Be an Audiophile, not an Audiophool!
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- čas přidán 10. 07. 2024
- Here are a few pointers to keep you on the good foot if you really care about connecting with your music in a profound way rather than buying a popular name brand then scratching your head and wondering why theres no magic.
Love ya Mikey - - for sure a tough subject to bring total honesty to the table - - it's a fine line to "generalize" which a person would have to do to broach these issues but I'm 100% with you - - carry on.
Thanks for the support Skip !
..."IGNORANCE IS BLISS...." Great talk. Glad I found you and subscribed tonight! I've always said that the best wine is the wine that you like and enjoy that you can afford often enough to enjoy often enough.
Listen up folks!
The great thing about CZcams channel is it has the potential to allow unbiased, informative information in what can be a difficult hobby to get synergistically correct or have audio gear be presented without liabilities or strings attached. Not everyone uses it this way.
Top it off with an honest, selfless, knowledgeable, qualified insider and you have the new era makings of the best hi-fi channel on CZcams.
Enter OCD Mikey!
Thank you again ocd Mikey for taking the time to pull the covers off and enlighten others, you have the best and some of the most unique gear out there with unprecedented user knowledge that qualifies your perspectives.
Again Thank You for all your kind guidance, efforts and sharing of knowledge, much appreciated!
Thanks Tim, Its been like a Godsend in that I can finally speak to the people that I want to reach. The uninitiated audiophiles just learning the ropes. and to have the backing and feedback from my fellow career audiophiles its the greatest. Finally there is a bridge between us old dogs and the uninitiated in a great atmosphere, where even the trolls are at bay because they hear truth. The state of affairs in the industry are absolutely horrid for the newcomer. They are relegated to learning, each one of them separately and individually by buying and selling gear , trial and error. Well shit weve already done all that work, so if we educate them, they can get more time to enjoy than we did, and why not offer the products that have taken me over a decade to find and secure exclusivity. I see this as a very good start to creating better "soil" for audiophiles to grow. If it does catch on the way you describe, We will shift the market back into the hands of the enthusiasts, and make it about getting together with others once again and sharing in something we can all enjoy together. Music, man Music !! .
@@OCDHIFiGuy No Thanks required, you've earned the praise!
Reading through the comments my sentiments are shared by many.
Again I appreciate all your insights and considerable amount of time and efforts in demonstrating and comparing gear for both us young at ♥ heart old geasers and the young enthusiasts of today.
Best Wishes, in health and life!
Great topic that people are usually reluctant to discuss, thanks for sharing! Really helpful for hifi newbies like me, setting the path "straight“.
Stepping out on a limb here just to help give the new guys a leg up. I consort in the circles of the staunch. Dyed in the wool Audophiles. All we do day in and day out is seek the best. Period. We all share notes and experiences and not one of us has determined that any of high end audios most common brand names meet our rigorous standard. We all know the companies that are "has been" at this point. I guess at some time it's fair for me to simply state my personal likes and dislikes in terms of brands. In other words you are better off trusting the staunch Audiophiles than the media or local hifi store. Just think about it this way. To make anything in high volume you must use common, plentiful parts, if not, lack of supply can stop production dead in its tracks. So nothing high volume can use exotic parts. Most of the time once a certain production volume is needed it must go to China for manufacture since they are the only ones that can produce HiFi on a very large scale. Like 10,000 DACs. Nobody does that here really. The next thing is even with local dealers, to listen in thier store is a completely unreliable way to determine how it will sound in your room. The only real way to know is in home demo. This can be accomplished through the internet. For my company when I decided to do direct sale. I lowered the cost of my product line by 50% since there was no longer a dealer. If everyone followed the direct sale model your HiFi would be half the price it is now. But you pay twice that for the service the dealer provides you. Other than you buying and receiving something same day, online sellers can do as much if not more than local dealers. The old model of electronics distribution makes little sense in today's economy. Why ship to a USA warehouse and stockpile imventory for redistribution and extra level of markup when the product could just be drop shipped from the factory to you ? So I guess my message is for the buyers that are picky about having the best sound regardless of the name brand. I dont serve those that just want a "look" or some sort of a spectacle piece. Already there have been a handful of you subscribers that have contacted me and purchased direct. Yesterday. I quoted someone speaker cables and he thought I misquoted. I explained how I am the manufacturer of the cable and my "full price" in the market has always been wholesale. So the cool thing about me selling direct is now you guys get wholesale price. I could not sleep at night if I started to sell for twice my wholesale price just because I went direct. Just imagine how the HiFi landscape would be for you guys if everything HiFi went to a direct sale model and prices were cut in half across the board on everything ? For me, I would feel like the market finally became a value for the buyers. This is what my trip looks like. Half price direct sale. I feel things are headed that way inevitably, so I'm going to lead by example. I am a new breed of seller. One who actually takes part in the hobby as well. One that is comitted to get you over the goal line even if it's over years. One that will always buy back what was originally sold, so you are never stuck with having to sell anything off yourself. One that also imports exclusive brands of high performance gear so I can control retail sales price and sell it for 40% less than previous USA distributors. If I establish myself as one of the leading trusted online sellers in HiFi, the volume will recoup the numbers lost by cutting prices in half. This is my solution for the bullshit HiFi stroke job. The only way to make change happen is to act, so here I am sticking my neck out. Your response has been positive enough that I'm willing to stay the course and start doing things for you. For instance when I have guests like Mark Levinson. I asked him to offer my subscribers a discount or special of some sort on anything he makes. I will do the same with the others. Ultimately when theres 50K or more of you subscribed, I can go "shopping" for us. Whereby I commission an exclusive build from a manufacturer only available to us. I'll share wholesale price with you guys and at that point we have a ton more influence. To get the product types we want at fair prices. Theres a little peek into my vision for us. Which I like to refer to as the "HiFi tribe"..I hope you guys dig the vision as well. I say we make things the way we want them for our group. How about you guys ? Am I nuts ? Let's discuss.
@@OCDHIFiGuy Your vision is definitely a very noble one! Truly hope that it will be reality someday, and we can all enjoy "curated" Hi-Fi with non-BS prices.
Great comments- I appreciate straight talk - my audiophile journey started with a Mac C28 and 2105 in 1976. That was a special setup. Today I'm sold on PrimaLuna and am a happy camper. I get your meaning about there is a level of quality that will move you.
Awesome Skip ! I pick up where Prima Luna drops of..good stuff though!!
