Are you a recovering audiophile? What does being an audiophile in general mean to you in 2020? COMMENT AND POSTING RULES: (Please read before commenting) Please remember to be kind and courteous to one another in the comments. It's okay to disagree just keep things civil. Harassment will not be tolerated. WORRIED YOUR COMMENT WAS DELETED? Comments containing profanity are automatically flagged and deleted by UA-cam. Comments containing links of any kind to outside URLs (including UA-cam links) are automatically flagged and deleted. If you aren't seeing your comment, please make sure you didn't accidentally leave out a space before or after a period your sentence. UA-cam sees this as a URL link. Since we cannot edit your comments, any of the above violations will result in your comment not be visible.
If I get it right, and I've seen both the videos you referenced, you define an audiophile as someone on a continuing search for and purchasing hyped high end audio equipment in the ever elusive quest for a "perfect" sound machine. I would label myself as an "inquiring" audiophile because, as mentioned in my previous comments, I'm extremely happy with the system I built and have had for neigh on forty years. Your channel, and a few others keep me abreast of the new technology. It's like the difference between an alcoholic and a casual drinker. Carry on, Andrew, a great discussion. A suggestion, if I may, it might be nice to get a "layperson's" review from Kristi at some time.
I recovered from being an Audiophile when I earned my AA degree in electronics in 1994 and discovered that a lot of what audiophile enthusiast believed was not supported by what I had learned and gained since in experience dealing with electronics. Especially in the realm of cables. The other thing that I discovered is that there appeared to be the requirement to spend thousands and thousands on equipment for a marginal gain in performance. I'll admit that in the real high end of audio there are amazing designs and awesome equipment in all categories. But, when you can achieve 70 to 90% of performance of that type of gear with a tiny fraction of the cost, then why spend that kind of money if you really can't afford it. If you can and want to, by all means go for it.
Once you learn how the gear works and learn how to properly check power output, frequency responses, Harmonic distortion, etc, you realize that good equipment does not necessarily need to cost much at all. Congrats on getting your AA.
Definitely food for thought. I recently sold my record collection and most of my stereo equipment due to an impending move to a smaller place. I kept my bookshelf speakers and bought a PowerNode 2i streamer. Where I spent all my free time searching for, buying, cleaning and organizing records and upgrading my system, now all I do now is...listen to music. More music. Different music. And I am much happier and financially stable. Everyone finds their own path to contentment, whether it be focused on music or equipment. Sometimes we get enticed, but we find our way back to our true love (ourselves). And we appreciate it more, I hope.
This is about so much more than audio. Good life stuff. I've gone too far down the rabbit hole on too many hobbies - audio/video, cars, collecting things - and realized at some point, this is too much, I'm not enjoying this anymore. Gotta learn to let yourself be happy. I have a 7 year old Toyota Corolla and I don't care to have anything "better," I have a 30-year-old Yamaha stack and I abuse the tone controls to make it sound like I want it to sound, and I don't need anything better. I don't have to impress anybody. It's just something that comes from age or experience I guess.
Hey Andrew, based on your last video I went out and purchased myself a Pioneer SA 7800 vintage amplifier and a TX vintage Pioneer receiver. Saved a boatload of money and it sounds better than anything else that I've had and I've had some fairly expensive equipment. The reason I bought it is because I'm 53 years old and the look of it makes me happy. Thank you
A lot of people have just confused the feeling of a dopamine hit after buying something new with it sounding better. After a certain point there is no better, just different and all you are doing is buying yourself a drug through your attachment to equipment. If you see this in yourself and you are having trouble getting off the wheel, a good place to start is by gradually delaying gratification more and more until it no longer feels like a requirement. Delaying gratification is not "wait until I can afford it", It's "wait after I can afford it".
your candor keeps me coming back. thank you for sharing so much of yourself. i always scroll your comments and enjoy seeing others who genuinely appreciate you and your messages.
You are right. I am not an audiophile, but I recognize the problem with being happy with for instance my earbuds, until I read a review that is negative about the product. Then I start to doubt myself. This combined with being unrealistic: I will sit in a silent room, listen to the sound from the earbuds, and listen to every small detail, totally forgetting what I bought them for: for running and cycling. And it is never that quite when running and cycling. This video made me realize I should enjoy rather than worry. Thanks.
At this time in your life, you have learned the basics in audio and what makes good audio. You have made it to the pentacle of what audio can sound like You have re-analyzed your audio priorities and came to a conclusion that you can live with without feeling cheated. What is the real difference between real good audio and great audio? You! I am recovering right along with you brother!
I like trying new components but if they don’t provide a significant upgrade then I sell. I generally won’t upgrade anything unless I can sell something to pay for it. But occasionally I get the itch and want to hear how tubes sound in my system, or a different turntable or pre-amp. Sometimes it’s fun to have a secondary system to experiment with. Being a recovered audiophile means “I know I can do better, but I’m satisfied with what I have.”
Could be the best episode I ever watched from your channel. IMHO being an audiophile is just a state of mind. I hope my so called 'audiophile' friends could see this. Some colleagues keep on bugging me to upgrade my equipment but I had always choose to spend my money on physical media, and services instead to enrich my experience since I feel my gear is still more than ample for my needs. Cheers!
We had little money, but Dad often brought home 5 or 10 dollar speakers he found at garage sales, and the occasional amp; it was so much fun as a kid to see how things sounded different and enjoying cds through ancient gear but it all sounded great in those days. Been chasing that still, but having money for the journey hasn't made it better. Thanks for the video.
There are always people who are never satisfied, whether its audio, cars, homes, watches. I believe that those people are not happy with themselves. But it is helpful to hear somebody, saying that. It should be about the music, I like the look of the gear I have but it is in line with my budget and lifestyle. Thank you for an insightful video .
I love music, all types the very first thing I bought with my first months paycheque was my first stereo. And slowly over forty years got to the system I have now. It’s not the best or flashy but it’s mine and paid for and I can listen to all types of music and enjoy the experience I love reading so my hifi is not distracting it’s got no meters or lights it’s music that I find relaxing and comfortable. It’s a marantz 6006 cd uk edition, two nad c370 integrated amplifiers bi amping monitor audio silver 500 speakers. Not flashy maybe to some very basic but I love it and it does the job. I go to shows and exhibitions and dream of owning a hi end system but I know my limitations and go home to the one that I have and I’m content. Love your channel it’s refreshing and down to earth with heart 😃
WAOWWW!!!! You voiced the voice of reason and what should be the obvious!!! Being an Audiophile is learning to enjoy music and be passionate about it! The Music! I'm lucky enough to be a music freak and to fret on anything from jazz to classic to punk to indie to rap, depending on my days! It's such a joy. But I was almost caught in that loop of gear cycle, but lucky me I was able to listen to one day the system of a friend who dropped 30K on his setup that looked gigantic and uggly! The sound left me COLD. I then worked my way by small steps always small amounts to improve my modest setup but reached a point where I was blown away!!! My biggest contributors : - Audioengine Bluetooth streamer (a gem) - Tidal Hi-fi - klipsh RP600M All that driven by my $300 Onkyo 2 ch receiver. I'm blown away everytime I fire it up. I have an Orbit turntable for vinyl as my 2nd passion, and keep switching back and forth depending on the mood of what I want to listen to. And that makes me freaking Happy!!! Thanks for sharing the obvious, and I wish our hobbyist world was more about common sense and respect of the other's taste and desire and budget. Cheers!! 🍻
Sadly, audiophiles can never enjoy the music. They keep finding flaws in their equipment that the next upgrade is going to magically fix, so they never enjoy the music, because that next most expensive thing that they don't own yet is what is really going to allow them to enjoy the music.
@@AndyP126 there's two population who call themselves audiophile and the term is used for both. A true Audiophile should be all about enjoying the music. If your system looks good then it's a plus. But gear freak who think they can slap this label and flash their insane system as a badge of respect and have very narrow taste of music or tolerance for other styles, then sorry but no. You're not an Audiophile! You're a snob. You can be of the 1st type and pursuing perfection in your system though. But as Andrew says it well, the main piece is just, sit and enjoy!
David Muller It’s the classic battle of audiophiles versus gear collectors. Audiophilez just want enough gear to make the music sound good. Gear collectors just need to keep buying forever, because they care about the gear and not the music.
Going DIY stopped me from continuing down the rabbit hole of speakers. I now know that no matter the price, I can build my own set that can sound as good or better for a fraction of the cost or just make updates with different drivers. Still working out the amps.
I really enjoy hearing you speak about being true to yourself regarding this hobby and I know how easily it can turn into just "stressful madness and loose the whole point along the way." I've been watching your videos for the past few months and really take a lot away from them that helps me stay connected to the real meaning of being an enthusiast. Thank you and keep the great videos coming.
Great video, Andrew. The way you have described what a recovering audiophile is, is exactly the way I would describe it. Like most in this hobby, I do suffer from thinking about owning different gear which manifests itself into self-doubt and inevitably I end up not appreciating what I do have and just enjoying music. It's hard to shake that itch but I am much better than I used to be some 20 years ago when it was a revolving door. I too, am a recovering audiophile. I have owned the same speakers for a decade now. I really do love my system, it's just that one affordable tube preamp that I keep thinking about...
There are a lot of people jumping back into this hobby because of COVID -- and like me they are likely overwhelmed. I'm a typical Gen X'er whose career and kids kept me out of HiFi for 20 years. Getting back in was a combination of joy in realizing again how great music can sound once you take the earbuds out and panic in trying to absorb 20 years of advancement in audio components and speaker technology. Upgraditis is curable by learning what stirs your soul in experiencing the music you love and how that translates into equipment choices. It took me a few iterations but I got there with an NAD streaming receiver and JBL speakers. I've had some false starts and some speakers I'm now trying to find buyers for -- but I got there. There are some great resources out there to learn from and Andrew's channel is one of the very best. The key lesson I learned is that the relationship between price and excitement / enjoyment level don't have to be linear when you know what you love.
