Is more expensive better? What I learned from comparing 5 differently priced speakers.
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- Опубліковано 5 жов 2024
- #hifi #speakers #audiophile #stereo #audioreviews #highfidelity
My new Patreon account : / thomasandstereo
Gear mentioned in this review
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Exasound E28 DAC
Modwright LS100 Tube preamp
Moon W5.3 Power amp
Mcintosh MAC6700 integrated amp
Purifi class D power amp
Doge 7 DAC
Doge 8 DAC
KLH Model 5 speakers
Wharfedale D225 Speakers
KEF LS50 Speakers
Cabasse Minorca MC40 Speakers
Totem Sky Speakers
REVEL M106 Speakers
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Yes, taste, equipment synergy and room. Never forget the room.
My room is a nightmare. The whole sound stage is four feet to the left… 😕
This video spoke right to my heart! I too, as an old man on a fixed income, has mostly vintage gear, I have found in my journey that even the parameters of what I like have changed. As I have swapped out gear over the years, my definitions have become so different than what I thought they were. They have become much more refined. Once I find a piece of gear that I really fall in love with, it becomes easier to tailor other gear(some by listening to reviewers, some by trial and error) to my loved pieces. My system is getting very close to what I want it to be, and I have stopped caring about what others think of my choices, and just enjoy it, because it makes me happy! Thank you for your part in that journey!
Sounds awesome
Thanks for your stories which are relatable and make listening to you even more interesting. If possible, never stop the stories.
Glad you like them!
Agreed.
I'd really like to see a similar test with audiophiles doing a blind test with about 5 very different levels -- speakers that are 100K, 20K, 10K, 1K, $200.
Hi Thomas. Wonderful story. I ever say about a gear: 1) what some love others hate it, 2) no one can hear with each other's ears 3) At the end is your pocket that pays the bill, so choose by yourself matching your taste and your budget
I am happy to see your audiophile friends can enjoy a conversation! Sadly, the few audiophiles I met were so close minded they became verbally agressive if I didn't agree with them. I wish people were more civil in sharing their opinion! Great video!
Great insight. I, as a so-called much older audiophile, have changed my music parameters from once being critical and analytical to just listening to music for it's pure pleasure and enjoyment.
Thomas needed a mic to drop at the end of this one. You did nail it.
I restarted my Audiophile path. I spent my money, and I continue to pursue better sound. I do not believe a certain dollar level buys you better performance since, there is no best but there is better - to a point. Based on your test, from what I can gather, if you were new to audio and wanted to start your path, you would have an extremely tough time when everything needs to match up to provide the best outcome. That is a lot of experimenting.
Owned the Cabasse minorca for about 5 years. It is a great speaker, especially when combined with a sub to handle the lower bass. I got it as I wanted the good aspects of the KEF Q300 (midrange/voices and imaging) and at the same time get as much as possible from what the Klipsch RB81 offered (liveliness, rhythm, low volume listening) in one speaker. The Minorca did a good job with that. Would it be great to see Thomas' take on its bigger brother, the Bora.
Thank you for sharing your friend’s thoughts and yours. You sum up a collective ton of experience in a very easy to understand and relatable way. Much appreciated.
You're on a roll, Thomas!! Both the last video and this one resonates so true. It's not clean and clear cut, but it is truth on how this all works in the end-and it's all in the details.
Keep up the streak!! 👍🙌💪
All true, I agree. Good blind test too. Thanks.
I will never get tired of your audiophile stories because I know I will learn something from it. Keep up the good work Thomas. Cheers! 👍
Really enjoyed your video Thomas! Very informative! So many variables!.......so many !
I prefer content like this to gear reviews. The trouble with reviews is that without context it can be a bit make believe. Thanks a bunch!
Yep - Nailed it. Thanks Thomas and greetings to you and yours.
I agreed with everything you said in this video, especially when you said 'nailed it'
Very enlightening. You not only hit the nail's head, you showed how to pick which nail to hit. Good work!
if there is a Nobel Prize for analytical assessment of audio equipment/gear, you would be a likely candidate.
All great Audio food for thought. With price NOT the top criteria, it makes our individual audio journeys more FUN!
Great narrative and wise words..
I wish you were around when I started my audio journey.
You could have save me thousands Thomas!
I certainly hope, the younger ones among us take notice of your advice.
Greetings from Sydney. 🇦🇺
This video really shows that the only thing that matters when evaluating something, is how good it preformes at the hierarchy of goals that are set.
Thomas, this is the best teaching video on how to pursue audio that I have seen. Not just what you present though. Your style is also perfect for me. Being willing to try blind tests moves you ahead of all other video folk.I can easily follow your meaning. Keep up the good work!!
Thank you for your work. Your passion to the craft is unrivaled and infectious!
