactly the sound that you are purchasing. Keep in mind that there is a break-in period (perhaps a few hundred hours? Or does PS Audio break them in?). So if you like what you hear, it will probably get better until they are fully broken-in. There are other amazing speaker brands. But there is some risk involved, when you can't hear them in your room before you make the purchase. Stereophile and The Absolute Sound have reputable reviewers. But you still cannot be sure that you will agree with their taste in sound quality. I suppose that if you go the Aspen route, you will probably be on the hook for shipping, if you decide to return them during your evaluation period? So there is that to consider. Or maybe PS Audio absorbs the shipping?

[@ChrisMag100]

John set up my Focal Scala Utopia Evo’s and REL subs. He did it by ear. I measured the distances afterword. Exactly 10’ apart and from the listening position, towed in to the listening position. It was impressive to watch.

[@bayard1332]

Considering he already has pretty dang good kit I would think the best move is room acoustics, because I know how much room acoustics mater...

[@joachimmagnusson3128]

Absolutly not! Take Pauls advice if you cannot dial in the Sopra 1 correctly first of cause. Room accustics only if adviced by an professional which you trust.

[@marlonharewood8366]

Room treatment is crucial. Us gearheads don't want to hear that because it's boring to buy. Boring but crucial. Best value for money upgrade you can buy.

[@bayard1332]

@@joachimmagnusson3128 So what you are saying is you have zero actual experience with or knowledge of room acoustics.

[@bayard1332]

and that you think it's wiser to spend 30k$ on new speakers instead of a few hundred to a few thousand on acoustic treatment to actually end up with good sound in your room. The thing about acoustics is, you simply do not know how badly your room is ruining the sound until you fix it and actually hear the difference.

[@bayard1332]

@@marlonharewood8366 Yeah, it seems boring, but after learning a huge amount of acoustics and inventing things and treating my two rooms I have to say it's been infinitely more fun and engaging, in a gear head way, than buying new gear to 'upgrade' and being disappointed forever. And I say this as an actual gearhead in the world of motorcycle racing and sailboat racing... l broke myself of gear lust in the world of photography, TVs and hifi.... Designing my own diffusers and absorbers and inventing my own solution to room modes has given me plenty of gearhead time...

[@lw2978]

Surely setting up the speakers would be the way forwards for this person, i.e. experimentation with placement. If this doesn't yield results, then given the cost of some of these components, looking at room acoustics/sound panelling or room correction software would be very worthwhile? That's where I would be going before swapping out expensive speakers/separates.

[@Error2username]

Always speakers not room treetment😂 hey the most of them dont do anything with the room just keep aiming for that next "upgrade". I think you will agree to recomend buying the books before anything👊

[@kineahora8736]

@@Error2username you mean of course, books to absorb sound reflections- lots of books with soft binders on a big shelf…😂

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

Sounds like great advice. All personal taste, but for me Pass always catches my attention in a positive way. I often hear them in Toronto with Gershman and they pair really well. I'd guess the FR speakers would also do well as they seem to be transparent and no rough edges.

[@davidrivera2165]

Since the gentleman has Sopra #1, which I interpret as he likes airy top end detail, the speakers I would recommend are KEF Regerence #1. They are also standmount speakers, with better dispersion, better imaging than the Sopras, or the Aspen Fr5. I do agree with Paul in the need to upgrade the dac. The new PS audio, by all accounts, is excellent.

[@ccdccd8615]

I agree the speakers would come first, but I would add the following. This guy has pretty good electronics so I would get a speaker with good synergy with those electronics. For example, I would pick speakers that his amps could easily drive. The other consideration is the room. I’d consider what speaker might work best in the room. That may or may not be a big deal, but certainly something to consider.

