My HIFi Audio System Tips after 35 Years as an Audiophile!
Vložit
- čas přidán 17. 05. 2024
- #HiFi #Audiophile #Stereo
My Website: www.stevehuffphoto.com
Instagram: @stevehuffofficial
Today I talk about eight things that I have learned in my over 35 years of having HIfI systems in my life. I talk about the most important things related to setting up a system as well as what NOT to worry about. I have been what some would call an "Audiophile" since 1984 and have always had a two channel system. These are just a few of the many tips I can talk about. If you like this video I will make a part 2 with a few more tips, some that are not often talked about!
Enjoy!
Great Audio Buys 2021:
An AMAZING Tube Amp for LESS: amzn.to/31lRAZK
This ALL IN ONE is Stunning: amzn.to/3bvPXzg
The Speakers I will Die With: amzn.to/3nBHZXs
The Best Klipsch Heritage Speaker Hack: amzn.to/2MXXTz7
The BEST Bang for the Buck Streamer: amzn.to/39oHATg
A NO BRAINER Budget Integrated that packs a HUGE punch: amzn.to/3tQXWN6
Media Contact/Review Contact: stevehuff1@icloud.com - Jak na to + styl
My main setup is a super stripped-down vintage system: A Sherwood S-110CP receiver (110 wpc) driving a pair of Ohm Walsh 2 speakers as well as a pair of Bose 201 bookshelf speakers. To my ears this system has great synergy, works very well for the space it's in and the sound I'm going for. I mostly listen to digital files these days.
Thank you. This is one of the most comprehensive videos regarding two channel listening that I have ever watched period. Cheers
Pure wisdom. So easy to get lost in the quest for perfection, which is not reachable by definition. Thanx a lot Steve. That was a pleasure to watch.
Agree the front end makes a lot of difference. You mentioned your streamer not making a lot of difference. Recently replaced my Bluesound 2i with an ifi Zen streamer and my jaw dropped. I use the Chord Dave with Rogue amplification and Harbeth speakers. Agree wholeheartedly with all that you have said. My quest is now into its 5th decade!
Excellent advice--I agree with everything said. Synergy amongst components and room Acoustics is tricky and difficult to get right.
Spent the last 3 years putting together my "grownup" hifi, piece by piece. You're advice is spot on. Not everyone has a dealer around. Finding synergy among hifi components is difficult. I picked speakers that fit my small room, Magnepan .7, then matched amp to speakers, Schiit Vidar, added a Schiit Freya S preamp, and like you probably spent about 20% of the total cost on cables - ac, speaker cables and interconnects. Sounds lovely.
Great advice, thanks for sharing it. I appreciate the cool vibe too.
My system currently consists of an Auralic Altair G1, Willsenton R8, B&W705s2 and Rel t5i. Really enjoying the system as a whole and was surprised the r8 was able to handle the 705 better than the Hegel H90 I had previously. What are your thoughts on the r8 and 705 pairing?
Couldn't agree more. Thanks for your advice and observations.
I absolutely love this... It's so true! And I wish I got this from you much earlier! Thank YOU.
Thanks for the info on the cables….💯✅
Love your passion and what you said about measurements I am a Pass Labs and PS Audio BHK guy
Synergy and balance, yes, Here in Australia I have found 2 cable makers, well one makes mostly PLUGS, yes and they are value and quality.
I tend to put your 15% cables as my upper limit and these things fit in very comfortably.
I have a pair of Pioneer Prologue 70-s. I used old JVC R-2X to drive these. Bass was great but highs were really dull. I came upon a deal of Kenwood receiver, and it completely transformed the sound quality - lost some bass but highs are crisp and mids are lovely
Analogue vs digital costs; have always thought this, I think you are the first guy to go there! What's more, I think diminishing returns start to kick in at a much lower cost with digital - possibly even below true 'entry' level of analogue. This is why I disagree with guys recommending TT's for budget systems (and they don't seem to factor in media costs either...)
What a great list, I think there may be one more important (there is of cause countless things) the "head in a screw stick": you have to decide if you are able / willing to have one precise spot where your system sounds rally magic, or you will be able to move a bit, is it only you in a dedicated room with one chair or is it in a sofa in the living room. When deciding speakers, is it a great idea to also look at how critical the speakers are when it is about the listening spot.