Thank you for this video. I wasn't sure what I was in for when I clicked the video but I'm happy I did and I completely agree. This can definitely apply to multiple fields, and I appreciate you speaking up, as not too many people take the moment out to make this subject the focus. "What makes YOU happy. What do YOU want out of your experience. You too can get where you need with this older/used/not top model Computer/Car/Speakers." I think a lot of people would feel a lot less stress and more financial stability if they took the time to really sit down, and think about what is valuable through the experience, and what is extra. There's nothing wrong with going a little extra, but don't let the person driving a new top of the line Benz tell you "The best or nothing." It's subjective! Thank you for the video!
i nearly went down the audiophile path 2 decades ago...but the reality slapped me on the face by way of my then wife's cold stare whenever I tried to excuse myself to goto the audio mall... and now here I am in 2020 with a bluetooth enabled True Wireless Speakers in every room I spend more than 30 minutes in.... with over 500GB of music on my mobilephone, i am in audio nirvana
I definitely have a problem with looking way above my budget and once I do,then what I originally wanted seems so lacking it's almost not worth the "waste" of money. These videos have shown me things so far above my means but has also helped to put things into perspective for me. So instead of a $2k turntable I spent 500 and am extremely happy with it! Funny how being exposed to gear that's so far away it makes you think more of what is attainable
In my opinion, this is the most serious and mature video in YT on audiophile. I agree mate. After talking about specs and brands and everything in between, which is also important, we all end up asking ourselves, are we happy, is my fellow happy, what makes us happy. I'm happy with my Yamaha A-5, Pioneer PL-1200 and Polk Audio RTiA1. Recovering audiophile for me is a learned and but unassuming student of recorded sound.
Great video, Andrew. You made some meaningful points many of us relate to. A negative habit I picked up was to apologetically point out my system's weaknesses to others while they would otherwise be in awe, and just joyfully listen. That habit tends to rob from their experience.
I hear ya....I'm a toasterphile, I'm always trying to get the latest, greatest toaster. I've blown so much money over the years on toasters. Such as the epic Procter-Silex SC-345 of 79' and the General Electric BB-60 eliteII from 70' that could do 4 slices (one pair behind the other) I could talk for days about how positive the engagement of the lockdown mechanism feels when you click it on. I could drop a couple slices into an 84' Westinghouse chromedome blindfolded and know what it is from the sounds of its racks and the click of its button. Don't get me started on how great the 2004 Kenmore Deluxe digital 6 slice toasts so evenly from crust to crust. It's an Icon in the toaster industry to this day. Some toasters are great on store sliced whitebread but shit the bed on home cut Rye and you wouldn't know it from the specsheet. The specs of the toaster only tell you half the story and usually miss out on the more subtle nuances of modern toasting. These modern toaster oven using kids don't appreciate how a real piece of toast is supposed to be made. Today however ive sold off my toaster collection to those american picker guys and now just use a boring run of the mill white Kitchen-aid 2 slice base model.
OMG, we are in tears over here reading your comment. I'd personally like to make a video about your toasters and also would you like to be a moderator on this channel?
@@KristiWright Happy to make you guys laugh. Just a little payback for all the great videos you two put out. I confess that I was cracking up writing it. lol Best wishes.
You just drove a stake right through the heart of every pompous "know-it-all" audiophile like me. This comment really needs to find it's way into a future episode relating to audio addiction and snobbery as this is way too good to just linger in the bowels of youtube commentary. That being said, it appears there have been some really really cool toasters produced over the decades. 'Love it...
Andrew, thank you for sharing your experience. For people like me who are just getting into hifi this is important. I love that you guys being a lot of passion to these videos and your presentations are always meaningful
Thanks for this Andrew. I've recently gone on a pursuit of a great high-end system and am realizing that I've already spent so much without focusing on being happy with the music. Kind of contradicting as a musician myself.
Recovering audiophile to me means not thinking about the current trend as "the absolute sound", but as the sonic signature of this era. 40 years from now it will be judged just as "retro" and colored sounding as we find equipment from the 80s now. Also: chasing perfection leads to unhappiness. Focusing on the music collection leads to happiness. Thank you for your sober words! :)
for me the key to stop chasing is to have a couple of pairs of speakers, one that does things more laid back and natural, and another that are less natural but can make a large loud presentation when needed. Also I find an equalizer useful at adjusting poor sound, once its set you just forget about it and listen, this is useful for many, many brash sounding CD's.
To me, being a recovering audiophile (which I think I am) is to stop drinking the audio industry Kool-Aid and stop taking your hobby (because it is) so seriously. There are so many esoteric concepts in audio that just eat you alive and that takes you away from the very nature of this hobby that it becomes a burden more tan a pleasure.
Recovering audiophile…such a well turned phrase. Personally I can "personally see" it, and I PERSONALLY, understand it. Many great personal pursuits, or hobbies with MONEY..(in my life)..I’ve had to back away from. And as I do, I grow, once again. It’s all good, a good part of the best of living, and learning about life. It’s "a" (honest) looking for "truth". Reminds me of Bob Dylan quote… "When lightness was a virtue, and the road was full of mud". Love your channel Andrew.
Great video! The first step is admitting there’s a problem. Finding and having the perfect system is impossible. It truly causes one to lose the enjoyment of the music...s
An audiophile is some one who can appreciate music but not enjoy it. I'm not being witty. Before being an audiophile I either liked a track or didn't. As an audiophile you're constantly thinking about the sound, is it right, can it be better, blah blah. Somebody else once said "a listener uses speakers to hear the music. An audiophile uses music to hear the speakers".
I remember the exact moment I crossed that fine line and became an audiophile. It`s actually a long story, I started writing it out then deleted because its too long. Long story short, I powered up a new system that I had put together~ comprised of low cost used, highish end gear, listened to a random song on my list and in an instant, the *beauty* of music became extremely important to me. That system made ALL music sound great to me including genres I`d previously found repulsive. If Klingon death chant music was all that were available, I`d be listening to it for hours a day.
"Recovering" for me, is being HAPPY with the system I have, HAPPY listening to any type of music and not continuously thinking about an upgrade which is, in all probability, unnecessary. From someone that owns 3 vinyl decks and uses all of them. Yep, been there, seen it, done it. No more Kool aid. Excellent ending. Thank you.
I think we all want that better bigger nicer ECT. Speaker system if your into this but it has to be with in are means and enjoyment. Finding balance of what's important. I've been working on a up grade over the last couple of years and it's been working out. But I can only can afford so much and I'm pretty happy with what I got so far.
Great Post!!! Great life advice: Be happy with what you have. Among my friends we talk about avoiding the disease of "upgrade-ditis". High-fidelity audio can become an addiction to gadgets instead of music. Thank you, Andrew!!!
years ago an audio salesman told me the exact opposite of the message from the magazines. "pick the speakers you ENJOY the overall presentation of, then buy an amp with enough power to drive them as loud as you will need, spend the remaining money on a standard CD player' looking back he was probably 99% right. I enjoyed those cerwin vegas for a quite a while.
For a while I was buying a new guitar or tube amp every year until I realized that learning to play better was the true goal. Similarly with audio I knew I needed a real set of speakers for our surround system but when I wanted to add a turntable I was starting to get overwhelmed by the reviews. Finally one I wasn’t really considering at the lower end went on sale so I bought it thinking I’ll just upgrade later. You know what? It sounds pretty darn good to me and way more detail than listening to mp3s or CDs. So I guess that was the real goal after all.
Ive recently discovered your channel Andrew and enjoy your reviews. This is your best work - it's rings so true for me. There nas been so much FOMO and need for valiadation for me in my Hi Fi journey and I am so over it! Every thing you say hit's home. All I ever wanted was to maximise my joy of listening to music but somewhere along the way it became about the equipment and Hi Fi jewellery. Video's like this one offer a great dose of perspective about this hobby.
Is this part of getting older? Seems like as you get older your home inevitably fills up. You need to get far more selective about what you bring home. Overwhelmed is a great word for it. It feels fantastic to simplify and hang onto only the things you truly appreciate, then pass the rest to someone else who can enjoy them.
I think I recovered from the constant tail chasing about 7 years ago. Not that I was constantly swapping out equipment, I used to think “what if”. When you’ve woken up and smelt the coffee, you realise that mid price is HiFi isn’t ‘Mid Fi’, it’s just mid priced HiFi. When you accept that the weakest part of every setup is the room and most people like a room to be a space to live in as well as listen to music in - then there are going to be compromises. When you listen to so many different music genres with such varying levels of production quality, you just have to accept what your high fidelity system is telling you about certain recordings. I don’t want to alter the sound or to make bad stuff sound better etc... I just want to hear as close as possible what was recorded in my living space, silly price tags and magic cables etc, is not what is required.
BRAVO!! This conversation was so wonderful, honest, and truthful. Most importantly this video topic can easily be applied to topic “anything”... This video gets to us being our own worst purchasing enemy and to not fall prey to it. Thank you!!!
Amazing, everything you talk about here is what drives the industry. Fortunately, I have not suffered this phenomenon. Two goals have kept me out that rut: high quality sound in order to enjoy those recordings I love, and attaining this at the lowest possible price. So I end up building my own speakers and components, and I reject those stupidly priced components that cost as much as my entire system. Going three way active using top line drivers, I was able to build an amazingly good sounding system for about 5 grand. And with my new dedicated listening space in which I have properly placed the speakers, I am finally completely happy and feel no necessity to improve the system in any way.
