Speaker Comparisons - What Did I Really Gain By Upgrading My Speakers?
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- Опубліковано 26 лют 2024
- To truly appreciate my new speakers, I decided to bring back my former SVS Prime Tower speakers that I replaced last fall and compare them with my new MoFi Sourcepoint 10 speakers. Did the new speakers really make a that much of a difference? I give my opinions about each pair of speakers through a blind test I conducted with four incredible records and share whether or not my new speakers really are that much better. Money well spent or buyer's remorse? Tune in to find out.
In this video, I discuss bands/artists such as Dire Straits, Ted Nugent, Cyndi Lauper, & Alison Krauss & Union Station.
Here's the link to the Quadratic MC-1 Step Up Transformer review.
• Stereo Equipment I Did...
Just a reminder that you can still use code "Melinda10" to receive 10 percent off of your purchases from the GrooveWasher website. GrooveWasher creates great products for cleaning your vinyl records as well as the cutest music label designed drink coasters I have ever seen. Here is the link for more information about GrooveWasher products.
www.groovewasher.com/
#MoFi Sourcepoint10 #SVSPrime Tower #StereoEqiupment
#VinylCommunity #MelindaMurphy #VinylCollection #RecordCollection
I’m so happy to see you taking the next step in your audio journey to take the time to sit down and really listen to the music you already love and appreciate the sound your recent upgrades you to experience. Higher resolution and lower noise floor can open up your love of the music to deeper and more satisfying layers of enjoyment. Unfortunately, the quest never seems to end as you teach yourself how to truly listen and appreciate each time you improve the weakest link in your audio chain. I hope you enjoy the journey as much as I have.
It's been a very fun journey. I am experiencing music in such an incredible way. My husband will keep me in check when it comes to buying equipment. Lol. Thank you and take care. ♥️🤗
Great selection of equipment and upgrades, Melinda! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for the kind words. ❤️🤗 Take care.
Great video! Thanks Melinda!
Thank you very much! 🤗♥️
Great video! Well put together, and it is a joy watching your Audiophile journey.
Thank you so much! 🤗♥️
This was a fascinating video to watch, Melinda!! I loved this comparison! 👍👏👏
Thank you very much! ♥️🤗
You're Husband is a real trooper. Dragging speakers up and down, hooking them up and testing them for you. . Glad your happy with new ones.
He's terrific. I'm very lucky. 🤗♥️ Thank you and take care.
So is her husband. Hahaha
Love your videos, great to see your setup in the background! 😊😊
Thank you very much! I'm sorry for the late response. I was on vacation. Take care.
I am so glad you are still happy with your purchase. Buying equipment these days is so hard since there is no place to listen to gear anymore. I used to be able to go to at least 6 different Hi-Fi stores, making comparisons before I purchased. I want to upgrade my speakers but am torn since they still sound great. Can I get something better? The curse of every hi-fi nut job, myself included.
I believe the saddest part of this video is that people didn't know that Sting sings on "Money for Nothing." Sting even came on stage for Live Aid in '85 to sing with Dire Straits just for that part. He is even mentioned in the credits. His voice is unmistakable.
Reference discs: Jesse Cook-One World, Rumours, Brothers in Arms, Take Five, Sabotage, White Album. I have to listen to all of those. Nut Job 101. But that is the fun of this journey!
Those are great test records. No complaints here. ♥️🤗
Several people incorrectly reprimanded me the last time I mentioned that Sting was featured on Money For Nothing so I wanted to make that clear this time around. Lol.
Buying stereo equipment is harder these days due to a lack of stereo equipment showrooms. Thankfully, I was told that if I wasn't happy, I could send the speakers back. It was a risk but it worked out great for me. Thank you and take care. 🤗♥️
Hmm, one listen to Money For Nothing and Sting's voice is unmistakable. I would think it was easy to recognize. How many people didn't know that was him? If it truly is a lot that is a statement, a sad statement in society, because it means less people listen to music than I thought and my number was high!
Yes, it is near impossible to buy any HiFi gear now, money or not. Speakers are especially troublesome. I'm glad I am not in market for speakers (or any other big stuff) as I am very happy with what I have. I got my speakers when there were still shops around. If I needed new speakers today, I'd have to go without and get rid of all my gear because it is now impossible to shop for speakers.
@@MelindaMurphy Are you really an audiophile or is it the audio nerdy husband who's scripting these videos? I have been keenly observing audiophilia for 30 years. The female brain rarely falls for it. It's always the ocd dude behind the scenes.
@@wa2368 Seriously? You think females don't enjoy this hobby?! You need to get out more, my friend. It's a big, wide world out there.
Interesting video. Very informative Melinda. Thank you very much.
Thank you very much! 🤗♥️
I just built a set of GR-Research X-LS Encore's and very happy I did.
I want to get the same speakers. I wish I could find someone else to build them though.
If you were near me I would do it. It only took we a week. I bought the assembled cabinet and painted it with DuraTex. @@stephensams709
Congratulations! That's very cool. I love that some people are skilled enough to build exactly what they want. ♥️🤗 Thank you and take care.
I just heard the GR Research NX Otica speakers in a friend's house.
They left me unimpressed.
Love that you get so much enjoyment out of the speakers. I’d like to try but I’m pretty happy with my 90s Cambridge Soundworks speakers.
Being happy with what you have is the end goal. 🤗♥️ Thank you and take care.
Great job!!! Love your style and communication.
Thank you very much! 🤗♥️
Thanks for sharing your blind test. Great video.
Thank you very much! ♥️🤗
Thanks for the post. Love that a blind AB test was done. I find speaker upgrades to be a real hard thing to pin down as actually being an upgrade. There are so many modestly priced speakers that overachieve that spending three to five grand more on a more prestigious brand really does not get you all that much. Glad you were able to discern improvements from your choices.
I agree. Sometimes we pay more for a prestigious name and cool looking gear when there is equipment out there that's just as good for less money. Thank you and take care.
Another terrific video. Wonderfully cogent and honest! Made my Tuesday!
Thank you very much! ♥️🤗
Good stuff, glad it turned out this way. Props to the Mr. for helping out on this test, it must have been some work! I got some speakers in October and I already feel like I should have invested more... it's always something 😂
I agree. It's always something. 😃 I'm grateful for my kind and patient husband. 🤗♥️ Thank you and take care.
