Hope you all enjoy the video and appreciate the Carlsberg play on words of the video title 😀 My Why HiFi videos are meant to be a showcase of a stunning system and a look at the story behind why someone invests their time and money into the hobby and what it means to them
WOOWWW! Estoteric Grandioso dual mono DACs, TAD floor standers and pre amp, and Mono Power amps, REL No25s, custom still points rack......Stuff of dreams..😍😍Terry, where did you leave your trusted mics for an in room experience for us mortals.
Amazing system in the mega-buck range. I have a couple of points: 1. No room treatment? 2. 5 chassis cd system seems a bit much, even for a "best" system. 3. I believe the room, speaker interface is the most important consideration, especially as one starts the journey. Perhaps at the esoteric level, the front end becomes more important the higher you go. 4. I totally agree regarding the benefit of subs, particularly if you relieve the mains of also producing the signals below 50hz. Fun stuff. I appreciate that he wants to help others.
@@PaulSerat No way that 6 subs is required to match the output of the mains. If he had the giant TAD horn systems, like the big Westlake stuff, it would still be overkill.
I wouldn't assume that there isn't any. To me it sounds like there is some (whether there is truly enough and the right stuff... Well, we would need to hear a better demo then what was provided here). Also his speaker choice would dictate less room treatment then many other speakers would require. I would guess zero EQ on mains (as it likely isn't needed) and of course the REL Six Pack has it built in. Terry, any words regarding room treatment? Was the room to lively for your taste? Thanks.
Alex, …but you’re not one of those smart as*es who claim that if you’re „smart enough“ you can save all (or the biggest part of) your money if you‘d only treat your room acoustic correctly with a few panels, are you? Well then…I‘m relieved 😌
@@johndaddabbo9383 I would assume there is little if any; actually, it is quite obvious. Even with DSP or DIRAC, and the best speakers, quite a lot of treatment professionally implemented is an absolute requirement.
@@budroe4057 Well, I'm certainly not positive, but given that the components of this system are well over 250K in total one can imagine that 50K+ would be spent on the room. So something such as this "may" be being used (replace all 'z' with 't') hzzps://youzu.be/13VH8ZPAeG8 I really wish Terry would chime-in and let us all know.
I like that he's prepared to help others get a good sounding system. This is what is great about the hobby, you want others to have the best experience, too. So we're always offering advice, it may not always be correct, but we try to help.
@@geoffwalmsley3066 What audiophile buys expensive clothes, when they have gear to buy, anyway? All my clothes are cheap too, but that's because I'm poor anyway. Also, who's got time to be envious of others when there's refining the setup that is within one's own budget. That's the real fun part. :^D
I do too. That is why I service Reel to Reel tape recorders for no charge. A labor of love. Especially a Tandberg TD20A SE 7.5/15 2 track which I have.
Wow... I heard TAD at a show and thought they were terrific. Although my wallet/credit card couldn't flex that much, id love to listen to this sort of system... epic! Thanks for making the video.
Great video Terry! Refreshing to hear about a rare brand in the journey of a passionate audiophile who’s found his nirvana. Your video production and content are going from strength to strength. Keep it up mate.
When it comes to elite high end systems I usually switch off (because its all up in the clouds and never become a reality for me in my life time) but this video I found captivating and informative. The argument for having a subwoofer was educational, something for me to consider when forming a modest system. Well done Pursuit Perfect System another great video....!
A sub makes the entire size and image of your system bigger. However high your speakers, however wide (within reason) adding a sub fills in the space in between and makes it one big image. I don't know why this is... but it actually is true-- everything from cheap bookshelf spkrs to high end towers. Two subs in stereo widen the sound stage and can alter the perception of the mid and highs. Of course the main speakers still output the same information but, the sub changes your aural perception. The other thing to consider is you can get really good sound for little money.The difference between this system and a well balanced $2,500. system with a pair of $1k subs, while not nearly as 'fine' can put up an excellent challenge to the so called best.
@@keithmoriyama5421 Thank you for your thoughts, then the next question would be if I was forming a system with entry level ATC do I get ATC SCM11 with sub or just go onto ATC SCM19 without sub, what are the Pros and cons?
@@Romulus980 I am not familiar with the two speakers but, coming from a pro background, I really like ATC. What you are asking is: "Is it better to go with cheaper speakers with a sub or better speakers without one." The cheaper/sub combo will produce a more pleasing awe inspiring sound while the pricier option will produce a more correct linear sound-- especially since the ATC's have studio monitor heritage. It is not about linear, coherent, time and phase aligned, acoustically correct speakers-- it's about what sounds best. Only pro gear has all those restraints; home gear-- whatever sounds best. The cheaper/sub combo will sound better. It's pure physics. Having said that I would go with the better speakers and NO sub. The payoff will come down the road. You will learn what is 'real' sound instead of what initially excites you You will become aware of the acoustical balance in your system and how it presents musical program. In short a higher fidelity system will educate your ears... which is really your brain. After you have reached a certain point of proficiency adding a sub will really become an epiphany. Mean while research the difference between single and multiple combinations and learn the difference between a musical SV sub and an impact SPL sub.
That's another thing. Until you have tuned in your system and become familiar with it's limitations and your own awareness of musical fidelity-- you will just waste your money and buy the wrong sub. An uneducated ear will tell you, "this sounds way better." When really all you are doing is exciting your ears in the present. Keith's 4th rule of audio: "anything that can make your system sound better can make your system sound terrible."
@@keithmoriyama5421 Many thanks for your thoughts. It is a rare occurrence that some one has answered my query so succinctly and in realistic practical terms. Are you in the audio business or a hobby audiophile?🙂
What makes the REL different from all others is the ability to hear the fundamental of low bass and even from the Purdue Bass Drum and some of the best bass, kettle and a variety of these powerful bass drums and hear overtones that I have never heard from ANY other subwoofer and the seemless mesh with all the rest of the bass and midbass is fabulous. They have been able to do this since the Stentors II. Even my Stadium III kept up with my Magnepan 3.6r's. With some of the finest classical vinyl ever pressed when few pressings were made of some of very best performances in the early to late 1970s of which I have nothing of any other source match and by quite a large margin, they convey the true sound of what I have heard in the last 50 years from classical trios and quartests, chamber, to full100+ piece symphonies and opera that makes the human voice a magnificent instrument in it's own right.
It’s pretty absurd that anyone spending this amount of cash and dedication on finding the best equipment will not give two thoughts about room acoustics. You can clearly hear the room echo even when he’s just *talking*. It could very well be the worlds best system and you wouldn’t know it. So bizarre
I was hearing echo too when he was standing next to the speakers, he needs to do the clap test and do some wall treatments, soften up the room, too many reflective surfaces.
There is no reason for any of this, this can all be recreated digitally at a fraction of the cost. I attended a music conservatory for 4 years. I call this all bullshit!
Because anyone can treat a room's acoustics and do so on the cheap. But not everyone can show off that they can buy gear most can't afford or even refuse to buy. It's his money and the stuff looks good esoteric, but it's only ego stroking on UA-cam and room treatments can't do this. Again I don't care if he wishes to spend this exhorbinant amount of money. But honestly one can build a better sounding set up for what 1/10 th. The amount of money, but it would not get audiophile approval though. Oh why do all audiophile demos play the same bland style of music in these videos?🤔
I've spent a decade and thousands on treating my room. It sounds great. Some audiophile friends of mine have virtually no room treatments and their systems also sound great. Different, but great. Could be that musical tastes are influenced by the sound of the system. Dry sounding jazz recordings and classical records can sound pretty good in a fairly lively room. Great even. I try not to be dogmatic about it.
I really enjoyed that video! What a down to earth gentlemen. His opinions and explanations on his highend audio journey closely mimic my feelings as well. Well done!!
This was a great video, I love seeing and hearing about other enthusiasts systems of any level, but it is a treat to see something as well put together as this.
This video was incredibly awesome! It’s really fun to get a tour of a top notch system and insight from the owner on their experience with the Hifi journey. I prefer a residential hifi tour and interview over a hifi retailer tour. I’d like to see more of these. Good job and Thanks!