Yes l am a recovering audiophile! There ! I said it! Lol! To me, an audiophile is a person, in competition, with anyone claiming, to have achieved the next level ,of audio perfection. Then scheming , to go a step above that. It is a relentless pursuit ," On a horse with no name".(forgive me ,for that reference)! You are always striving ,to be the one, standing on top , of the equipment heap! Screaming... Look at me! I won! Andrew, you da man! You Win!
Hey Andrew. Very nice episode/stream. I have been slowly adding your channel to my daily routine, catching up with old content and new releases as they drop. Thanks for the content. I appreciate that it is more than just the same old same old. It to me is a deeper look into what it means to be addicted to music and the duplication of sound, and the many forms in witch one can partake. Further more a guide to a healthy view of the hobby/obsession. That is refreshing! Most channels just give you the drug, not the psychology behind the craving. I won't bore you with a long winded description of my journey other then to say I have three different systems/listening rooms, all as a result of my never ending pursuit of the best listening experience. I hope watching your content will help me find my happy place. I may have already been headed down that path but your well worded and thoughtful insight is sure to only bolster my resolve. Thanks again, and keep it up!
I've been involved with audio for most of my life on both sides of the river. Unlike most though, I went the route of actually building many of my components as I went along. Along the way I learned to ask myself does the principles or designs I was trying to emulate make sense? Also what sounded good to me and did the performance enrich the listening experience? I had the dubious advantage of having been in the studio when something was recorded so I used that as a standard. Some of the things I built hit the mark, others did not. But I learned valuable lessons. One of which was to always question what was written about gear and did it make sense to me as a listener. As I've gotten older I've applied those lessons to video as well. HD, 4K, 8K, can, at my age, really tell the difference? Can I really discern the subtleties of wider frequency responses? Can I really tell the difference between vinyl, CD, MP3, or FLAC? There are a few things I've come to believe. 1. Media consumption is a highly personal thing. What sounds "spectacular" to one person may sound like crap to another.2. Companies develop a design philosophy or signature over time so you can usually know what to expect from their products. 3.No one company can do everything well. If their amps are great, their tuners may not be. So all equipment be they separates or integrated are compromises. What sounds and performs best to you is all that matters. Recently, I've been restoring some of my Reel to Reel decks. I did find that I had forgotten how "honest" a good one can sound(yep, that I can still tell). Ultimately, I have to agree with you. However, I think I'd like to extend your premise. If it sounds good to you, if it looks good to you, if after using it you come away satisfied by the experience, stop there. You are where you need to be. Your videos are always informative and entertaining. I particularly enjoy the interactions between you and your wife in the outtakes. In a world that seems to be getting more uncivilized by the hour, It's a pleasure to meet someone like you. Be Well. Be Healthy. Stay safe.
Amazing mate. Well said. At 66 years old I am sick and tired of chasing better sound thru buying different amps. It is indeed an addiction. Time to kick back and just enjoy the music as it sounds from my system. Love your honest opinion.
I think it was Alan Parsons who said he hates audiophiles, despite making some of the greatest mixes. "They don't listen to your music, they use your music to listen to their equipment."
Being a hobby musician, I have a big advantage: I know that NOTHING (!!!!) can copy the atmosphere of a life performance. So ALL recorded music and the reproduction of it is a compromise. With that in mind, chasing the "best equipment" is a joke.
Your text was just what I needed. Not in the process of buying audio but a boat. The lesson is the same, don’t continous try to buy that one which is just out of reach but be happy with the one you have.
I heard once upon a time that word boat was an acronym for Bust Out Another Thousand as they tend to be poor investments. I don't know if this is true or not as I've never owned a boat, but I thought the phrase was funny.
Andrew Robinson Well you phrase is right but most things loose their value over time and that’s not the greatest issue. Today I was at the dealer and looked at the new boat with you words about chasing that what is just out of reach in my mind. What does it have what gives me more pleasure in sailing than the boat I already own? I couldn’t find anything except that is was new and mine is 6 years old. Back home, we decided to keep the current one and enjoy every minute of it and do not always look at other boats as something we need to own to have pleasure. So Andrew, thanks for you words, which, for me, came at just the right time.
My understanding of an audiophile is someone who's constantly chasing Hify nirvana and a recovering audiophile as someone who's come to the realization it doesn't exist.
This video got me to subscribe to your channel. No way I could afford to be an audiophile anyway I just want to enjoy my media and trying to acquire the gear to do that. Thanks for being accessible.
“Hi, my name is Rich, and i am a recovering audiophile!” I totally agree with your assessment on what a recovering audiophile is. I am in my early 50’s and for the last 30 years I had always treated my sound system as if it were never good enough. That got me in trouble financially at times. I only wish now that I had some of that gear that I didn’t think was worthy. In addition, as a guitar player, I made the mistake of constantly changing my gear in the search for the Holy Grail of sound..never realizing until very recently it wasn’t the gear that was lacking (yup, it was my lack of talent)!!! LOL. Thank you for helping me realize I am not alone.
I’m proud to be an audiophile. The only problem is that I don’t have the bank account of one. So you could say that my audiophile journey is going to be loooooong! I don’t care though, I’m going to go though this journey with an open mind, but at the same time, I’ll live within my means.
I've seen almost all your videos in the past 3 weeks and stumbled upon this one It's good to hear it from someone who's been there and done that, because it enables me to just ignore the friends who tell me what's what in audio. Maybe I want to try that Cambridge, so what if he thinks "it's mid grade" I like how it looks, I like what I hear about it, maybe I don't want to drop $3000 on an ugly Krell just because it's regarded as this and that...
Wow you just described a feeling I always had. I also get to the point of obsession for making the best of my money when purchasing gear. Excess of analysis is paralysis. We just need to focus on enjoying the moment and the little things, but it can be difficult.
Hi Andrew, thanks for the video. It made me think a bit. I don’t think I am an Audiophile but I dabble. I keep a budget and consider the other priorities in my family’s life. When it comes to audio normally my thoughts go to what’s next in the endless pursuit of the next “upgrade” but today I took time to look at my gear and just take it in and be grateful. It isn’t perfect or the “best” but it’s mine and I enjoy it immensely. It’s easy to get caught up in the next upgrade but perfection is unattainable. Events in the world provide a bit of perspective. Any random event can take it all so for me I think it is important to reflect on this and take the time to appreciate what I have, count my blessings and take the time to enjoy it.
Hi Andrew, thanks for this video, this can apply to many things, much truth here. It's funny how much anger shows up when discussing cables or vinyl vs cd, it seems that many people are insecure about their choices and need to vigorously defend their opinion because it is also their identity. I recently sold my high end power amp and purchased an older pro amp...its much less nice to look at but I love the sound. As you say, the only person that needs to like your system is you.
I know this is an old video, but i feel the need to say, that for me , the sound that i am searching isn't the "best", is what a felt, what a i hear when i was a 7 yeras old kid listening to my father system and music.
I would consider myself a recovering audiophile also. The moment I left working for the audio industry. . . for a while I completely igmored audio. I went from 1000's of LP's and CD's to maybe 20 of each. I still have a set of Martin Logan SL3. Love them. I found a pair of theater organ speakers with 24 inch free air woofers that i've held on to. They control a room effortlessly. I don't know if anyone understand what i mean by that. Anyway, your Martin Logan video got my attention and so did this one. When I managed the store I would always say " what makes you happy, what sounds good to you. Your ears are not my ears. . ." Be safe and be kind
I just sparked a fire for a comment I made on another channel for this,i said it's cheaper to get car audio speaker's and put them in a build for home audio than to spend thousands on a bunch of overpriced "home audio" speaker's 🤣🤣
After reading many of the replies I realize that a person has to be where you have been in your addiction to understand what your talking about. I enjoy music I want to enjoy music to the fullest but I am certainly addicted to the chase of better gear, room treatment, the right combination of things. All of it. It consumes me on an extreme level. I need help. Thanks to you and a couple of others but mainly you I realize I need to just figure out what I like then go for that.
I enjoy a $10 bottle of wine much more than a $30 bottle of questionable value. I approach my A/V purchases in much the same way. Building a nice system does not require a huge layout of cash. Enjoy the music. Stay safe. Awesome channel, Andrew. Thanks!
Thank you so much for this, ever since I bought some gear been dreaming about the next bigger thing. Set my eyes on something beyond my budget (of course) but after viewing a few of your videos I viewed on my own preferences (music genres and movies I like) instead of specs and possibilities. Maybe it’s the age, and me now having kids but these videos of yours came at the right time.
This is by far your best video, and this is the best audio channel on UA-cam. Five stars! To me, being a recovering audio file in practical terms means one I no longer design and build my own loudspeakers. Two I no longer obsessively read stereophile. Three I focus on enjoying my music.
Really good stuff Andrew. I purchased (at a huge discount) a Parasound P6/A21+ combo a while back, and am trying to see that as an "end game" combo. Really great stuff.
It was some years ago when my mind was changing from "buy the best possible product from the best-of-list" in the magazines to "hey, look what you can afford and maybe it is okay to get an older model which makes you happy" and did you know what? that was the right way for me! I jumped of the wagon of buying each year a new av-receiver and so on. i change my equipment when a situation realy says me "you need a new tv, your old is broken or is missing important basic features".
Everyone wants the best and to have they best at whatever their passion is and you can chase it till the day you die. At one point in your life you have to stop chasing and settle for what you have and enjoy it. You got to stop chasing for the just a little bit better it will never come. Amen !
My audio journey is now 50 years encompassing passionate audiophile, 4 years of formal sound engineering education plus working for free, to 35 year full time pro engineer. I went from audiophile addiction to decades of never listening to a stereo or even music unless I was working on it. Now retired I have started listening to my old gear that I ditched decades ago in my basement, and guess what? It sounds really good. I don't notice the flaws I used to-- I don't listen for them. I don't have to play tracks at 110db to get that 'sky diving' thrill-- but, I still do for short periods on rare occasions. I don't care to buy any new equipment except for DAC'S that did not exist back in the day. I actually enjoy listening to music again-- no longer addicted chasing that intangible high.
