I would want to immediately say that I’d want a system that makes me think without question that the performers are standing in front of/all around me, but that statement falls apart with the realization that a majority of music wasn’t recorded like that, so I’d be asking a system to give me something that never really existed. After that, how many of us would be perfectly happy to (pretending here) plop a box the size of a matchbox down somewhere in your room that immediately gave you the sound you’ve always searched for? Would you be completely happy not looking at a self-curated selection of equipment with its wood, metal, lit tubes or front displays? The journey seems way more interesting and engaging than the destination.
I'm a true audiophile. This is why a like Apple computers better then PC. The build quality and performance is second to none. ijustine brought me here.
I listen to pop music as well as electronic music. In such cases, you might have a recording of the sea, of the waves splashing on the rocks. I want to be immersed in the experience. I would like to be able to close my eyes and be able to visualize the sea in front of me. I would like to be transported out of my room and into a different experience. When it comes to instruments being played and processed with effects, I want to not only hear the instrument. I want to feel the changes in air pressure that go along with it. Music has scale to it, where sounds can have a sense of volume. This happens a lot with mixed music, where one changes phase between left and right, which widens the sound across the sound stage. I want to feel the fullness of the spatial volume of each sound. I ask a lot. There are systems that get me closer, but they are also extremely expensive.
I'm looking for a very dynamic amp with a high channel separation number, possibly higher than 95dB for the best possible imaging and soundstage. I'm not concerned about "total absence of distortion", so I'm not for "class A" amps, and to me it's a waste of power. Amps in class AB can deliver very good sound to my ears, having also a fair amount of H2.
@@matthewbarrow3727 even with expensive systems you will never get that true realism and immersive experience, No system will give you that. Maybe somewhat close to it, but by a long shot. You want true realism and immersive experience you have to go out there and listen to the real thing. Waves and beaches, it’s better to be out there and listen to nature and also smelling the nice salty air, feeling the breeze and so forth. You can’t get that in a stereo system.
I don’t want to feel like I’m “there” with the performers. BUT I do want to be transported mentally/emotionally. Every night for at least 20-40 minutes I play music while my wife and daughter get ready for bed. They never get tired of it and neither do I. The music energizes the whole house and alters whatever trajectory the night was on. We’ve used our time listening to mourn, to dance, to celebrate, to apologize, to let the music just completely wash over us and close out the day. I have had the opportunity to prove the value of my system over and over again to my own family and to people who come over to have dinner, play cards or whatever reason we can come up with as an excuse to crank it up one more time.
@@keplermission4947 jesus Christ what's your problem? From what i can tell, 'emotion' is just all in your head. But maybe i'm just cynical because I'm not part of the audiophile cult.
We want the newest, the biggest, the heaviest, the "badest ass", the most expensive, the flashiest, the more bragging rights, etc... You get the picture. We want to use music to show off our toys, and not the other way around. Ty Steve, love your show.
As a former (dare I say, "recovered"?) audiophile, I craved the point at which I'd no longer identify as an, "audiophile" (which, to me, can usually be defined as: "One who constantly flushes money down the toilet in pursuit of something which does not exist"). I craved the point in time where I realized I was actually satisfied with what I currently owned and, fortunately for me, that point recently arrived (and, more importantly, stayed). Ironically, it arrived at a time when I owned less equipment, at a lower combined value, than at any point within the last decade. After SO many years of being enveloped by tail-chasing and on the losing side of diminishing returns, I was finally able to exit the crazy train, stage left! Now, my systems are comparatively simple, inexpensive yet effective. Barring mechanical failures, they will likely be the same 10 years from now as they are now...and I like that...A LOT! Now I just watch A/V videos for fun...not as a way of considering what to buy next.
Good on you! It's really rare that someone quits being an audiophile. I'm not even sure if it's 'diminishing returns' because it seems like most audiophile don't really know/understand what they want. Audiophile companies take advantage of that because they know you'll only be satisfied with that shiny new thing for a while. Then you'll be back claiming you're looking for 'better quality sound' (when really you just want something new again).
Best comment on this video, right here!!! Sound is all preference. A quality cartridge/stylus, a good set of speakers, just a middle of the road turntable, and a decent amp is all that's needed, in my opinion.... AND, it can be accomplished without breaking the bank! I am of the philosophy that, the more gear you put in between the turntable, and the amp, the further you get away from the true signal.
What I want has changed rather dramatically over the years. I bought my first "audiophile" system in 1978. I got a system I thought sounded nice. I then went through the accuracy/performers in the room/if only I had better equipment phase for the next 20 or so years. Doing this you slowly realize that only 1% of recordings can even come close, and close is all they are. About the same time I started this journey, I had a martial arts instructor who explained that once you earn a black belt, and tie it on every day, it slowly begins to turn white, which is where everyone starts. My audiophile ears have turned white, now I like systems that sound nice.
@@keplermission4947 Colorado State University, 1975-1976 school year. The style was Shorin Ryu, the instructor was a campus librarian. I don't remember his name. I changed schools after that year.
What we want is time dependent. At first it was all about the bass. Then I discovered imaging and detail. Then dynamic range was added to the mix. With all the above come together it is about emotional engagement.
Love your Videos Steve. Your passion and enthusiasm inspires confidence in your opinion. The thing about the quality of the sound combined with the right music for me is that it propels me into a different state of consciousness and is the only path I've ever found that can put me in state that is truly sublime.
The Room is always the limiting factor. Much of the high end stuff today sounds really good if matched well. Great source, great room and a proper setup can help make any system sound at least 50% better.
I just want my system to not distract me from enjoying the music. In the 1970s I was aware of the shortcomings of what I owned, but for the last 20 odd years I’ve been a very happy camper. For me it’s all about the music.
With closed eyes the musicians are right there in the room with me, the speakers disappear. That is what i love about high end audio. Gryphon amplifier and audiovector speakers. I love the new Alison Krauss and Robert Plant album.
The virtual stage effect, such as an orchestra playing on stage, in the concert hall perspective from row ten. That is my favorite perspective. Same perspective in an opera production, with the performers on stage, heard from row ten. I don't care for the highlighted pinpoint effects. AND OF COURSE: smaller Jazz Ensembles recorded from a "close night club perspective" are preferred over individual mics on each instrument. IN OTHER WORDS: I want to hear my preferred music when I can at home. THIS IS SECONDARY to going to live productions, which demand complicated logistics and sleep-over at friends' homes after concert.
I've been pursuing my dream system for 54 years. I never wanted it to sound like the band was right in front of me. That's ridiculous. Almost without fail, most bands I've heard right in front of me that play the kind of music I prefer to listen to sounded like shat. I never cared what other people thought of the sound of my system. I wasn't building it for them, I was building it for me. All I ever wanted was a system that had nice deep but not contrived bass, lush mid range, and never harsh highs. I wanted analog sound, even with digital sources. I felt like I had finally found it, but being a true audiophile, I had to keep up the quest. I fell into the brand name trap and replaced two components in my system with McIntosh gear. No true audiophile can claim to be one having never owned McIntosh, right? I listened to it for 6 months, and during that entire 6 months, I knew that I had made a $10K mistake. It sounded stellar, very precise, defined, and accurate, but everything I really wanted to hear was missing. When I finally swallowed my buyers remorse, and re-installed my two original components, a dark cloud stopped hovering over my head, and my audiophile soul smiled again. My brain said "there it is dumbass, just what you have always been looking for. Now, quit trying to fix something that isn't broken". For the first time in 54 years, my "audiophile dream list" is empty, and I have every intention of keeping it empty. I have the right speakers, the right amp, and the right preamp, the right cables, the right everything. My system sounds exactly perfect to me. It's a system and sound that I can die happy with. I can't help but wonder how many audiophiles actually achieve that goal, or worse yet, fail to realize that they already have.