I like the fact that he likes the whole process of building and listening to his system, and isn't a snob about his gear and just wants it to sound real. I have heard a high end system once and it was by chance, but I could not believe how real it sounded, you could walk around the singer on the track. I wonder Terry if your experience of all the quality gear you have listened to would make it any easier to choose you own system to live with? cheers for another well made video.
They were active, their own custom tube amplifiers built in. Used television Horizontal amplifier power tubes to drive the panels from their plates ala Futterman.
The problem with people who are used to hearing live music, like me, formerly a bass and drums player, is it's almost impossible to emulate the sound you are used to. The ambience, the energy and the realism of live music is so unique. So it's just the basics of a sound system for me as I can't afford a system like the one portrayed above.
Congratulations, that’s a beautiful system. The goosebumps is the best test . If there’s a smile on your face and your foot is tapping , it’s money well spent
I agree with everything, almost. "Synergy" is the reason I went for ATC. They make very special SL mid range drivers, one of the only few that completely manufacture their own tweeters. With superb active amp packs and perfectly matched preamps. I have the SCM20asl's with the CDA2 mk2 CD player and DAC. Admittedly, I do need a sub!
Easily the best recorded sound that I had ever heard (and I've hear some other very expensive systems) came from a pair of older TAD reference speakers playing a master tape of Dark Side of the Moon. Truly a time machine if there ever was one!
So much wisdom spoken by Michael. The point he made with regards to a properly integrated sub, no truer words have been spoken. No matter what main speaker you choose it simply defies logic the improvements realized in mids, top end and every other parameter in musical reproduction makes them something you can't live without once heard. The TAD speakers are are among the very finest, I'd take them over any Wilson without any hesitation, always among the best sounding rooms at CES. And finally Michael, kudos on your choice in the Stillpoint racks, so much more than it's understated appearance portrays, it doesn't get much better. All the best gentleman!
I may have lost my last comment, but I'll certainly reiterate: I don't think I'd e v e r leave that gorgeous room. It's simply sky-high fabulous. Nothing's perfect, but this attempt suffices, as far as I'm concerned... sublime. AND, an edit: And I'm NOT listening for perfection, I WOULD simply swoon in that sumptuous EFFORTLESSNESS.
Great content Terry, fascinating to hear this guys journey. I will never be able to do what he has, but having heard a few £50K plus systems over 30 years ago, I know that there is a gulf in difference between true high end and the pretenders. You have to hear it to appreciate it, and when you do, you need a few days to come back down and hear the joy in your own system again! I'd love to know if he ever considered Townsend isolation platforms for those speakers. He's acknowledged the importance of isolation and advised he prefers to have the floor standers raised, so I would have thought he would achieve best results with true isolation and not keeping the speakers anchored to the floor - especially in a room with big air movement from the subs. Still I'll admit my own feelings and choices are almost irrelevant at this level. Really great content Terry - I value your posts and what you bring to us, thank you!
Hearing your journey is very inspiring. This has become one of my favorite videos. Love the conversation,breakdowns and the knowledge of what you own. Great video. Thanks for sharing.
As an audio enthusiast. Room treatment and placing those subs far away from corners and or walls would drastically improve your system. And one of those costing nothing. I highly recommend it as it seems you take listening to music very seriously
Exactly the point I wanted to make. Except for the subwoofer placement. REL actually tells you to place them in the corner and slowly pull them out if they are too amplified. But the room acoustics are terrible, you can definitely hear an echo when he slaps the speakers.
Agree with some of the comments about room acoustics. The room looks to have facing reflective surfaces. The carpet is good. but absorption and diffraction panels placed by a specialist company would be the next way to go. Their apparent absence is a bit weird considering the rest of the set up.
Absolutely, it is the elephant in the room and I am surprised with Terry's DiRAC room correction preaching that no mention of the glaring omission was made.
These speakers alone are £120,000.00 in UK, 2x mono power amps £70K and the whole system is well over £300K, maybe 400, .... 🙃. Amazing. Thanks Terry for a great video.
The Esoteric stack is probably about £130K in the UK. I feel sorry for audiophiles in the UK, the pricing is crazy expensive compared to some other markets.
Great video. My biggest upgrade is adding four 12" subs the difference is night and day. Also buying speakers and subs from the same company helps with synergy, the experience is almost life-changing.
That’s around a £400-500k system excluding the room construction, which doesn’t appear to have any acoustic treatment. You can spend as much as you like on a system but if the room isn’t right it’ll sound average. I heard a £250k Nagra system with B&W Nautilus in the wrong room and is was stunningly average. The other major component is the quality of the recording and mastering, if that’s poor it doesn’t matter how much you spend on gear, you can’t polish a turd!
I'm building my own studio for recording and mastering. My friend has been a pro composer for over a decade now, and he says the exact same thing you said above. He had new mics, monitors, soundcard, preamps etc. Then he treated his room. Boom! Total game changer with the overall listening experience. His mixes took a huge leap and was getting compliments from his first mix moving forward. And it's exactly how you described. You can have million dollar system in a concrete square room with tile floor and totally flat ceiling and yes, it will sound 'stunningly average'. I love this expression John, I'm gonna borrow it! One guy that is all about practical and real data to show what works and what is a waste of money. Ethan Winer has some great videos to show with actual testing equipment specifically designed to just test for differences in sound. Very informative stuff. And if you look at his system is remarkably average quality but I assume because the room has been treated to as best it can be it will sound 10X more impressive.
This hifi system is a like VW Golf which has been tuned to the max in every aspect (engine, cooling, exhaust, brakes, suspension etc.) but the tires (room acoustics) have been carried over from the base model. Moreover, the listening distance seems to be quite long so you'll likely hear the room (reflections) more than the speakers (direct sound). I'm listening to music with Genelec speakers which can automatically compensate detrimental room acoustics to some extent. But still that cannot fix everything so I installed absorbers to reduce early reflections and at least some room modes. The effect was staggering. It's a shame there are still so many so-called highend audiophile shops selling stacks of top notch hardware to their uninformed customers who think they can achieve good results by winning the "hardware race".
Congratulations for you system,TAD Speakers and electronics are some of the best in the world,Andrew Jones did,as always a great job when he was working in TAD,but for me the Model one is his great creation and my favorite speaker.i used to work with TAD electronics and speakres and loved it.
Wow it's like a civil war in some of the comments. This gentleman can afford room treatments if he wants them. Maybe he is happy with what he's achieved. Maybe it's in the works. Maybe his lounge is a James Bond room with hidden room treatments that mechanically appear with a press of a button. Overall it's his system, home, and it's fantastic that he's sharing it on this channel and has willing to become an ambassador for TAD and etal. ✌️
100% agree. I was going to say something similar but you basically covered what I was going to say. If he needed treatments to get the sound HE was going for......he would have them.
I like my audio. Not quite as high end as this but I don't completely agree. I.e. the cd player... surely if it outputs a digital signal then the pre amp does most the work? How is isolating it making any difference? Secondly how are the rels relieving the main speakers? If using high level then you match the natural roll off of the mains. The mains should be performing untouched. If you are cutting their lower limit it ruins the performance and match up with the rels? I'm sure it sounds amazing for sure
Is it as good as MBL? Or is it better? MBL at CES in Las Vegas about 4 years ago sounded almost the realism I expect since I was raised by a concert violinist for the CSO and have imprinted in my brain the sound of a full orchestra during dress rehearsal. I have not ever heard anything that sounded like that yet. That is my quest and my bucket list. I am very very very picky.
Mbl will have the largest soundstage due to how it radiates the sound thus the most natural dispersion. Try zeta zero orbitals which are technically better than mbl
Question: he talks about the subs taking some of the load off the main speakers, but Rel is known for its high-level connection which feeds off the same binding posts on the amp as the main speakers i.e. there’s no crossover involved that can change the frequency ranges being fed to the main speakers…they’ll play every frequency as though the subwoofers weren’t there. So unless his amp has a dedicated sub-out and crossover that he can adjust, then how’s he achieving a lighter load on his speakers?
