Who am I and why do I think the things I do?

"Please allow me to introduce myself, I am a man of wealth and taste." Not really but "I have been around for a long, long year." Just intro about me and a bit of a rant.
Please share your thoughts and comments. Thank you so much.
Current audio equipment list:
Cambridge AXR-100 Receiver 100 WRMS. (“B” stock)
Schiit Bi-Frost 4490 DAC, which has been upgrade with Multi-Bit and Unison USB. (“B” stock)
Schiit Lokius EQ (“B” stock)
Schiit Mani Phono Pre. (“B” stock)
Loxjie D-30 DAC just for DSD decoding.
Elac Debut 2.0 F-62 Speakers with minor mods, i.e., I removed the grill over the tweeter and added damping material and “No-Rez” to the cabinet.
Fluance RT-84 turntable. I ditched the Ortofon 2M Blue for the Audio Technica AT540ML. The Ortofon sounded ok but the AT cart is really on another level.
All line level cables are from Worlds Best Cable. I primarily use Mogami 2964 Wire and Amphenol ACPL connectors. I also have a few of the Canare L-4E6S, Star Quad, Audio Interconnect Cables with Amphenol ACPR Gold RCA Connectors. I like them both. I started with Mogami as almost very recording studio and arena size system use that brand.
My speaker wires are from Phoenix Gold. About 35 years ago they used to make/market 10 AWG for 9s cooper speaker cable. It is about ¾” in diameter. I have been using them for that long and love their sound.
Miscellaneous items include a small format PC (Core i5, 8GB of RAM & a 256GB internal storage. I also have a remote controlled line level switcher so I can run all my source components through the Lokius.
Tidal Playlists: The Fahrenheit Project (ambient electronic music): tidal.com/browse/playlist/69c8751a-750a-464c-9424-0fdd112fe56d
Electronica for Audiophile: tidal.com/browse/playlist/e2974257-b35d-4cf4-ba20-a028819da0be
My Classical playlist: tidal.com/browse/playlist/8e588a95-7664-4f5a-97c1-70270655e40c
Baroque Weekend: tidal.com/browse/playlist/cfee9f5e-a64c-4f96-97bf-973340242df6
DJ Ed, a collection of music that is all over the place. tidal.com/browse/playlist/f89fb87a-f69f-4111-bb2d-ab319b159387
Spotify: Classical Weekend: open.spotify.com/playlist/648pMGies9cVEsUqEWEiNE?si=64a61b584d9b43c3
80’s Patio Mix: open.spotify.com/playlist/4RUkB77grcjiBiQoUKRdXA?si=19bc0130b21b4d2d

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you all so much. Please consider liking and subscribing. Best wishes.

[@stevied4334]

It's all 'bout the Music, me brother... cushy chair, lights out, surrender yourself 'n' leave the chaos 'n' ugliness behind. Grooooove to the tunes 'n' maybe go where no man /women has gone before! You nailed it my friend... Iggy.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Iggy my friend thank you for the kind words. As the Buddha said: "There is no path to happiness. Happiness is the path."

[@cheapaudioman]

Awesome video and true words. Really respect your wisdom, brother!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you my friend.

[@bengleason508]

Nice to meet you Ed!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you Ben. You already knew I was full of Schiit.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks for saying Hi today, Ed. I really enjoyed our conversation. Looking forward to watching more of your videos!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thanks Kevin. Let me know about the panel you mentioned. I would be happy t participate. I enjoy your channel as well. Thx.

[@adsph]

Hi Ed. I like to go back and watch again my favorite you tubers. You are one of those. Digging the health angle. It’s so true. Need music in our lives.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Oh Chris. Yuk. My old videos are so bad. You are too kind. Thank you my friend.

[@JohnScheppler]

Only 50 plus years of experience, what does this KID know anything about being an audiophile? LOL Great Job Ed, you are correct, enjoying the music is the most important part, and then learning how to get more enjoyment is the "end game."

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you my friend for the kind words. Yeah, I am still learning. I agree it is the journey that is rewarding.

[@Coxio14]

Thanks Ed, There's so much quality hardware out there and does a 10k system really outperform a 1k system by a factor of 10? Can most people tell the difference? You've nailed it with the 'You like what you like sentiment'.. I 'upgraded' my office, during the pandemic, based on watching Randy (CAM) and very pleased with the outcome. Thanks again Paul

[@MatrixBusinessSystems]

Plato framed it perfectly when he said “Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything."