A reproduction that can make you feel emotional, make the goose bumps appear, beautifully crisp highs and warm punchy lows and a mid range to die for. I think most of us have found this system in their price range but more and more it is the recording that fails. I find my Yamaha RN-803d and Q Acoustic 3050i set up gives me everything as I have now achieved perfect stereo imaging in the room it is in. The source and recording is everything though. I tend to use Apple Airplay and I have many tracks that are just moving, especially when the volume is cranked up. Every aspect of some tracks are outstanding. Then you get some that simply cannot bring that which is down to the recording 👍🏻
I was so happy with my KEF LS50W. Until they broke down. Then I was super happy with my LS50W2's. Until I combined them with my SVS SB-2000 Pro's. That's what made me ultimately happy :-)
Back in 1978 after a lot of listening around, I could buy a budget system that gave me "The Sound". It's the type of HiFi sound that draws you into the music and makes you forget everything else for a while. 10 years later I upgraded to a system that also did The Sound, but at a higher level. Then the amplifier was stolen and an exact replacement wasn't available because it had gone off the market. Another amplifier had to do, but at the given budget it didn't work out 100% to produce The Sound again. Two years ago, I finally had the budget to build a system that brought The Sound back in full. It's like heaven all over again.
I do. It's easy. It's not about 'good sound'. It's about people wanting a system that makes their music sound the way they think it's supposed to sound. They always have this thing where they think 'if only it had a bit more this or that'. The continual chasing of an illusion.
I think we’re all looking for an authentic sound, and an experience. When I play a record, it’s an experience. I like to stop what I’m doing, and just focus on that record.
Very simple this one! I wanna fill my room with good energy, decent low-end, clean highs, great mids and a good and proper set-up! If my music comes alive, i know i'm getting there, and for the most, that's good enough for me. At least for a while. Cheers from Denmark ✌️🇩🇰
My biggest want is that all of the music I buy or stream is recorded well enough that it plays well on my carefully put together system. The biggest question mark when I listen to music is the quality of the recording. If it is recorded well, chances are it sounds great on my system. My system isn't super expensive (about 5k), but I have heard great recordings that sounded magnificent. Then I have heard some recordings that didn't sound good on any system I listened to them on. It all starts out with the recording process.
Steve, I know this is somewhat off topic, but Tekton has also become extremely popular in the past few years. I used to crave new gear all the time, but am finally satisfied with my system, which took years of trying different cartridges, preamps, amps, etc. It is a really great feeling to be done with that, but then again, we’re audiophiles. We don’t stay dormant for too long. ; )
Nick Pantazi,, my speaker search for audio Minerva has finally come to an end. I’m likely going to be keeping my Tekton Double Impact speakers for as long as I’m alive.
@@motorradmike Hey there, Michael. Yup, me too. I auditioned at least 15 pairs of speakers going up in price as much as aprox $10 - $15K. During my search for new speakers, I went to my buddy’s place who had a pair of Pendragons. His system was luckily very similar to mine, and after spinning some tunes, I knew the search was over. I called up Eric the next day and ordered a pair. This was aprox 2 yrs ago and I still have absolutely zero “upgraditis”.
@@vinylrules4838 Hi there. I have 2 turntables, a heavily modded and upgraded through KAB Technics SL-1200 M3D and a Yamaha PX-2, which is a linear tracking direct drive deck. On the Technics deck, I’m running a Denon DL 103r LOMC cartridge. The Yamaha has a Yamaha MC-1s LOMC cartridge on it. For the phono stage, I’m using a Tavish Classic with a Swagman external linear PSU. My preamp is a VTA SP-14, and my amp(s) are Quicksilver mid mono monoblocks. I could of course get much more into the details, like the types of tubes, cables, etc., but I’ll spare you. lol Hope that was helpful. Are you asking because of what I said about being happy with my system?
For me it’s finding recordings where the equipment “disappears” in the room, the sensation the artist is in my listening room. NOTHING beats live music, to me, and that sensation described is the nearest I can get to live music, while sat in my room. The most expensive kit will disappoint if the recording is subpar … well my experience. As well, even an “entry level” system will delight with a solid recording/mix. You nailed it, those are hard to find, but they are around and they are magic.
I like a lot of older music because of the way it was recorded back in the 1940s 1950s, 60s etc. It was all analog with vaccum tubes! Even the microphones had tubes in them which would explain why vocals sounded so much richer and warmer sounding. Solid state can be good but like you said Steve there is something about that sound.
After 54 years chasing the Absolute Sound I went for simplicity and convenience and have one unit all in one box which has all the features I like.Still have a CD player because It sounds better than downloaded music or streaming music at least for me. A bit room treatment and some tweaks helps too.
This is the question, what we audiophiles searching for. I would say, we are all seeking the perfect solution in sound delivery for our tastes and possibilities. The journey to the best sound for yourself is your way of audio wisdom and experience. Love your channel 👍👋
I have an old NAD that is 17 years old(2*50 Watts),Immotiva bluetooth-receiver(LDAC) and Dynavoice 65 v4.Low base,25hz.I use Tidal Master and it sounds great.Good Hifi at a low cost.Thank You Mr Gutenberg for your entertaining rewiews.
Steve, you are incredible, what a good definition, what an excellent and great exhibition, you really are one of the few, counted on one hand, that can define our vast race of audiophiles so accurately.
I can see a range of T shirts with "We are the 1% !" on the front and " Audiophile" or "Music First" on the back. Then it occured to me that people who don't know what Audiophile means might get it mixed up with something else with "phile" on the end and that could get pretty ugly pretty fast.
One of the best ways to achieve hi-fi sound quality I've learned from listening to Steve and Nelson Pass, is to use relatively low wattage (big heavy) class A power amplifiers, driving large very efficient speakers like the Klipsch Cornwall. I can't afford these yet, but it's what I would try if/when I can.
I'm really enjoying the Schiit Aegir on my Cornwall 4s, but I think I'm going to go down the rabbit hole and upgrade to some tube amps someday! I am super impressed with class a it is such a difference on my speakers.
In the end Steve, it will inevetably be analog. No matter how much digital processing you do (or don't do) , when it comes out of the speaker, it is pure analog. Then, when it finds its way to your ears, it will also be nothing but analog - that's just "the nature of the beast" - moving air at a particular frequency in time.
I remember when i was a child (8-10 yrs old) - i loved to go to cinema not because of the big screen, but because of big sound system and that audio. Now that i'm older, my goal is to have proper cinema sound in my living room :)
I live in a one bedroom flat….I have a decent amp,bookshelf speakers and and a sub…I’ve got a valve photo pre amp and a decent stylus…the speakers are positioned well…It all works well for me and stuff sounds how I want it to hear! (I don’t want to go down the rabbit hole of trying to make it sound any better!)
Firstly, I dont think all audiophiles are looking for exactly the same thing - although our interests obviously do dovetail. I believe there is a spectrum. One end of the spectrum can be characterised by "The closest approach to the original sound". Trying to recreate as accurately as possible whatever happened at the original musical event (where such a thing exists). At the other end of the spectrum you find people who wish to get the maximum possible enjoyment from their recorded music. Or to GET the musical message being propogated by the original musicians. Obviously these two goals are not mutually exclusive. But at one end your are likely to find monitor style, largely transistor based and, yes, digital gear. At the other you will find turntables, valve (tube) amps and horn loudspeakers. I am talking in generalities here; there are many shades of grey. And audiophiles will be spread right accross this spectrum - not just at one end or the other. This is why our tastes differ and also why there are so many different approaches to audio gear.