Wow! This was a pinpoint resume of the most important tips in audio. Really enjoyed the way you presented the information. Considering all the tips you mentioned (especially regarding DACs), one question came to my mind. I have a system that consists of a Linn Majik/DSM 3 streamer and a pair of FyneAudio 502 floor standing speakers. Love the controlled, deep, and tuneful bass sound. The speaker has very detailed and lovely highs, except that there is some sibilance and harshness with some vocals. I think remember you stating that the Denafrips Ares II give a presentation with no sibilance and harshness, giving a more relaxed and analog sound to the music. Is an upgrade to the Denafrip or a better DAC could resolve this problem? Thanks in advance for your input.
Gilberto
Thank you you’re always knowledgeable and honest no iSnake oil reviews cheers
I agree 100%! For my the base is the type of music you like (classical and jazz) and your room (small) then you can compose. I my experience (45 years) the formula end in tubes 300b, full range speakers & subwoofer, analog. I don’t need expensive speakers or amp, but I do need a more that average analog (Rega P 8, Hana my & Rega Aria phono).
I agree with most of the points made. I think that the most important part of my systems has been the speakers/room. Remember, speakers produce far more distortion than most competent electronics. Bass can be easily over 10%, even at modest levels. A pair of speakers with 8 inch woofers wont tend to really put out much clean sound below 60-70 hz in medium rooms. Unless, of course, the woofers are in a horn or TL cabinet. If you listen at 90dB peaks, then maybe its OK.
Been doing this for around 30 years and I cant argue with any of this... All true!
Fantastic job with your list. Couldn’t disagree with anything you said.
I have some vintage LaScalas that I have modified in one of my systems. I put in a Willsenton R8 with old stock tubes and even though it’s my least expensive amp I haven’t been able to best that combo. That combo is just magical and so inexpensive. Instead of swapping amps in it I’m starting to play with DACs to see what I can do.
I was very happy to find out that I actually run a piece of equipment you've recommended: the PS Audio Sprout 100. It's the focal point of my system and is currently connected to a heavily customized Rega Planar 3 TT - I'm also planning on adding a Marantz 5005 CD player to that. My speakers are a pair of DALI Oberon 5's, and my cables are Chord Clearways.
I could probably try and wax lyrical about how much I get out of a rather budget-level system - but I really don't. The speaker positioning is beyond terrible, among a ton of other compromises - and that's simply because the living room in our apartment will not allow for 'proper' audiophile arrangement of the components. And you know what, I'm fine with that. That's also the reason why I'm not currently considering any upgrades - since I wouldn't be able to actually 'hear' them either way. But that doesn't take away from the fact that we all love our audio system at home, even if we know it's quite cramped, and it's a hassle even keeping it in clean & running order with two doggos and a toddler running riot around... Music is still at the very heart of our home and putting on a vinyl represents a blissfully homey experience. So it doesn't sound as great as it could/should - oh well; there's a ton of things to make up for that.
Besides, when I want some more intimate hi-fi time, I can always reach for my HiFiMan Deva's. Wireless, of course - as audiophile compromises go, this is another one that I'm more than willing to make.
you mentioned you would prefer your speakers on the long wall. This seems like another heavily debated issue. I have a 17x20 space i will be dedicating. The gear im thinking about is Spatial audio M3 Sapphires open baffle speakers , Bluesound Node, Gato audio DIY 250 amp or hegel H190.
Great advice! By the way, I own the Dynaudio special 40’s and love them as much as you did!
I love them too, it was my sweet spot. I knew the dynaudio heritage was better, but to my ear the tweeter was too harsh.
Hey man, have you had the opportunity to listen Holo Audio R2R or Denafrips Ares 2?
This was solid advice. Thank you for your thoughts.
I currently use a desk top set up:
THX 789 for XLR.
RME ADI 2 FS DAC (AKM) for 3.5mm
And have 2 summit fi IEM's with 3 limited with the utilitarian LCD-X (2020) and HD660S.
But now I'm saving up for some Argon 2's, NAD C700, and an SVS woofer (or REL). The 2 channel addiction has already kicked in and I don't have a single piece yet haha.
Exogal Comet DAC-> Parasound JC2-> Sansui AU-717-> Klipsch Original Fortes with Bob Crites Crossovers/Tweeters
I love the Fortes in a small room because they work well against walls and are shallow. No sub needed
I have a question thats been just bothering the heck out of me and i cant find a solid answer. If you drive an integrated amplifier into clipping, I understand that it can damage the speakers. What can it do to the amplifier (as far as permanent damage) and how can i tell if it has happened?