[@OldGuyHifi]

I am stealing that quote. That's really good. Thanks so much for sharing it and tuning in.

[@stevezeidman7224]

Nice job, Ed. Keep putting them out.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Steve, Thanks so much my friend.

[@NeilBlanchard]

Good stuff, Ed - I agree with you! It is all about the music - *enjoying* the music! And it does help - music calms and improves your mood, and can help keep you sane(r).

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you for the kind words and the view.

[@fluxcapacitor-gg5lv]

Hello, Ed. Greetings from The UK. Great sentiment throughout.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Greetings and welcome. Thank you for the compliment. Whereabouts in the UK are you? One side of my family is from Holmwood, Dorking on the A24 heading towards Worthing. The other half is from Redruth in Cornwall.

[@fluxcapacitor-gg5lv]

Central southern England, Dorset.@@OldGuyHifi

[@OldGuyHifi]

Lovely area of the world. I loved Maiden Castle. To think they did that by hand and with primitive tools. Really interesting.

[@jeffpergal3341]

Great video. Really loving your honest, open and sincerce comments, and your passion and desires to help us really enjoy the music. And especially encouraging the younger generation to love music.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you my friend for the kind words. There is no such thing as bad music, maybe just music you don't like.

[@mattwilliams9611]

Great Video. Today’s entry level stereo enthusiasts could be exposed to the benefits and great pleasure of this hobby. From my first Realistic (Radio Shack) system in 1973 to now, I have had tens of thousands of hours of listening pleasure. Has really enriched my life.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I agree. Everyone should have that experience. One of my first jobs in 1975 was at a Radio Shack. "Battery of the Month Club!" Thank you for comment and view.

[@rafacq]

@@OldGuyHifiIn my teenage years I worked in a Lafayette store. Great memories.

[@OpossumPiper]

Thanks! I'm really enjoying your videos and your perspective. I've got a very modest system that is a joy to listen to. Understanding and improving speaker placement has had more impact on my listening than anything I've done in terms of equipment. I feel like gear chasing creates enormous barriers to entry. It can keep someone from dipping their toes in because they are afraid to buy the wrong thing, but when you just focus on enjoying the music, it really helps to keep it all in perspective.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Very well said. I completely agree with that. Thank you for your view and comments. I do appreciate that.

[@actarium6912]

Greetings from Montréal, I have three systems in the house, one for serious listening, one of vintage gear (because I am old and have a hard time letting go) and one that I put up with the least expensive but good sounding components I could find. Each one fills me with great pleasure. Long live your channel.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you. I agree about vintage and have a vintage-ish set as well. It is important the we get the enjoyment part of Hifi out to a younger crowd. I appreciate your support.

[@Greenapul]

Cool! Toronto here. I have a similar approach with my audio setup(s). A dedicated listening room; AV setup with energy speakers; work room gear from the 80’s and SONOS for casual listening and music discovery. I’m not an audiophile but would like to check out the Montreal audio show.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@Greenapul Thanks for watching Paul. If I can help answer any questions for you, I would be happy to. Which Energy speakers do you have? Thanks again.

[@Greenapul]

@@OldGuyHifi e:XL-16 (small) bookshelf speakers with matching center speaker plus the XL-S10 sub. I replaced the old electrolytic caps on the speakers tweeter circuit with Clarity film caps. Driven by a Sony AV receiver from that era and an outboard DAC sounds amazing.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@Greenapul That sounds great. Congrats.

[@MichaelLivingston-me]

I just watched you at a sit down at Skylabs. I enjoyed that conversation. I'm of the same era as yourself. I've had the pleasure of listening to music on a serious basis since the days of the crooners, doo-wop, and the British invasion. I heard my first high quality audio when I got hired making NAB response test tapes and a recording studio. I would get called into sit back and be a fly on the wall while the mix was being made with the musician(s) first creative playing. I built my first quality speakers (not my best) from two-way Knight Kits from Allied Radio. My first good open reel tape deck was a Sony TC 355 then an upgrade to a Teac 6010-A. I still own equipment / speakers from the 60's & 70's, but I use a subwoofer too. I own an most often use newer multi-channel audio gear because of the remote control and HDMI to TV. Frankly I find the sound coming from my newer Onkyo or Marantz 7 channel equipment, equal or better than that of my much older integrated stereo (highly rated) Marantz equipment. The new stuff is dead quiet, even on phono. I've heard the kilo buck Sonus Faber, Wilson Audio, and Vanderstein speakers, run through some mega dollar Marantz or esoteric brand amplifiers. All good, but not tremendously better than what I typically own now. For that kind of house 🏠 buying level of money💰 it should be giving me a massage and pouring me an umbrella 🏖️ drink. 😊 There's always something better, and I know I don't own the best equipment, but I get to play my $7.99 record on a 50 year old MCS 6500 turntable that works well and I enjoy the 🎶.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Michael, Isn't that what this is all about? Pleasure, nostalgia, fond memories. The cost doesn't matter if you get enjoyment. Period. Thank you for tuning in to my channel and sharing. I do appreciate it.