It’s been said that sometimes you don’t know the value of what you have until it’s gone. I consider myself truly fortunate to be in the exact opposite position. I didn’t know the value of what I had until the last small modification I made to my system a couple of weeks ago. For forty years I have been a music lover and audiophile. Through different phases of good times and lean times, with many conflicting priorities, I’ve maintained some kind of music playing system. About fifteen years ago, I made the decision to pursue a better sound using CD as the source. I wanted a full range sound with minimal components, in other words, the classic British path of least interference, with components being auditioned for compatibility to avoid the need for correction in the room. Up until two years ago, all of this was done using off the shelf products, in totally standard form. Nothing crazy in terms of cables and such, just better than the basic items for interconnects, speakers and power. Then I met a colleague who knew a lot about electrical components, and I entered a whole new world of tinkering. This has taken me to a whole new level of enjoyment in my music playback, I could previously only dream about. So, back to my first comment, about not knowing the value of what I had. Through lucky circumstance, I had assembled components of good quality, but more importantly, the potential to be great. Changing out various components that had been selected by financial constraint, to ones chosen for sonic ability, the hitherto untapped potential of the system was gradually revealed. Each change moved the system forwards. However, I wasn’t prepared for the leap the most recent modification has made. My friend has been telling me for weeks about the benefits of cleaning the power by addressing switching noise generated by bridge rectifiers. I kept nodding and agreeing that one day I’d get round to ordering the parts I needed to put RC snubbers (a resistor/capacitor combo) across the AC legs of the bridge rectifiers in my amp. There are two, as it’s a dual mono design. Finally, we had an excuse to get together and do a few mods to our gear and I ordered the parts in preparation. Job done and we sat down to listen. Well, ever since, I have been floored by the change in the sound. The system was a classic analytic sound, with plenty of detail, notes that started and stopped as they should, a very neutral balance and so on. CDs that were well recorded sounded excellent, however, compressed recordings were revealed in all their horror. Now, however, the sound is liquid. Gone is the faint edge to the sound. In its place is texture, nuance, fluidity and so much detail I am left dumfounded by recordings I thought I knew well. I can honestly say, I never knew what I had lurking inside these amazing boxes I call my Hi-Fi system until I found it two weeks ago. What’s more, previously unplayable CDs were now enjoyable, so my music collection has effectively trebled in size. There is no easy answer for those looking to follow in my journey. It’s taken two years of learning new skills, research and borrowing the talents of an audio engineer, however, I have saved many thousands of pounds and I have built an entire second system in my study just for fun. For me, the journey on my main system is paused while I sit back and enjoy it for a while. Still plenty to do in the study though, and that’s going down the twin paths of analogue and streaming. If you’ve made it this far, well done! Merry Christmas to all.
At the risk of sounding geeky, terribly metaphysical or even a bit psychedelic, I still be honest here and say that for me it’s like taking a trip to a powerful hyper-reality and yet another higher level of meaning and bliss. And there are many cups to choose from and the only end is when I say it is. I’ve had a few motorcycles but I leaned down to one that never disappoints to thrill me or give me what I need. That could change of course. With audio tech, it is quite different now and I am changing my system up because my listening experience and needs are evolving. It’s time to take another few trips to that sweet, fun and cool sonic Nirvana cause that’s what I’m craving now.
The hard part about this hobby is getting components that give you the best sound and then being disappointed when your favorite recordings were done so poorly. So then a lot of audio lovers go on a journey of buying well recording music even if they don't really like the songs. It can be frustrating
It’s a hobby. I’m flexible in my desires of audiophile stuff. The more experience the happier I am. I crave diversity for diversities sake. And sometimes I hit something special. But the journey is the joy. Also, I just posted my first jazz audiophile review. Let me tell me you - it’s special lol
When Steve and Herb were together recently, Steve used the word 'density' and how even the best equipment can't quite reproduce the sonic density of a live grand piano. Any attempt at getting close is not easy without vast sums of cash.
@@divertiti I looked up these brands just now. I remember seeing Gryphon speakers and amplifiers, maybe on YT. Those items are quite serious. I'm into vertical line arrays. Have several small pioneer and KEF speakers stacked up in my music room, power them with a Crown class D amp, use black sticky sorbothane strips between speaker cabinets to absorb resonance and help anchor them together (non-conventional system 😁).
@@mikeday62 Got it, with that type of setup, that density is not going to be there. If you wanted to upgrade, the Crown amp should be the first on the list
Great video Steve. I look for the "wow" factor. "Wow!, did I hear that?" Am I actually hearing the strings being plucked??" You won't get that from a Crosley Cruiser. That's why I go the extra miles for audiophile gear.
Answering the question, It's difficult to put into words but you know it when you've got it. I'm 75 hearing all but shot and I have tinnitus can't hear much above 6/7 k without my hearing aids. I love point source 'speakers, I have used Tannoy duels now using Kef uni-Qs, and what I think I craved and still enjoy is the sense of space these 'speakers create so it's not only an open treble that does this the whole thing plays a part. But these days I no longer worry about the minutiae of a recording I just listen and enjoy the music. Now that is a craving to satisfy believe me.
I've owned some fairly strange but wonderful stuff, in my time some of which maybe some would call dubious, a set of EPI Magnums, a converted Euro Denon power amp, dual turntable with a audio-technica shimano quad needle cartridge I would kind of go for what I thought would work well, cheaply. During this time I was given a Carver C-4000, I was intrigued with pop/snap filter, holographic modes-- (natural and theoretical) and dynamic range expander. I used it for a while, but it was old, over 20 years to be concise and I set it aside. Retirement and too much time to find a way to get better sound coming out of my speakers, I bought a low end Pro-ject turntable, but upgraded with a heavier counterweight and installed a Sumiko mc cartridge, (blue plate evo III), a heavier 'Acrylate' platter and this greatly improved the sound. Anchoring a marble slab turntable shelf to the brick wall in my living room didn't hurt either. Then I decided to try the Carver again after sending it off to get repaired by Bob Carver's team of techs at Deltronics in Chicago, they did me right, gotta say, even tracking down some obsolete i.c.s that my C4000 needed to make the holographics work right. The last 2 items I needed (really wanted) was a tube amp and after that, some new speakers. Macintosh was out of my range, so I did some research and was impressed with some internet items I heard of, PrimaLuna premium dialogue integrated, and Tekton Perfect Set 10s fit the bill quite nicely. This ultra-linear amplifier plus the speakers had one drawback, it reproduced faithfully whatever was in the signal path. Welcome to HiFi eh? The built in phono stage in the Carver which was adjustable for MM or MC cartridges just wasn't cutting the mustard. My solution was to use a Project tube phono stage into the Carver aux. This is working for me right now (ok, so I upgraded to KT-120s!)I have a really awesome sound from my system, which is unique in a lot of ways, but there is always room for improvement, so who knows what tweak is next?
For me it’s the best possible listening experience at a reasonable price. I like the idea of recordings sounding like you are there - I tend to prefer live recordings and I also highly enjoy binaural recordings. As some have pointed out, that is not always realistic because of production techniques. Then it becomes trying to get as close to the artist’s or producer’s concept of the music, if they are excellent at their craft. Then I get used to the way my system sounds and am on a quest for the next better sound. It is a lot of fun, but can get expensive. As a bass player, my first bass was what I could afford. My next bass sounded and played better, and was more expensive. I now own 7 basses. It’s about the journey and thinking you’re at the destination at least for a moment.
I'm looking for a system that makes listening to (almost) everything a joy. Qualities I like are wealth in sound and dynamics, I like my system to let me hear what the artists and engineers were trying to achieve. It's not about what I want, it is about revealing what the artists were meaning to let me hear. In my quest, my system has evolved. Acousticly treated room, Accuphase Mosfet poweramp, AudioNote DAC, ZenStram, Aric Tube Preamp, AMB power supplies, JBL xpl 160, lots of tweaking and customising. Learning, experimenting, listening, understanding and being humble as there is so much knowledge out there and I understand so little....a great hobby.
I have always sought to reproduce the sound of a live performance so I purchased Cornwalls when I was 16 years old in 1980. My most expensive audio purchase, but also the most economical because I was done. A true buy it for life purchase.
I used to sell Ultra High-End Audio and Video Systems circa 2000-2001. I Managed a Boutique series of Show Rooms in Northern California. One Room (250K) was a full Meridian Digital System, Front Projector, Line Doubler Drop Down Screen and a Room replete with Room Treatments. Another Room I had was a Two-Channel Room. The Variables in that Room were of Speaker Lines; Hales, Dunleavy, B&W, Canton and Others, and of CD Players; Three Arcam Models and a 5K Meridian Digital Player. What was insightful was to Witness, with near-predictablity, the Bodily and Emotional Responses of those Clients; of whence Foot-Pacing, or and of to the ultimate, a streaming of Unemotional Tears, of whence a "Mind Falls Away",..of suspended Moments sans Reference, sans of Memory. Sound and Intention of the Artists reaching Minds unencumbered. To your question, I posed a Phrase to Others in my Field, as well as to respondant Clients, to of what Audiophiles seek and sought, and it is to this Proximity - to be immersed within a "Mystico-Poetic Encounter".