Add great tips. Thanks
Final point is best!
Would be really interesting to see a review between Pontus + DDC IRIS and your Chord Dave as a next step.
I have 4 ESS AMT 1a's that employ the Heil Air Motion Transformer. I bought them new in the mid 70's. In the early 80's I bought my Crown Straight Line Two pre amp and 2 Crown Powerline 3 power amps. The Crowns were recently
recapped. I am running Ortofon Nite Club MM cartridges with Shibata replacement stylii. Personally, I think the system sounds really good but these days I am curious about some newer gear. As soon as my father passes away, I am going on a road trip to Indiana to audition both Klipsch and Tannoy speakers I am interested in hearing. I'll be taking my Crowns with me to see if those higher efficiency speakers will be noisy with those older amps. That's basically my system, not including my Sony ES CD player and my twin Pioneer PLX 1000 turntables and Teledyne Disco Mixer. Let me know what you think. I'm interested.
Please do review Leica 35 apo vs Leica 50mm apo on M11 body
Great timing--I am building my first hi-fi right now
I have a pair of loudspeakers and a subwoofer that I love, but I've been running them off a super-cheap AVR for many years. I'm putting together a system of proper separates to drive everything; so far, I've got a Rotel amp and preamp pair. Still saving up for decent XLRs and at some point a proper dedicated DAC
There's a saying that goes, 'it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing'. If your just experiencing a cerebral response then something is missing and I have found I increased my enjoyment of music by changing from a high quality, highly regarded preamp to a much cheaper and lesser quality one because the expensive one never managed to get my feet tapping. It is important to note the cheap unit did not go as deep and tight or as high but it was perfectly acceptable and much more engaging.
I agree with your tips and can share your experience. One of the things I think is useful to know also is not all recordings sound great whether played on a vinyl, CD or streaming. End of the day it’s about the performance, the recording, mixing and mastering process. All these steps if done correctly just brings so much enjoyment and just sounds more refined, at least to me.
I currently own a great audio system which works for me with a Marantz Ruby driving my KEF R700 speakers, Pontus II Dac and the next journey to where I want to be is still something I am thinking about. I ask myself this question: what do I hope to achieve next? Once I figure that out I may go bold with a pre-amp and monoblocs! Passlabs is definitely a product I am interested in. Cheers!
From what you have described, you will love the Holo May. I moved from my Pontus to May KTE and I can call it a day. Insane realism with the musicality.
I appreciate your tips and advice, and i agree with what you said . I have often stated that the source is the most important component in a hi hi system. I have been told i am wrong by some audiophiles who claim the speakers are, or the amps are. They think these components can improve the source ! I still prefer analogue over digital. It might cost more but it's worth the trouble. To get the best out of your records, you have to spend some time in thoroughly cleaning them, both new and used. When this is done the sound quality is amazing.
There's a can of worms! I am a 'speaker believer' because I think greater funds are required to bring them up an appropriate standard to the source gear. The mechanical is more expensive than the electrical. Distortion as a very crude example - budget sources have great figures that comparatively expensive speakers (plus room) can't get near. Put another way(e.g.); maybe good speaker synergy works with speakers '1/2 as good' as your source - though to get said speakers you might need to spend twice the amount. In addition, it's through mechanical limitation the speaker has the greatest influence, so you do need to get this right for your tastes as your foundation imo. I think DAC is 2nd. Greetings; English Rob!
Speakers
But acoustic room is higher priority (if can be considered)
OMG, the itch! Yeah, I got the piano itch once and flew to Hamburg to try pianos! I know that itch all too well.
i find item 2 with large speakers in a small room room treatment is very important.