Preach the truth good sir. I was drawn to your channel by your closing remark (Catch Phrase). "The only person who has to like the sound of your system is you." This is a fact of life that everyone needs to learn (about any topic) at some point in their life to start down the road of happiness.
My friend bought a reel to reel at a flee market. The stipulation was that he take the speakers so he did... and brought them directly to me, Optimus 1s. A neighbor keeps a shelf marked 'free' by the road and puts on it stuff he doesn't want, Onkyo Integra amp (after a spritz to the balance pot). Realistic cassette deck from a thrift shop ($5), AT lp120usb from Craigslist, Pioneer 6 cd changer my boss was unloading (free)... The only thing I've purchased new is the Ortofon Red and I'm a very happy boy. Whatever gets the music going without damaging my records is a-ok. My system just happens to sound way better than the actual cost would imply.
That's it Andrew BE HAPPY It took me to pack up my Yamaha amps, my paradigm se 11,and paradigm studio monitors,25 years ago and put them in attic,well of course the wife couldn't understand why we have all this stuff, Well I did it because it wasn't good enough,,, Fast forward to 2015,,I set it up in the garage, wow I couldn't believe that I thought it wasn't good enough, Great vid I'm sure u answered a lot of questions for audiophiles.
Andrew, this is your best video ever. Your philosophical musings can be applied not only to audio but any other hobby one has: cars, bikes, cameras, clothes, you name it. Even one’s job and salary... The important thing about being happy is find your sweet spot and stop worrying about what other people think. As you have pointed out, the only thing that matters is that your (fill in the blank) pleases YOU. Once you’ve found that balance point in your life you can enjoy your hobbies much more. PS: I do enjoy my vintage 150lbs Krell class A amp despite it doing double duty as a room heater ;-)
I came here for your reviews and I liked your personality and sense of humor. I'm staying as a regular viewer because, of this. Well said Andrew and I think you've saved me before I really jumped off the deep end. As recently as the beginning of this year I started getting into vinyl records and before I had a pair of Edifier active speakers and I was happy with them for a couple weeks. Then I began looking at passive speakers, amplifiers, subs. The works. This video has really made me reassess what exactly I'm chasing after. Am I looking for the best sound or prestige of having these systems or am I really enjoying the music I love? Thank you.
Marketing, peer pressure, and Dopamine can all be very powerful influencers, and the first two are difficult to get away from when they're constantly in your face in today's world of social media. The best thing I did was to cut my social media interaction WAY back, which in turn reduced my exposure to advertising and almost completely eliminated the peer pressure to try to live up to everybody else's perfect online lives. Your open and honest approach (who goes online and admits they spent way beyond their means), was a big factor in what drew me to watch your videos. Is my system perfect? Nope, but you've certainly taught me that my system is good enough because it puts a smile on MY face when listening to it (and if my wife doesn't like it, well that's her problem!)
I enjoyed music on a Sanyo cassette mono player playing pirated cassette tapes of Matt monro, cascades, the Beatles, etc while listening with my sister more than 30 years ago. I never have the same feeling with any music with more expensive gadgets now.
This video resonates strongly with me. I went through many similar tribulations as yourself, to end up in a very similar place - only being concerned with what makes me happy, regardless of what others say or what the gear actually is.
In the course of my life, I've come to find that addictions of any kind have common root causes, and one of them is this - an unwillingness to be *content* with what we have. At a very basic level, addiction is the voice inside that says, "I must have MORE." And no matter what the addiction is for, it *starts* the very first time that we look at a thing and say,"I need to have that." And things spiral downward from there. Being an audiophile is no different. The addiction to audio gear is, at its most basic level, a continuing cycle of "MORE!" born of an unwillingness to say."What I have is enough." That's why I appreciate Andrew's constant refrain of enjoying what you have and being willing to get off the wheel. Thank you for a mature, reasonable perspective, Andrew. I subscribe to your channel for that reason more than any other.
Thank you for saying publicly what I've been feeling and saying to my audio friends for some time now. A manufacturer told me years ago that alot of audiophiles buy equipment that their friends like. I replied that I buy what I like because most of the I listen alone anyway. Thanks again.
Hi, Andrew. I have been following your channel for a couple of years. This video to be honest is one of your best ones, because you describe what is important about the passion to be an Audiophile. The quintessence of that passion “Audiophile” is what you have your audio system and how you get joy from your personal collection of (music, videos, etc.) Andrew thanks for that simple and powerful message. Best regards, from Florida Gabriel
I totally agree with your perspective Andrew. I just begun my audio journey this year and luckily the virus happened and I had to shift my focus to other things than audio. And guess what? the less I focus on audio equipment and started to listen more to music and movies instead of testing audio quality and comparing stuff on internet and listening to reviews, it turned out I enjoyed music and movies more. It's much like having a Honda CR-V and knowing that there are supposedly much better and much more sophisticated cars out there. It doesn't matter because I don't have those cars. If I wait to enjoy music until I have those 'high-end' equipments. Then when are we going to enjoy music? Audiophiles and reviewers then cannot enjoy music because there will always be something out there that is better than their system. Enjoy your music and movies and podcasts, whatever thatt is. Enjoy what you have. If you are blessed with the resources to have 500k+ audio equipment then good for you. But for me, my yamaha a-s501 and klipsch rp-6000f is enough for me. Peace, and be safe out there fellas!
This hit home, because I needed a good talking to. I realized quite some time ago that I really needed to focus on finding the music I wanted to hear, at least along with my excitement for electronics to play them. When I first discovered Sony "ES", and then Mcintosh, suddenly I had a child like excitement and the music became secondary. I realized that seemed a at least a little curious. I thought perhaps my pursuit should be after new great music that I haven't heard, but there was something so exciting about extreme quality in gear. I realized my priorities were a little convoluted when it was obvious I had two complete home theaters and enough amps, receivers, turntables, headsets, speakers, and etc for every room in the house including the garage, and such a small library of music to play. I still intend to sell most, and just keep my favorites, but so far, "tomorrow", is always the best time to start a job like this. Sound familiar ? 🤷
I am not sure Andrew what you are traying to say but for me I can say it took about 7 years and more than 30,000$ to get the sound I always wanted in the way I made some mistakes which cost me a lot of money but I learnt and moved on to the right choices .I didn't do it because I am audiophile addict but because I didn't reach the sound signature I was seeking for ! Do I regret this journey ? No I don't. Did I achieve the goal I wanted ? Yes I did. It's like a nirvana now when I finally got the right gear combination which provides the sound I always wanted . Now I am enjoying my music collection like never before and I am out of the hi-fi market for good. The journey is over.
Good work Andrew, making some really solid points. I found myself going, 'yeah that's me, I think that.' used to have an Incatech Claymore, it was all I needed.
Audiophile. That means someone who loves audio. Gearphile. Is a term that doesn't exist. But it is what takes away from the passion for the music. We forget that one can still be an audiophile with cheap gear. "Perfection" is listening to the live performance. Nothing comes even close to that, no matter how expensive the gear is. The wheel is the fact that one will never get the carrot!! And that is not enjoying the music, it is stressing over the unattainable.
An audiophile is a purist audio perfectionist that will never be conformed with his audio gear, audiophiles hobbie is to improove their equipment constantly reaching better sound, so they have one big problem, they dont listen music, they listen sounds therfore they only listen to the music that is perfectly recorded and learn to like it. I am a mix of audiophile because I build my speakers as I know much about making crossover and my most important thing is wich woofer and tweeter buy and there is where the fun begins looking days at speaker components and their curves of frequency responce, some time ago I fell in love with the tweeter Dynaudo Esotar T-330 which have the perfect frequency response as is a soft dome it delivers the softness of fabric dome and the extension ( 10khz to 13 khz ) of aluminum dome but is wey expensive, the Sonus Faber Electa Amator Mk1 use it and the EgglestonWorks Andra's also have it so I get the fun of design and making my own speakers and the rest is to select the electronics like YBA Integre, APT Holman as phono stage and a Linn Sondek turntable, Transparent cables and the acoustics which is the 50% of the sound I use ASC panels strategicly positiones with a mirror, many people spends 20 times more than me and when go to my place feels frustrated because I have image that only is reachable with acoustics ( panels ) I don't like dead rooms they sound bored I preffer panels well located.
Hi Andrew, your absolute right in this. I'm still happy with the system I own. Have to admit I did upgrade it with new caps but that's normal after some years. After all we all don't drive all a Rolls or Mercedes.
Are you a recovering audiophile? What does being an audiophile in general mean to you in 2020?
COMMENT AND POSTING RULES: (Please read before commenting)
Please remember to be kind and courteous to one another in the comments. It's okay to disagree just keep things civil.
Harassment will not be tolerated.
WORRIED YOUR COMMENT WAS DELETED?
Comments containing profanity are automatically flagged and deleted by UA-cam.
Comments containing links of any kind to outside URLs (including UA-cam links) are automatically flagged and deleted.
If you aren't seeing your comment, please make sure you didn't accidentally leave out a space before or after a period your sentence. UA-cam sees this as a URL link.
Since we cannot edit your comments, any of the above violations will result in your comment not be visible.
That's the magic of your channel... no snobbery or judgment.
NOT EVERY PRODUCT IS MEANT FOR YOU! So true Andrew, great words buddy.Again, we wish we heard this in our youth.So True.
If I get it right, and I've seen both the videos you referenced, you define an audiophile as someone on a continuing search for and purchasing hyped high end audio equipment in the ever elusive quest for a "perfect" sound machine. I would label myself as an "inquiring" audiophile because, as mentioned in my previous comments, I'm extremely happy with the system I built and have had for neigh on forty years. Your channel, and a few others keep me abreast of the new technology. It's like the difference between an alcoholic and a casual drinker. Carry on, Andrew, a great discussion. A suggestion, if I may, it might be nice to get a "layperson's" review from Kristi at some time.