A very interesting comment you made, Steve, about what audience mixing engineers aim for - I learned recently that the early Capitol Beatles' Albums were remixed by Capitol to sound 'good' on the low-end record players popular with teenagers back then. And that makes a lot of sense; even now, record companies surely want their products to sound 'good' to the majority 99% of their customers with non-audiophile equipment. Maybe you could do one of your Podcast interviews with someone from a major label to discuss their strategy in that area - it would be interesting to know what, if anything, they have in mind?
"1%" patch worn on the colors. This is said to refer to a comment by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) that 99% of motorcyclists were law-abiding citizens, implying the last one percent were outlaws.
Well after our Rig is complete ( laughs & thinks that is not going to happen)... Anywho at first I thought that I wanted all recordings to be good ,but then again after sifting through hundreds of songs I have learned to really appreciate when I find that hidden gem of a song that just sounds amazing and just feels right - Right song- Right Time - Right volume..... I LOVE IT!
I thought about it. It’s true who else can we talk to that appreciates the difference between a moving coil or moon dust covered hypersonic telepathic interconnects.
I’d say the KEF LS50 (Original and Meta version) have been pretty darn popular since 2011, not to mention receiving eons of awards and favorable reviews….but of course, like anything else, they are not for everyone.
I want my next piece of equipment to let my music hit me in a different way than i've heard before. At this point, swapping around inexpensive components can still do that for me.
I'd say quality sound without breaking the bank. I have it with my large Advent speakers, Carver 900 amplifier, Dual 504 turntable, and Marantz CD player.
Audiophiles crave Steve G and other reviewers validating their purchases by giving the product a good review, because audiophiles aren't capable of believing their own ears.
You got this one perfectly. The irony of chasing that "perfect sound" makes the pursuer constantly second-guess themselves, thus, relying on others "experienced" in the field to validate their choices. Sad.
Audiophiles have a strong positive emotional response to music, and crave a system that "amplifies" that response in some way. That may simply mean louder but without distortion, or it may mean razor sharp clarity so each musician can be audibly isolated and appreciated, or it may mean a system that presents the overall ambience of the musical stage in a smooth, realistic, and enjoyable way. Audiophiles need to have a laser focus on the types of music and the type of system that enhance their emotion experience and ignore everything else.
More people are getting what a audiophile is now. That is why mix engineers at movie mixing have DTS, DOLBY DIGITAL , IMAX , AURO 3D, Good sound is a great thing. Some people are just now discovering this.
For their system to "be the best" and everyone to go WOAW Also for the singer to be 1cm right in front of them and the drums 50km to the left and the piano 10m up in the sky I found if you want to have an excellent musical experience : wait until you crave to listen to speakers/music, and be emotional, or in a state where the music can evoke that. That way it won't sound harsh or wrong. You will not get fatigue at least until your emotional state wears off. Also be healthy. Tired, fatigued? Your system will sound like that too. You'll want soft and cushy, if you make a system around this, you'll then crave dynamics and punch when you become more alert etc I've found "audio nirvana" in cheapo $10 speakers before. Goes to show that you don't always need to have the equipment, though it can help immensely :)
A 1%er here. I don't want to critique my system, rather critique the performances. I don't listen to music in my car. Scale is prime, the rest, pacing, freq response, etc., seem to follow. This may be the Golden Age of hifi. Consider 60 years of some outstanding used gear, huge amount of new gear. Cheap cds, new lps. Streaming! Yeah, it's a good time to be an audiophiliac!
Encounter(s). That's it. The myriads of encounters. Sometimes, when you get it just right, music fills one with a multitude of sensations: hope, resiliance, purpose, the feeling of "sonder", the unexpected, a musical idea (one that can't but be put through music), a certain feeling one gets when lost in good art, like essay films (like Sans Soleil) or a Sofia Coppola movie... It's as if something from the outside strikes a match and kickstarts our introspection. Sometimes we might not even know we needed it until we hear the tune. Soldiers often sing to *boost morale*. In fact, the same song strikes 100 people differently. There's all sorts of recollection. Some songs convey a whole era. Others a sense of the infinite/universal in all man. Others just a good chill, others a busy street in our collective unconscious, other times it's indescribable. It's why good movies often need a solid score, or play around with it, as in Godard's way. Either way, art is as old as nature. There's line and color and song in birds and animals. It's part of existence.
Timbre, nuances, accuracy, micro details, etc. At the end, I am looking to create a link with the performance and evoke emotions derived from listening.
I read an article in the last couple years, written by one of the best, world renowned, most experienced canoe paddlers. He still has an small voice that tells him that he is a poser, a faker. I have had a very nice system in storage for 30 some years because my wife doesn't share the passion. The marriage compatibility discussion test should have a couple questions on if medium to large sized speakers are going to be allowed in the living room. Getting back to 2 channel listening, watching experts. And building a room in our new house for my system. But, the best room for it would still be the living room/great room where there will be a soundbar and not even a bass woofer.
Yes, Steve what is itthe 1 % looking for ? Well once you find your sound system. It's the peace that you find listening to a really good recording. Nothing like a good experience 😌. It's only for those who love that experience, most people music is just background item.Only my opinion.What we are looking for is Steve Guttenberg next You Tube post, you are the best!!
What I think Audiophiles crave is to be satisfied with the sound they are getting. One day I think I nailed it with a good, strong recording, and the next I'm wondering what's going on with a weak recording. The goal of prefect sound all the time is not obtainable. There is only in the moment.
The recording is baked into the medium that we have no control over. Good or bad recordings, we are stuck with the music. It's like eating canned food but that's all we have. I know some audiophiles ONLY listen to good recordings even if they're bad music. That's a terrible way to live.
I would want to immediately say that I’d want a system that makes me think without question that the performers are standing in front of/all around me, but that statement falls apart with the realization that a majority of music wasn’t recorded like that, so I’d be asking a system to give me something that never really existed. After that, how many of us would be perfectly happy to (pretending here) plop a box the size of a matchbox down somewhere in your room that immediately gave you the sound you’ve always searched for? Would you be completely happy not looking at a self-curated selection of equipment with its wood, metal, lit tubes or front displays? The journey seems way more interesting and engaging than the destination.
I'm a true audiophile. This is why a like Apple computers better then PC. The build quality and performance is second to none. ijustine brought me here.
@@jameswilson-ez6ep pls Stop, Apple has the worst Bluetooth Sound quality and the USB Ports are nothing Special
I listen to pop music as well as electronic music. In such cases, you might have a recording of the sea, of the waves splashing on the rocks. I want to be immersed in the experience. I would like to be able to close my eyes and be able to visualize the sea in front of me. I would like to be transported out of my room and into a different experience. When it comes to instruments being played and processed with effects, I want to not only hear the instrument. I want to feel the changes in air pressure that go along with it. Music has scale to it, where sounds can have a sense of volume. This happens a lot with mixed music, where one changes phase between left and right, which widens the sound across the sound stage. I want to feel the fullness of the spatial volume of each sound. I ask a lot. There are systems that get me closer, but they are also extremely expensive.
I'm looking for a very dynamic amp with a high channel separation number, possibly higher than 95dB for the best possible imaging and soundstage.
I'm not concerned about "total absence of distortion", so I'm not for "class A" amps, and to me it's a waste of power.
Amps in class AB can deliver very good sound to my ears, having also a fair amount of H2.
@@matthewbarrow3727 even with expensive systems you will never get that true realism and immersive experience, No system will give you that. Maybe somewhat close to it, but by a long shot. You want true realism and immersive experience you have to go out there and listen to the real thing. Waves and beaches, it’s better to be out there and listen to nature and also smelling the nice salty air, feeling the breeze and so forth. You can’t get that in a stereo system.
Thank you Steve for realizing that your job is not to be arrogant.