Well put and can't disagree with any of your tips. I am definitely in the camp of speakers have the biggest influence over the sound of the components. The system and the room acoustics are equally important as to what you hear. One blessing of this pandemic mess is it incentivised me to get back into music listening. Consequently, I put together a second system and dedicated an upstairs bedroom into a listening room. Use to be a diehard analog guy so I started with a VPI Scout TT and Ortofon 2M black cartridge, Rouge RP1 preamp, and a Carver Crimson 275 tube amp. Wanted to better appreciate all the digital advances over the past 10 years so I modded out my OPPO 103d CD/DVD player and added a Gustard X26 dac. The detail and resolution was incredible along with the imaging. Of course, as mentioned earlier, I am in the speaker camp so I felt my next step was speaker upgrade. My speakers were Totem ARRO and they were seemingly perfect for my small room of 11'x13'. But I couldn't resist the DALI Epicon 2s for sale on Audiogon. The listening experience now seems magical and I truly enjoy spending time again listening to my collection of vinyl and CDs. Not sure if I'm done yet but my wife says I am!
awesome advice, cheers. I am just beginning my Audio journey, currently using B&W 683 towers with an AudioLab 6000A Play but looking to get the KLH Model 5s and Denafrips Amp and Dac
How's it going with Audiolab 6000a paired with the B&W 683 Towers? I have the 6000a and just got the KLH Model 5, I'll keep you updated on that combo.
B&W? You will be seeking an alternative soon. I predict a 3-4 month relationship. B&W speakers just don’t have bass. Not even the flagships. They just look pretty. Dump them quickly.
That lamp looks like a Bose 901 speaker. I actually bought those back in the 80's. I want to sell them. They are mint.
I’ve been listening vinyl since about 1983 and I started my system in Germany in about 85-86 while on active duty Army.
Now at 57 I’m moving from JVC receiver to a McIntosh amp preamp combo for the first time.
That's a big move. I'm thinking McIntosh piece may be in my future as well. 😀
Cables: Certainly not the years of experience you have but in my experience I have had mixed results. I have tried 3 different cables with my Meze Empyrean’s: the cables the headphones came with (which are touted as pretty premium), a high priced Black Dragon, and a low priced Periapt cable. All sound the same. That said, I use Audioquest Carbon digital cables to connect my digital sources to a Chord Qutest and they are hands down the most holographic digital cables I’ve ever heard. Per one of your points I’m sure synergy plays an important role. Thanks for posting.
I have Proac Response Three speakers, a Schiit Yaggi dac, a PrimaLuna Evo 400 integrated amp and a REL s/510 but I just bought a Pass x350.8 and a Conrad Johnson preamp that I'm waiting for. Unfortunately, I'm a recovering heroin addict so this has become an issue. LOL!
Beat you, I have had 45 years of audio. But I just know what I hear & mainly listening picking up tweaks along the way. My shortfall is my budget with 4 kids & 8 grandchildren. But I am happy still. ( I wonder what I would buy if I came into a massive windfall though) lol.
16:00 "Diminishing returns" apply to wine and spirits as well. Painfully true. Ten times more expensive doesn't mean ten times more delicious.
I’ve been searching for the perfect system for me the last two years or so. Everything has been changed once at least.
My system consists of: Audio Physic Tempo 35 speakers. Integrated amp is the Peachtree Nova 300. DAC/streamer/head amp is Matrix Element I. For vinyl I’ve got a Thorens TD325 MK2 with a Mofi Master Tracker cartridge. My Riaa is the Primare R35. CD-player is the Yamaha AS1200. My headphones are the Audeze LCD2 CB.
It is very good… but I’m maybe thinking of changing the DAC because it is not that flexible…
Yamaha AS1200 is an integrated amp.
@@Don-md6wn Sorry, its the CD S-1000
Etmoi has a point i believe: There is no order or red line in your components and no tube-components at all - my tip is to visit your nearest AudioNote UK dealer (seems this is SteReoFil Oslo) and to ask that they show you some Audio Note tube stuff and a system that has been designed to work together. You will love it 💫
My DAC is 99$ and sounds perfect!
This is outstanding advise. Synergy is key regardless of price.
It's refreshing to hear that you haven't managed to find the potential greatness of vinyl.
Btw,my system,
Nottingham turntable ,sumiko cartridge,clearaudio phonoamp
Classe pre
Jeff Rowland power
Accuphase power
Digital: bel canto ,topping with powersuply(fun!)
Energy veritas v2.8
2x rel subs
Damped and diffused audioroom
Cables : nordost, cardas,vd hul,jorma design,chord,straight wire
I was very surprised that your analog setup is not close to your digital (minus dave maybe because of the clinical detail it provides)
We seem to have built our systems up over the same length of time, my Pink Triangle turntable has been upgraded over the last 30 years, however, it still has the edge over my digital system. I have a March DAC, acting as a Roon endpoint, working in DSD256, it really blows away standard PCM CD rips. I also have Naim amplification and Kudos speakers. Very happy, I learnt a while ago not to listen to anything that is a costly upgrade, because I will want to buy it! I have upgraded mains cables, Titan STYX, and Kudos KS1 speaker cables.