Hi Melinda, great idea for a video. The fact that you rate your old speakers so highly demonstrates how important the source is in the hi-fi chain. With a lesser turntable you wouldn’t have been able to tell the difference so easily. And, as you discovered, less exotic speakers can sound excellent with a great record deck and amplification. Glad you’re enjoying your journey.
Thank you! Both sets of speakers are excellent for their price point. I agree that having a solid turntable and cartridge makes all the difference. Take care. ♥️🤗
Very cool comparison! I am glad you get more for your money spent when going with the MoFi. And I feel like you're very honest! Thanks
Thank you very much! 😀♥️
Thank you, Melinda, that was a really clear and well presented report, free of jargon and the usually incomprehensible buzz words that many other reviewers use when describing how things sound! It's great you were able to validate your purchase in that 'blind' way, as it can be so hard to really know if you made a good choice.
I love Alison Krauss's 'Windy City', but not so keen on her songs with Robert Plant.
My go-to track for testing new equipment is 'Dirge' on Planet Waves - if you can hear Robbie humming along with his guitar, it's a good sign! Have a lovely week, Melinda!
Planet Waves is an excellent test record choice. ♥️
My husband and I haven't been able to get into the Krauss/Plant music either. 🤔
Thank you for the kind words regarding my stereo equipment video. I appreciate the encouragement. Take care. ♥️🤗
I'm not a huge fan of hers, but I use a Madonna track these days. It has incredible clarity, totally silent moments, to full orchestra backing; 'Don't Cry For Me, Argentina' I'm plodding around in the Hi-fi budget section and tracking down the vintage models I used way back. I still have the Dual 505 turntable I bought in 1980, with a selection of cartridges.
(I would add that for full spacial testing, I use 'Tomita - Clair de Lune'. It will fill every inch of a room. )
Great video speakers testing is so important because you want your sound experience to be enjoyable and entertaining I definitely agree have a great day and a blessed Tuesday
I agree. I thought it would be interesting to go back and hear things the way I had before I got my upgrade. This test confirms for me that I made a good choice. Thank you and take care. ♥️🤗
What a great video. I'm glad for your sake that the MOFIs came out on top. I've been thinking about what albums to take with me when I go to audition some cartridges very soon. So far Sledgehammer for it's bass and top end. Longtime is also on the list for the guitars and because it's such a great track. I'm not sure what else at the moment though, I'm still thinking about it. Your videos are always interesting and informative and it's nice to hear your passion for the music and what your equipment brings to the table.
You will pick the right songs. I love what you have already selected. ♥️ Thank you for the kind words. Take care.
Great listening in my ride home. Inspires me to do a blind test on my new and old stuff. Curious about this step up transformer too! I upgraded my phono amp a while back and was stunned how much a difference it made. Have a hunch this step up kit could be a game changer as well.
I was pretty surprised by the differences I heard with the MC-1. It definitely improved the soundstage, imaging and I noticed a much quieter noise floor. Thank you and take care. 😃♥️
Good morning. I think its great you can change out loudspeakers from time to time. I appreciate your honesty always. Thanks for sharing what you experienced.
Thank you very much! 🤗♥️
Melinda, thank you so much for doing this, this is heartfelt absolutely what this is all about, the love for music, great experiences, magical moments.
I love it, keep up the great work Melinda 😎
One great album is Leftism by Leftfield, great music, really great mastering, super sound quality all over 🥳
Thank you for the suggestion and I also really appreciate the encouragement. 🤗♥️ Take care.
Great video! Great equipment review! Normally I don’t like reviews! Very honest!
Thank you very much for the kind words. I apologize for the delayed response. I was on vacation. 🤗♥️ Take care.
Great stuff M!
Thank you! 🤗♥️
Great review
Thank you! 😃
Melinda. I am an audiophile and I've been one since 1985 when I started to really seriously get into audio equipment. I'm 59 now and I think I am pretty well qualified and know enough to make a serious suggestion to you about your speaker upgrade.
The most important thing that everyone needs to know and remember, regardless of what it is. It could be audio equipment or could be in your refrigerator or a new car or a new part for another device of some sort.
Break-in period!!!
Brand new cars that you drive off the lot need to be driven at least 7500 MI before it can reach its Optimum performance. You will not get the gas mileage that the car is supposed to get and the engine and all of its parts have to break in and settle during that 7500 MI period.
The same goes for new audio equipment. A new set of speakers can take anywhere from 100 to 200 playing hours before they are at their best performance and ready to rock.
Even if someone buys a pre-owned pair of speakers or any pre-owned audio equipment that may have not been used for months and months, then that would be a re-break in period.
NEVER expect a new pair of speakers to sound super fantastic right out of the box.
They need break in time. You need to play your audio system for 100 to 200 hours as mentioned above. Speakers need to be loosend up and all the internal crossovers and the woofers and tweeters all need to be broken in and I guarantee you if anybody buys a brand new pair of speakers and expects them to sound fantastic right out of the box they are going to be terribly disappointed for the most part and 100 to 200 hours later you will not believe how great your stereo sounds!
Trust me! I have been at this for far too long and I know what I'm talking about😊
If any piece of new hifi equipment doesn’t sound better or great immediately , don’t kid yourself that breaking it in will make THAT much of a difference.
I agree that equipment does need some break in time. The company even told me that the sound quality will get better with time. 😀 I could tell a big difference immediately and the sound quality just got better from there. I apologize for the delayed response. I was on vacation. Take care.
Great video Melinda! Oh yes, the Brothers In Arms album bring back so many great memories. I remember " Money For Nothing" video was on all the time on MTV back in the day. The good old days. Best wishes always to you and family. 😃♥
Yes. That was so long ago but the music was so good back then. ♥️🤗 Thank you and take care.
@@MelindaMurphy The good old days. Thank you!😃♥
Another great video my friend
Thank you! 🤗♥️
Great music choices!
Thank you very much! ♥️🤗
Great video Melinda. I bought a pair of Klipsch Rf-820’s and 2 Klipsch subwoofers. Hooked them up and to my surprise my old Cerwin Vega AT-15 speakers blew them away.
Oh wow! That must have given you a new appreciation for the older speakers. 🤗♥️ I apologize for the late response. I was on vacation. Take care.