I don’t want to feel like I’m “there” with the performers. BUT I do want to be transported mentally/emotionally. Every night for at least 20-40 minutes I play music while my wife and daughter get ready for bed. They never get tired of it and neither do I. The music energizes the whole house and alters whatever trajectory the night was on. We’ve used our time listening to mourn, to dance, to celebrate, to apologize, to let the music just completely wash over us and close out the day. I have had the opportunity to prove the value of my system over and over again to my own family and to people who come over to have dinner, play cards or whatever reason we can come up with as an excuse to crank it up one more time.
Energizes the whole house? Do you really want to be energized just before going to bed?
@@HansDelbruck53 I guess it was a bad choice of words. I’m not talking energizes as in SPLs, but fills the whole house with the vibe of the music.
@@brodelicious Fair enough.
A system with the best emotion at the lowest possible cost.
Truth
Can you explain what "emotion" means in this context?
@@tomcombe4813 theres a certain connection between you and your system that moves you, intensity, reaction that rocks your soul.
@@keplermission4947 jesus Christ what's your problem?
From what i can tell, 'emotion' is just all in your head. But maybe i'm just cynical because I'm not part of the audiophile cult.
@@tonychand4789 hmmm yeah, sounds a little handwavy. Are you really trying to say that you like it?
If the music brings me out in goosebumps then I'm happy with the kit.
We want the newest, the biggest, the heaviest, the "badest ass", the most expensive, the flashiest, the more bragging rights, etc... You get the picture.
We want to use music to show off our toys, and not the other way around.
Ty Steve, love your show.
What I want as an audiophile is very simple: an emotional connection to the music.
As a former (dare I say, "recovered"?) audiophile, I craved the point at which I'd no longer identify as an, "audiophile" (which, to me, can usually be defined as: "One who constantly flushes money down the toilet in pursuit of something which does not exist"). I craved the point in time where I realized I was actually satisfied with what I currently owned and, fortunately for me, that point recently arrived (and, more importantly, stayed). Ironically, it arrived at a time when I owned less equipment, at a lower combined value, than at any point within the last decade. After SO many years of being enveloped by tail-chasing and on the losing side of diminishing returns, I was finally able to exit the crazy train, stage left! Now, my systems are comparatively simple, inexpensive yet effective. Barring mechanical failures, they will likely be the same 10 years from now as they are now...and I like that...A LOT! Now I just watch A/V videos for fun...not as a way of considering what to buy next.
Good on you! It's really rare that someone quits being an audiophile.
I'm not even sure if it's 'diminishing returns' because it seems like most audiophile don't really know/understand what they want. Audiophile companies take advantage of that because they know you'll only be satisfied with that shiny new thing for a while. Then you'll be back claiming you're looking for 'better quality sound' (when really you just want something new again).
I always thought that the audiophiles enjoy music, not flushing toilets.
Sooo…. What’s your setup? 😀
@@tomcombe4813 SPOT ON!
Best comment on this video, right here!!!
Sound is all preference. A quality cartridge/stylus, a good set of speakers, just a middle of the road turntable, and a decent amp is all that's needed, in my opinion.... AND, it can be accomplished without breaking the bank! I am of the philosophy that, the more gear you put in between the turntable, and the amp, the further you get away from the true signal.
What I want has changed rather dramatically over the years. I bought my first "audiophile" system in 1978. I got a system I thought sounded nice. I then went through the accuracy/performers in the room/if only I had better equipment phase for the next 20 or so years. Doing this you slowly realize that only 1% of recordings can even come close, and close is all they are. About the same time I started this journey, I had a martial arts instructor who explained that once you earn a black belt, and tie it on every day, it slowly begins to turn white, which is where everyone starts. My audiophile ears have turned white, now I like systems that sound nice.
Well put, I like the black belt metaphor
@@keplermission4947 Ouch dropping some truth bombs here Kepler Mission, seas are rough out here
@@keplermission4947 Colorado State University, 1975-1976 school year. The style was Shorin Ryu, the instructor was a campus librarian. I don't remember his name. I changed schools after that year.
I want to be moved. My system needs to boogie and make my head Bob and feet tap, and has before now reduced me to tears.
What we want is time dependent. At first it was all about the bass. Then I discovered imaging and detail. Then dynamic range was added to the mix. With all the above come together it is about emotional engagement.
And then the snake oil was added...........
I'm still working on the bass😁
Love your Videos Steve. Your passion and enthusiasm inspires confidence in your opinion. The thing about the quality of the sound combined with the right music for me is that it propels me into a different state of consciousness and is the only path I've ever found that can put me in state that is truly sublime.
A transparent and natural sounding rig with killer bass and realistic dynamic capabilities in a great room.
The Room is always the limiting factor. Much of the high end stuff today sounds really good if matched well. Great source, great room and a proper setup can help make any system sound at least 50% better.
Thanks Steve. Your videos are prodigious!
I love when my dog and I are listening late in the evening and she starts looking around for the noise or barks at a voice on the invisible stage
I just want my system to not distract me from enjoying the music. In the 1970s I was aware of the shortcomings of what I owned, but for the last 20 odd years I’ve been a very happy camper. For me it’s all about the music.
If the music not only makes me smile but brings me to tears from sheer joy then my audio system is doing its job.
I love how you say we are the 1%. That statement is so well put...👏
With closed eyes the musicians are right there in the room with me, the speakers disappear. That is what i love about high end audio. Gryphon amplifier and audiovector speakers.
I love the new Alison Krauss and Robert Plant album.
Hear hear! We are the One Percent!
The virtual stage effect, such as an orchestra playing on stage, in the concert hall perspective from row ten. That is my favorite perspective. Same perspective in an opera production, with the performers on stage, heard from row ten. I don't care for the highlighted pinpoint effects. AND OF COURSE: smaller Jazz Ensembles recorded from a "close night club perspective" are preferred over individual mics on each instrument.
IN OTHER WORDS: I want to hear my preferred music when I can at home. THIS IS SECONDARY to going to live productions, which demand complicated logistics and sleep-over at friends' homes after concert.
I've been pursuing my dream system for 54 years. I never wanted it to sound like the band was right in front of me. That's ridiculous. Almost without fail, most bands I've heard right in front of me that play the kind of music I prefer to listen to sounded like shat. I never cared what other people thought of the sound of my system. I wasn't building it for them, I was building it for me. All I ever wanted was a system that had nice deep but not contrived bass, lush mid range, and never harsh highs. I wanted analog sound, even with digital sources. I felt like I had finally found it, but being a true audiophile, I had to keep up the quest. I fell into the brand name trap and replaced two components in my system with McIntosh gear. No true audiophile can claim to be one having never owned McIntosh, right? I listened to it for 6 months, and during that entire 6 months, I knew that I had made a $10K mistake. It sounded stellar, very precise, defined, and accurate, but everything I really wanted to hear was missing. When I finally swallowed my buyers remorse, and re-installed my two original components, a dark cloud stopped hovering over my head, and my audiophile soul smiled again. My brain said "there it is dumbass, just what you have always been looking for. Now, quit trying to fix something that isn't broken". For the first time in 54 years, my "audiophile dream list" is empty, and I have every intention of keeping it empty. I have the right speakers, the right amp, and the right preamp, the right cables, the right everything. My system sounds exactly perfect to me. It's a system and sound that I can die happy with. I can't help but wonder how many audiophiles actually achieve that goal, or worse yet, fail to realize that they already have.
Wonderful story! Congrats!
A reproduction that can make you feel emotional, make the goose bumps appear, beautifully crisp highs and warm punchy lows and a mid range to die for. I think most of us have found this system in their price range but more and more it is the recording that fails. I find my Yamaha RN-803d and Q Acoustic 3050i set up gives me everything as I have now achieved perfect stereo imaging in the room it is in. The source and recording is everything though. I tend to use Apple Airplay and I have many tracks that are just moving, especially when the volume is cranked up. Every aspect of some tracks are outstanding. Then you get some that simply cannot bring that which is down to the recording 👍🏻
I was so happy with my KEF LS50W. Until they broke down. Then I was super happy with my LS50W2's. Until I combined them with my SVS SB-2000 Pro's. That's what made me ultimately happy :-)
Stunningly happy with my KEF’s too! Cheers
Boiled down to one sentence. An Audiophile is always in the everlong pursuit for wanting better-sounding equipment than they currently have
Might as well add that to Wikipedia
Jajajajajajaja
Back in 1978 after a lot of listening around, I could buy a budget system that gave me "The Sound". It's the type of HiFi sound that draws you into the music and makes you forget everything else for a while. 10 years later I upgraded to a system that also did The Sound, but at a higher level. Then the amplifier was stolen and an exact replacement wasn't available because it had gone off the market. Another amplifier had to do, but at the given budget it didn't work out 100% to produce The Sound again. Two years ago, I finally had the budget to build a system that brought The Sound back in full. It's like heaven all over again.