Yes I can endorse the speaker cab parabolic design as hands down the best I have ever heard as I have been working on my own designs for 5 years or so. I discovered the design premise by accident and have built 20 - 30 renditions of this type of cabinet and you can match the drivers to the inner case volume quite precisely. I found you can shape the sound acoustic signature of the driver even more by moving it deeper into the cab as well as cupping it to change the way the sound blooms inside and affects the sound front significantly. I will say this about the cab characteristics: they have the clearest sound, the loudest sound, and the largest wave front. The higher the cab the more bass it has until it reaches critical mass and then just falls apart completely, so cab tuning requires intense concentration.
Michael is the embodiment of an experienced true audiophile. First and foremost it's about the music, the gear is the delivery method not an end unto itself. I love the fact that he is into live Jazz and Soul music, which is quite endearing to those of my generation (60+). This interview is stellar Terry. For those of us who love large full range speakers (mine weigh a measly 83 kls ea.), and multiple subs on top of that, we know exactly what Mike means by subs are a next level upgrade to any system. Now,, I'm very hopeful that a there will be an upcoming sound demo. I know, a sound demo via UA-cam cannot fully deliver the full scope and quality of the sound at the original listening location. It can however (at least those Terry records), provide key elements that provide us, at this end, with valuable information regarding the system. Thank you Michael for sharing your thoughts, and audiophile wisdom. Thank you Terry for such premium content.
I am going to say something that is pure heresy. For me (and many others) it's about the synergistic experience of well integrated equipment. I've been a gear head all my life-- I made it my business and have personally owned hundred's of thousands in audio gear. I just like buying and fine tuning complete systems-- have 5 of them... which on rare occasions I listen to. They all sound different and I have the luxury of 3 different listening rooms, two which are dedicated and purpose built for sound. My wife loves music; there is non stop sound in the house... except where I hand out. I like quiet.
Great video Terry, the quality is really up there brother. Michael's insight was an eye opener. More of us should offer listening sessions like he offers.
I totally agree. 6 subs right at the wall? Amps in the cupboard? Cables one kilometer long? No optimizing of the room acoustic? Probably the best system on the planet? Congratulations!
Room Treatments? It's hard to tell. If there is any, it is hidden quite well. Not that with such a high end system would one need as much, however to have none seems unlikely. Or at least not probable given the Total system investment of over 250K. Please let us know, even if in fact there isn't any. Would love to know how YOU felt about the room if in fact there isn't any room treatments to speak of (other then of course the REL's built in PEQ). Thanks!
Based on the sound of the spoken word interview, I don’t believe that any room treatment has been installed. The listening room sounds like a typical conference room.
@@greenbeginner3353 That would be quite sad. I just can't imagine great sound with none. Maybe just a little, but not NONE. No sound demo, nor has Terry responded. Oh well...
Electrical power conditioning made a massive improvement on my system. I didn’t know how dirty and unregulated the electricity was until I cleaned it up. The equipment responded so positively to nice clean regulated power
Probably wouldn’t need 6 foot stacks of subs in the corners if he would do some simple acoustic treatments, and pull those amazing speakers into the room and get them off the rear wall.
I agree with some of the things that were said. The bit about not doing 2 changes at once is spot on. How will you ever know what is really going on if you don't take your time? Reliability is also so important, how will you ever enjoy your system if it is going wrong? CD can be good & in the right system can give you those goose bump effects. Good listening.
As pointed out in this video, I would first recommend raising the speakers of the ground instead of any other tweak. Even in the most basic setups it makes a huge difference to tighten the bass and minimize unwanted vibrations. Doesn't have to cost much at all.
@9:00 for the newbies (like me :))) what he is basically saying is that once you have a system that allows you to play with settings (most of the receivers / pre-amps nowadays), after you attach all your speakers & subs, you go to settings (on the screen of your pre-amp / receiver) and set the main floorstand front speaker to SMALL (not large). As he said, that way those speakers will "neglect" the lower frequency sound which will lead to 2 things: The floorstand front speakers will have ALL the wattage coming in directed to the mid range and tweeters and the costumer can crossover the lower Frequency limit to 80 Hz (for example). That will improve the sound quality dramatically on those speakers. All the Frequency bellow 80 Hz (if you crossover at that level) will be directed towards the Subwoofers instead, which will be handle by its own dedicated power amp. so == MORE POWER and BETTER sounds all around.
I'm looking and it seems you may have the same problem I have. When watching a movie on that screen, you probably get bad reflection off the speakers. Waiting for wife to make a couple of black socks. My screen is also low so don't have to look up like my son had. Projector is table mounted to minimise need for correction.
Very good video; I'm grateful to be invited into this guy's a/v room and to hear his thoughts. Pity as always some of the other guests are ungracious, but at least their envious and opinionated comments provide a source of amusement, however unbidden, so they're not entirely worthless I suppose.
TIP: That has worked for me. I never touch my HI Fi, With my fingers. I watched with interest as you turned everything on. Personally i prefer, To use my knuckles. I push switches always using my knuckles.. Even walking around my home. Light switches , Microwaves,. Saves getting the build up of Grease from your skin. Works for Me.
Terry - I think you should do more like this. So much knowledge out there and many people are happy to share their experiences. He’s got a killer system.
To keep just the speakers at the front to give them maximum space around them - the centre image of the soundstage was really something, you don't hear HiFi sound this good in this regard very often - one hand often
DIRAC helps greatly, but in the end, it is inadequate and only a partial solution to room acoustics. This had been discussed in great detail on professional/acoustic engineering sites.
I wonder if he would know the difference between his CD payer and one say costing about £1000 if it was swapped out without him knowing? Not sure what kind of music he listens to but his system doesn't look well suited to acoustic music though with those subwoofers. Fair play to him, but I would have spent more money on the room. Surely he can do better than that.
My god the ECHO when he slapped the top of his speaker!, yet another classic example a man who has the wonga and no idea how music should sound, ROOM ACOUSTICS. A trip to GIK and he´ll be drinking Carlsberg all day long :-)
There's no doubt in my mind that system sounds really good. But man, thats alot of dough. I think you could get close for much much less than what he spent. Of course, if money isnt an issue why though? And yes room acoustics, is 50% of what you hear.
@@Canadian_Eh_I you could do kef LS50 for a few hundred dollars instead of spending hundreds of thousands on that. Would a cheap 100 dollar cd player really sound that much worse than the 50 thousand dollar one he has!
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Having owned ls50's myself I have to agree. You just cant get that kindof resolution from such a small transducer . You need a 3 way at minimum to get full range sound + a subwoofer. That said, spending $1MM isnt necessary, but Im sure this guy already knows that lol
He is spot on when he said use Subwoofer(s) to enhance your sound. When I decided I'll go for my Klipsches decades ago the salesman asked me to check on something else. When he turned the Definitive Technology subwoofer on, I couldn't believe the sound and I took that first before I got the Klipsches. I also liked the fact that a CD player was being used. Though I believe records have their own charm they are too cumbersome to maintain and so is the record player. Anytime I would prefer the CD player and CD over the record player and records.
Another perfect example of a guy who knows absolutely nothing about audio and setup who just throws money at the most expensive components thinking he will have top of the line sound. His subwoofers are more of a hindrance than anything. First off placing them in the back is a big mistake. Im assuming theyre time aligned but what happens is they will be out of time alignment with the smallest movement of the head forward or backward. He should have the subs up front as close to the speakers as possible. Also stacking 3 subs on top of each other now you have to time align each individual woofer since theyre all a different distance from the ears. Speakers are also too far from the front wall. Bringing them much closer to the wall to where theyre about half a foot or less would get the bass thats bouncing off the front wall to be in phase with the initial speaker output and would give him more detail in the whole frequency range with more bass and depth. Then Id use only one rel on each side. Then coming to the electronics, one thing Ive learned over the years is that much of it is severely over priced and no better than equipment that costs 10x less. Youre paying for name and looks, just like a gucci bag. Measurements of amps and dacs have shown over and over that many times components worth less than a few grand measure better sometimes even than 100k amps. High end audio is 95 percent snake oil. That cd player for example. He could have achieved the same exact sound with flac files on a laptop with a 500 dollar dac. The dac will even have a preamp built in that is 100 percent transparent. I didnt watch the whole video but im guessing he used overly expensive cables connecting everything. Again measurements prove these cables are 100 percent snake oil. Imagine the money saved by using the power cords that came with that equipment and essentially lamp cord for the speakers all to achieve the same exact sound. Isolating digital electronics from vibrations is also laughable. This guy is all in on the snake oil. Oh well atleast it does all look really nice.