[@NiclasMardfelt]

Paul is right, provided giving an normal mainstream answer. However, this is high end and what’s missing is information about present acoustics and power system. I would have answered 1) Puritan City signal grounding on the dac 2 ) Good power chords on amp, dac and from wall to distributor 3) Put Townshend seismic speakers podiums underneath those Sopras 4) Rebalance the sine wave to get better working transformators and getting rid of dc 5) anti vibration (draw vibrations away via a filter like a spike under dac and amp 6) vibration absorption on top of dac and amp (like 4-6 small sand bags, turning chassi vibrations into heat) 7) get a laser measure pointer and make sure those speakers are set up correct to the mm and in correct angles 8) acoustic treatment (Townshends does half of the job, now the usual) corner bass absorption and diffusion in corners with time changing properties to mid and high frequencies (like Svanå or Acoustica Applicata DAAD) 9 Put Entreq Vibbeaters on top of Thore Sopra speakers My advice are all low cost in therms of improvement to cost ration. They will add up and together put the present set up well in to high end territory. Not having done these improvements will just make upgrades of speakers and dacs sub optimal and almost pointless. A new much improved speakers would maybe be a higher upgrade, but you will not be able to hear them at is fullest without addressing much more details than just the basic gear. 80 percent of the sound is not the gear, it’s how well you can get the system (the gear) to shine in the room. That’s my two cents

[@CoolJay77]

Speakers first. Every speaker, even the very best, will induce significant sound coloration. They all have different sound characters and personna. One needs to pick a pair that suits their taste, considering the type of music being listened to and room size. Personal taste comes first.

[@Tom-xg1kj]

Have another drink, it always sounds better!

[@ColAngus]

He's got the gear.....I think its his room...once he softens it up, I would get a Tube pre amp to warm up the speakers for sure.

[@maffs6270]

wow! Based on the kit he's already got, I am struggling to understand why on earth an "upgrade" is required! think he might start to enter the world of massively diminishing returns....... and bank balance 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@4dchessplayer516]

I think he wants to stick with one brand instead of multi brands

[@markmeridian3360]

​@@4dchessplayer516Never found one brand that was the best at everything.

[@maffs6270]

he says he wants to take to the next level - sounds like an upgrade to me 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@bdi8541]

Chasing the dream.

[@PJJTremblay]

@Paulmcgowanpsaudio I would be interested in which DACs (affordable) you would recommend outside of Denafrips .. would love to get one of yours when budget permits!!

[@colanitower]

Pass Labs is already very good so after upgrading the speakers to FR20 or FR30 the DAC could be next. Grimm Audio MU2 could take his streaming & DAC function to the next level

[@mauricioloaiza7230]

Thanks for answering my question, Paul. Which speaker would you recommend upgrading the Sopra 1, FR5 or FR10?

[@Paulmcgowanpsaudio]

It really depends on your ultimate goal, loudness desired, and musical tastes. For me, I would go for the FR10 because it's the fullest system anywhere near that price and plays at any level you want. The FR5 won't play as loud in a big room, but they also have the most extraordinary imaging capability I have heard. In the end, Terri and I went for the FR5 in our home. You can't go wrong with either.

[@Benjamin-Button]

Do NOT change the DAC! It is so smooth and musical. Trust me, changräe the speakers, try tubes maybe. I would aslo recommend Spendor Classic 100, Living Voice, Harbeth 40.2, Devore O 93.

[@ColAngus]

Agreed, he needs a tube pre amp

[@stonefree1911]

Denafrips are pretty dang good DAC's...

[@Xquielkun]

I agee. I respect Paul’s opinion but he didn’t even mention the DAC’s model, just the brand so I’m not sure why he recommended changing it after the speakers… I’d look in cables or something else.

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

Speakers and cartridges have certain things in common as far as ease of setup where the best of the best are that partly because somebody at (Brand Name) went to the extreme effort of finding out what the item could really do in ideal but begrudgingly attainable circumstances.

[@Moonplant432]

That's a pretty nice dinosaur

[@Ralf.M]

Hello Paul - what do you think about the original Infinity modules - can you still buy them today? They are in excellent condition.

[@spacemissing]

I have never understood the 'need' to have only one brand of equipment. Different manufacturers do different things better For financial reasons my systems Have to be mongrels, but I get along with them very well.