I don't think audiophiles expect too much...just perfection! :)
I do. It's easy. It's not about 'good sound'. It's about people wanting a system that makes their music sound the way they think it's supposed to sound. They always have this thing where they think 'if only it had a bit more this or that'. The continual chasing of an illusion.
I think we’re all looking for an authentic sound, and an experience. When I play a record, it’s an experience. I like to stop what I’m doing, and just focus on that record.
I already have what I craved most, a house with no downstairs neighbours and a good large room where my system can stretch its wings.
Always some new aspect. Thanks Steve!
The last thing I'd want is pefect sound (even if I knew what that was) - then I'd have no more upgrading and tweaking fun!
Very simple this one! I wanna fill my room with good energy, decent low-end, clean highs, great mids and a good and proper set-up! If my music comes alive, i know i'm getting there, and for the most, that's good enough for me. At least for a while. Cheers from Denmark ✌️🇩🇰
I want planars, dacs, some Schiit, one class a/b and one class d, B&W 703s, a fast motorcycle, great food and poontang.
My biggest want is that all of the music I buy or stream is recorded well enough that it plays well on my carefully put together system. The biggest question mark when I listen to music is the quality of the recording. If it is recorded well, chances are it sounds great on my system. My system isn't super expensive (about 5k), but I have heard great recordings that sounded magnificent. Then I have heard some recordings that didn't sound good on any system I listened to them on. It all starts out with the recording process.
I agree with your comment. The quality of Recordings is the most important factor, once you have a good quality hifi system.
Steve, I know this is somewhat off topic, but Tekton has also become extremely popular in the past few years. I used to crave new gear all the time, but am finally satisfied with my system, which took years of trying different cartridges, preamps, amps, etc. It is a really great feeling to be done with that, but then again, we’re audiophiles. We don’t stay dormant for too long. ; )
Nick Pantazi,, my speaker search for audio Minerva has finally come to an end. I’m likely going to be keeping my Tekton Double Impact speakers for as long as I’m alive.
@@motorradmike Hey there, Michael. Yup, me too. I auditioned at least 15 pairs of speakers going up in price as much as aprox $10 - $15K. During my search for new speakers, I went to my buddy’s place who had a pair of Pendragons. His system was luckily very similar to mine, and after spinning some tunes, I knew the search was over. I called up Eric the next day and ordered a pair. This was aprox 2 yrs ago and I still have absolutely zero “upgraditis”.
Hey Nick
What turntable/cartridge, preamp and amp are you using?
@@vinylrules4838 Hi there. I have 2 turntables, a heavily modded and upgraded through KAB Technics SL-1200 M3D and a Yamaha PX-2, which is a linear tracking direct drive deck. On the Technics deck, I’m running a Denon DL 103r LOMC cartridge. The Yamaha has a Yamaha MC-1s LOMC cartridge on it. For the phono stage, I’m using a Tavish Classic with a Swagman external linear PSU. My preamp is a VTA SP-14, and my amp(s) are Quicksilver mid mono monoblocks. I could of course get much more into the details, like the types of tubes, cables, etc., but I’ll spare you. lol Hope that was helpful. Are you asking because of what I said about being happy with my system?
For me it’s finding recordings where the equipment “disappears” in the room, the sensation the artist is in my listening room. NOTHING beats live music, to me, and that sensation described is the nearest I can get to live music, while sat in my room. The most expensive kit will disappoint if the recording is subpar … well my experience. As well, even an “entry level” system will delight with a solid recording/mix. You nailed it, those are hard to find, but they are around and they are magic.
Electrostatic seem to get as close to that for what most people can afford.
What are your thoughts on electrostatic speakers?
I like a lot of older music because of the way it was recorded back in the 1940s 1950s, 60s etc. It was all analog with vaccum tubes! Even the microphones had tubes in them which would explain why vocals sounded so much richer and warmer sounding. Solid state can be good but like you said Steve there is something about that sound.
After 54 years chasing the Absolute Sound I went for simplicity and convenience and have one unit all in one box which has all the features I like.Still have a CD player because It sounds better than downloaded music or streaming music at least for me. A bit room treatment and some tweaks helps too.
This is the question, what we audiophiles searching for. I would say, we are all seeking the perfect solution in sound delivery for our tastes and possibilities. The journey to the best sound for yourself is your way of audio wisdom and experience. Love your channel 👍👋
Another Great Video
I have an old NAD that is 17 years old(2*50 Watts),Immotiva bluetooth-receiver(LDAC) and Dynavoice 65 v4.Low base,25hz.I use Tidal Master and it sounds great.Good Hifi at a low cost.Thank You Mr Gutenberg for your entertaining rewiews.
Steve, you are incredible, what a good definition, what an excellent and great exhibition, you really are one of the few, counted on one hand, that can define our vast race of audiophiles so accurately.
I can see a range of T shirts with "We are the 1% !" on the front and
" Audiophile" or "Music First" on the back.
Then it occured to me that people who don't know what Audiophile means might get it mixed up with something else with "phile" on the end and that could get pretty ugly pretty fast.
One of the best ways to achieve hi-fi sound quality I've learned from listening to Steve and Nelson Pass, is to use relatively low wattage (big heavy) class A power amplifiers, driving large very efficient speakers like the Klipsch Cornwall. I can't afford these yet, but it's what I would try if/when I can.
I try to squeeze as much sonic information out of every track depending on source material.
That's only one philosophy, you may or may not like it. That's not my cup of tea, and I've never been impressed with Nelson Pass amplifiers
I'm really enjoying the Schiit Aegir on my Cornwall 4s, but I think I'm going to go down the rabbit hole and upgrade to some tube amps someday! I am super impressed with class a it is such a difference on my speakers.
In the end Steve, it will inevetably be analog. No matter how much digital processing you do (or don't do) , when it comes out of the speaker, it is pure analog.
Then, when it finds its way to your ears, it will also be nothing but analog - that's just "the nature of the beast" - moving air at a particular frequency in time.
They are trying to fill a hole in their soul, that they are never able quite fill.
They all crave different things!
I remember when i was a child (8-10 yrs old) - i loved to go to cinema not because of the big screen, but because of big sound system and that audio. Now that i'm older, my goal is to have proper cinema sound in my living room :)
Lovely chat. Thank you.
I live in a one bedroom flat….I have a decent amp,bookshelf speakers and and a sub…I’ve got a valve photo pre amp and a decent stylus…the speakers are positioned well…It all works well for me and stuff sounds how I want it to hear! (I don’t want to go down the rabbit hole of trying to make it sound any better!)
Firstly, I dont think all audiophiles are looking for exactly the same thing - although our interests obviously do dovetail. I believe there is a spectrum. One end of the spectrum can be characterised by "The closest approach to the original sound". Trying to recreate as accurately as possible whatever happened at the original musical event (where such a thing exists). At the other end of the spectrum you find people who wish to get the maximum possible enjoyment from their recorded music. Or to GET the musical message being propogated by the original musicians. Obviously these two goals are not mutually exclusive. But at one end your are likely to find monitor style, largely transistor based and, yes, digital gear. At the other you will find turntables, valve (tube) amps and horn loudspeakers. I am talking in generalities here; there are many shades of grey. And audiophiles will be spread right accross this spectrum - not just at one end or the other. This is why our tastes differ and also why there are so many different approaches to audio gear.
Yes
It’s been said that sometimes you don’t know the value of what you have until it’s gone. I consider myself truly fortunate to be in the exact opposite position. I didn’t know the value of what I had until the last small modification I made to my system a couple of weeks ago.