I got bitten by the audio bug in 1976. In 1979, I had finally saved about $400 USD from my after school job to purchase a new Sansui G3000 receiver. Plus a very cheap pair of 3 way 12'' Trans audio brand speakers. This was a house brand of monitors from an audio chain shop named Pacific Audio. 43 years later, today I finally own a high end system that the most any audiophile would be pleased with.
"Anybody" can write the numbers on a check & get the "best". The challenge is creating an entertaining & informative video. Unfortunately despite Terry's stellar efforts. The video can be summarize as, $$$, sounds great, YAY. Hopefully there will be a sound test. But I really enjoyed the Basic Instinct homage. My new wallpaper sorted. :D
That is the whole point - not everybody who could would - the fact someone loves the hobby enough to spend their money and time, lets not forget the time on HiFi and not something else is why I made a video about it. Its not about how much money someone has, its someone who cares enough to want to spend it on HiFi.
@@PursuitPerfectSystem I certainly would have loved to hear in detail about how & WHY the CD player has 5 boxes. Maybe there's air suspension? What about that frame around the player? You would think a true audiophile would obsess over details like that rather than, "knock knock", wow my $$$ speaker has no resonance. Well surprise! Shock! And I actually mean it when I say that it seems like anybody can afford a $$$ system because there certainly is no shortage of expensive system videos on UA-cam. Just look at all the ultra expensive systems even in Vietnam for example. Certainly if the point of the video was to celebrate spending $$$ & time, well, that doesn't seem all that unique or remarkable! However, a celebration of some unique technology, some unique material, unattainable until this price point, well that would be interesting to talk about!
I'm glad TAD is not my dream system, especially for the money it costs. Nor are TAD products the ultimate or last word for an ultimate sound system, besides the point that the cost is over priced for the sound they give you.
You're not wrong. They have great products but no value. At their price point you've got sonus Faber, magnepan 3.7i, Martinlogan's higher model esl speakers, Magico, kef's reference series and the list goes on
The gentleman speaking about the TAD audio equipment described the feeling I get when the music touches my emotions. I know the feeling although my equipment is nothing like that, I can only imagine listening to what he described.
Why should your equipment be like that if you are already emotionally attached to the sounds your system producers…..eyes can cloud your ears when envy raises its head….
He hasn’t heard my Cambridge edge . 😂😂😂😂😂😂 . And my q acoustics concept 500s . . H would probably pour petrol followed by a lit match on them lol. What a lucky chap awesome system.
So after being taken on this wonderful ride I have to wonder what all of this together might cost? I also wonder if this space is used as home theater since except for screen I dont see anything but front speakers and subs.
Another thought, the low frequency sound waves from the sub woofers are exactly opposite to the sound waves coming from the TADs. Surely this would cause problems, let alone the standing waves from the RELs?
That’s very funny but maybe it’s truer than you think. Switch the to a Conrad Johnson Art 300 and the speakers to Dynaudio Contour 60i’s and you might have a point.
Just when I thought my 2-box CD player was good enough…he’s got my head scratching about what’s in all those boxes. Wild guess: one for the transport, another for the DAC, then a separate power supplies for each makes 4, so what would the 5th box be for?
Each external component and connection degrades the sound further and not for better ultimate sound, especially with each component making the signal path longer instead of the desired way of shortening it.
@@ianjohnhorwood2605 agreed - a shorter signal path is better. That said there must be something Esoteric are doing right otherwise he would’ve bought something else. As for my own 2-box solution, it’s the power supply in the 2nd box so the signal path is kept short. I have the option to use my player as a transport by sending the digital signal to an external DAC, but it’s not as good…I need a better DAC!
To answer the question. The DAC is 2 boxes (L channel and right channel). The Transport is 2 boxes (transport and power supply). And the master clock generator is one box.
Hope you all enjoy the video and appreciate the Carlsberg play on words of the video title 😀
My Why HiFi videos are meant to be a showcase of a stunning system and a look at the story behind why someone invests their time and money into the hobby and what it means to them
WOOWWW! Estoteric Grandioso dual mono DACs, TAD floor standers and pre amp, and Mono Power amps, REL No25s, custom still points rack......Stuff of dreams..😍😍Terry, where did you leave your trusted mics for an in room experience for us mortals.
Looks like you really enjoyed your day there 👍
I hope you do a follow-up video on your impressions of his system ( soundstage, dynamics, etc) Did you record any sound demos?
Amazing system in the mega-buck range. I have a couple of points:
1. No room treatment?
2. 5 chassis cd system seems a bit much, even for a "best" system.
3. I believe the room, speaker interface is the most important consideration, especially as one starts the journey. Perhaps at the esoteric level, the front end becomes more important the higher you go.
4. I totally agree regarding the benefit of subs, particularly if you relieve the mains of also producing the signals below 50hz.
Fun stuff. I appreciate that he wants to help others.
@@PaulSerat No way that 6 subs is required to match the output of the mains. If he had the giant TAD horn systems, like the big Westlake stuff, it would still be overkill.
The biggest mistake is to underestimate good room acoustic treatment which is the most critical component of a good sound system.
I wouldn't assume that there isn't any. To me it sounds like there is some (whether there is truly enough and the right stuff... Well, we would need to hear a better demo then what was provided here). Also his speaker choice would dictate less room treatment then many other speakers would require. I would guess zero EQ on mains (as it likely isn't needed) and of course the REL Six Pack has it built in. Terry, any words regarding room treatment? Was the room to lively for your taste? Thanks.
Alex, …but you’re not one of those smart as*es who claim that if you’re „smart enough“ you can save all (or the biggest part of) your money if you‘d only treat your room acoustic correctly with a few panels, are you? Well then…I‘m relieved 😌
@@johndaddabbo9383 I would assume there is little if any; actually, it is quite obvious. Even with DSP or DIRAC, and the best speakers, quite a lot of treatment professionally implemented is an absolute requirement.
@@budroe4057 Well, I'm certainly not positive, but given that the components of this system are well over 250K in total one can imagine that 50K+ would be spent on the room. So something such as this "may" be being used (replace all 'z' with 't') hzzps://youzu.be/13VH8ZPAeG8 I really wish Terry would chime-in and let us all know.
OK, well I put a shout-out to Terry regarding Room Treatment. We'll see if he responds. Let's hope he does...
I like that he's prepared to help others get a good sounding system. This is what is great about the hobby, you want others to have the best experience, too. So we're always offering advice, it may not always be correct, but we try to help.
spent that much money on his system,he couldn't afford decent clothes,love the system though,am i Jealous?,you bet i am!
@@geoffwalmsley3066 What audiophile buys expensive clothes, when they have gear to buy, anyway? All my clothes are cheap too, but that's because I'm poor anyway. Also, who's got time to be envious of others when there's refining the setup that is within one's own budget. That's the real fun part. :^D
Can't hear his shorts...... Nope still can't hear them. However the room needs clothing
I do too. That is why I service Reel to Reel tape recorders for no charge. A labor of love. Especially a Tandberg TD20A SE 7.5/15 2 track which I have.
Wow... I heard TAD at a show and thought they were terrific. Although my wallet/credit card couldn't flex that much, id love to listen to this sort of system... epic!
Thanks for making the video.
What I liked most is that it is so clean and neat and well arranged. No wires to be seen anywhere. This adds up to the entertainment. 👍
This is one of the best systems I have ever seen , I love everything about it. Those speakers are a dream.
Great video Terry! Refreshing to hear about a rare brand in the journey of a passionate audiophile who’s found his nirvana.
Your video production and content are going from strength to strength. Keep it up mate.
When it comes to elite high end systems I usually switch off (because its all up in the clouds and never become a reality for me in my life time) but this video I found captivating and informative. The argument for having a subwoofer was educational, something for me to consider when forming a modest system. Well done Pursuit Perfect System another great video....!