Mine is all rega and love it but my view is I want my cds to sound like vinyl you seem to want to go the other way and I think that won’t work because a turntable will never sound like a CD player that’s my take on it all I have is speakers A Amp turntable and CD player and it’s just fine for me any way like your hifi. Love your photography wish you and yours a happy life thanks
ears, synergy, common sense, test/compare, match general price ranges, synergy!, room and placement, diminishing returns, upgrade sources, digital outperfoms analog costwise, match speaker size to room size, speaker placement is crucial, the fun is in the testing, trying and tweaking, keep the music primary- not the gear.
Great tips. I was just to purchase Pontus II followings your and other reviews ( they raising prices tomorrow) . However diminishing returns and synergies points made me think twice . I currently have Sonus Faber Sonneto II ,McIntosh MA 252 and Bluesound Node for streaming /dac . So it’s a $7K system . 1)Would Pontus II (for $2K) yield only 3-5% in sound quality ? . 2) Its an already “Sweet Sound” system. Is Pontus is the right pick or should I look for more crispier /transparent dac? Thanks
I have bluesound node 2 (n130) or current generation and recently added denafrips ares ii. Significantly better DAC is the ares over DAC in bluesound and DAC in my Cambridge integrated. Especially when it comes to soundstage imaging and overall the clarity and smoothness of the tone. I'm running in OS mode with slow filter which seems to have most clarity on top end.
It sounds like the pontus does all this too, but takes it to the next level (as it should for twice the cost )
As I have zero pontus experience I can't give you contrast, but I'd say with the quality of your current setup, a DAC upgrade will be a nice improvement. I don't know how to quantify that though. In my system it was dramatic. As in. I'm never going backwards from here
Maybe I'm not a trained listener but I own both a Denon AVR and a McIntosh MA8900 and when I listen to the same music they both sound the same to me.
I love the way you present this kind of thing. I may not want a high end system but it's still fun to learn about that range of products.
It's interesting that a pair of cables can cost $40K, whereas a decent musical instrument costs a fraction of that. I guess that shows you where people's priorities are.
And compare that to the most expensive Leica kit on sale today. The camera has a practical use, at least.
Measurements aren't the defining factor in selecting gear, HOWEVER IMHO it is still very important for reviewers to do measurements in reviews if possible. This is one reasons I have subscribed to Stereophile for many years. I also like The Absolute Sound although they don't do measurements. Case in point is keeping the manufacturers honest in such things as Speaker sensitivity and Power output claims in Tube Amplifiers. These are two areas where MANY manufacturers fudge their numbers. If you bought a speaker that wasn't as sensitive as the claim and a tube amp that doesn't put out near the power claimed, you could have real problems. I have even seen cases where Stereophile has found defects in the manufacturer's components, and they had to fix problems with their gear because of their review! The 4 most important factors in getting the best sound are Synergy of the different components, room acoustics, speaker placement and the Provenance/quality of the Source media.
I am interested in auditioning Tannoy Arden speakers. Have you had any experience with Tannoy speakers?
I have use the Arden for a year in 4x5meter room. It sounded smooth with lots of dynamics. But the 15 inch bass is very potent, and I would recommend that you use a speaker that bass potent, in a room bigger then mine. That was also the reason why I sold them. The sound of the Arden is life like, but warm and smooth, never harsh or to bright. Soundstage is great with lots of fine details.
It’s a rich sounding speaker. Fun is Garantie
@@andreaskaderli9312 I would have thought that you would have tried using the bass port plugs that came with the speakers. They may have helped reduce the bass response. I appreciate your message to me about the Ardens. It's much appreciated. Thank you!!
The cable bit is pure gold! How did you manage to keep a straight face?
Because I tell the truth, wether you like it or not.
Fully agree with your points (over 50 years in Audio,)
#1 FIX (TREAT)) YOUR ROOM - PERIOD. END OF STORY
I would add an A-1 tip upfront. Reproducing music is not unlike reproducing visual art. The number one factor is taste. Your artistic taste may favor Van Gogh's 'Potato Eaters,' or Monet's 'Water Lilies.' It might get peaked by Andy Warhol, or James Whistler's 'Mother.' And everything in between. Music is like that, too. Hardly anyone revels in it all.