@@MelindaMurphy yes! I appreciate the Cerwin Vegas very much! I bought them new in 1991 had the foam surrounds replaced on the woofers in 2019 they sound glorious again!!
I find it amazing how guitar and stereos are so similar. The stereo has a turntable, a preamp, power amp and speakers, a guitar setup has guitar, preamp, power amp and speakers. I know for a fact (guitar speaking now) the speakers make the biggest difference in the chain you could buy so many different speakers, and swap it out just in that cabinet, and wow what a difference.
@HowardFrischer - The speakers actually aren’t the most important components in the chain although one can immediately hear differences between speaker brands.
Case in point: play the same song on a turntable, cassette, CD player, etc and the speakers will sound different. To be more specific, the same song with different turntables.
The speakers are only as good as the source fed into the speakers. This theory was first introduced by Linn LP12 turntable when compared to other tables. Before the Linn LP12, the speakers were thought to be the most important component.
One last example. My preamp died and had to substitute it with another till the usual process repaired.,The substitute through same speakers turned the hifi system into something very average and mediocre. The three dimensional soundstage, etc dissapeared
Speakers definitely make a huge difference. Many say to spend the most of your budget on speakers. 🤗♥️ Of course, sound quality is subjective. We all like our own thing. Thank you and I apologize for the delayed response. I was on vacation. Take care.
You hit the nail right on the head you get so much enjoyment listening to the music that's what the hobby is all about
I agree! Thank you very much! ♥️🤗
Love the channel. I saw the prime sig in rosewood just last week. WOW!! Sounds great and looks better in person. But I am leaning towards the Denon 3000, and putting the extra money into the needle. Take care....
That's a beautiful turntable. ♥️ Denon turntables are very good as well and having a great cartridge makes a huge difference. Thank you and take care.
You did everything right. You proved it to yourself and that's what matters. And I actually believe you as opposed to a lot of other reviewers. Plus, this is two videos of yours in a row for me where you used Ted Nugent's Stranglehold as a reference...so now you're as good as it gets. Stay with it.
Lol. Thank you! Stranglehold is a great song and sounds great on my stereo equipment. I appreciate the kind words and encouragement. Take care.
Ted’s debut album was great. I use I often use some cuts from the Doors, Sort Parade 50th Anniversary Deluxe. Unbelievable how the sound with my tube amp and Klipsch Heresy’s. FYI, Meatloaf sings some songs on Teds album
Great video my friend
Thank you! 😃
Speakers make a big difference. It’s always nice to test different speakers out, see what they can do, and what the difference is between different speaker sets. I’m happy that you continue to stand behind that Ted Nugent album! You just can’t go wrong!
Thank you and I agree that the Ted Nugent album is wonderful. It's a great record for testing out new speakers. 🤗♥️ I apologize for the delayed response. I have been on vacation. Take care.
Thanks for the video. I have that version of Brothers in Arms on CD. It sounds better than the other 2 CD versions I have. Blind A/B testing is definitely the way to go when comparing equipment. Kept it coming.
The blind test revealed the truth. 😀 Thank you and I apologize for the late response. I was on vacation. Take care.
Melinda, enjoy your reviews.You do a wonderful presentation with your style which is open and honest. I have been an audiophile for nearly 50 years. One thing I do when I upgrade I ask myself about the cost difference and if is justified. With that in mind are the MoFi's are four times better than the SVS towers? I know that is a different perspective, but another way to look at an upgrade.And of course not the only way to look ar it mind you.
Another wonddeul post. Thank You!
For me the upgrade was worth the extra money. The SVS Prime Tower speakers are great for their price but the MoFi's are definitely giving a more enjoyable listen. Thank you so much for the kind words. ♥️🤗 Take care.
well done. i A/B test speakers all the time and normally drag my son in as well to assist and to judge as well it definitely can be quite revealing, and must be on guard or aware that first listen to something new may reveal something more, and instincts (speaking for myself) may be that it sounds better, when actually it may be a bit more colored. therefore in addition to A/B test it's important to give both extended listening evaluations to see how they wear on your ears.... and since all our ears are different, we may have different outcomes, thus making this hobby so much fun. thanks again for the video and thoughts on the artist / albums as well. always good!
Great advice and it's something we should all keep in mind when testing equipment or even reviewing a record. A different sound isn't always a better sound. Spending time and listening often is key. Thank you and take care.
I just upgraded to the SVS Ultras bookshelves. Very happy with that sound signature.
They make great speakers. I'm glad to hear you are happy. ♥️🤗 Thank you and take care.
Great review. Blind testing is so important.
Thank you! I agree about blind testing. The truth revealed itself this way. 😀 I apologize for the delayed response. I was on vacation. Take care.
Hi Melinda! You did the right thing to compare your former speakers after listening to the MOFIs for a while. Back in 1981 i used to have some fine JBL speakers but the audiophile in me decided to get the new QUAD electrostatic ESL-63. They were expensive and i wasn’t that impressed listening to them in my room. After 30 days of having sincere doubts on my purchase a buyer came to check the JBLs and asked to plug them on in order to be sure everything was OK. i will always remember how awful the JBL sounded and how happy i became after realizing the HUGE difference between those speakers 😊 I still hope to have another QUAD in a near future. Peace!
Great story. That's why I revisited my old speakers. I already knew the MoFi's were better but it was nice to go back and listen to the old speakers again for confirmation. Thank you and take care. 🤗♥️
A pair of La Scalas would really tie the room together with dual subs.
If you can get a pair for her $1,000 budget? Yes, I have Klisch RF 52 ll, the 12 inch sub, but likely these are now over the $1,000 price point. The horns sound good on horn speakers drums and guitars on cone speakers, both in same box.
Hey MM. Holy smokes…”My new REL subwoofers”…That ought to kick it up a knoch. Your system is getting serious! I was just listening to Money for Nothing last week. Such a fun song. Sting really gets going towards the end. Got my old rig warming up. Fresh cup of coffee…Now that’s a Saturday night.☕️
My stereo equipment is getting real! Lol. Money For Nothing is a fun song and it sounds like you had a fun night. I apologize for the late response. I was on vacation. Thank you and take care. 🤗♥️
Doing blind A / B side-by-side comparisons is really important for making determinations like this. Your passion and honesty truly come through and I appreciate your genuine perspective. Unfortunately, 4K per pair is outta my price range but the SVS wouldn't be at all too costly, so your analysis is helpful. Thanks
The SVS Prime Tower speakers are excellent for the money. ♥️🤗 Thank you and take care.