A sub makes the entire size and image of your system bigger. However high your speakers, however wide (within reason) adding a sub fills in the space in between and makes it one big image. I don't know why this is... but it actually is true-- everything from cheap bookshelf spkrs to high end towers. Two subs in stereo widen the sound stage and can alter the perception of the mid and highs. Of course the main speakers still output the same information but, the sub changes your aural perception. The other thing to consider is you can get really good sound for little money.The difference between this system and a well balanced $2,500. system with a pair of $1k subs, while not nearly as 'fine' can put up an excellent challenge to the so called best.
@@keithmoriyama5421 Thank you for your thoughts, then the next question would be if I was forming a system with entry level ATC do I get ATC SCM11 with sub or just go onto ATC SCM19 without sub, what are the Pros and cons?
@@Romulus980 I am not familiar with the two speakers but, coming from a pro background, I really like ATC.
What you are asking is: "Is it better to go with cheaper speakers with a sub or better speakers without one."
The cheaper/sub combo will produce a more pleasing awe inspiring sound while the pricier option will produce a more correct linear sound-- especially since the ATC's have studio monitor heritage. It is not about linear, coherent, time and phase aligned, acoustically correct speakers-- it's about what sounds best. Only pro gear has all those restraints; home gear-- whatever sounds best. The cheaper/sub combo will sound better. It's pure physics.
Having said that I would go with the better speakers and NO sub. The payoff will come down the road. You will learn what is 'real' sound instead of what initially excites you You will become aware of the acoustical balance in your system and how it presents musical program. In short a higher fidelity system will educate your ears... which is really your brain. After you have reached a certain point of proficiency adding a sub will really become an epiphany. Mean while research the difference between single and multiple combinations and learn the difference between a musical SV sub and an impact SPL sub.
That's another thing. Until you have tuned in your system and become familiar with it's limitations and your own awareness of musical fidelity-- you will just waste your money and buy the wrong sub. An uneducated ear will tell you, "this sounds way better." When really all you are doing is exciting your ears in the present. Keith's 4th rule of audio: "anything that can make your system sound better can make your system sound terrible."
@@keithmoriyama5421 Many thanks for your thoughts. It is a rare occurrence that some one has answered my query so succinctly and in realistic practical terms. Are you in the audio business or a hobby audiophile?🙂
Great video! Always nice to see how people make their own choices in the Hi-Fi/High-End world. Hopefully these kind of videos will come more.
Michael, thank you for sharing your fantastic system with us.
Terry, thank you for a great video. You never disappoint.
What makes the REL different from all others is the ability to hear the fundamental of low bass and even from the Purdue Bass Drum and some of the best bass, kettle and a variety of these powerful bass drums and hear overtones that I have never heard from ANY other subwoofer and the seemless mesh with all the rest of the bass and midbass is fabulous. They have been able to do this since the Stentors II. Even my Stadium III kept up with my Magnepan 3.6r's. With some of the finest classical vinyl ever pressed when few pressings were made of some of very best performances in the early to late 1970s of which I have nothing of any other source match and by quite a large margin, they convey the true sound of what I have heard in the last 50 years from classical trios and quartests, chamber, to full100+ piece symphonies and opera that makes the human voice a magnificent instrument in it's own right.
It’s pretty absurd that anyone spending this amount of cash and dedication on finding the best equipment will not give two thoughts about room acoustics. You can clearly hear the room echo even when he’s just *talking*. It could very well be the worlds best system and you wouldn’t know it. So bizarre
The more odd shaped boxes i add behind my head the better the audio gets! Weird that.
I was hearing echo too when he was standing next to the speakers, he needs to do the clap test and do some wall treatments, soften up the room, too many reflective surfaces.
Maybe it is the right amount of echo for the system? Hard to criticize with so many variables involved.
There is no reason for any of this, this can all be recreated digitally at a fraction of the cost. I attended a music conservatory for 4 years. I call this all bullshit!
Check Ken Fritz’s system. Built the room to suit the system.
"I've done lots of mistakes"
Like not acoustically treating my fucking room.
How does this crowd still not understand this?!?!
I was going to say the same thing, you can hear the echo in the room when he's standing next to the speaker and talking... I don't understand...
Because anyone can treat a room's acoustics and do so on the cheap. But not everyone can show off that they can buy gear most can't afford or even refuse to buy.
It's his money and the stuff looks good esoteric, but it's only ego stroking on UA-cam and room treatments can't do this.
Again I don't care if he wishes to spend this exhorbinant amount of money. But honestly one can build a better sounding set up for what 1/10 th. The amount of money, but it would not get audiophile approval though.
Oh why do all audiophile demos play the same bland style of music in these videos?🤔
I've spent a decade and thousands on treating my room. It sounds great. Some audiophile friends of mine have virtually no room treatments and their systems also sound great. Different, but great.
Could be that musical tastes are influenced by the sound of the system. Dry sounding jazz recordings and classical records can sound pretty good in a fairly lively room. Great even.
I try not to be dogmatic about it.
That door that opens near the speaker is scary...
I don't see how this is a problem. This is all personal to tastes. I'm not going to bag a person for following their own pathway. 😊
I really enjoyed that video! What a down to earth gentlemen. His opinions and explanations on his highend audio journey closely mimic my feelings as well. Well done!!
The perfect system is the one I enjoy listening to my jazz to. It didn't cost me a zillion dollars either.
This was a great video, I love seeing and hearing about other enthusiasts systems of any level, but it is a treat to see something as well put together as this.
You had me at the REL No 25 six pack! Incredible! Thanks for sharing this. I would love a listening session in this room! Wow, truly a dream. Enjoy!
Is that a cardboard box shown separating components at 6:05?
Respect! What a stunning setup! May all music lover's dream come true!
This video was incredibly awesome! It’s really fun to get a tour of a top notch system and insight from the owner on their experience with the Hifi journey. I prefer a residential hifi tour and interview over a hifi retailer tour. I’d like to see more of these. Good job and Thanks!
Amazing system - I'm impressed by the functional, utilitarian design of his components - it all blends together, without seeming over the top.
I like the fact that he likes the whole process of building and listening to his system, and isn't a snob about his gear and just wants it to sound real. I have heard a high end system once and it was by chance, but I could not believe how real it sounded, you could walk around the singer on the track. I wonder Terry if your experience of all the quality gear you have listened to would make it any easier to choose you own system to live with? cheers for another well made video.
That was claimed for the Beveridge model 2 electrostatic audio reproducers. What was it for you?
They were active, their own custom tube amplifiers built in. Used television Horizontal amplifier power tubes to drive the panels from their plates ala Futterman.
The problem with people who are used to hearing live music, like me, formerly a bass and drums player, is it's almost impossible to emulate the sound you are used to. The ambience, the energy and the realism of live music is so unique.
So it's just the basics of a sound system for me as I can't afford a system like the one portrayed above.
Congratulations, that’s a beautiful system. The goosebumps is the best test . If there’s a smile on your face and your foot is tapping , it’s money well spent
I agree with everything, almost. "Synergy" is the reason I went for ATC. They make very special SL mid range drivers, one of the only few that completely manufacture their own tweeters. With superb active amp packs and perfectly matched preamps. I have the SCM20asl's with the CDA2 mk2 CD player and DAC. Admittedly, I do need a sub!
I have always been interested in ATC despite the fact that I have never heard them.
@@falconquest2068 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Amazing system but just can't stop wandering whether 6 subwoofers is a bit overkill ??
Easily the best recorded sound that I had ever heard (and I've hear some other very expensive systems) came from a pair of older TAD reference speakers playing a master tape of Dark Side of the Moon. Truly a time machine if there ever was one!
Dark Side of the Moon is my go to test album when I make a change or tweaking my system.
Master tape on what machine for playback?
I have a highly tweaked Tandberg 2 track 15 IPS TD20A SE where can I get this master tape?
I will give $50 on Venmo for an answer.
@@daviddrake6875 I think it was a Revox, but it was a long time ago that it could have been a different machine.
Keep that kind of topic going, it is the best part of this chanel....to be able to see and hear passionate people talk about it
So much wisdom spoken by Michael. The point he made with regards to a properly integrated sub, no truer words have been spoken. No matter what main speaker you choose it simply defies logic the improvements realized in mids, top end and every other parameter in musical reproduction makes them something you can't live without once heard. The TAD speakers are are among the very finest, I'd take them over any Wilson without any hesitation, always among the best sounding rooms at CES. And finally Michael, kudos on your choice in the Stillpoint racks, so much more than it's understated appearance portrays, it doesn't get much better. All the best gentleman!