For forty years I have been a music lover and audiophile. Through different phases of good times and lean times, with many conflicting priorities, I’ve maintained some kind of music playing system. About fifteen years ago, I made the decision to pursue a better sound using CD as the source. I wanted a full range sound with minimal components, in other words, the classic British path of least interference, with components being auditioned for compatibility to avoid the need for correction in the room.
Up until two years ago, all of this was done using off the shelf products, in totally standard form. Nothing crazy in terms of cables and such, just better than the basic items for interconnects, speakers and power. Then I met a colleague who knew a lot about electrical components, and I entered a whole new world of tinkering. This has taken me to a whole new level of enjoyment in my music playback, I could previously only dream about.
So, back to my first comment, about not knowing the value of what I had. Through lucky circumstance, I had assembled components of good quality, but more importantly, the potential to be great. Changing out various components that had been selected by financial constraint, to ones chosen for sonic ability, the hitherto untapped potential of the system was gradually revealed. Each change moved the system forwards. However, I wasn’t prepared for the leap the most recent modification has made.
My friend has been telling me for weeks about the benefits of cleaning the power by addressing switching noise generated by bridge rectifiers. I kept nodding and agreeing that one day I’d get round to ordering the parts I needed to put RC snubbers (a resistor/capacitor combo) across the AC legs of the bridge rectifiers in my amp. There are two, as it’s a dual mono design.
Finally, we had an excuse to get together and do a few mods to our gear and I ordered the parts in preparation. Job done and we sat down to listen. Well, ever since, I have been floored by the change in the sound. The system was a classic analytic sound, with plenty of detail, notes that started and stopped as they should, a very neutral balance and so on. CDs that were well recorded sounded excellent, however, compressed recordings were revealed in all their horror.
Now, however, the sound is liquid. Gone is the faint edge to the sound. In its place is texture, nuance, fluidity and so much detail I am left dumfounded by recordings I thought I knew well. I can honestly say, I never knew what I had lurking inside these amazing boxes I call my Hi-Fi system until I found it two weeks ago. What’s more, previously unplayable CDs were now enjoyable, so my music collection has effectively trebled in size.
There is no easy answer for those looking to follow in my journey. It’s taken two years of learning new skills, research and borrowing the talents of an audio engineer, however, I have saved many thousands of pounds and I have built an entire second system in my study just for fun. For me, the journey on my main system is paused while I sit back and enjoy it for a while. Still plenty to do in the study though, and that’s going down the twin paths of analogue and streaming.
If you’ve made it this far, well done! Merry Christmas to all.
At the risk of sounding geeky, terribly metaphysical or even a bit psychedelic, I still be honest here and say that for me it’s like taking a trip to a powerful hyper-reality and yet another higher level of meaning and bliss. And there are many cups to choose from and the only end is when I say it is. I’ve had a few motorcycles but I leaned down to one that never disappoints to thrill me or give me what I need. That could change of course. With audio tech, it is quite different now and I am changing my system up because my listening experience and needs are evolving. It’s time to take another few trips to that sweet, fun and cool sonic Nirvana cause that’s what I’m craving now.
The hard part about this hobby is getting components that give you the best sound and then being disappointed when your favorite recordings were done so poorly. So then a lot of audio lovers go on a journey of buying well recording music even if they don't really like the songs. It can be frustrating
It’s a hobby. I’m flexible in my desires of audiophile stuff. The more experience the happier I am. I crave diversity for diversities sake. And sometimes I hit something special. But the journey is the joy.
Also, I just posted my first jazz audiophile review. Let me tell me you - it’s special lol
Very, Very true on the speakers. Klipsch is my favorite now. emotiva on the amps.
When Steve and Herb were together recently, Steve used the word 'density' and how even the best equipment can't quite reproduce the sonic density of a live grand piano. Any attempt at getting close is not easy without vast sums of cash.
MSB and Gryphon have that density
@@divertiti I looked up these brands just now. I remember seeing Gryphon speakers and amplifiers, maybe on YT. Those items are quite serious. I'm into vertical line arrays. Have several small pioneer and KEF speakers stacked up in my music room, power them with a Crown class D amp, use black sticky sorbothane strips between speaker cabinets to absorb resonance and help anchor them together (non-conventional system 😁).
@@mikeday62 Got it, with that type of setup, that density is not going to be there. If you wanted to upgrade, the Crown amp should be the first on the list
Yes, its the sound, every quality hifi has its own sound, thath is also why some want this instead of thath.
Great video Steve. I look for the "wow" factor. "Wow!, did I hear that?" Am I actually hearing the strings being plucked??" You won't get that from a Crosley Cruiser. That's why I go the extra miles for audiophile gear.
I have just realised that I am not the audiophile. But don't worry, I still will be watching your channel :)
Thanks
Answering the question, It's difficult to put into words but you know it
when you've got it. I'm 75 hearing all but shot and I have tinnitus can't
hear much above 6/7 k without my hearing aids. I love point source
'speakers, I have used Tannoy duels now using Kef uni-Qs, and what
I think I craved and still enjoy is the sense of space these 'speakers
create so it's not only an open treble that does this the whole thing
plays a part. But these days I no longer worry about the minutiae
of a recording I just listen and enjoy the music. Now that is a craving
to satisfy believe me.
I've owned some fairly strange but wonderful stuff, in my time some of which maybe some would call dubious, a set of EPI Magnums, a converted Euro Denon power amp, dual turntable with a audio-technica shimano quad needle cartridge I would kind of go for what I thought would work well, cheaply. During this time I was given a Carver C-4000, I was intrigued with pop/snap filter, holographic modes-- (natural and theoretical) and dynamic range expander. I used it for a while, but it was old, over 20 years to be concise and I set it aside. Retirement and too much time to find a way to get better sound coming out of my speakers, I bought a low end Pro-ject turntable, but upgraded with a heavier counterweight and installed a Sumiko mc cartridge, (blue plate evo III), a heavier 'Acrylate' platter and this greatly improved the sound. Anchoring a marble slab turntable shelf to the brick wall in my living room didn't hurt either. Then I decided to try the Carver again after sending it off to get repaired by Bob Carver's team of techs at Deltronics in Chicago, they did me right, gotta say, even tracking down some obsolete i.c.s that my C4000 needed to make the holographics work right. The last 2 items I needed (really wanted) was a tube amp and after that, some new speakers. Macintosh was out of my range, so I did some research and was impressed with some internet items I heard of, PrimaLuna premium dialogue integrated, and Tekton Perfect Set 10s fit the bill quite nicely. This ultra-linear amplifier plus the speakers had one drawback, it reproduced faithfully whatever was in the signal path. Welcome to HiFi eh? The built in phono stage in the Carver which was adjustable for MM or MC cartridges just wasn't cutting the mustard. My solution was to use a Project tube phono stage into the Carver aux. This is working for me right now (ok, so I upgraded to KT-120s!)I have a really awesome sound from my system, which is unique in a lot of ways, but there is always room for improvement, so who knows what tweak is next?
For me it’s the best possible listening experience at a reasonable price. I like the idea of recordings sounding like you are there - I tend to prefer live recordings and I also highly enjoy binaural recordings. As some have pointed out, that is not always realistic because of production techniques. Then it becomes trying to get as close to the artist’s or producer’s concept of the music, if they are excellent at their craft. Then I get used to the way my system sounds and am on a quest for the next better sound. It is a lot of fun, but can get expensive. As a bass player, my first bass was what I could afford. My next bass sounded and played better, and was more expensive. I now own 7 basses. It’s about the journey and thinking you’re at the destination at least for a moment.
Great video! I just bought a restored Thorens TD 125 MK2 with a Lounge Copla. Lounge is a great product that should be mentioned more and more.
At Wilson and Magico prices, it's a once in a lifetime buy.