Glad you enjoy it!
My take on this is very simple. The minute you start really enjoying your favourite music is the key to knowing which speakers/ set-up is right for you.
This video concept comparison was most useful. Would be great to see a similar comparison for tower speakers.
🔊 What we so hardly need back…..is the old fashion analogue equalizers in our hifi-systems - I always love mine analogue equalizer -
When audiophiles meet…. IMHO this is one of your best ideas! More more more!
Great video Thomas and you nailed it when you described what is important and what to look for when choosing a hifi product.
Can’t wait for more of your regular reviews. 👍
Working on the KLH.
Thank you, Thomas. I'm always learning from your videos - it's endless I think. Since I'm a newbie this video really hit home. I was starting to sense what you spoke about but you really captured the words and explained how I can take the information from a review that's pertinent to me.
This was a wonderful speaker experiment and what emerged from it was an infinite set of quality factors. I guess that is what makes hi-fi such a joy. You do, however, need to pay extra $$$ for a speaker whose cabinet is well made and doesn’t produce vibration or resonance at peak volumes, it sounds just as good at low volume as well as high, has low impedance for increased sensitivity and the cones are made to withstand sharp rises and falls in dynamic range, delivering the music fast without fatigue. My speakers (Energy ESM 3) are now nearly 35 years old, purchased for $800AU in 1987. The only parts I had replaced 17 years ago were the woofers, which had deteriorated. The tweeters are still original! My ESM 3s still deliver a punchy sound and will faithfully render all the fine detail that my MC cartridge picks up from the vinyl on my Linn LP12.
“Nailed it“ 😄💪 Best mic drop
I rate speakers and systems based on how they make me FEEL. The better it conveys emotion, the better the system. Everything else is secondary to me. Great video my friend, keep up the good work
Enjoyed this one!
Glad you enjoyed it!
This is the best video of breaking down peoples preferences and taste as it pertains to audio gear. 👏
Finally a video that has given insight as to how to better approach my musical interest !!!
Love your thoughts and the way you put them into words.
This is the kind of informative and educational video we've come to expect from you Thomas. May it long continue. In order to find your preference in sound you have to be able to listen to a wide range of speakers and systems which isn't an easy task. Having local audiophile friends certainly helps. By the way this vid appeared at the top of my list this morning!
Thanks, and I noticed the video is going really strong in terms of views. I wonder is it because youtube promotes it so you got the notification, (Unlike my last video) or it is because the topic is more interesting.
Thanks for this video- really enjoyed it. I miss the days of my local hifi stores where we could just talk equipment for hours. Believe it or not, there are almost no high end stores left in the Silicon Valley and many of my purchases as based on UA-cam reviews. But agree, all based on taste and components and dare I say, cables. I prefer these days a much warmer sound that I can enjoy for hours. I’d rather test with Diana Krall versus the Sheffield Drum Record these days. And I’ve realized that what you love, is generally not what I gravitate to so I had to laugh about your comment about Mr Vintage.
Not a bad idea with the playlist! One likes to listen to you, you’re good at thinking ;)
Consistently providing granular detail, and greatly expanding my knowledge base. Very enjoyable and much appreciated.
Love such content! More!
Nice, glad it was fun for you.
Great video Thomas, couldn’t agree more with you on this.
Great video and so addresses the fundamental goal which is your subjective pleasure with the system.
Extremely useful presentation...
Than You Thomas!
Glad it was helpful!
This is right on. When it chose my totem acoustics I compared it to 7 other speakers in the price range. I valued imaging and air, which the totems delivered better than the others. I still love them
Yeah, Totem speakers are really 'holographic'.
Love the totem also, and how do you tame the edgy high?
You speak allways to the heart , continue your way , love it
Love this Thomas! :))) keep them coming! Really miss your opinions on things and your stories/experiments! This is why ur channel is the best!
Thank you! Will do!
Your experiences and stories are my favorite part of this channel. It's like attending a lecture on audiophilism by a master.
Also you look quite dashing in that polo!
Thank you. Very good!
Taste and synergy! Great advice Thomas!
I always like your opinions and viewpoints
100% correct. The Nyquist theorem would explain the sampling times for HD sound.
I am fully with you. Taste and synergy of components are what make components the best _for you_!
From my early days until now, I am always astonished how, components dissappoint if I swap e.g. DACs of me and a friend of mine in our systems. We selected our components carefully to match our systems to meet our taste. He likes loud and lifelike dynamic forward presentation. And his system is impressive in this regard. I like natural tonality and effortless microdynamics and rythm. And my system does not disappoint. The astonishing point is that our favorite DAC made the others system perform worse which we both agreed.
You really nailed it Thomas! It's so informative, thank so much, and more vids like this please.