I have been to many CES in Vegas and never heard anything about TAD. Did hear a lot about Von Schweikert, Wilson, and MBL though.
@@daviddrake6875 I guess I'm full of it then.
I may have lost my last comment, but I'll certainly reiterate:
I don't think I'd e v e r leave that gorgeous room. It's simply sky-high fabulous. Nothing's perfect, but this attempt suffices, as far as I'm concerned... sublime.
AND, an edit: And I'm NOT listening for perfection, I WOULD simply swoon in that sumptuous EFFORTLESSNESS.
Great content Terry, fascinating to hear this guys journey. I will never be able to do what he has, but having heard a few £50K plus systems over 30 years ago, I know that there is a gulf in difference between true high end and the pretenders. You have to hear it to appreciate it, and when you do, you need a few days to come back down and hear the joy in your own system again!
I'd love to know if he ever considered Townsend isolation platforms for those speakers. He's acknowledged the importance of isolation and advised he prefers to have the floor standers raised, so I would have thought he would achieve best results with true isolation and not keeping the speakers anchored to the floor - especially in a room with big air movement from the subs. Still I'll admit my own feelings and choices are almost irrelevant at this level.
Really great content Terry - I value your posts and what you bring to us, thank you!
He is using the big still points under his speakers
@@PursuitPerfectSystem cheers Terry. I hadnt even heard of stillpoints, damn my ignorance!
@@titntin5178 oh yeah shit sorry I suppose they just looked like the normal feet, my bad sorry again
Hearing your journey is very inspiring. This has become one of my favorite videos. Love the conversation,breakdowns and the knowledge of what you own. Great video. Thanks for sharing.
As an audio enthusiast. Room treatment and placing those subs far away from corners and or walls would drastically improve your system. And one of those costing nothing. I highly recommend it as it seems you take listening to music very seriously
Exactly the point I wanted to make. Except for the subwoofer placement. REL actually tells you to place them in the corner and slowly pull them out if they are too amplified. But the room acoustics are terrible, you can definitely hear an echo when he slaps the speakers.
@@MrBouncingDeath 🎉 dead right, love the hifi shame about the room 😂
Remarkable similar path here. My first love was a Linn Sondek. Got hooked on Naim and RELs. Nice video.
Many thanks to this gentleman for sharing his incredible system. Thanks to you Terry for a great video and interview.👍😊🎵🎶🎵
Agree with some of the comments about room acoustics. The room looks to have facing reflective surfaces. The carpet is good. but absorption and diffraction panels placed by a specialist company would be the next way to go. Their apparent absence is a bit weird considering the rest of the set up.
Absolutely, it is the elephant in the room and I am surprised with Terry's DiRAC room correction preaching that no mention of the glaring omission was made.
These speakers alone are £120,000.00 in UK, 2x mono power amps £70K and the whole system is well over £300K, maybe 400, .... 🙃. Amazing. Thanks Terry for a great video.
Jealousy level 9000. Good on the geezer
The Esoteric stack is probably about £130K in the UK. I feel sorry for audiophiles in the UK, the pricing is crazy expensive compared to some other markets.
Great video. My biggest upgrade is adding four 12" subs the difference is night and day.
Also buying speakers and subs from the same company helps with synergy, the experience is almost life-changing.
That’s around a £400-500k system excluding the room construction, which doesn’t appear to have any acoustic treatment. You can spend as much as you like on a system but if the room isn’t right it’ll sound average. I heard a £250k Nagra system with B&W Nautilus in the wrong room and is was stunningly average. The other major component is the quality of the recording and mastering, if that’s poor it doesn’t matter how much you spend on gear, you can’t polish a turd!
I'm building my own studio for recording and mastering. My friend has been a pro composer for over a decade now, and he says the exact same thing you said above. He had new mics, monitors, soundcard, preamps etc. Then he treated his room. Boom! Total game changer with the overall listening experience. His mixes took a huge leap and was getting compliments from his first mix moving forward.
And it's exactly how you described. You can have million dollar system in a concrete square room with tile floor and totally flat ceiling and yes, it will sound 'stunningly average'.
I love this expression John, I'm gonna borrow it!
One guy that is all about practical and real data to show what works and what is a waste of money. Ethan Winer has some great videos to show with actual testing equipment specifically designed to just test for differences in sound. Very informative stuff. And if you look at his system is remarkably average quality but I assume because the room has been treated to as best it can be it will sound 10X more impressive.
And don't forget to mention the differences stemming from good AC power.
100%
Was a buzz. Mike what about sound treatments, other than your carpet.
Do the bulkhead recesses have a hidden aspect?
This hifi system is a like VW Golf which has been tuned to the max in every aspect (engine, cooling, exhaust, brakes, suspension etc.) but the tires (room acoustics) have been carried over from the base model. Moreover, the listening distance seems to be quite long so you'll likely hear the room (reflections) more than the speakers (direct sound).
I'm listening to music with Genelec speakers which can automatically compensate detrimental room acoustics to some extent. But still that cannot fix everything so I installed absorbers to reduce early reflections and at least some room modes. The effect was staggering. It's a shame there are still so many so-called highend audiophile shops selling stacks of top notch hardware to their uninformed customers who think they can achieve good results by winning the "hardware race".
Congratulations for you system,TAD Speakers and electronics are some of the best in the world,Andrew Jones did,as always a great job when he was working in TAD,but for me the Model one is his great creation and my favorite speaker.i used to work with TAD electronics and speakres and loved it.
Wow it's like a civil war in some of the comments. This gentleman can afford room treatments if he wants them. Maybe he is happy with what he's achieved. Maybe it's in the works. Maybe his lounge is a James Bond room with hidden room treatments that mechanically appear with a press of a button. Overall it's his system, home, and it's fantastic that he's sharing it on this channel and has willing to become an ambassador for TAD and etal. ✌️
100% agree. I was going to say something similar but you basically covered what I was going to say. If he needed treatments to get the sound HE was going for......he would have them.
I like my audio. Not quite as high end as this but I don't completely agree. I.e. the cd player... surely if it outputs a digital signal then the pre amp does most the work? How is isolating it making any difference? Secondly how are the rels relieving the main speakers? If using high level then you match the natural roll off of the mains. The mains should be performing untouched. If you are cutting their lower limit it ruins the performance and match up with the rels?
I'm sure it sounds amazing for sure
Thank you Terri, very clean and awesome sound system.
Is it as good as MBL? Or is it better? MBL at CES in Las Vegas about 4 years ago sounded almost the realism I expect since I was raised by a concert violinist for the CSO and have imprinted in my brain the sound of a full orchestra during dress rehearsal. I have not ever heard anything that sounded like that yet. That is my quest and my bucket list. I am very very very picky.
Mbl will have the largest soundstage due to how it radiates the sound thus the most natural dispersion. Try zeta zero orbitals which are technically better than mbl
@@quant2011 Thank you I will do some research. Have you ever heard the CSO live?
Question: he talks about the subs taking some of the load off the main speakers, but Rel is known for its high-level connection which feeds off the same binding posts on the amp as the main speakers i.e. there’s no crossover involved that can change the frequency ranges being fed to the main speakers…they’ll play every frequency as though the subwoofers weren’t there. So unless his amp has a dedicated sub-out and crossover that he can adjust, then how’s he achieving a lighter load on his speakers?
Yes but you dont need to drive the mains anywhere near as hard when you have more bass reinforcement and you can set the speakers up different as well
@@PursuitPerfectSystem You mean to play your music at lower volumes? Otherwise I don’t understand your comment.
Yes I can endorse the speaker cab parabolic design as hands down the best I have ever heard as I have been working on my own designs for 5 years or so. I discovered the design premise by accident and have built 20 - 30 renditions of this type of cabinet and you can match the drivers to the inner case volume quite precisely. I found you can shape the sound acoustic signature of the driver even more by moving it deeper into the cab as well as cupping it to change the way the sound blooms inside and affects the sound front significantly. I will say this about the cab characteristics: they have the clearest sound, the loudest sound, and the largest wave front. The higher the cab the more bass it has until it reaches critical mass and then just falls apart completely, so cab tuning requires intense concentration.