The reason many unenlightened audio-types reject measurements is that they can't make them agree with their preferred taste in music. They say things like "flat frequency response makes music sound flat and therefore I'll never believe in measurements." Or, "That speaker that got panned by the measurements guy gives me unbelievable heavy metal." (Unbelievable being the operative word.)
However, it is the job of a decent recorded music playback system to honestly reproduce what it has been given. It isn't just a music box with one favorite tonality. A playback system is supposed to reproduce, not invent. But we have been so diverted by recording and concert techniques that invent sound that was never heard in the studio, that we want our 'high fidelity equipment to do more than reproduce music. We want it to make it more exciting. More thrilling. To work better when we're high.
It's why home audio 'philes' want system characters all over the place, while even heavy metal recording control rooms want flat response monitors. Something in the chain JUST HAS to tell them the truth about what they're doing.
Of course, I'll defer to your 35 years. I've only been around the recording, playback, and music creation scene since about 1958 with an electrical engineering degree in there. Often, to watch YT preachers, it's like hearing witch doctors authoritatively describing astrophysics. "My huge collection of sticks and bones is greater than your mathematics." Yeah, right. :)
Stereo no longer means high fidelity. My favorite line to describe "stereo"?
"You want the truth? You can't handle the truth." 🤣
Ah, no.
Thank you. Great advice. I strongly agree with your comments about the importance of the source and not buying speakers that will overwhelm the room. With respect to measurements, I agree that you should not buy a component based on measurements, but I think that measurements are useful in understanding a component before you buy it. For example, if a component is midrange forward, it's useful to know that when choosing the music that you will use to audition it. I feel that you should strive to understand the component with your brain and your ears, but to buy with your heart tells you to--i.e., when you absolutely love it (and it fits your room) buy it. Finally, I personally do not try and "tune" my system with cables, and I recommend pro cables like mogami gold and canare. It's possible to change the sound of a system through audiophile cables, but you can drive yourself nuts when trying to do so and it can cost a fortune. Others, of course, may enjoy the challenge of it. Just my personal preference. Happy holidays!
I bought a pair of the studio 100v2 and they sucked big time, muddy low res midrange traced to electrolytics in the midrange xover. Sold them after a few weeks. The sad part is the driver was very good such that the crappy caps were easily discernable. Less than $10 would have made a huge difference.
Hi. So yout comment on the $2k dac vs $15k dac you said that it's maybe 5 to 10 % better. You also said the $15k had better 3d, Soundstage etc. Does that mean the Soundstage and 3D is also 5 to 10% better or is it a higher percentage better
What does it mean to say one DAC is 5-10% better than another? Does it mean *anything*?
Poor system? Well, not always as I just put a lot of the blame on poorly produced music! Some wonderfully produced gems sound just amazing on my system with clear vocals, firm well defined bass and distinct separation of guitar.
Great point and what a shame too. Ive heard songs that had the potential to be great; that is to say the song had strong vocals, and strong musicianship, but due to a bad mix from the recording studio no matter how much filtering or alteration you do the sound will always be flat or distorted. I tip my glass to those musicians who played their best but alas, perhaps couldnt foot the bill for a proper studio recording.
I always buy equipment that was measured and I always use cheap cables :D
WOW. Great. I agree with everything except the fact that DAC is more important than streamer. I am an IT guy for decades, and my first streamer was less than $100, bit is bit, No?. Yesterday I disconnected an Ethernet cable forom my stack audio streamer ( my headphone setup) and attached it to my Mac with $100 Hadizis S9 pro DAC as USB out. It was like buying a new DAC. Unfortunately digital audio streaming is a very difficult concept and a lot reviewers even HBK have not grasped it properly. My current DYi streamer is $3500 + a lot of stuff in the whole house for the back end. When I inserted this in my system, it was the time I learned how good my Schiit Yaggi ($2600) is. Another example, for this Black Friday I bought a good Sony Blu-ray player 30% off. Network play over DLNA with the right network was better than CD itself I was shocked but that is the problem with the perception with the digital audio that if you buy a good streamer you done. No you are not!