It’s not easy to go with a less expensive speaker when you are putting it up against a “cache” premium brand. One thing folks that watch your channel know is that you are absolutely sincere. That aspect of your character draws so many of us to you, Melinda. A very informative video. I just picked up a Canadian 1st press of “She’s So Unusual”. It’s a remarkable album indeed. 😎👍🏻
You're always going to get much better bang for buck if you buy speaker kits monoprice in America, Wilmslow audio in the UK I think they do ship and they do it as a flat pack you glue it together or you can just buy the drivers and crossovers parts for even cheaper and blueprint, you can get it cut in a local shop marine ply. Go for MTM transmission line.
Thank you very much Rachel. I did see your copy of She's So Unusual. Those early pressings sound extremely good too. Take care. ♥️🤗
There's actually a LOT of pop music that makes for great speaker comparisons!
Two of the MANY that I personally know extremely well and which I almost always use in critical speaker comparisons are:
Frou-Frou (Imogen Heap) - "Details" album (gorgeous, just gorgeous!)
Echosmith - "Talking Dreams" album (same as above, along with some really great guitar picking by the band!)
Those are two of the best, most beautifully recorded pop albums of all time, (IMO), and they both also have great and very clear female vocals, which are ultimately the very BEST thing to use in speaker comparisons IMO!
A few other ones I also use quite often, and I know extremely well, are:
Hooverphonic - both their "Blue Wonder Power Milk" and their "A New Stereophonic Sound Spectacular" albums have absolutely amazing and very complex layering of multiple instruments and sounds together at once, all with very good clarity, (on really good speakers anyway), with a significant amount of strings, so they take you away into another dimension almost!
The KLF - "The White Room" album (especially "Build A Fire" song! WOW!)
Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, and quite a few other more modern pop artists also all have at least a few songs on various albums that are really beautiful if they are heard on truly good speakers too, so really ALL types of music can be used for speaker evaluation, not always only just classical or jazz, which so many people tend to gravitate towards first.
Whatever you use for speaker comparisons, I think the more diverse your music styles and tastes are, the better, because playing a wide diversity of music during your comparisons gives you a much better overall sense of what all each speaker does (and doesn't really) do well or best, which gives you a better representation of what it's OVERALL capabilities and sound quality are like!
And BTW; I also agree that your choices of music in this video were excellent comparison songs for speaker evaluation, (I have used all of those myself also in previous years), and of course it's always "to each their own", whatever music or sound style, etc that joyfully and wonderfully pleases your own ears (and heart!) when you're listening to it!
Whatever you do, always keep on having fun and enjoying music, whatever you have in your system at any given point in your life!
Thank you for the wonderful suggestions. I have several of those artists in my collection including that Echosmith album. ♥️🤗 Thank you and take care.
When im testing new gear, i go with songs im most familiar with. Audiophile recordings are great, but the true test is how even poor recordings sound. Cheers! Fun video!!
I agree. I love playing old favorites as well. 🤗♥️ Thank you and take care.
Not all, but a lot of our music tastes overlap, and this video was so helpful! I am not ready for the MoFi price point, but after your feedback and comparison with the SVS Prime Towers, I decided that was the next upgrade. I have had them for a week, and am very happy! They went into a a TV surround set up as our new front mains, which also doubles as secondary listening space. A very good upgrade from the older pair of entry-level Polk speakers I had. THANK YOU for sharing such great info on not just your new toys, but how the previous ones held their own. Finally, kudos to your husband for the thoughtful suggestion to also check out female vocals during the evaluation. While Sting's voice will probably get the most playtime on my system (He's my favorite), the ladies from the 80s get a lot of love in this house, including that MoFi copy of "She's So Unusual." Keep up the great work, and keep on spinnin'!
Thank you so much for the kind words. I apologize for the delayed response. I had a minor family emergency. I think you will be very pleased with the SVS Prime Tower speakers. They are excellent for the price you pay. 🤗♥️ Thank you and take care.
Finally someone who talks in terms of specific music. Love it!!! I love brothers in arms and use it all the time as a reference record. I also like Love over gold. The thunderous drums and piano is great to test for weaknesses and smudged dynamics. Also Shangri-La and maybe the Division Bell. For more "textured" music, the FIM XRCDs are great. Personal favorite is the Autumn in Seattle. Enjoy the new speakers in good health
Thank you for the great suggestions. I agree that Love Over Gold sounds incredible. It does make a wonderful reference record. Thank you for the kind words. Take care. 🤗♥️
I am a classical music fanatic and CD collector so most of my "test CDs" are classical music but I have two rock CDs too which I use for test the soundstage of the equipment.
First is "Grantchester Meadows" track from Pink Floyd's album Ummagumma. There is a bird chirping in that music which is continously and fastly flying from left to right and right to left. After a copule of minutes it starts to lift and it is chirping from the upper corners of the room. Its horizontal location is not clearly pinpoint but it is clearly sounds from the upper corner. When I first heard it years ago, I had a fullrange single driver speaker which had excellent imaging and it was unbeliveable experience. I don't know how this effect was made but it is a masterful sound engineering. And there are even more great sound effects in this piece (a fly for example) but this bird sound was unbeliveable for me.
Second album is Amused to death by Roger Waters. I think other comment also suggested this. It's full of sound effects which are unbeliveable. Right at the beginning there is a dog barking clearly from the right side. Not from the right speaker, but at right side next to me. And after that there is a radio voice from the left side next to me. And that is just the beginning. I like this album because these effects are not just for their own sake. These serves the music and at the end of the album I don't even know which is real and which is illusion. Masterpiece.
I haven't heard Mofi SourcePoint speaker yet but since these are "point source" coaxial speakers I suppose these also have excellent imaging and soundstage. As you said in this video at Dire Straits song.
Ummagumma. was one of my first LP purchases in1970. Glad you mentioned it.
What are your speakers today ? I am mostly classical music as well, but also enjoy jazz and folk and electronic and some rock.