Michael is the embodiment of an experienced true audiophile. First and foremost it's about the music, the gear is the delivery method not an end unto itself. I love the fact that he is into live Jazz and Soul music, which is quite endearing to those of my generation (60+). This interview is stellar Terry. For those of us who love large full range speakers (mine weigh a measly 83 kls ea.), and multiple subs on top of that, we know exactly what Mike means by subs are a next level upgrade to any system. Now,, I'm very hopeful that a there will be an upcoming sound demo.
I know, a sound demo via UA-cam cannot fully deliver the full scope and quality of the sound at the original listening location. It can however (at least those Terry records), provide key elements that provide us, at this end, with valuable information regarding the system. Thank you Michael for sharing your thoughts, and audiophile wisdom. Thank you Terry for such premium content.
Sorry David no sound demo
Couldn’t agree more 🥳
I am going to say something that is pure heresy. For me (and many others) it's about the synergistic experience of well integrated equipment. I've been a gear head all my life-- I made it my business and have personally owned hundred's of thousands in audio gear. I just like buying and fine tuning complete systems-- have 5 of them... which on rare occasions I listen to. They all sound different and I have the luxury of 3 different listening rooms, two which are dedicated and purpose built for sound. My wife loves music; there is non stop sound in the house... except where I hand out. I like quiet.
Great video Terry, the quality is really up there brother. Michael's insight was an eye opener. More of us should offer listening sessions like he offers.
No room treatment and very long speaker cable lengths, setup can be improved big time with sensible investments I guess
If the resistance is low, shouldn't matter too much.
Putting stuff around the speakers also affects the sound
I would use sound treatments though
I totally agree. 6 subs right at the wall? Amps in the cupboard? Cables one kilometer long? No optimizing of the room acoustic? Probably the best system on the planet? Congratulations!
@@frankzimmermann Yeh, I was wondering about the amps in an enclosed space like that.
My man, beautiful system. You look very happy and satisfied which is what we all are trying to achieve. Great accomplishment!
Room Treatments? It's hard to tell. If there is any, it is hidden quite well. Not that with such a high end system would one need as much, however to have none seems unlikely. Or at least not probable given the Total system investment of over 250K. Please let us know, even if in fact there isn't any. Would love to know how YOU felt about the room if in fact there isn't any room treatments to speak of (other then of course the REL's built in PEQ). Thanks!
Based on the sound of the spoken word interview, I don’t believe that any room treatment has been installed. The listening room sounds like a typical conference room.
@@greenbeginner3353 That would be quite sad. I just can't imagine great sound with none. Maybe just a little, but not NONE. No sound demo, nor has Terry responded. Oh well...
Electrical power conditioning made a massive improvement on my system. I didn’t know how dirty and unregulated the electricity was until I cleaned it up. The equipment responded so positively to nice clean regulated power
Probably wouldn’t need 6 foot stacks of subs in the corners if he would do some simple acoustic treatments, and pull those amazing speakers into the room and get them off the rear wall.
You misunderstand. He doesn't NEED those six foot stacks of subs, he WANTS them. Big difference! Lol.
I agree with some of the things that were said. The bit about not doing 2 changes at once is spot on. How will you ever know what is really going on if you don't take your time? Reliability is also so important, how will you ever enjoy your system if it is going wrong? CD can be good & in the right system can give you those goose bump effects. Good listening.
Those REL stacks. ❤️❤️❤️
Sublime. Thanks to the owner for sharing.
As pointed out in this video, I would first recommend raising the speakers of the ground instead of any other tweak. Even in the most basic setups it makes a huge difference to tighten the bass and minimize unwanted vibrations. Doesn't have to cost much at all.
He's using still points...
@@ZookLife off the ground and add some isolation. Even a rubber block can be interesting.
@9:00 for the newbies (like me :))) what he is basically saying is that once you have a system that allows you to play with settings (most of the receivers / pre-amps nowadays), after you attach all your speakers & subs, you go to settings (on the screen of your pre-amp / receiver) and set the main floorstand front speaker to SMALL (not large). As he said, that way those speakers will "neglect" the lower frequency sound which will lead to 2 things: The floorstand front speakers will have ALL the wattage coming in directed to the mid range and tweeters and the costumer can crossover the lower Frequency limit to 80 Hz (for example). That will improve the sound quality dramatically on those speakers. All the Frequency bellow 80 Hz (if you crossover at that level) will be directed towards the Subwoofers instead, which will be handle by its own dedicated power amp. so == MORE POWER and BETTER sounds all around.
😱 utterly incredible stuff‼️
You could probably stand on that transport drawer & it still would be ok.. (not that ya would)
I'm looking and it seems you may have the same problem I have.
When watching a movie on that screen, you probably get bad reflection off the speakers.
Waiting for wife to make a couple of black socks.
My screen is also low so don't have to look up like my son had. Projector is table mounted to minimise need for correction.
Definitely one of the most expensive, but zero treatments? a square room with few absorptive furnishings and a lot of hard reflective surfaces.
the room is not square, apparently its around the golden ratio for width height and length
Very good video; I'm grateful to be invited into this guy's a/v room and to hear his thoughts. Pity as always some of the other guests are ungracious, but at least their envious and opinionated comments provide a source of amusement, however unbidden, so they're not entirely worthless I suppose.
Cheers Tim
There’s only one word for this set up… OUTSTANDING…!!! 💯💥✅
TIP: That has worked for me. I never touch my HI Fi, With my fingers. I watched with interest as you turned everything on. Personally i prefer, To use my knuckles. I push switches always using my knuckles.. Even walking around my home. Light switches , Microwaves,. Saves getting the build up of Grease from your skin. Works for Me.
There is no "best" system, there is only "the best that I have experienced" with this equipment in this room.
The 'best' system is the one that disappears, leaving you with a palpably realistic reproduction of the music!
Ken Fritz's Hifi system will have something to say about the best Hifi system but this system is really nice.
Sad that Ken's system has been disassembled and sold off. BTW, I've jammed at Yoshi's a few times.
Poor guy. Spent so much money on gear, he can’t afford shoes. 😉
Nice system and great video.
Got his priorities right though yeah, system first... haha
Terry - I think you should do more like this. So much knowledge out there and many people are happy to share their experiences. He’s got a killer system.
Only in the owners eyes, but not in every one eyes.
Why the amps hidden away,there so nice,show them dude be proud,just saying!
To keep just the speakers at the front to give them maximum space around them - the centre image of the soundstage was really something, you don't hear HiFi sound this good in this regard very often - one hand often
Fantastic video. So glad you created this platform. Thanks from South Florida.
Time to implement Dirac!! 🤓
I wasnt there for that, but I would have enjoyed seeing what I could do with Dirac and a system like that, some amazing things I would guess
DIRAC helps greatly, but in the end, it is inadequate and only a partial solution to room acoustics. This had been discussed in great detail on professional/acoustic engineering sites.
Those TAD speakers at the top of my list when I win the lottery!
I wonder if he would know the difference between his CD payer and one say costing about £1000 if it was swapped out without him knowing? Not sure what kind of music he listens to but his system doesn't look well suited to acoustic music though with those subwoofers.
Fair play to him, but I would have spent more money on the room. Surely he can do better than that.
Finally.......someone who has went with the CD route ! How refeashing. I love my cd collection and was looking to see other cd systems .
My god the ECHO when he slapped the top of his speaker!, yet another classic example a man who has the wonga and no idea how music should sound, ROOM ACOUSTICS. A trip to GIK and he´ll be drinking Carlsberg all day long :-)
There's no doubt in my mind that system sounds really good. But man, thats alot of dough. I think you could get close for much much less than what he spent. Of course, if money isnt an issue why though? And yes room acoustics, is 50% of what you hear.
@@Canadian_Eh_I you could do kef LS50 for a few hundred dollars instead of spending hundreds of thousands on that. Would a cheap 100 dollar cd player really sound that much worse than the 50 thousand dollar one he has!
Not to offend anyone but you wouldn't even be 10% with that system
Even without treatment Will this system produced a next level sound and you know what I am used to.