People don't always talk about the visual aspect of buying HiFi gear. Upgrading to better cables also often adds that visual factor that compliments your system.
In most cases I think of cables as audio jewelry. It can enhance your enjoyment and if you think it will make it sounds better it usually will! I bought the lower tiered iFi power cable for my audiolab 6000a Play. Did it sound better? I have no clue, I never even hooked up the stock cable lol. But it looks cool as hell (which is why I bought it), and it enhances my enjoyment.
Good stuff
Cables make a huge difference but for decades it was so hard to get the ones I wanted to try and compare. Recently I used The Cable Company who sent me 6 pairs. 5 sounded unappealing but the last and cheapest pair were spectacular in my system. Borrowing cables to try free made all the difference. Got rid of my Chord stuff and went for a tube DAC (DOGE 7) and Kinki Studio EX-B7 monoblocks. Way cheaper and way more musical. Upgraded the crossover in the Special 40 with the kit from GR Research. What a transformation.
"Way cheaper and way more musical" really you can tell that from different cables? lol illusions indeed
I'm not into music but I do love movies.
In your DAC search do make sure to listen to chip-less (FPGA) based DACs as well. They're the future of High-End DACs and future is here. They're mature tech now and they're the best or among the best, the most transparent and natural sounding DACs. Companies like PS Audio, Chord, Audiobyte and others sell them. I believe the Audiobyte stack (which I own = I'm biased) is the best value among ultra high end DACs because (1) it's FPGA based = most elegant and least intrusive form of DA conversion known to man and (2) FPGA programming is done in house, while others may outsource it for a price. By the way, those speakers ***need*** tubes, at least on paper!
Is that a speaker sitting flush on a sideboard? Just asking for a friend
I have 4 sets of speakers in this room. A set of small Fluance bookshelf on the cabinet. A Set of Klipsch Heresy IV and Forte IV against the wall (not in use) and a set of Klipsch LaScala in the next room. I have Dynaudio's in another room and my Deville's in my home and main room ; )
Exactly 👍👍
Use your ears. I don't care much about measurements. I love my Gryphon Diablo 120 amp/dac. cec tl5 cd transport. Now i just need to fine tune my room acoustics
When starting with the statement that measurements are not important you a can tell that everything makes a difference, the question is how much. Did some testing myself but could not hear a difference, sorry it was no blind testing….
Source and Speakers should be the only things that can change the sound of a system !
LoL magnepan and kimber kable in business over forty years!!
This is over my head... I need a site for my cheap stuff...
I review cheap and high end. Only cheap when it’s actually good though. Many videos here with lower budget stuff. These tips are for those who spend considerable time and cash into their system. : )
With all those exotic descriptive words you're using you forgot one ..... psychoacoustics.
true.
Acoustic treatment is the most important factor in a system. You can spend thousands and thousands of dollars on gear, it'll still sound awfully in a listening space without treatment.
Not true unless you're in a bare room. You room treatment guys are hilarious.
@@nate_8403 Well, it means you slept during the Physics classes. It's OK.
@@gg0297 that's what you guys say, the measurement guys, the room guys, the flat earthers, dr. Fauci, the cables don't matter team, all say if you question us, then you don't understand or are rejecting science. Silly!
@@nate_8403 You do you, man. :))
Let's get this right. When that band, singer or orchestra bought the piece of music out did that band play in loads of halls theatres & stadiums that were acoustically perfect ?. Maybe a fine tuned orchestra but your favourite bands or singer nah!. Audiophiles are just obsessed listeners & tweakers for speakers. They will never be happy with their lot as long as there is another piece of high end kit out there out of their budget. Hence the name Audiophile. (lover : one having an affinity for or a strong attraction to).
Interesting video and many good point.
But when it comes to room acustics it is better that you recognize your limited knowledge and say so.
But it is probably working for you if you mentally say it is zero this and zero that it is you saying to your self that there is zero issues and noting to adress, check and move on maybe to complex. And other nead or have to (yes that does not apply to you, denial as it appears to me).
Anyway alot of good stuff otherwise!
You just need copper wires. No need for expensive cables. It's not about the brand, it about the material in the cables.