What audio transducers for your PrimaLuna?
@@daviddrake6875 I have Turnberry GR's with twin REL S 5 SHO subs. Very happy with the sound. Maybe one day I'll step up to Kensington GR.
So glad I just found your channel!!
Right on ! Welcome !
subscribed... nice channel. I like how you speak truth to the hobby. I came across your channel by a video on a Denafrips dac and you mention that you've "cobbled" together your system through trading up, buying second and third hand, etc... I am the same way. I hardly buy anything new and have put my system together by paying about 40-50% of retail. Anyone who listens to it, especially those who haven't experienced true hifi, are blown away. They ask what it costs and I say I can't tell because I've worked my way up, but if they have $2k they can get great sound and then work up if they want. And even for less than $2k they can get great sound. Anyway, thanks for the videos.
Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it , if you dig what Im doing, the best place to go is to 11stereo and sign up for the HiFi Tribe.. Its well worth it and its free
I absolutely love your channel and would love to come to your shop! If you were in Houston I'd be begging you for a job! 🤣🤣🤣 Impedance-matching is an excellent point and I doubt 1 in 10 people consider this. I agree with letting someone enjoy their setup and when they're mentally ready to understand the shortcomings of their setup or to look beyond what they have and know, they'll ask. Your listening sessions where you're tweaking things - man I miss doing that! Thank you for an awesome channel and for allowing us to be that "fly on the wall". 😎👍 Atb - Luther
Hey Lu, Id hire you for sure... OI need someone right now ,,lol. whats your main skill ? what are you good at ? try calling me direct or emailing me verastarr at g ma you know the rest . If you want to get Hooked up with a HiFi mentor, or a group of hifi peeps, Ive got some bros in Huston. Id say not to really take me up on my offer to introduce you unless you really want to do this hobby. Its only fun if we know we are helping someone to learn because they are totally in to it . if you dont have a system yet. These guys could help you get set up with a starter rig .. Holla
Good stuff man! Great topic and video. Respect
Thanks ! Maximum Respek
i need to listen to more of your videos, thanks
Thanks Tom!
More reasons to support small local startups. Great video !
Thanks GoGo, this one is a startup but my other company has been in this industry 17 years. And it's anything but local. Were all over the globe. Very little locally actually. But thanks for the good wishes !
So well said Mike. I think the most important thing for a buyer to do is be honest with them selves & figure out what is most important to them no matter what anyone else thinks. Lets be honest companies like McIntosh & Audio Research are a piece of audio history, you can walk into a room & know exactly what your looking at from 40 feet away & truth be told it pulls at your heartstrings even for guys like me that have been into audio since the 70s but there are many superior products available that many people may never have heard of but in the end if it gives you joy to walk into your room & see glowing blue meters then you should enjoy it. I think the one thing people may be very surprised to learn is that the looks & form factor are so important to many people these days & the truth is much of the cost of a product are in the cabinets & chassis & not so much in the guts, metal fabrication is really costly today.
Yes, agreed. Whatever makes you happy and fulfilled.
Let's not forget about resale value. Let me argue the counterfactual let's look at Rolex. Rolex sold out yet you can go to Yemen and get 5,000 American dollars for your watch?
For my money I will buy from someone or a company that I feel offers me value . sadly sometimes that has to be what the resale market will pay.
On the other hand without the dreamers... We would never have real innovation. To me it's like a stock that is listed as an IPO .
Scott, holla atta brotha...
This is a great video that came back up in my feed.
When you buy the $1000, 20 year old piece instead of the new $1000 piece you're getting much better value. The only possible issue is reliability. However, the risk is usually worth it because as Mikey said the vintage piece is more than likely a better value and can help get you to a level you might not be able to get to buying new. You also get the experience which can help you as you improve your rig.
Rock on Vuch !
maaan your camera do funny things with that picture on the wall . i thought i am high then i realized i haven't light a joint 5 years now :)))
The industry can get pretty dam stuffy...thanks for being the one to crack open a window!
You bet John, thanks for your feedback..
If someone has an interest in the hobby, I try to encourage them. At the end of the day it doesn't matter to me how they pursue their interests. If they have a million dollar setup or a $1000 starter rig, I can usually learn something new from others if my attitude is collaborative. If you're running Audioquest and Mcintosh, so be it. If that's all you do and don't care about anything else, you're golden! I'm working at it from a different angle and don't have it all figured out yet. That's why I watch these videos and try to educate myself. Thanks!
Hey Dan,
Thanks for the feedback. It's all about having fun and enjoying other peoples company. Nothing else matters
Completely agree with what you are saying about being able to talk to the 'man' behind the product. I mean, if I am giving you my money, the least you could do is spare me a little of your time to clear my concerns. Throwing a product out into the market and keeping a distance away from consumers who buy them is just a plain awful approach in this modern age. I won't be surprised if the 'support' team is filled with people who have just finished high school and are there on an hourly wage to answer emails for the mere sake of it without any clue who and what they are dealing with. Keep doing these videos man.
Thanks Peter, much appreciated.
I hear what you’re saying and I agree, system integration is so important and most people are at a loss to understand what that involves. As an audio consultant I consider the room first and how the customer lives within their space and lifestyle. The room is 50% of the system and the other 50% is integration with synergy this only comes with a lifetime of experience and I put together systems under $3000 that are very enjoyable and others are well above 50,000 that are also very enjoyable. My goal is to get people off the merry go round of switching equipment whole time I just put a record down for a glass of wine and enjoy the art of music
I get so baffled when I have people come to me looking to spend gobs of money on equipment sometimes complain a bunch they are unhappy with results but push back like crazy when it comes to acoustics and treatments. It's like saying I want a high performance sports car and I want to experience the highlights of it's abilities but I am only willing to drive on narrow, wet and poorly paved roads., You can muck with a lot of things but physics isn't one of them.
There you go Brother, we have the same vision !
Absolutely right ..
Hey Mike! Nice peak behind the curtain. I think another consideration is the after purchase support and residual values. Those are valid concerns that can justify a trade off of that last 10% of resolution/performance. I’ve gone small boutique many times and got scorched post purchase … and when lucky… hi fi bliss. It’s a gamble the newbie or casual audiophile may not feel comfortable risking.
Thanks for all the information. Have you ever tried the CD Ripper/computer combos such as the MicroJukeBox from Small Green Computer?