Hey bud I just recently found you on here and I really enjoy your videos. I appreciate the break downs and all the knowledge that you have and share. Priceless! I thank you kindly sir...
The simple truth and so well put.
I know what I want to hear and so chose my gear. But I stopped wanting it better and better long ago. It's a hopeless battle. As a choir conductor the best sound is in the acoustics of a building. Incomparable to any audio system, no where near.
Hi tom, I like the stories, as much, as the reviews, more hifi chit chat please... Thanks Antony, Warrington
Glad you like them!
I had the ls50s for 6 months, then had the revel m106, the revel wiped the floor with the ls50 in every way, my current favorite bookshelf, tonally just right and bass quality top notch. But, i do like my old ads L570/2 just as well as any other bookshelf but they are quite a bit bigger than any of these.
Your stories and approach to this hobby are always so refreshing and accessible Thomas. I love this format you have been using. Carry on with the good work and context! Cheers.
The Wharfdale is a giant killer. It will hang with speakers double its price. There is everything for everyone.
You really make a difference when compared to other UA-cam Channels! Always neutral and focusing on the essentials. So many truths also in this video! You got my highest respect!! I have in my more than 45 years of hifi hobby experienced the same. Taste and synergies and there ist no best, only it suits you or not.
Thanks for your always interesting Videos!
Thank you!
Good job. I think taste is educated at the same time as the ears. Some systems, even cheaper ones, do that.
Great analysis. I have updated my notes.
Beautiful, lovely video, excellent explanation of something so many people gloss over... personal taste and personal choices. Superb, thank you :)
This was a particularly good video, Thomas. Thank you for what you do.
Glad you enjoyed it Richard.
Hi Thomas,
really enjoy these type of videos, as you always say it's a matter of taste.
Take Care
Great video, very helpful.
@Thomas & Stereo keep up the great job! when you have time find out how to hook up a powered speaker to a subwoofer. the speaker is the Swans M300MKII and doesn't have a sub out.
Your solution probably is to get an external DAC that has both XLR and RCA out. So the XLR will go to the Swan the the RCA will go to the sub.
@@ThomasAndStereo what’s a good one or can you send me a link? Thank you so much your the best! 😎👍🏻
@@HPMIKE55 depends on your budget but I think you will have to go with smsl, topping beacsue those have 2 outputs.
I think many people need to develop their ear and their taste a lot more than they think. Living with different sounding gear and speakers is crucial to your education haha. I've had a bunch but i don't think i can say what is number 1 to me, as i like different styles. Owning 3 at once is really where i need to be hahahha
I can’t agree more. Right now I have 4 systems… of which only 2 is kinda set up.. I planned to try and mix and match till I find what I like.. but I got sick and now the equipment had been gathering dust for 18 months…
(I went overboard while lying in hospital - bought a ton of stuff I couldn’t really afford AND without listening first) now I’m committed…
@@armoth6958 enjoy the journey, music has healing power!
Once again Thomas, terrific video. Very educational with loads of valuable information that makes falling down the rabbit hole more enjoyable and easier to navigate. It is truly an amazing thing how much of this is subjective, and how synergy plays a big role. Synergy I discovered is everywhere, I especially see it's nature unfolding in gardening, in the paying close attention to soil composition, fungi, environment like cardinal directions, companion planting, etc. all must have a symbiotic relationship with one another for optimal health much like the synergy between electronics and speakers. Thanks Thomas.
I would love to see a video of $250 speakers compared to $10,000 + speakers. There are cello tests like that on UA-cam and l can easily tell the difference. A cheapest cello against a ten million dollar cello (and some in between).
Was that a 1 take !! Hell yeah !
Thanks Thomas but theirs so many formulas with audio ! Its crazyness !!
This Vidar amp throwing me for a loop !
I will email ya about it later on 😆
Also man will the U.S. get the Cabasse speakers ??? I am really interested in trying out !
Yeah, email and let me know. I will know about the Cabasse situation in a few weeks. Did you know Cabasse is actually a bigger company than Triangle?
@@ThomasAndStereo No i didn't know Canadian Co ? I do know candians build some awesome gear yeah would love to try out a pre1k standmount fron cabasse
Great information 🙂
Thanks for watching!
Great video, I enjoyed the story. More people should do tests like that. Especially for younger and more inexperienced audiophiles that can be a great help to discover their own taste and priorities in sound.
First video of yours I saw. Very informative - and I love your 'taste'... of humor man!
Glad you enjoyed!
Very interesting, thank you.
Good video, nice comments. People do not realize how +1 db here or -2db there make curves similar... but are preferred by on or other
Excellent, as usual! Thanks for helping us quantify taste more precisely :-)
I commented earlier,about my polk and JBL speakers.i listen to my music in virtual mode ,cause I like a lot of base and that's how I get both woofers to work it's awesome.