[@ramondelgado6778]

What a wonderful review and advice. I could not agree more. I also use to sell mid-fi level equipment when working for United Audio in the Chicagoland area in my early twenties (in the late nineties). I've just gotten back into this hobby about 4-5 years ago and am more than happy tinkering with the bargain variety equipment and have discovered the joy and benefit of listening to music. I no longer need Martin Logan Arius speakers and B&K amps to listen. I'm more happy than ever with my budget gear. Thank you!!!!!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Ramon, Thank you for the kind words. I was at Stereo Studio but I was gone by the early 90's. Keep me posted on your journey. Thank you for sharing your experience. Please subscribe if you haven' already.

[@ramondelgado6778]

@@OldGuyHifiof course I subscribed! You had my sub after the first video. I really appreciate and sympathize with your experience. I’m 46 now and before getting married thirteen years ago, living alone, I had some pretty pricey stuff. I’m a two channel guy and my most expensive set up was around 10k and that’s mainly because I had access to deep discounts. I only have two Sony ES receivers, an equivalent Denon, and a pair of Boston Acoustics VR950 speakers ( just old stuff I can’t part with) that I keep in storage. Currently just running an Emotiva integrated amp (TA-100), Wharfedale Diamond 12.0 bookshelves, WiiM Pro streamer, SMSL SU-1 DAC, and Emotiva SE-8 sub and I am as happy as ever. I love Randy and Bob Fonseca too. Take care. Looking forward to you future work.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I thought I recognized your avatar. Thanks for sharing your system info. I have a bunch of old gear too. My next video will be on a monster HK AVR.

[@SGBolt1934]

Just found your channel from suggestion form Kevin at Skylabs. Enjoyed your thoughts. I too am an "Old Guy" having enjoyment listing as you describe an audiophile. I am more of a budget buyer of equipment at estates sales or sometimes at garage sales. Just added a Mirage sub-woofer to my system (never had a sub woofer). Makes quite an improvement depending on the recording quality of the recording (LP or CD). Look forward to your videos .

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you so much for your view and comment. A good sub can make a big difference in a hifi system. I will be at Kevin's on Saturday if you are in the area come by and say hello.

[@Norman-bone13]

Good video. I discovered you with your review of the Cambridge Audio MXN10 Streamer. I subbed. Glad I found your channel, even more so now after introduction. Our philosophy of “Audiophile” are the same, I guess I’m an audiophile based on your definition. It’s always about the music first, but I want to listen on decent rig. I always make sure I stay within my budget. I’m child of the 50’s too. One bit of advice for younger audiophiles is to not spend more than you can reasonably afford. One can get decent sounding, quality gear without breaking one’s budget restraints. It’s so easy to get caught up in all the hype. Remember it’s marketing. I’ve never had what many consider “High-End” equipment, but I have put together some great sounding stereo systems that brought me hours of listening pleasure. Like Ed says, if it sounds good to you, that’s what’s important. Just because it costs more doesn’t mean it necessarily sounds better. 👍🏼😎🎶

[@OldGuyHifi]

Norman, Thanks so much for the very kind sentiment. We share the same outlook. I am a firm believer that "the music transcends the paly back medium/hardware." On my old AM radio in the car I still loved the music. BTW, please share one of your favorite playlists. I will put it together in the community post so everyone can get exposed to, maybe some new and different music. Thank you.

[@Exgol2005]

Zeroing in on the ones ideal sound is a huge achievement on this journey. Acquiring gearset becomes easier after that

[@OldGuyHifi]

I agree. It must be said that the journey is fun.