Mikey, is your hair like that naturally, or is it styled that way? Real question. Love your videos by the way
Best video you have made, agree whit you!
Thanks Man !
Hope these founders,live long lives
You’re absolutely right. I see the same review you’re taking about, they take a $500 speaker and making it sound like it’s a $25,000 speaker. The newcomers coming into the hobby don’t realize that this is all marketing. For example: why is it that at least two or more of the sterophile writers use Altec Lansing speakers as their main home speaker systems. In fact there’s another channel that just had a contest of people sending in pictures of their hi-fi systems. The two first pictures he shows are people that are using Altec speakers with tube equipment. Yet most new audio files won’t even be looking for these particular speakers because they think the new speakers that are coming out that are dirt cheap sound so much better.
That is a very good example of what plays out in the whole hifi marketing con / circus of today.
Harry Me I have to admit you can buy some real good high and used equipment that sounds just as good if not better than equipment being made today by very reliable companies that will still fix their gear no matter how old it is.
When I was a baby, my mother was second chair second violins at the Chicago Symphony with Rafael Kubelik conducting. She put me front row center in my basket during dress rehearsals. That is the realism I am looking for. It is in my brain, a blessing or a curse. The only system I thought came close was a million dollar MBL set up in a large room in the Tower I can’t remember which Hotel at Las Vegas CES. On some systems I get an occasional shiver. I got quite a lot with Von Schweikert loudspeakers and Kron Amplification.
Best video yet!🤗😁😎 I'm very content with my new purchase of JBL 590 towers for my home theater! There's proof you can spend a little and get a lot especially with those compression drivers! Heck, they're loosely based off the JBL Everest!😁 That can't be a bad thing! I bought them on a whim figuring JBL does free returns back with these 80 lb shipping weight beasts! I live in a largish apartment! I had nothing to lose and yet here they sit !🤓Might even get two more for the rears as they sound so good to me for that application. $500 a piece! I watch definitely more movies than I listen to music but I used the system for both so not a true two-channel system but it works. Your magnapan must sound great using the subwoofer system you have. I use an Older Japanese made Denon early 2000's receiver.😉🤓 and a 20 something year old 12 inch JBL sub. I would like to see your opinion on multi-channel stereo like what the Denon offers. I was listening to it that way as opposed to 2 channel stereo just last night and it's a hell of a lot more enjoyable and that's not using matched speakers from the JBL line. I have Boston Acoustics back sides so they don't match nearly as well as if I had two more Towers. It seems you listen only to 2 Channel and nor 5 channel? The multi channel adds so much more! Are you familiar regarding Atmos, Aura 3d sound from Dolby? I love movie soundtracks and DTSX is another Multi speaker codac. To me the music sounds so much more engaging using multi-channel VS 2- Channel.
Hi Big Jay, yes, you are correct. I wont touch multi channel, first off I dont find it realistic sounding , second off my 2 channel rig images so wide and deep, it seems like surround sound. Third I dont want digital signal processing in my audio path. Im a pain in the ass purist
I had a pair for even cheaper when they first went on blowout sale in 2016 - and new not refurb. Anyway I liked the 590s so much that I had to upgrade and I got some used Array 1400s, currently looking at the s4367 used. But once I got the Arrays, the 590s started to sound like Best Buy specials, I'm hooked on the higher end JBL sound now. Imagine improving every aspect of the 580/590 range by 10x. It's great. Shipping weight on these is: Pallet - 115lbs each not including packaging.
@@antoniobolgnameyerwe3844
Wow, now I got to do research!🤗🤗😁😁😉😉😎
Subbed. I need people talking about reality with regard to audio products.
Reality is relative my friend. We each create our own, and it is very unique and like nobody elses.
You right man one reviewer comes to mind , I don’t watch his stuff anymore . I’m going with what stood the test of time with some mods added .
Yes, they are always great reviews , huh ?
Finding the gear on eBay on confirms my suspicion . Other industries are doing the same thing without regard for their customers . The older heads had it right , that’s why I still own vintage speakers . They can keep the new gear that makes your coffee .😂
@@coolruler8856 Great way to put it.
Very well said, Mike. That was an especially good vid. I’ll always accept any extra info or knowledge regarding HiFi.
Those shelves full of reels behind you is crazy, btw.
I assume that’s what they are cuz I think I see an Amperex 2” tape up there?
@@NickP333 yeah Nick. Those are original session reels. So the artist was right there with this actual tape at one point.
Get out! That’s so cool. So, they’re mostly first generation recordings of what? (besides the pope. lol)
Looks like multitracks, do you run a multitrack machine in your place? I have two 2 tracks mainly for dubbing masters, I lust after multi tracks but just don’t have the bandwidth to expand the hobby. Thanks for the video!
thank you sir im more happier now with my budget good to my ears audio system.
Right on lig !!
Share details..... we'd love to know what your setup looks like 🍻
I've been a an audio reader since Stereo Review Audio( and their annual listing of manufacturer's a must have) The Absolute Sound (when they were a mere wrag) The Audio Critic etc. I became an audiophile and heard the absolute sound demonstrated to me by the late Mike Kay at his salon Lyrics in East Manhattan in 1975/76. System consistsed of the big Maggie's Audio Research D150's etc Linn Sondek turntable etc in their biggest room at that time. Sounded like live music...no way what's going on now can better what I heard that day at Lyrics. I've been a sensible audiophile ever since and find the audio foolery fascinating. Peter Aczels "The Audio Critic" and their "Hip boots" segment were must reads and exposed the bs back in the day. Keep doing your thing Mikey your on point !!! By the way I'm a " brother ". And may Mike Kay RIP he took time that day and introduced the high end to a young blood from Queens fascinated about stereo equipment.
Right on Henry, thanks for the feedback !
Hey Mikey audio aside your what we'd call in my hood of South Jamaica Queens a cool brother with a lot under the cap. By the way do you think that "absolute sound" all analog system demonstrated by Lyrics years before digital could've attained the same or better "magic" if the only replacement were the Linn Sondek for a 300.000 Japanese Tech Das or a modern digital source of your choosing???
One brand I think bucks this trend is Yamaha. Their new hi-fi line IMO is amazing and I feel like they put every ounce of heart and soul into it.
Bahahahahahahhahahhahhhahahaha you got to be joking right? This is sarcasm aye? Yamaha are criminal how they advertise their power out puts for one lol.... 1000w......... Yer into 6ohms 1 channel driven while standing on one leg as the sun rises on Tuesday morning hahaha. But they won’t tell you that..... they will say 1000w 7 channel amp
interesting... back in the day they were the shit..