@@howard5992 Thank you for your question. Now I have a small 2-way tower speaker which is built by a local technician here in Hungary with SB Acoustics drivers. He made my amplifier too. I have a relatively small 14 sq meters dedicated listening room and he made membrane bass traps too which are very useful for me. When I bought this house 4 years ago, I listened to many dealers here. I listened to Audio Note, Sonus Faber, ATC, Neumann, Genelec, Audio Solutions, KEF LS50W, Fyne Audio and other local manufacturers. Although these current speakers are obviously not perfect, here in my room and for my taste these were most appropriate then. And fortunately these were most cheap. I may replace these speakers in the future but I'm still searching the successors. :-)
I like rock music too but I listen to it ony as background music and for this purpose my cheap desktop Genius active computer speakers are enough for me.
@@1984robert Seems you are having fun exploring different options. I had moved from a nice two-way bookshelf speaker to a mid sized three way floor standing speaker to a larger version of the same. Now I have electrostatic which are very good but I am always interested in a different and possibly "better" sound.
@@howard5992 Actually I am more interested in music and even music theory than hifi but I would like to find the best equipment for me. And as you said, exploring is fun. My little room limits my possibilities, I can't put large speakers into it.
I've never heard electrostatic. How different its sound from the normal speakers?
@@1984robert I understand. Your comment that you were a classical music fanatic is largely why I responded to your original post. It's about music, not gear. But the gear does deliver the music.
I have like 5 sets of speakers. They all sound great in different rooms, with different amps and music. I can't really pick a favorite and price really means nothing. My tower speakers don't "voice" like others although if i put a tweeter on the top of my towers... wow!
Nice review 🎉
Thank you very much! There are so many factors involved in this. I doubt there is a best speaker. The key is finding the best speaker that works best in your room and with your other equipment. 🤗♥️ Take care.
I’ve got the MOFI speakers . I think your amplifier is what makes the difference with those speakers.
They really love tubes .
And they also love jazz .
If you like focus they’re for you .
Every speaker has its advantages and disadvantages .
And every speaker is different .
I have different sets because I get bored with the same sound .
You didn’t waste your money .
You just created more options for your enjoyment .
@@MelindaMurphy also, best relates to the type of music we prefer and to the qualities of music that matter most. All in all, speaker design is about compromises. The first constraint is cost and the second is size, but even beyond that their are multiple tradeoffs in any speaker design.
Thanks for the great informative review.
Yes! I added aperion super tweeters to my Cerwin Vega three-way E712 for that extended high frequency from the folded ribbon tweeter. It has adjustments for volume and where it kicks in.
It is so great to see your music is what I remember from my younger years.
Yes, I still love music from the 70's and 80's when I was growing up. ♥️🤗 Thank you and take care.
Hi Melinda, greetings from England. My go to album has always been Abbey Road. It has always been a great sounding album & in my opinion the 2009 remaster & 50th anniversary remix just took it to new heights. PS I have recently been embracing headphones coupled with Chord Mojo2 headphone amp/dac, this opens up a whole new sonic landscape 😊
I still need to try out headphones. That would be a cool experience. I have the 50th anniversary version of Abbey Road and it is quite nice. 🔥 Thank you and take care.
mate last summer i bought 1988 past masters series havent listened to yet how does that compare to 50th local quite expensive vinly and cd also got the hmv 88 boxset the cover photo walking right to the price sticker hmv was 13.99 pounds has 27 page booklet badge logo still sealed but other copy in the masters set missing revolver so cheap price been all owyer dales some durham some lanc. mostly train m1 backroad to dales to.kirky lonsdale and cumbria keswick just one night stay friend former dj giving me old school.high end headphones havent got yet think bose 80s
It's really cool to hear things in recordings you previously didn't know that were there. When I upgraded my integrated amp a couple of years ago (Pathos Classic Remix), I started hearing things like singers moving closer and farther away from the microphone, as well as side-to-side movement; and that rendered more of the intention of the singer. And when I got new speakers (JM Reynaud Cantabile Jubilee), I was hearing all of this specific placement in the soundfield - not just horizontally and vertically, but layers of depth. All of that information was there in the recording, it had just been masked.
So, as you have discovered, EVERYTHING makes a difference, even the cables and power cords.
It's very cool to hear new details in music I have been listening to for years. ♥️🤗 I'm so glad I have made these upgrades and I'm sure you feel the same way. Thank you and take care.
That great Mellisa! I always thought that blind test is a good reference to check your thinking in place. You just need someone to help you do the test.
Everything you said all seemed to point on how Mofi’s strong points played for you. I used to have the Kef Ls50meta, so I understand what you are hearing.
Keep up the good reviews, I am interested with reading how female audiophiles opinions regarding this hobby..
Thank you so much for the kind words. I apologize for the late response. I was on vacation. 🤗♥️ Take care.
Hi Melinda, a lot of equipment just sounds different with strengths and weaknesses in both. At this rate you will end up with various systems in various rooms to match your mood 😹great vid as always ❤️🎶
Very true! 🤗♥️ Thank you so much!
Such a refreshing 15 min of a hifi talk by a lady. Thank you Melinda. You are blessed with a wonderful husband who supports your hobby. Some albums I've been impressed as the high quality recording. Hailey Tuck, Coquette jazz vocal. Cecile Verny Quartet, The bitter and dhe sweet. Donald Fagan, The Nightfly. The Fleetwood Mac, The Dance, live. Jon Batiste We Are. Brian Skonberg, Bria. Etc, etc, etc I have te spend a very long winter night otherwise.
Thank you for the wonderful suggestions and for the kind words. I am definitely blessed. ♥️ I apologize for the late response. I was on vacation. Take care. ♥️🤗
That was a great review/ comparison Melinda. I've got an expensive hifi and some recordings sound absolutely glorious. I've made upgrades along the way, changing interconnects, speaker cables, etc and each have made improvements without a shadow of doubt to me. However, one of the problems I have is when favourite pieces of music sound 'worse' because of the upgrades I have made. The better the hifi, it tends to highlight the inadequacies in some recordings and unfortunately this makes me want to play them less. I have certain records that I always go to to check out the differences in components. One album that I enjoy and I use as a test is Gillian Welch - Time (the Revelator). If you're not familiar with it please check it out. The music is beautiful and there is an intimacy you can feel when you listen to the recording. Love your reviews by the way.