For some people, for others they can buy one every month or every year
I'm looking for a system that makes listening to (almost) everything a joy. Qualities I like are wealth in sound and dynamics, I like my system to let me hear what the artists and engineers were trying to achieve. It's not about what I want, it is about revealing what the artists were meaning to let me hear. In my quest, my system has evolved. Acousticly treated room, Accuphase Mosfet poweramp, AudioNote DAC, ZenStram, Aric Tube Preamp, AMB power supplies, JBL xpl 160, lots of tweaking and customising. Learning, experimenting, listening, understanding and being humble as there is so much knowledge out there and I understand so little....a great hobby.
I have always sought to reproduce the sound of a live performance so I purchased Cornwalls when I was 16 years old in 1980. My most expensive audio purchase, but also the most economical because I was done. A true buy it for life purchase.
I used to sell Ultra High-End Audio and Video Systems circa 2000-2001. I Managed a Boutique series of Show Rooms in Northern California. One Room (250K) was a full Meridian Digital System, Front Projector, Line Doubler Drop Down Screen and a Room replete with Room Treatments. Another Room I had was a Two-Channel Room. The Variables in that Room were of Speaker Lines; Hales, Dunleavy, B&W, Canton and Others, and of CD Players; Three Arcam Models and a 5K Meridian Digital Player. What was insightful was to Witness, with near-predictablity, the Bodily and Emotional Responses of those Clients; of whence Foot-Pacing, or and of to the ultimate, a streaming of Unemotional Tears, of whence a "Mind Falls Away",..of suspended Moments sans Reference, sans of Memory. Sound and Intention of the Artists reaching Minds unencumbered. To your question, I posed a Phrase to Others in my Field, as well as to respondant Clients, to of what Audiophiles seek and sought, and it is to this Proximity - to be immersed within a "Mystico-Poetic Encounter".
Dig your shirt!
A very interesting comment you made, Steve, about what audience mixing engineers aim for - I learned recently that the early Capitol Beatles' Albums were remixed by Capitol to sound 'good' on the low-end record players popular with teenagers back then. And that makes a lot of sense; even now, record companies surely want their products to sound 'good' to the majority 99% of their customers with non-audiophile equipment. Maybe you could do one of your Podcast interviews with someone from a major label to discuss their strategy in that area - it would be interesting to know what, if anything, they have in mind?
"1%" patch worn on the colors. This is said to refer to a comment by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) that 99% of motorcyclists were law-abiding citizens, implying the last one percent were outlaws.
Emotion!
Well after our Rig is complete ( laughs & thinks that is not going to happen)... Anywho at first I thought that I wanted all recordings to be good ,but then again after sifting through hundreds of songs I have learned to really appreciate when I find that hidden gem of a song that just sounds amazing and just feels right - Right song- Right Time - Right volume..... I LOVE IT!
Audiophiles are looking for audiophiles
Bless Steve’s Viewers System Of The Day
I thought about it. It’s true who else can we talk to that appreciates the difference between a moving coil or moon dust covered hypersonic telepathic interconnects.
I’d say the KEF LS50 (Original and Meta version) have been pretty darn popular since 2011, not to mention receiving eons of awards and favorable reviews….but of course, like anything else, they are not for everyone.
Just got a pair of those little speaker stands. Really good for speakers that must be on a shelf to table etc.
Respect
I want my next piece of equipment to let my music hit me in a different way than i've heard before. At this point, swapping around inexpensive components can still do that for me.
I'd say quality sound without breaking the bank. I have it with my large Advent speakers, Carver 900 amplifier, Dual 504 turntable, and Marantz CD player.
Wow! A blast from the past preserved in audio aspic.
Audiophiles crave Steve G and other reviewers validating their purchases by giving the product a good review, because audiophiles aren't capable of believing their own ears.
You got this one perfectly. The irony of chasing that "perfect sound" makes the pursuer constantly second-guess themselves, thus, relying on others "experienced" in the field to validate their choices. Sad.
As Freddie Mercury said
" I want it all, I want it now"
I crave the sound I'm in the mood for. And I get that with a combination from different gear and songs.
Upgrading speakers and components can be a real pain and involve a lot of time …. But that is the really fun part for me.
Audiophiles have a strong positive emotional response to music, and crave a system that "amplifies" that response in some way. That may simply mean louder but without distortion, or it may mean razor sharp clarity so each musician can be audibly isolated and appreciated, or it may mean a system that presents the overall ambience of the musical stage in a smooth, realistic, and enjoyable way. Audiophiles need to have a laser focus on the types of music and the type of system that enhance their emotion experience and ignore everything else.
More people are getting what a audiophile is now. That is why mix engineers at movie mixing have DTS, DOLBY DIGITAL , IMAX , AURO 3D, Good sound is a great thing. Some people are just now discovering this.
For their system to "be the best" and everyone to go WOAW
Also for the singer to be 1cm right in front of them and the drums 50km to the left and the piano 10m up in the sky
I found if you want to have an excellent musical experience : wait until you crave to listen to speakers/music, and be emotional, or in a state where the music can evoke that. That way it won't sound harsh or wrong. You will not get fatigue at least until your emotional state wears off.
Also be healthy. Tired, fatigued? Your system will sound like that too. You'll want soft and cushy, if you make a system around this, you'll then crave dynamics and punch when you become more alert etc
I've found "audio nirvana" in cheapo $10 speakers before. Goes to show that you don't always need to have the equipment, though it can help immensely :)
It's not complicated at all...the music, through the system, should MOVE me, should communicate emotion.
A 1%er here. I don't want to critique my system, rather critique the performances. I don't listen to music in my car. Scale is prime, the rest, pacing, freq response, etc., seem to follow. This may be the Golden Age of hifi. Consider 60 years of some outstanding used gear, huge amount of new gear. Cheap cds, new lps. Streaming! Yeah, it's a good time to be an audiophiliac!
Definitely not the music itself. But the ancillary things around it.
Encounter(s).
That's it. The myriads of encounters. Sometimes, when you get it just right, music fills one with a multitude of sensations: hope, resiliance, purpose, the feeling of "sonder", the unexpected, a musical idea (one that can't but be put through music), a certain feeling one gets when lost in good art, like essay films (like Sans Soleil) or a Sofia Coppola movie...
It's as if something from the outside strikes a match and kickstarts our introspection. Sometimes we might not even know we needed it until we hear the tune.
Soldiers often sing to *boost morale*. In fact, the same song strikes 100 people differently. There's all sorts of recollection. Some songs convey a whole era. Others a sense of the infinite/universal in all man. Others just a good chill, others a busy street in our collective unconscious, other times it's indescribable. It's why good movies often need a solid score, or play around with it, as in Godard's way.
Either way, art is as old as nature. There's line and color and song in birds and animals. It's part of existence.
Timbre, nuances, accuracy, micro details, etc. At the end, I am looking to create a link with the performance and evoke emotions derived from listening.
Alan Parsons said it best: “Audiophiles don't use their equipment to listen to music. Audiophiles use your music to listen to their equipment."
When it gives me goosebumps...and I go, is that you Whitney?!!
I read an article in the last couple years, written by one of the best, world renowned, most experienced canoe paddlers. He still has an small voice that tells him that he is a poser, a faker. I have had a very nice system in storage for 30 some years because my wife doesn't share the passion. The marriage compatibility discussion test should have a couple questions on if medium to large sized speakers are going to be allowed in the living room. Getting back to 2 channel listening, watching experts. And building a room in our new house for my system. But, the best room for it would still be the living room/great room where there will be a soundbar and not even a bass woofer.
If you can make Kiss sound good the journey is over
Yes, Steve what is itthe 1 % looking for ? Well once you find your sound system. It's the peace that you find listening to a really good recording. Nothing like a good experience 😌. It's only for those who love that experience, most people music is just background item.Only my opinion.What we are looking for is Steve Guttenberg next You Tube post, you are the best!!
Simple man. We want the impossible.
What I think Audiophiles crave is to be satisfied with the sound they are getting. One day I think I nailed it with a good, strong recording, and the next I'm wondering what's going on with a weak recording. The goal of prefect sound all the time is not obtainable. There is only in the moment.
The recording is baked into the medium that we have no control over. Good or bad recordings, we are stuck with the music. It's like eating canned food but that's all we have. I know some audiophiles ONLY listen to good recordings even if they're bad music. That's a terrible way to live.