@@DuzBee I am talking about the A-S3000. I would put it up against some of the best. Give it a listen if you get a chance.
@@marcgallant5270 Yes, I was referring to the A-S3000 specifically. Amazing piece of gear.
you mentioned designers of products that go work every day because they are passionate and still involved in there products, that's one of the reasons i bought my Harbeth speakers , the other is to me they sound awesome the more I play them the more I realize it was money well spent.
For sure, its the same with Jeff Rowland..
Michael Kelly of Aerial Acoustics builds one hell of a speaker. Does literally no advertising
There ya have it , same with my cables, Never bought an ad in my life.
I go to Rocky Mountain Audio Fest as often as I can because I love to meet and listen to the founders and their equipment; Richard Vandersteen, Fredrik Lejonklou, Siegfried Linkwitz (RIP), Franco Serblin (RIP), Lars Erickson and on and on. The big rooms with the big names only have over dressed sales reps and the sound in those rooms is so bland because they are only about the sales. The smaller companies are all about the music. :)
PS Picked up a used Luxman Rx-101 for $199 a few weeks ago, paired it with vintage Sonus faber Minuettos and its killing me with how good it is. Class A all the way!
Hi
would you still recommend jays cdt2 mk2 transport after a year since your first review?
Today i have a Simaudio moon 260d transport and is considering to change it. I have heard the CEC TL5 but prefered the moon 260d becaurse it was bit more true to the recording for my taste.
Regards
I can't really recommend something that uses main parts soon becoming obsolete. Jays was sturdy and heavy. They had too many glitches for my taste in the end.
Big Fan of you and your channel. What do you think of Prima Luna Gear?
Off topic, but what would you recommend for someone who hasn't taken the step into digital yet. And I don't mean streaming, but just burning your own CD collection and then having it all at your fingertips. I'm guessing you like Roon-- but what else? Nucleus? From your videos I know that you don't like Innuos. Where do you store your digital? What is your server? I really like your videos, but you need to make it easier for an audiophile like myself. I own Hegel amp and Raidho speakers-- fantastic! I just need to take the jump to digital.
Hi Fred, thanks for asking. First off I dont know Innuous and that was a learning experience for me. I was simply using thier product to show everyone how to price out a typical server, but in no way meant to denounce the brand and if you listen close you will hear I never denounce it once, In fact I give it a vote of confidence.
First thing is to decide how little or how much you want to be involved in the ripping process, depending on the size of your collection, you may want someone else rip for you . When I was selling servers, I offered ripping service whereby I woid send you your new server already loaded with all your CD's I use ROON, but I dont like them. I dont know them but they seem like typical corporate marauders. For instance they come on the scene requiring anyone that wanted to be "roon ready" by this I mean manufacturers of servers , to follow thier protocol which was a pain in the butt, but they endured the pain anbd after paying them and jumping through hoops, the way ROON repays thier clients is they release thier own server directly selling against thier own clients. Shame on you ROON. But one cant deny, its very comprehensive software. Nucleus is ROON Hardware I like the understated Small Green Computer. I make my own server as its easy .I use sonicorbiter software I store my music on my desktop and inside my server itself. Soon, I will consolidate into a Synology NAS drive to hold my music.. Hope this helps !
@@OCDHIFiGuy Thanks much for your reply. I get your comments about Roon. What ripping software do you use? I was looking at one of the Sonic Transporters. But they also recommend a player to go along with it, one of the Sonore products. You use sonicorbiter, do you use any of the Sonore products? Just trying to optimize a new digital playback system from scratch!
@@Fred-ql3gq I do not use Sonore. No need to. I build my own player/server that can play from it's own storage or play from network storage. Any mini itx with an Intel i3 can do both and not be too noisy. Feel free to call me if you would like a consult. It's still free..;-) find me at mikepowellaudio.com
My dealer steered me away from NAD (which he sells) and into a Belles Aria integrated. David Belles builds them outside Rochester NY. They don't have a huge review presence. Analog only. It sounds fantastic, to my ears.
Superb video of THE TRUTH!
Thanks Gogo !!
The transformation of a company from a technology research driven company to a sales marketing driven company has happened a lot throughout history. Steve Jobs mentioned this happening to IBM and Apple as the sales people slowly overtook the corporate management for improving sales short term with clever marketing. The technology side of the company is weakened and the company starts to produce inferior products in comparison to the competition.
Good example, thanks for the support !
Watkins Stereo speakers are unknown by most, their Watkins Generation 4 speakers are still made by the Watkins, the man who designed and runs their shop. William Watkins Sr has since passed, but his son Bill Jr continues the high quality speakers design. I have their Gen 4s and also their WE-1s.
Cool man !
ESS Laboratories are amazing speakers can sound just as good if not better than mind numbingly expensive speakers. Zu Audio are amazing speakers that aren't overly expensive. Vintage Altec Lansing speakers are criminally underrated.
Curious if you think Focal still carries the passion or are they now corporate?
Focal was exactly on my mind as well.
One positive aspect of a bigger distributers and companies is sometimes you get more, cheaper options. Some of these smaller companies are fine but looking at some of the companies listed below is probably out of most peeps price range 🤷🏾♂️
I think a lot of ppl do fall into the corporate hi-fi trap. It’s due to many factors as you stated such as marketing, word of mouth, face value, and looks. But some people actually think about the other aspect which is follow up and warranty. Unfortunately the problem I have with a lot of the start up or smaller companies are they are not around long enough to help support their products. Where does that leave the consumer? People buy a Lexus for luxury but the other part is the reliability factor. A smaller company sometimes does not have the support to fully back the customer and their needs. It is a sticky situation because people want to know their products will be around for a long time in case something happens.
Hey Mike which are the preamps you compared to the freya,
They are coming, I have to find a way to chop upo my vid as its 2 hours long but super comprehensive. Kinki Studio Linestage, Stello P700 Pass Labs Aleph L, NAT Audio Magnetic, and a passive stepped volume control.
And how do you suggest we find a “buyer’s agent”?
I'm more on the headphones side of the hobby than speakers, but if there is 1 company which I can't ever praise enough, it would be JDS Labs, a relatively small manufacturer of high quality source gear for headphones.