[@Ratboy1]

Great video, Ed! Excellent tips. Looking forward to more. 👍🏼

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you Mark. I will try to get better and do more.

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

Interesting story and amazing life you have led. Thank you for sharing this background with us all. Always good to know the man behind the myth. By your definition, im certainly no 'audiophile '. My ADHD doesnt allow me to focus on one task at a time, but music is always playing in the background. Take care, Sir, and all the very best to you.

[@jim010109]

I'm a first time viewer, and I agree with you 100%.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you so much. I appreciate your view and comments.

[@andrewcastro2530]

Ed, I look on the used market. I agree with your points you brought up. Enjoy the day!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@tplank216]

This video conveyed a truly great message that often gets lost anymore. It's absolutely 100% about the enjoyment of recorded music. That's the crux of it all. I researched for 2 years before purchasing my current system. It is modest but makes for an extremely satisfying listening experience. I could have saved longer and sunk a ton more, but that's not why I bought a system. I'm satisfied and spent under 3k. The best part is now I just spend my money on records.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you for your kind sentiment. Maybe the moral of the story is buy more music!

[@fratebrother]

Really loved your down to earth take on these concepts, great, great clip. Thank you very much. Congratulations!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@abxaudiophiles]

Well done old man. 😂. Love it and 100% agree. Well done sir.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thanks James. I appreciate it.

[@rafacq]

My dad is 93, he’s an old man!

[@Brian_Romska]

Hi ed! Congrats on the channel, awesome to see you take on KZbin!!!

[@OldGuyHifi]

I am trying. It is fun and who knows?

[@1mctous]

Sympathy for the Old Guy(s) from a old-ish (age 59) guy. Since there wasn't a CAM Zoom meeting tonight, I searched for and subscribed to your channel. Greetings from warm, sunny Phoenix.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Martin, Thanks for looking me up. I think Randy's still traveling. With next weekend being Memorial day I doubt we will have one then. We shall see...

[@EvanCasteel-th2qs]

Fantastic and fresh perspective, Ed. Glad I found you. Looking forward to more. BTW, age is relative these days. ❤😊

[@OldGuyHifi]

I hope age is relative! Thanks so much for the view I appreciate it.

[@ChadBlanchard23]

Great video, Ed!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@rafacq]

God knows I sit for hours listening to music, sometimes way past midnight! Guess that makes me an audiophile. At 71, I am very happy with my current system (5.1.4). Not cheap but certainly not high price. Marantz SR8015, EMOTIVA XPA-3 Gen 3 for driving my front stage Martin Logan Motion 60XTi, an Eversolo DMP-A6 streamer, a Sony UBP-800m2 and AppleTV box. Love listening to 2-channel music but recently am impressed by new Dolby Atmos recordings in Apple Music. Enjoyed watching a couple of your videos and am now subscribed to your channel. Looking forward to watching more of your videos. Thanks for your down to earth views. Regards.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Sounds like a great system. Thanks so much for the kind words Rafael. Thank you also for sharing your system.

[@Johnnoal]

Just came over to check out your channel after seeing your talk with Kevin on Sky Labs. Thumbs up and subscribed 👍🏻

[@OldGuyHifi]

Awesome, thank you!

[@fratebrother]

There's one thing that I consider is always missing from the audio discussion online, be it a review or just some audio related conversation. And It's understandable, that "thing" in my humble opinion is something very difficult to actually talk about in an engaging way. That thing is historical, if you will, and personal context. I have an amp that my father bought for me on one of my birthdays. It's not amazing, or overly well built, it's nothing special to be quite frank about it, it's just an integrated amp, doing what an integrated amp should do, I've had no problem with it. But when I initially got it I thought it was the best thing because I didn't know any better. Also, I've always thought that simply because I have it from my father I'll never sell it. But here comes a lot of the psychology I mentioned before into play, my father is sick now and has to go through some interventions, and my relationship with this amp has completely changed. I simply cannot look at it, or listen to it, without thinking about him. And the whole "sound quality" issue is really non existent at this point. It also changes those "listening above anything else" moments, it's quite strange in a way, not in a bad way, but all of a sudden, all the music is different. The engagement is different, everything really. I think it can be like this for a variety of reasons. This is just my context right now. As humans we have a relationship with objects or our senses that I don't think we fully understand. Anyway, sry for the rant. Loved your take on this.

[@OldGuyHifi]

What a great comment. I agree with your thoughts and the sentimental/emotional attachments we can have with things from our past. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences.