There is a very fine line between functionality and obsession in the home audio world.
Wise words indeed!
When gear becomes more important than the music, that is a problem. I'm so GLAD I got off this merry-go-round.
And I am glad I never got on it ...
Following for years. Genuinely deserve to have 1mil+ followers. Dedicated to the beauty of sound. Much respect 🙏
I recovered from being an Audiophile when I earned my AA degree in electronics in 1994 and discovered that a lot of what audiophile enthusiast believed was not supported by what I had learned and gained since in experience dealing with electronics. Especially in the realm of cables. The other thing that I discovered is that there appeared to be the requirement to spend thousands and thousands on equipment for a marginal gain in performance. I'll admit that in the real high end of audio there are amazing designs and awesome equipment in all categories. But, when you can achieve 70 to 90% of performance of that type of gear with a tiny fraction of the cost, then why spend that kind of money if you really can't afford it. If you can and want to, by all means go for it.
Once you learn how the gear works and learn how to properly check power output, frequency responses, Harmonic distortion, etc, you realize that good equipment does not necessarily need to cost much at all. Congrats on getting your AA.
Definitely food for thought. I recently sold my record collection and most of my stereo equipment due to an impending move to a smaller place. I kept my bookshelf speakers and bought a PowerNode 2i streamer. Where I spent all my free time searching for, buying, cleaning and organizing records and upgrading my system, now all I do now is...listen to music. More music. Different music. And I am much happier and financially stable.
Everyone finds their own path to contentment, whether it be focused on music or equipment. Sometimes we get enticed, but we find our way back to our true love (ourselves). And we appreciate it more, I hope.
This is about so much more than audio. Good life stuff. I've gone too far down the rabbit hole on too many hobbies - audio/video, cars, collecting things - and realized at some point, this is too much, I'm not enjoying this anymore. Gotta learn to let yourself be happy. I have a 7 year old Toyota Corolla and I don't care to have anything "better," I have a 30-year-old Yamaha stack and I abuse the tone controls to make it sound like I want it to sound, and I don't need anything better. I don't have to impress anybody. It's just something that comes from age or experience I guess.
Hey Andrew, based on your last video I went out and purchased myself a Pioneer SA 7800 vintage amplifier and a TX vintage Pioneer receiver. Saved a boatload of money and it sounds better than anything else that I've had and I've had some fairly expensive equipment.
The reason I bought it is because I'm 53 years old and the look of it makes me happy. Thank you
david long We love this! Enjoy it!
A lot of people have just confused the feeling of a dopamine hit after buying something new with it sounding better. After a certain point there is no better, just different and all you are doing is buying yourself a drug through your attachment to equipment. If you see this in yourself and you are having trouble getting off the wheel, a good place to start is by gradually delaying gratification more and more until it no longer feels like a requirement. Delaying gratification is not "wait until I can afford it", It's "wait after I can afford it".
your candor keeps me coming back. thank you for sharing so much of yourself. i always scroll your comments and enjoy seeing others who genuinely appreciate you and your messages.
That means a lot. Kristi and I do our best to keep it at 100. We appreciate you and always look forward to your videos!
You are right. I am not an audiophile, but I recognize the problem with being happy with for instance my earbuds, until I read a review that is negative about the product. Then I start to doubt myself. This combined with being unrealistic: I will sit in a silent room, listen to the sound from the earbuds, and listen to every small detail, totally forgetting what I bought them for: for running and cycling. And it is never that quite when running and cycling.
This video made me realize I should enjoy rather than worry. Thanks.
At this time in your life, you have learned the basics in audio and what makes good audio. You have made it to the pentacle of what audio can sound like You have re-analyzed your audio priorities and came to a conclusion that you can live with without feeling cheated. What is the real difference between real good audio and great audio? You! I am recovering right along with you brother!
I like trying new components but if they don’t provide a significant upgrade then I sell. I generally won’t upgrade anything unless I can sell something to pay for it. But occasionally I get the itch and want to hear how tubes sound in my system, or a different turntable or pre-amp. Sometimes it’s fun to have a secondary system to experiment with. Being a recovered audiophile means “I know I can do better, but I’m satisfied with what I have.”
Could be the best episode I ever watched from your channel. IMHO being an audiophile is just a state of mind. I hope my so called 'audiophile' friends could see this.
Some colleagues keep on bugging me to upgrade my equipment but I had always choose to spend my money on physical media, and services instead to enrich my experience since I feel my gear is still more than ample for my needs. Cheers!
We had little money, but Dad often brought home 5 or 10 dollar speakers he found at garage sales, and the occasional amp; it was so much fun as a kid to see how things sounded different and enjoying cds through ancient gear but it all sounded great in those days. Been chasing that still, but having money for the journey hasn't made it better. Thanks for the video.
There are always people who are never satisfied, whether its audio, cars, homes, watches. I believe that those people are not happy with themselves. But it is helpful to hear somebody, saying that. It should be about the music, I like the look of the gear I have but it is in line with my budget and lifestyle. Thank you for an insightful video .
I love music, all types the very first thing I bought with my first months paycheque was my first stereo. And slowly over forty years got to the system I have now. It’s not the best or flashy but it’s mine and paid for and I can listen to all types of music and enjoy the experience I love reading so my hifi is not distracting it’s got no meters or lights it’s music that I find relaxing and comfortable. It’s a marantz 6006 cd uk edition, two nad c370 integrated amplifiers bi amping monitor audio silver 500 speakers. Not flashy maybe to some very basic but I love it and it does the job. I go to shows and exhibitions and dream of owning a hi end system but I know my limitations and go home to the one that I have and I’m content. Love your channel it’s refreshing and down to earth with heart 😃
WAOWWW!!!! You voiced the voice of reason and what should be the obvious!!! Being an Audiophile is learning to enjoy music and be passionate about it! The Music!
I'm lucky enough to be a music freak and to fret on anything from jazz to classic to punk to indie to rap, depending on my days! It's such a joy.
But I was almost caught in that loop of gear cycle, but lucky me I was able to listen to one day the system of a friend who dropped 30K on his setup that looked gigantic and uggly! The sound left me COLD.
I then worked my way by small steps always small amounts to improve my modest setup but reached a point where I was blown away!!! My biggest contributors :
- Audioengine Bluetooth streamer (a gem)
- Tidal Hi-fi
- klipsh RP600M
All that driven by my $300 Onkyo 2 ch receiver.
I'm blown away everytime I fire it up. I have an Orbit turntable for vinyl as my 2nd passion, and keep switching back and forth depending on the mood of what I want to listen to. And that makes me freaking Happy!!!
Thanks for sharing the obvious, and I wish our hobbyist world was more about common sense and respect of the other's taste and desire and budget.
Cheers!! 🍻
Sadly, audiophiles can never enjoy the music. They keep finding flaws in their equipment that the next upgrade is going to magically fix, so they never enjoy the music, because that next most expensive thing that they don't own yet is what is really going to allow them to enjoy the music.
@@AndyP126 there's two population who call themselves audiophile and the term is used for both. A true Audiophile should be all about enjoying the music. If your system looks good then it's a plus. But gear freak who think they can slap this label and flash their insane system as a badge of respect and have very narrow taste of music or tolerance for other styles, then sorry but no. You're not an Audiophile! You're a snob.
You can be of the 1st type and pursuing perfection in your system though. But as Andrew says it well, the main piece is just, sit and enjoy!
David Muller It’s the classic battle of audiophiles versus gear collectors. Audiophilez just want enough gear to make the music sound good. Gear collectors just need to keep buying forever, because they care about the gear and not the music.
There is a whole lot of wisdom in this video, and I recommend this to anyone interested in hifi.
Going DIY stopped me from continuing down the rabbit hole of speakers. I now know that no matter the price, I can build my own set that can sound as good or better for a fraction of the cost or just make updates with different drivers. Still working out the amps.
So true!
I really enjoy hearing you speak about being true to yourself regarding this hobby and I know how easily it can turn into just "stressful madness and loose the whole point along the way." I've been watching your videos for the past few months and really take a lot away from them that helps me stay connected to the real meaning of being an enthusiast. Thank you and keep the great videos coming.
Great video, Andrew. The way you have described what a recovering audiophile is, is exactly the way I would describe it. Like most in this hobby, I do suffer from thinking about owning different gear which manifests itself into self-doubt and inevitably I end up not appreciating what I do have and just enjoying music. It's hard to shake that itch but I am much better than I used to be some 20 years ago when it was a revolving door. I too, am a recovering audiophile. I have owned the same speakers for a decade now. I really do love my system, it's just that one affordable tube preamp that I keep thinking about...
There are a lot of people jumping back into this hobby because of COVID -- and like me they are likely overwhelmed. I'm a typical Gen X'er whose career and kids kept me out of HiFi for 20 years. Getting back in was a combination of joy in realizing again how great music can sound once you take the earbuds out and panic in trying to absorb 20 years of advancement in audio components and speaker technology. Upgraditis is curable by learning what stirs your soul in experiencing the music you love and how that translates into equipment choices. It took me a few iterations but I got there with an NAD streaming receiver and JBL speakers. I've had some false starts and some speakers I'm now trying to find buyers for -- but I got there. There are some great resources out there to learn from and Andrew's channel is one of the very best. The key lesson I learned is that the relationship between price and excitement / enjoyment level don't have to be linear when you know what you love.
Thank you for this video. I wasn't sure what I was in for when I clicked the video but I'm happy I did and I completely agree. This can definitely apply to multiple fields, and I appreciate you speaking up, as not too many people take the moment out to make this subject the focus. "What makes YOU happy. What do YOU want out of your experience. You too can get where you need with this older/used/not top model Computer/Car/Speakers."