They provide accurate and true-to-reality measurements, blog posts describing their product development journies, and provide complete transparency on materials, components, engineering and production considerations they've made. Their prices are always based on performance first, they rarely ever have technical issues, and when you do have issues, their support is the most responsive and helpful I've ever encountered. Even when you're out of warranty and have a problem, they'll still fix your problem free of charge if it's just a minor effort, even though they're perfectly in their right to charge you. It's a company with a heart for the industry, and a business model centered around customer satisfaction and reliability. I would truly suggest to just read through their blog posts to understand why I'm so full of praise about them.
I get it, if you read about my company, its the same way.. I believe in taking care of my clients big time. ..
WELL DONE JOB MICKEY.
Pura Vida !
my fav, bang for the buck... PS Audio.
what do you like?
My fave bang for the buck gear is April Music
AUDIOBYTE as well
Sometimes the new owners double the prices in a short time - this happened with a well known UK tonearm maker. Brand becomes a cash cow for the owners and distributors.
for a little while , then it peters out.. always does eventually....
Great video sir!
I am looking for a DAC in the $1500-2000 range.
Would appreciate your recommendation.
Thanks, and keep preaching.
Hello there, the best DAC for $1500 I could find is the Audiobyte Black Dragon. I have one available. What DAC are you currently using ? Contact me and I can give a quick consult. Contact through mikepowellaudio .com
mmdusa Soekris 1541 r2r dac I have it with Harbeth sounds amazing
Hey Mikey I saw your video of awesome system 5000 dollars and below...Simon Audio Group had an all in one you liked paired with some Buchardt S400s. Where do I find that All in One? Seems hard to locate
Hi Ed, thats because its sold out globally. I am the USA importer so keep your eyes on 11stereo.com Ill announce it . Im guessing second quarter 2021
how do we find the creators of the good equipment? Sorry for my rudeness
You either must have trusted advisors, or you meet each and every one of them and speak with them at the shows. Its easy to tell who is for real and who is full of it
In line with this educational video, how would you assess Hemingway and TAD Audio cables, in simple words? Both are in $20k range
Hemingway is totally overpriced in my opinion. Someone sent a 5K power cable here to be repaired since he tried to swap plugs and the damn thing was 3 runs of CAT5 cable !!!! I even posted on my facebook .. so I suspect they are all high dollar funky builds. afterwards, I cloned the Hemingway with Cat 7, and it sounded just tlike the other one , midrange push. Easy way to make people notice a cable but gives fatigue in the long run.. I know nothing about TAD
Quote from Mr T!
What’s your recommended DAC that has a sound somewhat like metrum adagio or Jeff Rowland for $2k?
Without a doubt the one I sell for $1800, AudioByte Black Dragon.
@@OCDHIFiGuy You recommend it so much you have to sell it... perfect...
It's the return of the badass perm pimp
LOL< too funny...
Thank you for the video Mickey...well I am not surprised at all. Hope you can give me an advice as my question to you is not about high end and the best of the best. What to do when I am on a tight budget, but want to get the best equipment optainable on a budget. Am I stock with all the well known brands, who spits out new models of amps, dacs an so on every year and are pretty much all a part of the same couple of big corporations..?? How can I seek out the companies that are ``for real``...do I go to online forums and seek advice, not knowing if the people giving them have any knowledge at all..?? I know you are not name dropping..but to me a company like Rega , founded in 1973 by Ron Gandy and he stil runs it and is a part of the daily work at the factory, is a company with heart and soul...are there any other copmanys you can point me at..making hifi that is in reach on a working man sallery..? I live in Denmark...and I also think the buchardt speakers are good (and that is where I am price vice..) I hope you can giveme some kind of answer..thank you..!!
Hi Jess,
Buy used gear... its the best value. Amps built well can be 40 years old with no problem.. Where you are perhaps you can find used Electrocompaniet, look for old Jeff Rowland, Krell, Classe, Mc Cormack, Acurus, SimAudio, there are so many. Best Old DAC's, Wadia , Speakers, Thiel to name a few.. But yes, Rega is a good company for sure..
audio-mafia, I like that a lot
this is still on the sidelines, a niche market, but I have a sense that Italian mafia is gonna jump on this bandwagon very soon
Or the Jewish Mafia more likely, lol.... for real though ., he just means that the 3 of those have a racket going and its near impossible to penetrate unless you pay the price of admission and play the game..
Or the Jewish Mafia more likely, lol.... for real though ., he just means that the 3 of those have a racket going and its near impossible to penetrate unless you pay the price of admission and play the game..
do you think the gato pwr-222 monoblocks are worth the money?
Never heard them.
Was there anything you compared the Freya 2 to, that actually that was actually compareable?
Price wise was just my passive volume switch. After that we doubled price 3 times.
Did you use the tube buffering? Or just passive?
@@turiddu9 completely passive.
I was very pleased to hear your opinions in this video, as my audiophile experience is that I can only trust my ears and none (or very few) youtube gurus out there giving advise on what gear to purchase. However, after watching a couple of your video comparisons I got totally confused and then disappointed. I was expecting you to give advise on devices of unknown brands, but at a reasonable price. However, all the gear appearing in your comparisons are not affordable for 99% of audiophiles in the world. Definitely you don´t need to spend thousand of dollars to have a more than satisfying audiophile experience. Sorry to say, no added value here.
Hi Jose if you pay attention I give a list of those brands in the comments section.. eventually I'll post them on ,my website 11stereo.com
I think we should all thank you for sharing your long and hard-earned and gathered knowledge and experience with us. Just trying to see more into the way you think about hi-end: How do you value, say, a 100 grand, fully silver wired, OnGaku-Kondo, tube integrated amp? Do you think it's worth the money? Even if you haven't heard one, how do you imagine this would, possibly, compare to, say, the NAT MagmaNew monos + Pre?
Ok , so generally speaking. My experience is that the top of the line is mostly a spectacle piece. Good to take to shows for attention, but the people that buy them could give 2 shits about HiFi. They are luxury level buyers, and everything they buy is over the top. Usually the second down is the sweet spot.
In terms of hundred K gear, I think its assenine. Ridiculous. A joke. Theres no reason it costs that much unless it's a solid gold chassis.., so I see it as fantasy ware. Like the automakers and thier prototypes. It's not meant to be taken serious as a viable option.