Depends on the system and the quality/transparency of it. The higher you go, there are easy and obviousness differences with cables. Not always better. A cable like my Cardas Clear Rwflextion within a $50k system is stunning. If I switch to $30 cable the sound becomes smeared, shrinks, and loses body, details and energy. Quality cables are just as important as your preamp, amp, DAC, etc in a high end system. All one needs is $30 copper if you are assembling a system for party, background or non critical listening. For diving in, sweet spot, and allowing the music to effect your senses and emotions, the right cable can make all of the difference. I’ve tested maybe 30 sets of cables over 6 or so brands. All of them made changes to the sound in some way.
My advice after buying gear for a year is to wait a week after you decide to buy anything.
Have you abandoned your La Scalas?
was thinking the same thing....
Nooooooo!!!!
Seems to me that people tend to think a cable had to be a somehow “neutral” component that can’t do anything.
Or at least not much, as cables are not an internal part of an amp or a speaker. And components wouldn’t influence each other electrically when connected anyway…
But: Cables are part of the speaker’s crossover that consists of resistors, capacitors and coils.
Cables got their own capacity, inductance and resistance. Therefore they of course influence the sound.
Yet, any competently designed hifi component accounts for the well known and understood electrical properties of cables. There's no mystery there.
Cables are not active components and when constructed properly and within specifications for their intended application, they will not affect the function/sound of properly designed loudspeakers, amplifiers, DACs, etc.
Just like when active components are constructed properly and within specification for their intended use they will not affect the sound. But in the end it turns out they all do, just in a different way...
@@Abrikosmanden What exactly does this mean "... when constructed properly and within specifications for their intended application..."? There's no such thing as a "specification for their intended use". Nobody needs that, 'cause there's a huge market for different applications. There are different components and combinations of them and also different tastes. Not a single thing within the signal path is neutral in any way. Same specs but different material = different sound. Start building your own gear to find out.........
@@skylark7621 You don't know a whole lot about electronics, do you?!
I don't really know where to start here ...
@@Abrikosmanden Just a humble engineer fumbling around since the mid eighties. No idea, nothing :)
Hi end cables can be a tone control.
👍
If that cable change would have been done without you knowing it, you would have never ever, ever known better. You did it yourself and already doomed that experiment.
0lp1
Agreed
Agree on some way. For instance , my speakers are connected with amp by regular electrical cable 2x1,5 square milimeters. Pure copper. Less than 5 dollars. Sounds great.
I remember a time when people didn't charge to listen to a engineered prerecorded message from a loved one. Like spirits, your lies will follow you, wherever you go.
It all makes sense now, a tech channel, someone who understands sound engineering.
Critical listening sounds like work, not enjoyment.
Audioquest? CZcams Will newer again show this "audiophile" to me.
There's no one best sound system in the world for one simple reason: nobody has perfect hearing.
Everyone's hearing imperfection is different and can occur in any permutation within that roughly 20-20K hertz humanly-discernible sound frequency spectrum. That translates to a unique hearing profile for every single individual that walks this planet. Because every brand of hifi has a different sound signature/profile, what best suits one individual is unlikely to do so equally well another listener.
So, banish the thought of "best" and make sure to go and listen to different combinations of hifi components before buying.
The problem with measurements is ........there is very limited measurements available that will not tell the whole story.
#8 Don't buy gear based on measurements. Measurements do not dictate reality
#7 Cables. Cables do make a difference! 15-20% of the total system cost are cables. Bigggest difference gained was from an interconnect cable. Audioquest Water vs Nordost Valhalla 2 - nighd and day difference. You will notice the difference after using the new ones a couple of days.
#6 Synergy is key.
#5 The room is going to make or break the system. You're gonna get the most of a sistem when you only listen in a dedicated space.
#4 Diminishing returns. 2000$ for DAC vs a 15.000$. You'll get 5-10% improvement at most. 15.000 to 30.000 DAC you might get 3-5% improvements. Set a budget but don't break the bank.
#3 The source has made the biggest difference. Digital front-end -DAC- makes the biggest difference. Analog costs 3x price of digital to get the same level of performance
#2 Speaker size. Always pick the speaker size scaled to the size of the room to get the best performance.
#1 Speaker positioning. Will also make or break the system.
7# I would bet thousands that claim do not live up to a blind test, cables...... Jesus
4# nowadays most $200 DACs are crystal transparent way beyond human hearing capabilities, spending more you only get "coloring" sound through distortion and harmonics, worthless in my opinion, you can get that easily through software too. sighs....
The itch...