I'm not familiar with Gillian Welch so I will have to check "Time" out. Thank you for the suggestion.
With my new equipment, some records that already sound bad, sound even worse. Lol. But most of my records that were recorded well really shine. It would be very frustrating to make a big upgrade only to be disappointed with a favorite album. So far, that hasn't happened to me. Thank you and apologize for the late response. I was on vacation. Take care.
Hi Melinda, love your channel. It’s fun to keep old speakers around and see how they sound. Some fare better than others. As our system gets other upgrades in amp and source over time, the older speakers can sound better! I recently put my Elac Unifi UB5 bookshelves to my Hegel amp. I had also added a JL audio sub and Rega P8. The elacs which can be had now for 2-300 sounded great and wowed me, but overall my Harbeth speakers were the winner. Is it worth thousands?… if you have the money 100% yes. If not, NO! Also, beautiful wood is nicer than black vinyl wrap. That’s worth something. Now, can I justify the handcrafted wooden stands from Germany?..
Wow! They sound alike they would be awesome speakers. It's great when they are also beautiful. Thank you and take care. 🤗♥️
A great technique for verifying the worth of an upgrade! I've done this myself and, unfortunately, on nearly each occasion, I've concluded that the upgrade was either a waste of money (original equipment was better) or that there was little genuine gain. The truth can (sometimes) hurt!
It would be very frustrating to feel like you didn't improve the sound quality with a pricey upgrade. Thankfully, most companies will allow you to try out the equipment for a while before making a permanent purchase. Thank you and I apologize for the late response. Take care.
Hi Melinda
Thank you for a great video. Would it be possible if you could list the name/model of your speakers and where did you purchased them? I watched your videos all the time. And thro😢the suggestions you gave I now own some vinyl that I would have never discovered before. Thank you. Steve
I appreciate the kind words Steve. I tested the SVS Prime Tower speakers and the MoFi Sourcepoint 10's. I don't recall where I purchased the SVS speakers but the MoFi's were purchased from the Music Direct website. Thank you and take care.
Hi Melinda Thanks again for your response. The Mofi Sourcepoint 10 speakers are bookshelf speakers , right?
I’m glad you were happy with the more expensive speakers. I would be tempted to go for ‘old skool’ British speakers line Kef 104ab’s or Spendor BC1’s or maybe something from the Tannoy range. You have the equipment to bring out the best in them.
Someone else just mentioned that they have the Tannoy speakers. I wish we could do a comparison. ♥️🤗 Thank you and take care.
It could be a cool series for you to pick 5 of your favorite albums and then visit different homes with different audio setups. I would really love to see you testing a more vintage setup like Altec or Klipsch speakers with McIntosh amplification or something similar.
That would be an awesome video and it's a really great idea. For me, the challenge would be to find other people around me that are also into vinyl and have a decent set up. Again, it's a great idea. ♥️🤗 Thank you and take care.
On a smaller scale I too upgraded my speakers from a bookshelf Polk Audio t15 which served me well for 3 years but it was time to move up cause in my room they lacked base power so I switched to Klipsch R620f tower speakers and although the Polk held their own on the mid-highs the Klipsch were an all around new experience and the comparison pricewise is similar to yours so I spent close to 4 times as much money but man what a difference
I understand completely. For both of us, we got what we paid for and were happy with the results. 🤗♥️ Thank you and take care.
Well done for putting the step up transformer in your system. This is the way to go in my opinion. You try something and if you like it and it sounds good then it's the upgrade for you. Spending more money is not a guarantee for better or more enjoyable sound.
For better than buying unheard or untested. Reading or watching reviews on what you might upgrade. if you can audition at home in your system, there's no better way.
Great video!
I agree. Having this MC-1 in my home with my equipment was very helpful. I could hear an amazing difference in the details and I knew I had to have it. ♥️ I agree that spending money on a smart way is better than just spending a lot of money on brand names and gimmicks. Thank you and take care. ♥️🤗
I'm thinking, the switchover of speakers should have been easy. Great to hear your opinion. Thanks!
In the end, the difference was clear. Both sets of speakers are good for their price points. Thank you and take care. 🤗♥️
My demo test track is the Analog Productions 45 rpm version of Take Five by the Dave Brubeck Quartet.
I use that one on occasion as well. Fantastic!!! Thank you and take care.
You do good videos. Wish you did videos more often
Thank you very much! If you look at my channel, you will see I have 5 years worth of videos to watch. ♥️🤗 Take care.
Got a vintage Marantz and Technics turntable, last year I got Emotiva speakers. Recently I found a cheap Emotive amp on Facebook hooked it up with Marantz as a pre-amp, cleaned my records really well and now they sound better than ever. Small steps do make a difference in improving your sound.
That's awesome. Emotiva makes great equipment. Thank you and take care.
What an awesome sound system! You should start a record listening club, have friends over to listen to records, and then talk about them, kind of like a book club. Thank you as always for sharing the great info. Peace!
Thank you Mike. A record club would be so much fun. 😃♥️ Take care.
Hi Melinda ,....I'm a bit older than you as I got Started in "Audiophile" level sound in 1977. ...All your Speaker & stereo equipment sound Auditioning songs are Great & my Faves also !! .... 1977 had such Great releases such as Fleetwood Mac "Rumors" & Heart's "Barracuda" albums which I carried around when Auditioning my "Perfect" affordable componets...I highly Recommend those to check your Speakers, Amps & other playback equipment with !! .....
Thank you for the recommendations. I still need to find that Little Queen album by Heart. Barracuda is an incredible song. ♥️ Take care.
Melinda, I have three different stereo systems with all different speakers and each one sounds a bit different, but none of them are bad, just a different color of sound. They range from Wharfedale, Infinity, and Altec, my Altec’s being over 50 years old, to me the Altec’s are the most neutral. However the room, and the placement are so critical to the sound. Don’t fall into the Audiophile trap, that the grass is always greener on the other end. Be Happy! ❤😀 with your music!
I agree. I will avoid the traps. 🤗♥️ The room and the placement is so important and it's all subjective. Thank you and take care.
An interesting bit of trivia is Sting singing “I Want My MTV” is the same music of “Don’t Stand So Close To Me”.
Mark Knopfler confirmed that on the Brian Johnson interview.
Great video Melinda. I’m always interested on your opinion of stereo equipment.