Top 10 TnS vid here for sure.
Great video, the Cabasse caught my eye as I owed a pair of Bora's ... Funny thing is, I did the exact same experiment last night whilst listening to a Kate Bush Song that sounded so good through my LS50 driven through PS Audio mono's into an Auralic Altair G1 streamer. A REL S3 helped with some lower end... I then changed my speakers to B&W 606, played the same song and again with my $7k Dynaudio's... All 2 way bookshelves... I did it again and again, same song and must admit the $2k LS50 to my ears sounded the best...most expensive does not always equal the best for certain music in particular set ups and rooms....system matching makes such a difference too... Lovely video Thomas
It all comes down to one’s individual taste. And then it comes to room dimensions and acoustics, speaker placement & positioning, then season that taste to your ears. I like seeing credible measurements and lab reviews coupled with sound tests and impressions, but that would not be the decisive factor to purchase. If one watches enough reviewers covering speakers one has listened to awhile, one can start to tell which direction the reviewers preferences lean. If that matches w/what you like, then it’s a speaker to consider. This was a great topic to share. First, identify what overall sound signature one prefers.
I love your stories Thomas - absolutely nailed it! Great watch 🔥
I think really well engineered amps and speakers works well with any gear. Money doesn't guarantee that. Room acoustics are more important than we would like to admit and we might try compensate it with throwing more money on equipment. That won't be fair for your hard earned money. I only listen music I love, not to analyze my set up. LP or CD, but I'm quite happy with UA-cam sound quality, too. Usually powered studio monitors for hard and heavy rock, distance ~2,4 m/ 8 ft. -After listening LPs and CDs with big speakers, switching to monitors they do sound small, hard to describe otherwise. But totally fine, when you start with them after a well slept night. Anyway, I'd like to add another pair of passive bookshelf hifi speakers like Kef, B&W or Harbeth.
The video looks pleasant and sounds good. You put your heart into it, so do I, ha ha.
Link to my lastest KLH video: ua-cam.com/video/uZtAQJfYMsU/v-deo.html
My new Patreon account: www.patreon.com/ThomasAndStereo
I think i found something! lol when you have time check out NODE
Wireless Multi-Room Hi-Res Music Streamer?
This past week I found a set of Transparent MusicWave Ultra 2516 cables in perfect condition, in a thrift store for $60.00. Do you have any idea how they rate in comparison to other Transparent cables, and do you have any idea of their original price?
Very good audiophile wisdom for newcomers
Enjoyed your story. I am a little more like Mr. VINTAGE. I have a lot of older equipment mixed with a little bit of new equipment and I enjoy a sound with a lot of beautiful mid range. I enjoyed hearing about these different speakers in the different viewpoints of the people that listened to them.
This video is humbling. Having owned multiple speakers since I was 13 years old, now 38 I thought I knew a pinch about audio. The last 2 years I have learned more and sometimes feel like I need a rest button.
Thomas, do you have videos for beginners?
I have a playlist of all audio discussion videos. ua-cam.com/play/PLtkU4eRp056bRN8b4opAFCg21ICgyszh0.html
Excellent Video Thomas!
v good tom, really appreciated
I run two advent loudspeakers circa 1973- re coned woofers, tweeters upgraded via madisound warehouse, Madison Wisconsin; four infinity bookshelf speakers circa 2000; powered by a harmon kardon amp circa 2002 in a house built of finished brick in Michoacán México and feel comfortable stating the sound quality at all volumes is comparable to ANYTHING in today's market.
Thanks for this. I own a pair of hsu hb1 mk2 bookshelf speakers and hsu stf2 subwoofer.. I like bright sound, top treble and punchy bass just like u. Hsu recommends Onkyo and Pioneer receiver. So I bought my first receiver Onkyo TX NR 414 back in 2012, I got the exact sound I needed. But this amp suffered the hdmi issues that plagued Onkyo after a 5 years of use. So decided to buy Denon X1500h, It has this warm, subdued sound which I have difficulty adjusting to. I have turned via Audyssey, manual tuning - its sounds ok, but obviously does not have Onkyo sound that I am used to. Unfortunately I in Ghana, Africa and so I was unable to ship back due to high shipping and duty charges here. Nice review and I would agree to the system matching to get the sound needed. I sent an e mail to Hsu and they recommended that I stick with Onkyo. I have subscribed to your channel. Thanks
Thanks brother.
The labyrinthian world of hifi.. That once inside is so easy to go round in pleasantly strange sonic incremental circles....and sometimes leads some back to the beginning.
Good job… I enjoyed this…
good advice Thomas!!
Thanks!