The NAT Magma New and Magnetostat SE are end game pieces I cant imagine anything sounding better
@@OCDHIFiGuy Still, I feel pretty sure that, had the Magmas those proprietary, dream-quality, pure-silver wound transformers of the Kondos, they'd sound even better. My point is that , sometimes, to reach a certain point of performance that they put as a target in their minds and hearts, even if it seems vain or outrageous to others, some creators may have to go into very extravagant, costly solutions, be it either materials or workmanship, or both. It might seem ridiculous to have the price tag jump another 60K up, in order to make an already great amp sound a little better, but for some people, who have the money and the taste (I'm not in this league-don't get me wrong) this might not be a problem at all. You see, NAT make an excellent integrated amp already at 10K, if you have the right loudspeaker you might never wish to go any higher, YET, even with this loudspeaker, the Magmas (probably developed with other speakers in mind) would sound even better, I feel pretty sure of that too. I mean, most possibly, you always get something more when you spend more but wisely. If I were you, I'd rather be happy to be able to include some of those "big wallet" customers in my list. Not compromising my excellent principles and values, of course. In my opinion, the Kondo amp is so unique and pure in its sonic quality, that it's almost worth its price.
@@fullranger3435 If anything were to be worth 100K it would be Kondo. I just dont know anything about it other than the quality is off the charts
Subscribed! Hooked.
Here in Kansas City, we had Primus Audio Pleasure, Audioport and Sound FX. As streaming and computers made high PERFORMANCE (I loathe the term high end, it turns too many of us MUSIC LOVERS off), one by one these stores disappeared. Al Eckilson, former owner of Primus Audio, was always pleasant to talk to and deal with, as was the owner of Sound FX, whose name, sadly, escapes me. Consumers like myself have to be EDUCATED, something that a certain New York City audiophile retailer won't even bother with (Sound by Singer), according to reports - check the comments over on that page. Audioport was guilty of this and when it came time to buy, I spent my money with Primus. In short, this is another wrinkle that cannot be overlooked....taking the time to courteously educate someone like myself - a MUSIC LOVER and not and AUDIOPHILE - and building a relationship with that potential buyer before he (or she) hands over the legal tender.
Ive got another Audiophile on here from KC. This guy definitely flies to his own tune..
Much of my stuff is hand built by the original founder from companies most people probably have never heard of (AITOS, Ocellia). Must be on the correct path then 😉😉 Thanks for the video
Right on man !
if you write a book about this, it is going to be a bestseller
LOL, it applies for most any industry actually... Cheers !
Nice one
Thanks for watching
I saw your interview with the only woman in audio , but she owns Tannoy Churchill’s . That tells me the advancements in speaker design haven’t gone as far as they claim .
I want some of those..
These days I mostly buy no name semi DIY stuff from China. It is fun, and some of it sounds great. It also costs a fraction of these big name brands. Oh, I have an Oppo UDP-205. It has gone up in price by about $1000 since I bought it, lol ;).
I have a hard time with Chinas Human Rights atrocities.
@@OCDHIFiGuy I have a hard time with them all around.
@@OCDHIFiGuy WHAT ABOUT AMERICA'S GENOCIDAL WARS?
Thoughts on Cary audio before and after Dennis Had left?
Cary has never been my thing at all no real reason other than some brands dont resonate with me. that has always been one of them..Id rather have Manley
Not same after Dennis left for sure
What if I don't have so much money.
What would be the minimum amount that I have to pay for a HiFi system?
How to obtain the magic HiFi with the minimum amount of money?
It was really nice the fact that you didn't throw any name in there, for "bad advertising", although I would really appreciate if you can tell us some brand that creates a really nice piece of work because I think like that you can help them and us in the same time.
Thank you for your efforts!
I would guess headphones, but I dont know anything about headphone setups. Otherwise you can make a good setup as low as $2K with some good luck
@@OCDHIFiGuy I think Zu Omen Dirty Weekends would be a perfect pair of floorstanding speakers for a $2k stereo to build off of.
Mikey, I'd prefer to be a filthy rich audiophool than a dirt poor audiophile, but as a music lover thankfully I'll never have to be either ;)
The longer I spend in this crazy hobby, the more inclined I am to just replace everything with a fucking soundbar and aim to live long enough to see audio implants become a reality. With the possible exception of watches and cameras, I cant think of a better way to ensure that every available cent goes down the wishing wall marked 'Audio'. Thanks for the vid.
LOL, now thats a unique view... Im thinking I'll know im there when the rig causes my body to vibrate to a frequency that makes me disappear.
Can I use a class d amp with the Lrs speakers 🔊
Of course. Yes you may.
I enjoy your channel and well yes, I recently finally purchased my first blue meter system. This was a lifelong goal since I was a kid, so it’s that sort of thing. Your thoughts on this matter do not offend me. For some reason I remain realistic about it all and you’re probably right. I understand their pricing is inflated and I would not have been able to purchased their C2600 tube preamp model and their MC452 solid state amp model if it wasn’t priced at nearly half off. Again, childhood goal. Just one of those things. Wondering if knowing that I got these units for nearly half off somewhat redeems the value-factor in your opinion? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Hi Chance, I would say it totally does. Remember I never said product was bad. Just not like once before. And at an extra premium. So at half price, I'd say it's a fair deal.
The most important thing is that you have something that you love and that gives you what you always wanted over the years. If the advertising promises to give you this but does not, that's where I take up issue.
OCD HI-Fi Guy, dude you’re awesome. Thank you for your honesty and I totally get it. Hey this is all fun, that’s the bottom line. Keep it up!
Any deal you walk away from happy is a good deal:)
@@hifi2169 they are all over. Just look on the HiFi classified sites.
Sandy Gross Definitive Technology!
great points.. but we are all at the mercy of the recording we're listening to ... no matter how great the gear may be, if the recording is crap / doesn't have width and layering , etc no matter how good the gear is, it can't make up something that isn't there.. recordings have to get better for the art to take the next step..
Hi Pio, you must try a world class linestage. No matter how crappy the recording is, you still get every ounce of emotion the song is conveying. You stop listening with your analytical mind in terms of the recording quality because you are emotionally connected to the underlying music. This will take the place of a bad recording as its more powerful. there are certain rigs like mine for instance that nothing sounds bad , it just sounds different..
There are some great companies where the people that are involved in the design of the product are accessible. Rob Watts of Chord will answer almost any question especially on headfi and is forthcoming with technical info. Another company would be magico.
Magico has never sounded good to me at any of the shows, I know Jeff Rowland still works at the shop as well..