Btw did you get that Madonna picture I sent you?
My favorite test song for new stereo anything is Dance the Night Away or anything by Van Halen.
Thanks for all you do for us. 🙏
❤️Deb
Thank you so much for reaching out. Yes, I got the amazing Madonna picture and autograph. I couldn't believe it. I searched for where we had corresponded and couldn't find it. I have been wanting to say thank you for a long time. I appreciate it so much. It's truly wonderful. ♥️
So interesting. I didn't know it was the same melody. That's very cool. Thanks again. Take care.
Nice open and honest discussion. I find the big problem with A/B testing speakers is getting the room placement correct for each pair of speakers. Room placement is huge and getting it correct can take a while. Also, having two pair of speakers next to each other creates other problems as the drivers in the non-functioning speaker pair can act like passive radiators. I agree with you on have core source of reference material. Some of my go to reference music is Donald Fagen's Night Fly, Diana Krall's Wall Flower and James Taylor's Hour Glass. For a live recording Alchemy: Dire Straits Live is hard to beat.
A lot goes into A/B comparisons. I did my best to accurately do the comparison. ♥️🤗 Thank you for those wonderful suggestions. Thank you and take care.
Interesting video Melinda, thanks. 4 grand is just far too rich for my blood, I’m more than happy with my Fluance XL8f towers and Fluance DB12 sub, they sound Fantastic for my setup and listening room. I’m glad you found your speakers to be worth the cost. Btw: I have a 2 lp (2020) pressing of that Dire Straits mastered by Bernie Grundman and Bob Ludwig, lacquer cut by Chris Bellman, on the Vertigo label at 33-1/3 rpm. Holy crap it sounds Amazing! I’ll never need another copy. Have a great day
Wow! That's a very cool pressing of Brothers In Arms. I didn't even know that one existed. 🤗♥️ I don't think that what amount you spend is what matters. Finding equipment that works well together and works for your room is the key! Thank you and take care. 😃
Agreed! I got lotsa friends who come here to listen to my system and they call my living room the sound lab. I have a Fluance RT-85 turntable, Marantz 2245 (fully restored) receiver, Denon DN600f cd player, Akai GX-F35 cassette deck with an iFi Zen Blue DAC streamer. With the speakers I mentioned, it all sounds absolutely phenomenal. I’m proud of it. Not Super high end but not entry level either. Sounds pretty damn audiophile to me lol
You have a great system 👍 enjoy the music 👍👍🎶🎵
Thank you very much! ♥️🤗
Hi Melinda. You have talked about that Ted Nugent album so much that I bought it from Acoustic Sounds! It arrived this week and wow, it does sound fantastic! Thanks for that! But, I am nervous on another front. Today I ordered a Rega P8 with Apheta 3 and will upgrade from my P3. What if the sound is not enough to warrant the cost? Plus I upgraded the pre-amp! My fingers are crossed! Cheers
Depending on where you purchased the P8, you may be able to return the turntable if you aren't completely happy. I know someone else that made that upgrade and was completely happy with it. I love my P8 turntable and cartridge. Let me know what you think. The Ted Nugent record is incredible. Thank you and take care.
I like how you speak about Drums. Great, I know what you meant!
Lol. I still need to be able to explain myself better. I'm working on it. 🤗
Love listening to all kinds of music....
Me too. I apologize for the late response. I was on vacation. Take care.
@@MelindaMurphy no problem!! I hope you enjoyed it!!
Thanks for a fun channel! I appreciate the quality of blind testing. Serious question: Do you pull your hair back when you listen critically and does it make a difference? Thanks again!
I put my hair behind my ears often. I don't know that it makes a big difference but it is something that I do. Lol. Thank you and take care.
@@MelindaMurphy And you!
Great video. It would be fun if you showed the actual blind test as it happenned
Maybe I could do that sometime. Thank you and take care. ♥️🤗
I'm with you on the Dire Straits. I have the original Vertigo cd pressing and the SACD 5.1 mix. Lots of different sounds on that record from low to high with vocals, production, and instruments.
I agree. I have several Dire Straits records and they all sound very good. It's cool that you have the Vertigo label CD. 🤗♥️ Thank you and take care.
Also you should check out Acoustic sounds for albums and equipment. Acoustic sounds has their own rebuilt presses. Its good video on the process they did on these presses.
Acoustic Sounds is a great company and I am a happy customer. ♥️🤗 Thank you and take care.
Cyndi Lauper is an amazing talent! For those who have only heard her "hits"they are missing a lot! I think with speakers there are so many variables that can effect the sound you get- type of music you listen to, the room they are set up in, and the sources you use. It really is a revelation when you discover that you have a hifi component that objectively performs better- rather than differently, than the component it replaced. All that said, it sounds like you are having a blast. Good for you!
Thank you! I'm definitely having fun. My former speakers were good for the money but the MoFi's are on a totally different level. It was nice to take a step back to compare the difference. I've come such a long way. Thank you and take care. ♥️🤗
Only just been introduced to this channel! Great video, any chance of a tour of the cinema. Or do you have a cinema centric channel also 😊
I apologize for the late response. I was on vacation. Maybe sometime in the future I can show the movie room again. I have shown it briefly on my channel in the past but it's been such a long time ago. Thank you and take care.
Hey thanks for replying, no need to apologise. I look forward to seeing everything this channel has to offer! Thanks again 🙏🏾
The delta when you climb the stereo equipment tree often becomes very small. Yes, you should and you did notice the difference. I'm glad you enjoy your new stuff and also realize the old stuff is still very good.
Yes, my older speakers are very good and a fantastic value. Thank you and take care. 🤗♥️
Melinda, nice review and thanks for doing it. Did you notice any difference in volume when your husband switched speakers? The MoFi is 91 db sensitive while the other speaker is 87 db sensitive. I think it is important to match volumes when comparing different pieces of equipment. We usually feel if something plays louder it is better, at least when listening for a short period of time.
At first, the SVS Prime Tower speakers were louder to my ears but my husband did match the volumes before play testing. Thank you and take care. ♥️🤗
There was about a 1.5 DB difference between the two, with the SVS speakers being slightly more efficient.
Blind testing is seriously missing from all these hi-fi pundits. Thanks for doing that, and please continue with that, maybe it will catch on. You’ve earned a subscriber, looking forward to looking into your future and back catalogue of reviews.