I think a lot of people would feel a lot less stress and more financial stability if they took the time to really sit down, and think about what is valuable through the experience, and what is extra. There's nothing wrong with going a little extra, but don't let the person driving a new top of the line Benz tell you "The best or nothing." It's subjective! Thank you for the video!
i nearly went down the audiophile path 2 decades ago...but the reality slapped me on the face by way of my then wife's cold stare whenever I tried to excuse myself to goto the audio mall... and now here I am in 2020 with a bluetooth enabled True Wireless Speakers in every room I spend more than 30 minutes in.... with over 500GB of music on my mobilephone, i am in audio nirvana
Prob my fav audio guy on UA-cam. No bullshit. Chill. Real. Dig it man. Keep it up.
I definitely have a problem with looking way above my budget and once I do,then what I originally wanted seems so lacking it's almost not worth the "waste" of money. These videos have shown me things so far above my means but has also helped to put things into perspective for me. So instead of a $2k turntable I spent 500 and am extremely happy with it! Funny how being exposed to gear that's so far away it makes you think more of what is attainable
In my opinion, this is the most serious and mature video in YT on audiophile.
I agree mate. After talking about specs and brands and everything in between, which is also important, we all end up asking ourselves, are we happy, is my fellow happy, what makes us happy.
I'm happy with my Yamaha A-5, Pioneer PL-1200 and Polk Audio RTiA1.
Recovering audiophile for me is a learned and but unassuming student of recorded sound.
Great video, Andrew. You made some meaningful points many of us relate to. A negative habit I picked up was to apologetically point out my system's weaknesses to others while they would otherwise be in awe, and just joyfully listen. That habit tends to rob from their experience.
I hear ya....I'm a toasterphile, I'm always trying to get the latest, greatest toaster. I've blown so much money over the years on toasters. Such as the epic Procter-Silex SC-345 of 79' and the General Electric BB-60 eliteII from 70' that could do 4 slices (one pair behind the other) I could talk for days about how positive the engagement of the lockdown mechanism feels when you click it on. I could drop a couple slices into an 84' Westinghouse chromedome blindfolded and know what it is from the sounds of its racks and the click of its button. Don't get me started on how great the 2004 Kenmore Deluxe digital 6 slice toasts so evenly from crust to crust. It's an Icon in the toaster industry to this day. Some toasters are great on store sliced whitebread but shit the bed on home cut Rye and you wouldn't know it from the specsheet. The specs of the toaster only tell you half the story and usually miss out on the more subtle nuances of modern toasting. These modern toaster oven using kids don't appreciate how a real piece of toast is supposed to be made. Today however ive sold off my toaster collection to those american picker guys and now just use a boring run of the mill white Kitchen-aid 2 slice base model.
OMG, we are in tears over here reading your comment. I'd personally like to make a video about your toasters and also would you like to be a moderator on this channel?
@@KristiWright Happy to make you guys laugh. Just a little payback for all the great videos you two put out. I confess that I was cracking up writing it. lol Best wishes.
You just drove a stake right through the heart of every pompous "know-it-all" audiophile like me. This comment really needs to find it's way into a future episode relating to audio addiction and snobbery as this is way too good to just linger in the bowels of youtube commentary. That being said, it appears there have been some really really cool toasters produced over the decades. 'Love it...
@@gregmiller3630 Ha Ha thanks dude.
Andrew, thank you for sharing your experience. For people like me who are just getting into hifi this is important.
I love that you guys being a lot of passion to these videos and your presentations are always meaningful
Thanks for this Andrew. I've recently gone on a pursuit of a great high-end system and am realizing that I've already spent so much without focusing on being happy with the music. Kind of contradicting as a musician myself.
Recovering audiophile to me means not thinking about the current trend as "the absolute sound", but as the sonic signature of this era. 40 years from now it will be judged just as "retro" and colored sounding as we find equipment from the 80s now. Also: chasing perfection leads to unhappiness. Focusing on the music collection leads to happiness. Thank you for your sober words! :)
for me the key to stop chasing is to have a couple of pairs of speakers, one that does things more laid back and natural, and another that are less natural but can make a large loud presentation when needed. Also I find an equalizer useful at adjusting poor sound, once its set you just forget about it and listen, this is useful for many, many brash sounding CD's.
Coming around the the realization that no pair of speakers can do everything perfectly was a huge turning point for me.
It may not be HighFi but it’s MyFi...
We should put that on a t-shirt.
Best reply ever!
Kristi Wright hey, go right ahead! White on black?
To me, being a recovering audiophile (which I think I am) is to stop drinking the audio industry Kool-Aid and stop taking your hobby (because it is) so seriously. There are so many esoteric concepts in audio that just eat you alive and that takes you away from the very nature of this hobby that it becomes a burden more tan a pleasure.
Marc Toupin so true.
Recovering audiophile…such a well turned phrase.
Personally I can "personally see" it, and I PERSONALLY, understand it. Many great personal pursuits, or hobbies with MONEY..(in my life)..I’ve had to back away from. And as I do, I grow, once again.
It’s all good, a good part of the best of living, and learning about life. It’s "a" (honest) looking for "truth".
Reminds me of Bob Dylan quote…
"When lightness was a virtue, and the road was full of mud".
Love your channel Andrew.
Great video! The first step is admitting there’s a problem. Finding and having the perfect system is impossible. It truly causes one to lose the enjoyment of the music...s
An audiophile is some one who can appreciate music but not enjoy it. I'm not being witty. Before being an audiophile I either liked a track or didn't. As an audiophile you're constantly thinking about the sound, is it right, can it be better, blah blah. Somebody else once said "a listener uses speakers to hear the music. An audiophile uses music to hear the speakers".
I remember the exact moment I crossed that fine line and became an audiophile. It`s actually a long story, I started writing it out then deleted because its too long.
Long story short, I powered up a new system that I had put together~ comprised of low cost used, highish end gear, listened to a random song on my list and in an instant, the *beauty* of music became extremely important to me. That system made ALL music sound great to me including genres I`d previously found repulsive.
If Klingon death chant music was all that were available, I`d be listening to it for hours a day.
"Recovering" for me, is being HAPPY with the system I have, HAPPY listening to any type of music and not continuously thinking about an upgrade which is, in all probability, unnecessary. From someone that owns 3 vinyl decks and uses all of them. Yep, been there, seen it, done it. No more Kool aid. Excellent ending. Thank you.
I think we all want that better bigger nicer ECT. Speaker system if your into this but it has to be with in are means and enjoyment. Finding balance of what's important. I've been working on a up grade over the last couple of years and it's been working out. But I can only can afford so much and I'm pretty happy with what I got so far.
Great Post!!! Great life advice: Be happy with what you have.
Among my friends we talk about avoiding the disease of "upgrade-ditis".
High-fidelity audio can become an addiction to gadgets instead of music.
Thank you, Andrew!!!
years ago an audio salesman told me the exact opposite of the message from the magazines. "pick the speakers you ENJOY the overall presentation of, then buy an amp with enough power to drive them as loud as you will need, spend the remaining money on a standard CD player' looking back he was probably 99% right. I enjoyed those cerwin vegas for a quite a while.
For a while I was buying a new guitar or tube amp every year until I realized that learning to play better was the true goal. Similarly with audio I knew I needed a real set of speakers for our surround system but when I wanted to add a turntable I was starting to get overwhelmed by the reviews. Finally one I wasn’t really considering at the lower end went on sale so I bought it thinking I’ll just upgrade later. You know what? It sounds pretty darn good to me and way more detail than listening to mp3s or CDs. So I guess that was the real goal after all.
Ive recently discovered your channel Andrew and enjoy your reviews. This is your best work - it's rings so true for me. There nas been so much FOMO and need for valiadation for me in my Hi Fi journey and I am so over it! Every thing you say hit's home. All I ever wanted was to maximise my joy of listening to music but somewhere along the way it became about the equipment and Hi Fi jewellery. Video's like this one offer a great dose of perspective about this hobby.
Is this part of getting older? Seems like as you get older your home inevitably fills up. You need to get far more selective about what you bring home. Overwhelmed is a great word for it. It feels fantastic to simplify and hang onto only the things you truly appreciate, then pass the rest to someone else who can enjoy them.
I think I recovered from the constant tail chasing about 7 years ago. Not that I was constantly swapping out equipment, I used to think “what if”.
When you’ve woken up and smelt the coffee, you realise that mid price is HiFi isn’t ‘Mid Fi’, it’s just mid priced HiFi.
When you accept that the weakest part of every setup is the room and most people like a room to be a space to live in as well as listen to music in - then there are going to be compromises. When you listen to so many different music genres with such varying levels of production quality, you just have to accept what your high fidelity system is telling you about certain recordings. I don’t want to alter the sound or to make bad stuff sound better etc... I just want to hear as close as possible what was recorded in my living space, silly price tags and magic cables etc, is not what is required.
Well said.
That was great. I feel like I just sat down with a really good therapist and hashed things out for a hour. 😀
BRAVO!! This conversation was so wonderful, honest, and truthful. Most importantly this video topic can easily be applied to topic “anything”... This video gets to us being our own worst purchasing enemy and to not fall prey to it. Thank you!!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Amazing, everything you talk about here is what drives the industry. Fortunately, I have not suffered this phenomenon. Two goals have kept me out that rut: high quality sound in order to enjoy those recordings I love, and attaining this at the lowest possible price. So I end up building my own speakers and components, and I reject those stupidly priced components that cost as much as my entire system. Going three way active using top line drivers, I was able to build an amazingly good sounding system for about 5 grand. And with my new dedicated listening space in which I have properly placed the speakers, I am finally completely happy and feel no necessity to improve the system in any way.