@@OCDHIFiGuy I would love to hear some of the Jeff Rowland gear some day.
@@OCDHIFiGuy magico speakers are pretty revealing of upstream gear. At axpona there were setups with magico that sounded pretty different depending on gear. There were some m6 with a pair of q subs that sounded really good with D'agostino pre and monos. This is way above my price range though.
I upgraded from dynaudio c1s to a pair of s1mk2 from magico that I got at a smoking deal a little more than 1/2 of retail. If it weren't for that I wouldn't have been able to buy them at full retail they are usually over $22k. They are probably my endgame speaker unless I hit the lottery. They were a big upgrade sound wise there is also something with two way speakers to me they just sound more cohesive than alot of three way designs. Now I am looking to finalize the rest of the gear to match the speakers. Maybe a pair of subs too we will see.
subscribed!
Thanks Man !
Well, DIY audio sure has opened my eyes. One exemple: Insanely stupid prices for DAC's.
Still have not found a DIY that can compare to my reference DACs
What do you think of HIFI Rose RS250?
Decent stuff no problem there
♥️
opinions on ancient aiwa amps?
Hi Alvin, I've got no experience with Aiwa. If any of the Tribe does, please speak up !
Thanks so much for this video. I enjoy your videos and have learnt a lot. Any recommendations on quality phono stages (nothing ultra high end)?
I honestly dont know about phono stages . I have purposely avoided vinyl as I know what will happen to me, and vinyl is the really expensive part of HiFi. So my apology, !! So if any of the tribe wants to reply to Priyo, go ahead please, Whats the word on a killer high value phono stage >?
Hi Priyo, my true passion is vinyl and has been for almost 30 yrs. I hope I can possibly help you out. What’s your budget?
@@NickP333 Hi Nick, my budget is about $1300 Canadian. I was looking at KC Sutherland Insight phono. I am currently using Sim Audio 110lpv2 which is good but wondering if KC Sutherland would be better or if any other solid state phono would be good..
@Priyo Ganguli
Hey there Priyo. What type of cart are you using? MM? MC? D’you definitely want a SS phono pre, or are you open to a tube based one? If I know those 2 things, I can be of much better help to you. : )
The Sutherland Insight looks to be a very nicely built phono stage, although I haven’t heard one. I do like how the PSU is totally separate from the amp PCB, which is made up of great parts and is a true dual mono design.
From what I can see, the Sutherland’s build quality seems a bit nicer than the MOON you’re using now, but that doesn’t necessarily always equate to better sound.
Also, wherever you buy from, make sure there’s a return policy in case you just don’t like it.
@@NickP333 Hi Nick I am using Hana EL MC cart now and happy with it for the time being. I want solid state since I fear going into tubes would be like going in the deep end and I will go crazy tube rolling etc. Lol.
I’m looking for some decent digital spdif cables coax . Any recommendations ?
Yes, Verastarr.. Ive got 1M for $150 up to $550 for pure silver tip to tip.
OCD HI-Fi Guy is silver harsh sounding ?
@@alvidrez7956 If its low purity silver and has not been treated by heat to elongate the crystals. Also, silver is revealing. So if your rig already leans forward, it will only lean forward more accurately with silver, in other words if the rig was harsh at ll silver will simply bring that harshness even better than the copper did. In our foils the copper is not even as smooth as the silver..
What is your website ?
@@alvidrez7956 Mikepowellaudio.com soon to be 11stereo.com
when you say 20 yr old and old in general, what do you say re an argument that electrolyte capacitors lost their linearity long time ago and what you hear now is non-linear distortions (except if the old amp was recapped)?
For giggles I have measured lots of old caps on multiple occasions out of various pieces of gear out of that curiosity. I am not saying it never happens but most of the time there is little or no loss of capacitance on 15-25 year old pieces. I recently purchased a Levinson 380s and a 334 power amp. Before hand I spoke to an engineer that works for one of the well known and reputable places that service Levinson (shouldn't be hard to geese who). I was concerned with this very issue. They stood to make a good dollar off of me for their services is and the gentleman told me honestly not to be bothered worrying about replacing the caps and if it powers up is quite and functions correctly just enjoy it. So I am doing just that,
@@gmak8052 Here is what I learned on used market prices (expert contributors on some forums):
MSRP should immediately be negotiated 20% less.
As you leave the door, the value of the merchandise decreased 30% (depreciation) and stays at that level for the next 2 years.
When two years passed, there is an additional decrease in value of 30%. This new price stays in effect for the next 3 years (to 5yr mark).
After 5yr mark, audiophiles rarely buy. Or they buy with heavy discount.
Now, there must be a reason for these depreciations. Maybe it was a class A amplifier, which produces heat. The quantity of heat in 20 years is much bigger than quantity of heat dissipated in 3 yr old amplifier. When the current goes through circuit boards, each element on the board vibrates with a different frequency and that kinetic energy must affect signal path (i.e. micro-phonics) etc. Manufacturers of electrolytic capacitors specify the design lifetime at the maximum rated ambient temperature, usually 105°C. This design lifetime can vary from as little as one or two thousand hours, to ten thousand hours or more
I assume its been recapped and if not suggest it anyways just to be safe..
OCD HI-Fi Guy No I do have a replacement set of filter caps but the originals are still in spec and quite.
I like your intention of making this video because indeed the audiophile world is full of marketing BS and snake oil. Yet, it doesn't really help. I fully agree with your statement about once ideological driven brands going corporate, but on the other hand, everyone and his/her mother with a bit of technological knowledge and/or an amp building schedule can order a fancy cnc milled casing in China and fill it up with whatever they think will work best and launch the product as a 'Boutique' brand at a premium price. They don't even need to be con-men and really think they created the best thing ever and use high grade components and structuring to fit the latest audiophile expectations and buzzwords, it doesn't say a thing about it's actual quality or value. Second, try to find an experienced ally buyer. Go for example to an audiophile forum and ask what is the best amp, speaker etc or combination and you will soon find out that the audiophile creed appears to be ; the best sound is whatever we say it is ,and we don't agree. (and better don't touch the subject of cables or blind testing or all hell breaks loose). Since music experience is such a subjective thing, tainted by numerous subjective/psychological factors (one of the main reasons why marketing is so effective in this field) I don't think there will ever be a distinctive line between audiophiles and audiofools. So in my opinion it's better to keep making video's about analyzing devices to see if they live up to their claimed specs/performance and justify their pricetags or rather how you can copy or even improve those devices with more affordable components or solutions. I appreciate your channel a lot, way above many other channels on this matter. Cheers from an audiophile/fool
McIntosh, Denon, Luxman, Technics, Marantz, Kenwood, Yamaha, Pioneer, Sansui... Just to name a few. Great video as usual Mikey. A close friend is talking to you about an order of cables. He’s stoked. He’s got nothing but good things to say about you. You’re a good guy, dude. Cheers.