Love the husband wife helping eachother in this great hobby as well
Thank you so much. ♥️🤗 Blind tests reveal the honest truth so for me, that's the way to go. I hope you have a great week.
Goodnight Melinda classic rock forever
Goodnight! 😃
I had a different experience, at least originally when I upgraded speakers. I lived with many Magnepans over the years; my last set was a 1.6QR. I was about to upgrade to the 3.7i or the 20s. The 20s wide for my room, so I started looking again at the 3.7i. I loved them, but then I compared these to Martin Logan 11a 13a. I was able to get a demo set of 13a for less than the Martin Logan 11a. The audio retailer brought them to my house and did an initial setup. I went back and forth between the Maggies and the Martin Logans and I was originally, very disapointed with my new speakers. So disapointed, I almost returned them. I remembered that I spent a considerable amount of time setting up my Maggies and getting the best sound. I spent over 2-3 months and finally found the magic placement for my Martin Logans and then EVERYTHING was magical. The sound was coming from all around me and the sound was so effortless and precise. Once I got everything in place, I added more QRD panel diffusion to the front wall and then even more magic. It took a couple of more years to tweak it to perfectiion. Over the years I replaced my 2 SVS Ultra 13 subwoofers and flanked my Martin Logans with a pair of Rel S812s. I then purchased a smallerSVS SB13 and placed it directly at the front well to help further emphasize 18-25 hz. I enjoy watching videos on what others have experienced in their journey. Keep up the great work. On another note, I was equally amazed on the difference that power conditioners made to my system.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am hoping to be able to listen to some Martin Logans soon. I have heard that many speakers also require a "break in" period so that might have been the case for you as well. I'm so glad you are experiencing the magic. ♥️ That's what it's all about. Thank you and take care.
I listened to my Bobby Hutcherson Oblique & Happenings albums & was amazed at the sound, the Oblique album had a dark sound. both remastered by Rudy Van Gelder, who had a sound room with a tall ceiling cathedral room for good sound. A recommendation for great acoustic guitar sound from 1955 is: A Recital by Tal Farlow. Bands can play pn caves, cathedral, valley, in a large skating rink with wooden floors vibrating the sound louder, or a large room with marble high walls as my post office has where you can hear a pin drop. A long narrow hall with a hard wood floor can transmit a whisper loud a long distance. A thin hardwood floor can vibrate sound louder, it can also let sound go through the floor to lose sound. Sometimes bigger rooms like sometimes bigger rooms with cathedrals play sound louder than small rooms. Echoes in rooms require speakers to be farther from the walls, bit echoes or reverberations can make sound play louder. A flute, a long hard wood floor with walls on both sides, or a long valley between rows of trees can reflect sound toward the valley to make stronger echo. Large rooms or large areas with hard wood floors reverberate or echo to make the sound louder, small rooms can play less loud, because the sound is to close to your ears to be able to echo, the sound hits your ears quicker in a fraction to not be able to echo, thus the sound is quieter. Hardwood floors, valleys, or especially valleys with trees on each side reflecting vibrations toward the valley can make the valley louder. Hard surfaces such as hardwood floors, marble, caves or concrete can reflect sound. There is one band on tv that plays in caves. This may be why outdoor live albums sound louder in a bigger environment. .
I still need to pick up Happenings. I will definitely need to buy that album. ♥️
My room is a challenge because it is a large room with tile floors. I do have a huge area rug that does help considerably. Thank you and I apologize for the delayed response. I was on vacation., ♥️🤗
I like how you didn't just listen to one type of music that's how you test out speakers sometimes I think vintage speakers from the 70s&80s sound better than new ones great video your amazing and wonderful person God bless. 😎👍👍
Yes, I tested out several styles of music to get my results. ♥️🤗 Thank you and take care.
God bless! ♥️🤗
It would have been helpful for you to have explained how the speakers were placed in your room. Was each pair placed in its optimum listening position? Optimum distance from walls, seating position, and toe-in? Also, were volume levels carefully matched between the two pairs? These are the sorts of things that would need to be done to make a blind A/B speaker comparison really meaningful. Especially when you base your comparison on imaging, speaker placement is a key factor. True blind A/B speaker comparison is pretty much impossible in a home environment. On the other hand, I applaud your effort and honesty. The real point is to enjoy the music you love, which you appear to be doing quite enthusiastically! Quite refreshing!
Excellent comment.
First off, I apologize for the late response. I just got back from vacation. ♥️🤗 Each speaker was in their best spot for performance and faced inward to a small degree to create a listening sweet spot.
I'm sure that this blind test wasn't perfect but it did reveal the truth about the fact that my new upgrade was very worthwhile. I could definitely hear the difference. It was fun to go back and experience the sound on the old speakers and compare them with the new. Thank you for the kind words. Take care.
It's really the best way to compare speaker sound. Direct A/B switching exposes any strengths/weakness's of speakers. Years back, stores like Tech Hifi had speaker audition rooms where you could compare potential speaker purchases using your own LP's. I do disagree with "sweet spots" or tilting/toeing speakers as I believe that wide dispersion and excellent imaging can result in room filling sound that's almost totally detached from the speakers. After all, high fidelity does mean true to the original. Guess I'm just not an "on axis" guy. Hey, not for nothin' but speaker tastes do vary. @@MelindaMurphy
I thought everyone knew that was Sting singing the intro! LOL
Not everyone knows that and were very quick to correct me last time I mentioned Sting. Lol. That's ok. I understand the confusion. Thank you and take care.
All of us who heard it back in '85 instantly recognized it as Sting. If someone argues it's not him, make a note not to ever watch or read any loudspeaker reviews they might make.
Hola Melinda. since 1981 I have listened to Grateful Dead in my Bowers&Wilkins DM 1400
Nice! 🤗♥️ Thank you and take care.
I heard those speakers at a audio festival a couple of years ago and you are right the MoFO are good.
They are very good for the money and another viewer mentioned to me that they are on sale on the Music Direct website so now they are even a better value. 🥰 Thank you and take care.
Melinda, You have become a real hifi nut 😄. I too like to do comparisons like that.
Also a great choice of records to test your speakers with!
I do love stereo equipment and most importantly, how they make my music sound. 🤗♥️ Thank you and take care.