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Having owned ls50's myself I have to agree. You just cant get that kindof resolution from such a small transducer . You need a 3 way at minimum to get full range sound + a subwoofer. That said, spending $1MM isnt necessary, but Im sure this guy already knows that lol
The best I’ve ever seen belongs to the late Ken Fritz. He has an incredible setup. There is a UA-cam video about it.
Yep these monsters are impossible to beat, but tad has in fact a better cone material. Soundstage must be better with Ken system
This is not professional hifi advice - this is just some opinions from a 'guy'.
Nice set up though - clearly dedicated - very cool.
He is spot on when he said use Subwoofer(s) to enhance your sound. When I decided I'll go for my Klipsches decades ago the salesman asked me to check on something else. When he turned the Definitive Technology subwoofer on, I couldn't believe the sound and I took that first before I got the Klipsches. I also liked the fact that a CD player was being used. Though I believe records have their own charm they are too cumbersome to maintain and so is the record player. Anytime I would prefer the CD player and CD over the record player and records.
Another perfect example of a guy who knows absolutely nothing about audio and setup who just throws money at the most expensive components thinking he will have top of the line sound. His subwoofers are more of a hindrance than anything. First off placing them in the back is a big mistake. Im assuming theyre time aligned but what happens is they will be out of time alignment with the smallest movement of the head forward or backward. He should have the subs up front as close to the speakers as possible. Also stacking 3 subs on top of each other now you have to time align each individual woofer since theyre all a different distance from the ears. Speakers are also too far from the front wall. Bringing them much closer to the wall to where theyre about half a foot or less would get the bass thats bouncing off the front wall to be in phase with the initial speaker output and would give him more detail in the whole frequency range with more bass and depth. Then Id use only one rel on each side.
Then coming to the electronics, one thing Ive learned over the years is that much of it is severely over priced and no better than equipment that costs 10x less. Youre paying for name and looks, just like a gucci bag. Measurements of amps and dacs have shown over and over that many times components worth less than a few grand measure better sometimes even than 100k amps. High end audio is 95 percent snake oil. That cd player for example. He could have achieved the same exact sound with flac files on a laptop with a 500 dollar dac. The dac will even have a preamp built in that is 100 percent transparent. I didnt watch the whole video but im guessing he used overly expensive cables connecting everything. Again measurements prove these cables are 100 percent snake oil. Imagine the money saved by using the power cords that came with that equipment and essentially lamp cord for the speakers all to achieve the same exact sound.
Isolating digital electronics from vibrations is also laughable. This guy is all in on the snake oil. Oh well atleast it does all look really nice.
You would listen to two songs and all your opinions would change, thats all I will say
@@PursuitPerfectSystem I have to ask why the red-subs are on Cars with wheels for stands
Did you get this from Richer Sounds?
these people don’t listen to the music, they listen to their gear. 🤦🏻🤦🏻🤦🏻 no emotion, just gadgets.
You don’t need to be passionate about music to enjoy listening to it.
Amazing video, but I'm now looking at my poor B&W 705's I picked up recently feeling just a TAD bit inadequate :-(
The 705 are nice be happy with them
I have been back to see Michaels system again and look at it in more detail ua-cam.com/video/bfsVZr9LyJ0/v-deo.html
I got bitten by the audio bug in 1976. In 1979, I had finally saved about $400 USD from my after school job to purchase a new Sansui G3000 receiver. Plus a very cheap pair of 3 way 12'' Trans audio brand speakers. This was a house brand of monitors from an audio chain shop named Pacific Audio. 43 years later, today I finally own a high end system that the most any audiophile would be pleased with.
"Anybody" can write the numbers on a check & get the "best". The challenge is creating an entertaining & informative video. Unfortunately despite Terry's stellar efforts. The video can be summarize as, $$$, sounds great, YAY. Hopefully there will be a sound test. But I really enjoyed the Basic Instinct homage. My new wallpaper sorted. :D
That is the whole point - not everybody who could would - the fact someone loves the hobby enough to spend their money and time, lets not forget the time on HiFi and not something else is why I made a video about it. Its not about how much money someone has, its someone who cares enough to want to spend it on HiFi.
@@PursuitPerfectSystem I certainly would have loved to hear in detail about how & WHY the CD player has 5 boxes. Maybe there's air suspension? What about that frame around the player? You would think a true audiophile would obsess over details like that rather than, "knock knock", wow my $$$ speaker has no resonance. Well surprise! Shock! And I actually mean it when I say that it seems like anybody can afford a $$$ system because there certainly is no shortage of expensive system videos on UA-cam. Just look at all the ultra expensive systems even in Vietnam for example. Certainly if the point of the video was to celebrate spending $$$ & time, well, that doesn't seem all that unique or remarkable! However, a celebration of some unique technology, some unique material, unattainable until this price point, well that would be interesting to talk about!
I'm glad TAD is not my dream system, especially for the money it costs. Nor are TAD products the ultimate or last word for an ultimate sound system, besides the point that the cost is over priced for the sound they give you.
You're not wrong. They have great products but no value. At their price point you've got sonus Faber, magnepan 3.7i, Martinlogan's higher model esl speakers, Magico, kef's reference series and the list goes on
I agree 100%. Lots of money wasted here. My Klipschorn corner horns stomp these for realism.
The gentleman speaking about the TAD audio equipment described the feeling I get when the music touches my emotions. I know the feeling although my equipment is nothing like that, I can only imagine listening to what he described.
Why should your equipment be like that if you are already emotionally attached to the sounds your system producers…..eyes can cloud your ears when envy raises its head….
He hasn’t heard my Cambridge edge . 😂😂😂😂😂😂 .
And my q acoustics concept 500s . . H would probably pour petrol followed by a lit match on them lol.
What a lucky chap awesome system.
Lol, but you Definitely have a great system that reproduces sound stage very well and disappears. If you love it, that's all that matters. Well done👍
What I want to know is how he arranged everything so you hardly see any wires on the floor. That setup is beyond neat and clean.
@@jjlopez27jl all plumbed in under the carpet I think
Just a guess but this guy must be single?
I’m his daughter and he has a wife 😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😌😍
How come there was no mention of that lovely old Gale GT 2101 turntable with SME arm sitting in the corner?
I cut down about 3 hours into 15 mins, only so much you can cover in that time
Yea right 🥴🥴🥴this guy is a salesman’s dream a real sucker,I’m sorry this guy knows nothing,yea everything I own is the best give me a break
Very good questions i must say. Hope to see more of such interviews.
So after being taken on this wonderful ride I have to wonder what all of this together might cost? I also wonder if this space is used as home theater since except for screen I dont see anything but front speakers and subs.
Wondering the same, tbh...just out of curiosity
My guess would be about half a million 💲
Another thought, the low frequency sound waves from the sub woofers are exactly opposite to the sound waves coming from the TADs. Surely this would cause problems, let alone the standing waves from the RELs?
Very nice, thank you.
Please what's those devices on left with black rack or black background are called?? Thanx again and kind regards
I've heard this system at hifi shows. It's in my top 3 all time favourites.
But can it beat a Marantz 6000 series CD and Amp + Dynaudio Emit 20 speakers combo? :D
That’s very funny but maybe it’s truer than you think. Switch the to a Conrad Johnson Art 300 and the speakers to Dynaudio Contour 60i’s and you might have a point.
Just when I thought my 2-box CD player was good enough…he’s got my head scratching about what’s in all those boxes. Wild guess: one for the transport, another for the DAC, then a separate power supplies for each makes 4, so what would the 5th box be for?
Each external component and connection degrades the sound further and not for better ultimate sound, especially with each component making the signal path longer instead of the desired way of shortening it.
@@ianjohnhorwood2605 agreed - a shorter signal path is better. That said there must be something Esoteric are doing right otherwise he would’ve bought something else. As for my own 2-box solution, it’s the power supply in the 2nd box so the signal path is kept short. I have the option to use my player as a transport by sending the digital signal to an external DAC, but it’s not as good…I need a better DAC!
To answer the question. The DAC is 2 boxes (L channel and right channel). The Transport is 2 boxes (transport and power supply). And the master clock generator is one box.
@@ianjohnhorwood2605 If your theory held true then the single box Grandioso K1X would sound better than the four-box Grandioso P1X/D1X. It doesn't.