[@thomprd]

Why not outro with some samples from your Octave Records recordings? Let us hear some of the work you're doing? Also.. is there a DSD512 or DSD256 sample file to show off your work somewhere? I can't seem to find a free high resolution sample to hook me to convince me to spend $40/album. And I'm not 100% sure my Eversolo A6 is good enough (weak link in my B&W/Levinson system) to really make the higher resolution files worth the extra $.

[@glenncurry3041]

Thought you were going to go for a Power Plant.

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Rel is the best, not w HL input Inexpensive way to get started JLA cr-1 active crossover 😎

[@Watcher4111]

First speakers. Next decent high end amp (not low end overpriced old receiver)

[@anadventfollower1181]

Heya Paul, love your videos. Got a question, is it possible to make a video relating to surround sound? The amount of speakers and good suggestions for budget?

[@Fastvoice]

He already made a video like that regarding his home theater setup.

[@anadventfollower1181]

@@Fastvoice Ah ok how old is the video and does he go through different budgets for the setup? I'll go look for it but I'm thinking it might be in the expensive rage.

[@Fastvoice]

@@anadventfollower1181 Just go to this channel's main page and type "home theater" in the search box - there are more than one video on this topic.

[@OrangeMicMusic]

Q: Which product is it best to order first when building a high-end stereo system? A: Very expensive cables 👍

[@D1N02]

Focal's are sibilant, it's their brand sound. I prefer Dynaudio.

[@Jorge-Fernandez-Lopez]

It's not my experience with my speakers in a particular room. Not sibilant or even bright at all. Measurements proved they are not, although room must be adequately treated. "Room first is my experience"

[@ChrisMag100]

I’ve owned both Sopra 2’s and currently Scala Utopias. Paul is correct. Positioning is key, along with associated electronics and cabling. For a period, I ran Iconoclast speaker cables. Great bass, bad highs. Swapped to Transparent Ultra, which were better. Later switched to Cardas Clear Beyond, even better. Swapped from my Parasound JC2/JC5 combo to an Audio Research LS28SE and Mola Mola Perca amp. More resolution, cleaner top-end, overall excellent. Swapped out of a Mola Mola Tambaqui to a DCS Vivaldi, again, better, especially in regard to timbre and top-end. Synergy is a thing. I’ve got a Pass Int 60 here for a few days. Mellow, layered and finally dense. I wouldn’t trade my ARC/Mola combo for it, but it’s still excellent. It’s just not as resolving or dynamic.

[@ivanivkovicmusic]

Etymotic ER2XR

[@natickrepairs4026]

Paul is right. Respect for focal but they are too darn finicky to be useful. I borrowed my buddy's maestro utopia and just couldn't get the sounding good in my listening room. I spent only about 50 hours listening and tweaking them; just never got them dialed in. Shame because they were attractive.

[@Natan9000]

Paul!? A subwoofer!?

[@tacofortgens3471]

Personal taste, depends how low the speakers go as well.

[@aakar88]

Unless the dude is rich, have an edible and enjoy what you have

[@gtric1466]

Look into Parametric EQ takes time to learn how to use it properly. Best bang for your buck. You have great components.

[@mauricioloaiza7230]

Any insights? Where to start?

[@gtric1466]

@@mauricioloaiza7230 I use the Wiim mini works great but all I do is stream.

[@BobGeogeo]

If the Focals are so difficult to set up ("couldn't get them to sound the way I needed:), are they really great speakers? It seems like hoping for what might be instead of trusting what is heard.

[@Jorge-Fernandez-Lopez]

My speakers are very easy to set up, provided that we know how to set up a room.

[@grumpy9478]

"ideally", abandon the idea of having all components from the same brand.

[@mauricioloaiza7230]

Why is that?