[@AverageNiceGuy]

Nice work 😎👍

[@OldGuyHifi]

Very kind of you. Thank you. I noticed that you are the most interesting man in the world. I am honored.

[@AverageNiceGuy]

@@OldGuyHifi Haha 😂

[@sc51153826]

Guilty as charged, I'm an audiophile.😂 When I'm alone, I listen to one album at a time, but when I have friends over, I tend to play music like I was still in sales. I play a few tracks to impress them and go in for a close🤣🤣🤣

[@OldGuyHifi]

I love it. That's a great story. Remember, you have to overcome the hidden objection. Thank you.

[@ethimself5064]

I've heard many time over the decades the The best audio component(s) is/are the ones someone has. Quite true in many cases

[@OldGuyHifi]

I agree with you. I really believe that the music transcends the playback medium. I remember rocking out to my favorite radio station in my old 65 Mustang with a 4"x10" crap speaker in the dash on an AM radio. Good music is good music period. The best Hifi gear in the world is the gear that gets used! Thanks so much for commenting.

[@watdanuqta-mf5ms]

Hey, Happy Labor Day. just found you today looking for plumbing videos. I'm also from Chicago and was wondering if you were familiar with Chicago dealers like Victor's Stereo or Paul Heath or even Superior Audio who used to be on Superior Steet? There was also Simons shop Audio Consultants in Evanston. Hifi Hutch briefly had a store just a few blocks away from where I grew up In River Forest. Actually just up the street(North Ave R64) and Harlem Ave was Musicraft, at the end of the same block was Playback, and right across the street was Midwest Hifi plus just a few blocks east was Pacific Stereo. Wow, how times have changed since the 70s and 80s. I'm assuming that chain you worked for was either Playback or Pacific Stereo. One more thing, why didn't you take the train to work? An easy way to diffuse the days' pressure. Or maybe you couldn't? Anyhoo, Live long and prosper..........

[@OldGuyHifi]

Stereo Studio out in the burbs. I know all of those stores and I knew Mr Zreczny well. I also knew Andy Zimmerman at Saturday Audio Exchange. Things have changed a lot. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

[@andy57167]

who am I ....than goes on to tell us all his unending strong opinions of gear, and music ,,was expecting a more short brief -who am I video .

[@OldGuyHifi]

I am going to be re-doing that video format shortly. It is my channel so I can have all the stupid opinions I want. As I said in the video about opinions... Every A$$hole has one. Thanks for viewing and seriously I do appreciate your comment.

[@michaeljorcutt3142]

I’m very eclectic in my musical taste. My classical side is full of Telarc CD’s. I still listen to them. Streaming, for some reason, (lossless), cannot replicate the Telarc recordings. Do you have a portable, on the go setup? I’ve had the following for years. And it’s my ultimate bliss for on the go: iPhone to FiiO Q5 hardwired to Shure SE 846. Balanced connection. Lossless all the way through.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Michael, I use my Android phone, USB Audio Player Pro and a Helm Bolt D2A and my Crinacle KZ ZEX Pro IEMs. It gives me great sound for not a big expense. I appreciate your view and comment. I love to hear about everyone's stuff. Thanks so much.

[@ethimself5064]

Ya got me hooked and just Subscribed👍

[@OldGuyHifi]

That's great. Thank you for your subscription and comments.

[@mblazer4004]

Very well said!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you.

[@AEFisch]

Good attitude!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Either that or I am just an old fart! Thank you so much for watching and commenting.

[@WaltSommers]

If you could make a pilgrimage to any Vintage/Used Stereo shop in North America and cost and time were no object to travel where would you go?

[@OldGuyHifi]

Walt, That's easy. Skylabs Vintage Audio in Des Moines IA. Check them out on line or their KZbin channel. The second spot would be Sky-Fi Audio, Glen Rock NJ. Both are fantastic shops. Skylabs is more down to earth and Sky-Fi is vintage high end heaven.

[@stuartfitzsimons2786]

Subscribed and liked

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you so much.

[@ethimself5064]

3:47 - Near everyone has the same opinion about the Bose 901's. Over engineered duds as well as some JBL's of yester decades. Could not help myself🤔

[@OldGuyHifi]

I agree. No highs, no lows, it must be Bose!

[@ethimself5064]

@@OldGuyHifi 🤣🤣🤣