Thanks again Connor. I appreciate your feedback and the good word from your buddy.
You should receive a second round of good cheer after he installs the cables. ;-)
Where do you stand on headphones?
I tried to get in to them , I built a Torpedo 2 tube head amp , bought 2 other killer amps 3 pairs of great phones and the rig still sounds better every time , so there's no need for myself ..
Schitt Audio equipment historically has made poorly benched tested products when put on AP-555X . I expect expensive equipment to have published specs and will test out to what they published. Check out Audio Science Review 's website . I amazed how expensive equipment has gotten since the mid 70's. I own a Yamaha CA-1010 Integrated amp that cost like $500 in mid 70's and today the same spec new model cost $3K. Inflation pricing on the original amp would only be $1500. Interesting video since there is a lot more BS in Audio today compared to the late 70's IMO. Great video and would be nice to know that you are in the industry with a business. I am not down playing your views and thoughts since they make a lot sense . I like your viewpoint and that's why I am subscribed.
Would be nice to know ? I am in the industry with a business.
@@OCDHIFiGuy I just didn't know that you had a store in Atlanta that is all.
I don't understand.... You sort of 'lightly' Shiit on the Freya preamp, and very casually taunt that you have 6 other pre's that sound better..... "Oh yeah, they cost more"... Well that's no help then, is it?? Why don't you tell us another preamp for $1000 that is as good or better than the Freya? Telling me that your $2k pre is better than a $900 Freya does me no good...… I am curious about the Freya, although not really in the market for a pre right now.
Hi Miro,
I wanted to say the Freya is crap and I'd never use it in a million years but it's too strong and opinionated. If I speak about any main part of the rig that's under $3K I am doing it to be fair and cool for those that dont have the means. I am a seasoned audiophile who has been designing and manufacturing for 18 years.. my suggestion for $1K is to buy a 20 year old piece that was one of the top pieces back then. It will still be better than Freya, which is unacceptable to carry the name HiFi in my opinion.
OCD HI-Fi Guy you’re absolutely right I’d rather go out and buy a nice tube Conrad Johnson, Mark Levinson, Jeff Roland, AUDIO research, that’s been used that’s 20 years old before I would spend $1000 on some of the stuff they make today.
Excellent sound reproduction should result in big sales. So maybe it can be both, but yes, not all the time. The suits take over and demand cheap kit.
Marketing trumps all... as long as you know that , then your shopping should be relatively safe
I came across a video of you and an audio show demonstrating an amp and some $100,000 speakers or $50,000 speakers I can't remember which. I was just wondering how those speakers would compare to your magnepans that you have now.
Those were Mark Levinsons Daniel Hertz brand M1 speakers and 4 of the Danel Hertz monoblocks. That was like having a high quality P.A. system in the house. Nutty. Gobs of horsepower. Like live sound reinforcement. Maggie rig more airy and open due to dipoles. Not as startling as the DH, but tons of nuance, and a heck of a lot less money.
How about a company such as Accuphase who are still a private company?
Seems to be a great brand to me
Great topic and I learned a lot. It's still confusing though.......
Hey Scotty, tell me what is unclear and I'll explain.
@@OCDHIFiGuy The impedance part, if I bought my equipment from the same manufacturer wouldn't it match? I really didnt know about impedance matching . You would probably dislike my equipment its a small American company much like Schiit audio. Love my Little Ribbon Speakers though!
@@scottyo64 Ive got nothing against Shiit at all, I just dont buy products like theirs , but who cares. My point was to question the review and reviewer. If they are the same brand yes, they will be optimally matched, if they are not, thats a very bad sign. also, when I say matched, I mean at the right ratio of the load being 10 times the impedance of the driver ..
@@OCDHIFiGuy Thank you for the reply. I have Emotiva stuff, XPS 1 and XPA 2 running the LRS
@@scottyo64 Try a pair of XPR DR1 ;-)
Impedance matching...audio interfacing does not operate on transmission line theory. You never match drive and load impedance. All preamps and other line level sources are simple voltage sources. The only correct way to do it on a voltage source feed is by having the driving impedance be much lower (usually at least 10:1) compared with the load impedance. Most solid state gear will interface just fine. Tube preamp to solid state amp can run into problems if the preamp doesn't have a cathode follower output.
Yes, Im clear on the load being 10 times the driver this is what I mean by matching.
@@gotham61 yes, the exact match point being 10 times higher at the load..
@@gotham61 I used the word exact incorrectly. I had a prreamp here with 1 Megohm input impedance.so i get what youre saying. My point, was general and over any details , and it was that a HiFi user MUST be cognizant of impedance "matching", meaning the protocol to take when connecting two pieces of equipment, and I was not trying to teach it. but rather make them aware that there is something to learn, now go learn it. People remember better that way.
I guess the 'big boys' have buying power, and mass production on there side - yet despite this (and without too much knowledge) I still suspect you are right, and thanks for the tips. The internet I think has given an opportunity to the small guys through the '30 day trial cut out the middle man' model. The quirky NVA, and Croft amplifiers come to mind in UK as small companies with ethics seemingly intact. btw; 8.48 - you weren't saying 'I don;t give a Schiit about the Naim' were you?? (just kidding)
Lol. Shiit naim too funny.
ATI amps & pre amps, where do they fall in this conversation. I bought a 20 yr old. or more, ATI 1505 amp 5 yrs ago, best purchase I ever made.
I have a ATI 3005 that I just took out of my system. Replaced it with a Bob Carver 275. I’m very happy. The ATI is for sale if your interested
@@lannylippold1461 What do you have to get for it ??
pjg991 I cant find the original box or packing materials. It’s very heavy. I would want at least 2K plus shipping.
ATI is cool, not at all HiFi by my definition, but Home Theater all the way. The cool thing about Morris is that they make it all here in USA, even wind their own transformers. So I think its killer USA Made Home Theater and Custom Install gear.