Yes l am a recovering audiophile! There ! I said it! Lol! To me, an audiophile is a person, in competition, with anyone claiming, to have achieved the next level ,of audio perfection. Then scheming , to go a step above that. It is a relentless pursuit ," On a horse with no name".(forgive me ,for that reference)! You are always striving ,to be the one, standing on top , of the equipment heap! Screaming... Look at me! I won! Andrew, you da man! You Win!
Hey Andrew. Very nice episode/stream. I have been slowly adding your channel to my daily routine, catching up with old content and new releases as they drop. Thanks for the content. I appreciate that it is more than just the same old same old. It to me is a deeper look into what it means to be addicted to music and the duplication of sound, and the many forms in witch one can partake. Further more a guide to a healthy view of the hobby/obsession. That is refreshing! Most channels just give you the drug, not the psychology behind the craving. I won't bore you with a long winded description of my journey other then to say I have three different systems/listening rooms, all as a result of my never ending pursuit of the best listening experience. I hope watching your content will help me find my happy place. I may have already been headed down that path but your well worded and thoughtful insight is sure to only bolster my resolve. Thanks again, and keep it up!
I've been involved with audio for most of my life on both sides of the river. Unlike most though, I went the route of actually building many of my components as I went along. Along the way I learned to ask myself does the principles or designs I was trying to emulate make sense? Also what sounded good to me and did the performance enrich the listening experience? I had the dubious advantage of having been in the studio when something was recorded so I used that as a standard. Some of the things I built hit the mark, others did not. But I learned valuable lessons. One of which was to always question what was written about gear and did it make sense to me as a listener. As I've gotten older I've applied those lessons to video as well. HD, 4K, 8K, can, at my age, really tell the difference? Can I really discern the subtleties of wider frequency responses? Can I really tell the difference between vinyl, CD, MP3, or FLAC? There are a few things I've come to believe. 1. Media consumption is a highly personal thing. What sounds "spectacular" to one person may sound like crap to another.2. Companies develop a design philosophy or signature over time so you can usually know what to expect from their products. 3.No one company can do everything well. If their amps are great, their tuners may not be. So all equipment be they separates or integrated are compromises. What sounds and performs best to you is all that matters. Recently, I've been restoring some of my Reel to Reel decks. I did find that I had forgotten how "honest" a good one can sound(yep, that I can still tell). Ultimately, I have to agree with you. However, I think I'd like to extend your premise. If it sounds good to you, if it looks good to you, if after using it you come away satisfied by the experience, stop there. You are where you need to be. Your videos are always informative and entertaining. I particularly enjoy the interactions between you and your wife in the outtakes. In a world that seems to be getting more uncivilized by the hour, It's a pleasure to meet someone like you. Be Well. Be Healthy. Stay safe.
Amazing mate. Well said. At 66 years old I am sick and tired of chasing better sound thru buying different amps. It is indeed an addiction. Time to kick back and just enjoy the music as it sounds from my system. Love your honest opinion.
I think it was Alan Parsons who said he hates audiophiles, despite making some of the greatest mixes.
"They don't listen to your music, they use your music to listen to their equipment."
Being a hobby musician, I have a big advantage: I know that NOTHING (!!!!) can copy the atmosphere of a life performance. So ALL recorded music and the reproduction of it is a compromise. With that in mind, chasing the "best equipment" is a joke.
Your text was just what I needed. Not in the process of buying audio but a boat. The lesson is the same, don’t continous try to buy that one which is just out of reach but be happy with the one you have.
I heard once upon a time that word boat was an acronym for Bust Out Another Thousand as they tend to be poor investments. I don't know if this is true or not as I've never owned a boat, but I thought the phrase was funny.
Andrew Robinson Well you phrase is right but most things loose their value over time and that’s not the greatest issue. Today I was at the dealer and looked at the new boat with you words about chasing that what is just out of reach in my mind. What does it have what gives me more pleasure in sailing than the boat I already own? I couldn’t find anything except that is was new and mine is 6 years old. Back home, we decided to keep the current one and enjoy every minute of it and do not always look at other boats as something we need to own to have pleasure. So Andrew, thanks for you words, which, for me, came at just the right time.
My understanding of an audiophile is someone who's constantly chasing Hify nirvana and a recovering audiophile as someone who's come to the realization it doesn't exist.
This is a healthy attitude towards things :-)
This video got me to subscribe to your channel. No way I could afford to be an audiophile anyway I just want to enjoy my media and trying to acquire the gear to do that. Thanks for being accessible.
“Hi, my name is Rich, and i am a recovering audiophile!” I totally agree with your assessment on what a recovering audiophile is. I am in my early 50’s and for the last 30 years I had always treated my sound system as if it were never good enough. That got me in trouble financially at times. I only wish now that I had some of that gear that I didn’t think was worthy. In addition, as a guitar player, I made the mistake of constantly changing my gear in the search for the Holy Grail of sound..never realizing until very recently it wasn’t the gear that was lacking (yup, it was my lack of talent)!!! LOL. Thank you for helping me realize I am not alone.
New to the channel. This is so much deeper than sound and resonates with me, pun unintended. Can apply to anything. Thanks for calling it out.
I’m proud to be an audiophile. The only problem is that I don’t have the bank account of one. So you could say that my audiophile journey is going to be loooooong! I don’t care though, I’m going to go though this journey with an open mind, but at the same time, I’ll live within my means.
I've seen almost all your videos in the past 3 weeks and stumbled upon this one
It's good to hear it from someone who's been there and done that, because it enables me to just ignore the friends who tell me what's what in audio. Maybe I want to try that Cambridge, so what if he thinks "it's mid grade"
I like how it looks, I like what I hear about it, maybe I don't want to drop $3000 on an ugly Krell just because it's regarded as this and that...
Wow you just described a feeling I always had. I also get to the point of obsession for making the best of my money when purchasing gear. Excess of analysis is paralysis. We just need to focus on enjoying the moment and the little things, but it can be difficult.
Hi Andrew, thanks for the video. It made me think a bit. I don’t think I am an Audiophile but I dabble. I keep a budget and consider the other priorities in my family’s life. When it comes to audio normally my thoughts go to what’s next in the endless pursuit of the next “upgrade” but today I took time to look at my gear and just take it in and be grateful. It isn’t perfect or the “best” but it’s mine and I enjoy it immensely. It’s easy to get caught up in the next upgrade but perfection is unattainable. Events in the world provide a bit of perspective. Any random event can take it all so for me I think it is important to reflect on this and take the time to appreciate what I have, count my blessings and take the time to enjoy it.
Hi Andrew, thanks for this video, this can apply to many things, much truth here. It's funny how much anger shows up when discussing cables or vinyl vs cd, it seems that many people are insecure about their choices and need to vigorously defend their opinion because it is also their identity. I recently sold my high end power amp and purchased an older pro amp...its much less nice to look at but I love the sound. As you say, the only person that needs to like your system is you.
Yep, yep, yep. That need to be validated is a helluva drug.
Your appreciation of that Pioneer SX-450 really shows how far you have come! Congratulations
It's an SX450. Also, 🤦♀️.
@@KristiWright opps... lol messed up... sorry... thank you!!
I know this is an old video, but i feel the need to say, that for me , the sound that i am searching isn't the "best", is what a felt, what a i hear when i was a 7 yeras old kid listening to my father system and music.
Yes this 100%
I would consider myself a recovering audiophile also. The moment I left working for the audio industry. . . for a while I completely igmored audio. I went from 1000's of LP's and CD's to maybe 20 of each. I still have a set of Martin Logan SL3. Love them. I found a pair of theater organ speakers with 24 inch free air woofers that i've held on to. They control a room effortlessly. I don't know if anyone understand what i mean by that. Anyway, your Martin Logan video got my attention and so did this one. When I managed the store I would always say " what makes you happy, what sounds good to you. Your ears are not my ears. . ."
Be safe and be kind
Thanks Jack! Be well and thanks for watching!
Man, I'm just getting started in this hobby, and I feel like you just saved me TONS of time and money...
I just sparked a fire for a comment I made on another channel for this,i said it's cheaper to get car audio speaker's and put them in a build for home audio than to spend thousands on a bunch of overpriced "home audio" speaker's 🤣🤣
After reading many of the replies I realize that a person has to be where you have been in your addiction to understand what your talking about. I enjoy music I want to enjoy music to the fullest but I am certainly addicted to the chase of better gear, room treatment, the right combination of things. All of it. It consumes me on an extreme level. I need help. Thanks to you and a couple of others but mainly you I realize I need to just figure out what I like then go for that.
I enjoy a $10 bottle of wine much more than a $30 bottle of questionable value. I approach my A/V purchases in much the same way. Building a nice system does not require a huge layout of cash. Enjoy the music. Stay safe. Awesome channel, Andrew. Thanks!
This was your Best video. I can relate to what you say here.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews hi andrew Will you consider reviewing the kefr 3.thanks
Thank you so much for this, ever since I bought some gear been dreaming about the next bigger thing. Set my eyes on something beyond my budget (of course) but after viewing a few of your videos I viewed on my own preferences (music genres and movies I like) instead of specs and possibilities. Maybe it’s the age, and me now having kids but these videos of yours came at the right time.
This is by far your best video, and this is the best audio channel on UA-cam. Five stars!
To me, being a recovering audio file in practical terms means one I no longer design and build my own loudspeakers. Two I no longer obsessively read stereophile. Three I focus on enjoying my music.
Really good stuff Andrew. I purchased (at a huge discount) a Parasound P6/A21+ combo a while back, and am trying to see that as an "end game" combo. Really great stuff.
It's a person that finally says to themselves.... I spent how much!
It was some years ago when my mind was changing from "buy the best possible product from the best-of-list" in the magazines to "hey, look what you can afford and maybe it is okay to get an older model which makes you happy" and did you know what? that was the right way for me! I jumped of the wagon of buying each year a new av-receiver and so on. i change my equipment when a situation realy says me "you need a new tv, your old is broken or is missing important basic features".