[@grumpy9478]

@@mauricioloaiza7230 in my opinion; a) on the industry side: the chances of a single technical enterprise devising the very best of every component comprising a stereo system is nil. & b) on the consumption side: it takes the fun (& analysis) out of selecting each key device in one's system via consideration of the broad universe of solutions available. however, I'm all for experimenting, so businesses trying, and buyers buying by brand is ok by me... I'm just not buying the argument behind it... nor the Total Best Solution product.

[@grumpy9478]

@@mauricioloaiza7230 imo; a) the chances that one audio biz has the best product in all categories of system components at all times is nil, & b) embracing a single supplier for all components that one may select takes the fun out of the hobby of creating a system that is most satisfying to one's taste, space & budget. however, I'm all for companies that make the attempt... design & engineering synergy, & matched styling does have its appeal.

[@zaoria123]

A credit card.

[@ACM1000000PT]

speakers ! always.

[@ACM1000000PT]

ah man but you got a focal sopra thats a high end speaker, apparently you have some issues with the set up, btw... if you want the speaker to sound less bright in the top end you have 2 options 1- a bit more close to the wall 2- foam absorbers in the side walls

[@mauricioloaiza7230]

@@ACM1000000PT I love the Sopra 1. I recently moved them closer to the front wall, and things got even better. If I ever buy something else, I'm thinking floor standers. My top choices right now are FR10 and Borressen X2

[@oliverbeard7912]

The poster doesn't state which Pass labs amps he uses.Amp to speaker interfacing is a different element to get right. If Paul feels that his electronics worked well with Focal in the past,but hasn't tried Aspens with the unspecified pass labs amps,it may be a better route to actually go the other way around ie PS audio electronics, then speakers last.Not that i'd disagree with the speakers first route per se,only that the amps being used are an unknown entity and that Paul may not have any experience of using Aspens with them.Just my two cents.Good luck 🤞

[@mauricioloaiza7230]

Power amp is Pass Labs XA25; pre-amp is XP12

[@oliverbeard7912]

@@mauricioloaiza7230 Hi. Your set up is decent. Although I'm unsure,PS whether might offer a home trial of their speakers? Finding a dealer where you can compare would be ideal. It seems that Paul has experience using his electronics with Focal, but not the other way around. Having looked on forums I haven't seen any opinions for a combination of PS FR speakers with Pass labs and haven't tried that combination myself. The FR range are easy enough to drive,which is helpful.As to whether you'll like the combination over using the Focal,you'd have to test it out for yourself and see how you feel.With the perception of "sound quality " being subjective as it is only you can decide by trying out the speakers. If you're fortunate to find a PS audio dealer,you might be able to swap out the electronics too ,helping to provide information on which direction to go first. Hope my rambling has helped. Best of luck.

[@Xquielkun]

@@mauricioloaiza7230hola Mauricio, ¿qué DAC de Denafrips tienes?, si es el terminator o terminator plus te recomendaría cambiar parlantes y luego ver cables o algo más allá, no tocaría el DAC. Si es un Pontus, Venus o Ares si podrías mejorarlo. Saludos

[@mauricioloaiza7230]

@@Xquielkun Pontus II 12th-1

[@williamsarver2491]

Why is setting up speakers so difficult 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫 Just listen to them and move them around You would think it’s a nuclear reactor 😳🫤

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

What is that person using as a source? Surely logic dictates that is the most important thing. Garbage in garbage out is still as relevant as it always was.

[@mauricioloaiza7230]

Tidal

[@cengeb]

old ears, can't tell others how to buy audio....

[@Mark-lq3sb]

Many decades of experience can....

[@Spock105]

I would recommend a new pair of ears . Mine are pretty good , but you'll have to travel to Vulcan and never get a return ticket because are women pretty hi-end .

[@coldfinger459sub0]

Speakers number one no doubt no contest no discussion. The most sound difference of anyone component speakers make the biggest difference. If you have PASS LABS, I don’t know why you would think on changing to anything else

[@mauricioloaiza7230]

Just because of the idea of better synergy if I use the same brand for all components. I wouldn't be able to do that with Pass Labs.