Everyone wants the best and to have they best at whatever their passion is and you can chase it till the day you die. At one point in your life you have to stop chasing and settle for what you have and enjoy it. You got to stop chasing for the just a little bit better it will never come. Amen !
My audio journey is now 50 years encompassing passionate audiophile, 4 years of formal sound engineering education plus working for free, to 35 year full time pro engineer. I went from audiophile addiction to decades of never listening to a stereo or even music unless I was working on it. Now retired I have started listening to my old gear that I ditched decades ago in my basement, and guess what? It sounds really good. I don't notice the flaws I used to-- I don't listen for them. I don't have to play tracks at 110db to get that 'sky diving' thrill-- but, I still do for short periods on rare occasions. I don't care to buy any new equipment except for DAC'S that did not exist back in the day. I actually enjoy listening to music again-- no longer addicted chasing that intangible high.
Preach the truth good sir. I was drawn to your channel by your closing remark (Catch Phrase). "The only person who has to like the sound of your system is you." This is a fact of life that everyone needs to learn (about any topic) at some point in their life to start down the road of happiness.
My friend bought a reel to reel at a flee market. The stipulation was that he take the speakers so he did... and brought them directly to me, Optimus 1s. A neighbor keeps a shelf marked 'free' by the road and puts on it stuff he doesn't want, Onkyo Integra amp (after a spritz to the balance pot). Realistic cassette deck from a thrift shop ($5), AT lp120usb from Craigslist, Pioneer 6 cd changer my boss was unloading (free)... The only thing I've purchased new is the Ortofon Red and I'm a very happy boy. Whatever gets the music going without damaging my records is a-ok. My system just happens to sound way better than the actual cost would imply.
That's it Andrew
BE HAPPY
It took me to pack up my Yamaha amps, my paradigm se 11,and paradigm studio monitors,25 years ago and put them in attic,well of course the wife couldn't understand why we have all this stuff,
Well I did it because it wasn't good enough,,,
Fast forward to 2015,,I set it up in the garage, wow I couldn't believe that I thought it wasn't good enough,
Great vid I'm sure u answered a lot of questions for audiophiles.
Andrew, this is your best video ever. Your philosophical musings can be applied not only to audio but any other hobby one has: cars, bikes, cameras, clothes, you name it. Even one’s job and salary... The important thing about being happy is find your sweet spot and stop worrying about what other people think. As you have pointed out, the only thing that matters is that your (fill in the blank) pleases YOU. Once you’ve found that balance point in your life you can enjoy your hobbies much more.
PS: I do enjoy my vintage 150lbs Krell class A amp despite it doing double duty as a room heater ;-)
Best video on your site, overconsumption resumed in 16 minutes ;) Please never change and keep up your good work!!!
I came here for your reviews and I liked your personality and sense of humor.
I'm staying as a regular viewer because, of this.
Well said Andrew and I think you've saved me before I really jumped off the deep end. As recently as the beginning of this year I started getting into vinyl records and before I had a pair of Edifier active speakers and I was happy with them for a couple weeks. Then I began looking at passive speakers, amplifiers, subs. The works. This video has really made me reassess what exactly I'm chasing after. Am I looking for the best sound or prestige of having these systems or am I really enjoying the music I love?
Thank you.
Marketing, peer pressure, and Dopamine can all be very powerful influencers, and the first two are difficult to get away from when they're constantly in your face in today's world of social media. The best thing I did was to cut my social media interaction WAY back, which in turn reduced my exposure to advertising and almost completely eliminated the peer pressure to try to live up to everybody else's perfect online lives. Your open and honest approach (who goes online and admits they spent way beyond their means), was a big factor in what drew me to watch your videos. Is my system perfect? Nope, but you've certainly taught me that my system is good enough because it puts a smile on MY face when listening to it (and if my wife doesn't like it, well that's her problem!)
I enjoyed music on a Sanyo cassette mono player playing pirated cassette tapes of Matt monro, cascades, the Beatles, etc while listening with my sister more than 30 years ago. I never have the same feeling with any music with more expensive gadgets now.
This video resonates strongly with me. I went through many similar tribulations as yourself, to end up in a very similar place - only being concerned with what makes me happy, regardless of what others say or what the gear actually is.
In the course of my life, I've come to find that addictions of any kind have common root causes, and one of them is this - an unwillingness to be *content* with what we have.
At a very basic level, addiction is the voice inside that says, "I must have MORE." And no matter what the addiction is for, it *starts* the very first time that we look at a thing and say,"I need to have that." And things spiral downward from there.
Being an audiophile is no different. The addiction to audio gear is, at its most basic level, a continuing cycle of "MORE!" born of an unwillingness to say."What I have is enough."
That's why I appreciate Andrew's constant refrain of enjoying what you have and being willing to get off the wheel.
Thank you for a mature, reasonable perspective, Andrew. I subscribe to your channel for that reason more than any other.
Well said- this is a timeless video
Thank you for saying publicly what I've been feeling and saying to my audio friends for some time now. A manufacturer told me years ago that alot of audiophiles buy equipment that their friends like. I replied that I buy what I like because most of the I listen alone anyway. Thanks again.
Hi, Andrew.
I have been following your channel for a couple of years.
This video to be honest is one of your best ones, because you describe what is important about the passion to be an Audiophile. The quintessence of that passion “Audiophile” is what you have your audio system and how you get joy from your personal collection of (music, videos, etc.)
Andrew thanks for that simple and powerful message.
Best regards, from Florida
Gabriel
Chasing the best in anything is like trying to reach the end of a rainbow- good luck with that!
I totally agree with your perspective Andrew. I just begun my audio journey this year and luckily the virus happened and I had to shift my focus to other things than audio. And guess what? the less I focus on audio equipment and started to listen more to music and movies instead of testing audio quality and comparing stuff on internet and listening to reviews, it turned out I enjoyed music and movies more.
It's much like having a Honda CR-V and knowing that there are supposedly much better and much more sophisticated cars out there. It doesn't matter because I don't have those cars. If I wait to enjoy music until I have those 'high-end' equipments. Then when are we going to enjoy music? Audiophiles and reviewers then cannot enjoy music because there will always be something out there that is better than their system.
Enjoy your music and movies and podcasts, whatever thatt is. Enjoy what you have. If you are blessed with the resources to have 500k+ audio equipment then good for you. But for me, my yamaha a-s501 and klipsch rp-6000f is enough for me.
Peace, and be safe out there fellas!
This hit home, because I needed a good talking to. I realized quite some time ago that I really needed to focus on finding the music I wanted to hear, at least along with my excitement for electronics to play them. When I first discovered Sony "ES", and then Mcintosh, suddenly I had a child like excitement and the music became secondary. I realized that seemed a at least a little curious.
I thought perhaps my pursuit should be after new great music that I haven't heard, but there was something so exciting about extreme quality in gear.
I realized my priorities were a little convoluted when it was obvious I had two complete home theaters and enough amps, receivers, turntables, headsets, speakers, and etc for every room in the house including the garage, and such a small library of music to play. I still intend to sell most, and just keep my favorites, but so far, "tomorrow", is always the best time to start a job like this. Sound familiar ? 🤷
I am not sure Andrew what you are traying to say but for me I can say it took about 7 years and more than 30,000$ to get the sound I always wanted in the way I made some mistakes which cost me a lot of money but I learnt and moved on to the right choices .I didn't do it because I am audiophile addict but because I didn't reach the sound signature I was seeking for ! Do I regret this journey ? No I don't. Did I achieve the goal I wanted ? Yes I did. It's like a nirvana now when I finally got the right gear combination which provides the sound I always wanted . Now I am enjoying my music collection like never before and I am out of the hi-fi market for good. The journey is over.
Good work Andrew, making some really solid points. I found myself going, 'yeah that's me, I think that.' used to have an Incatech Claymore, it was all I needed.
Audiophile. That means someone who loves audio. Gearphile. Is a term that doesn't exist. But it is what takes away from the passion for the music. We forget that one can still be an audiophile with cheap gear. "Perfection" is listening to the live performance. Nothing comes even close to that, no matter how expensive the gear is. The wheel is the fact that one will never get the carrot!! And that is not enjoying the music, it is stressing over the unattainable.
An audiophile is a purist audio perfectionist that will never be conformed with his audio gear, audiophiles hobbie is to improove their equipment constantly reaching better sound, so they have one big problem, they dont listen music, they listen sounds therfore they only listen to the music that is perfectly recorded and learn to like it.
I am a mix of audiophile because I build my speakers as I know much about making crossover and my most important thing is wich woofer and tweeter buy and there is where the fun begins looking days at speaker components and their curves of frequency responce, some time ago I fell in love with the tweeter Dynaudo Esotar T-330 which have the perfect frequency response as is a soft dome it delivers the softness of fabric dome and the extension ( 10khz to 13 khz ) of aluminum dome but is wey expensive, the Sonus Faber Electa Amator Mk1 use it and the EgglestonWorks Andra's also have it so I get the fun of design and making my own speakers and the rest is to select the electronics like YBA Integre, APT Holman as phono stage and a Linn Sondek turntable, Transparent cables and the acoustics which is the 50% of the sound I use ASC panels strategicly positiones with a mirror, many people spends 20 times more than me and when go to my place feels frustrated because I have image that only is reachable with acoustics ( panels ) I don't like dead rooms they sound bored I preffer panels well located.
Hi Andrew, your absolute right in this. I'm still happy with the system I own. Have to admit I did upgrade it with new caps but that's normal after some years. After all we all don't drive all a Rolls or Mercedes.
Great video! I really appreciate your onest talk. If one chances perfection, one will never be happy.