Responding to Skylabs call for #hifitag content. Let me know your thoughts. If you wish to join the channel please click here: www.youtube.com/@OldGuyHifi/membership
I understand your feelings for Klipsch. Extremely polarizing and they can be harsh. The K-horns are extremely room sensitive. In the wrong room they can be difficult to control. I have many speakers that I move in and out of my system for different purposes. But my Klipsch LaScalas and Klipsch Chorus 2 are in my system 80% of the time. The secret to the Heritage series is you must use subwoofers. My Klipsch are also modified. And your front end should be warm and smooth. McIntosh or tubes preferably. Once those 3 things are done they are in a completely different league. Polarizing still but just amazing in clarity and dynamics. Side note. Excluding the Heresy. That speaker is just painful to listen to and gives the entire lineup a bad name. Also, Schiit and Geshelli Labs are fantastic and fun brands. The value they offer is just fantastic. Before I go, I must say I miss the radio stations from the 70s and 80s. It was about community, friendship and the love of music. You just don’t get that with any other music source.
Phillip, Thank you for understanding. Thanks also for sharing your system info. The good news is that everyone gets to like what they like. Yes. The Heresy is not good at all. Thanks for tuning in.
After your review, I bought a J2S (AK 4499, Sparkos op amps) for my second system and I am floored. It’s replacing the DAC in a Bluesound Node (still using the Node as a streamer). I totally get your comment about wanting to listen to everything over again!
Thanks Ed. Interesting to hear your answers. Though I think the format question was about if you prefer CD's or vinyl etc. Skylabs preferred streaming.
@@OldGuyHifi 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Your crack me up! We know it's streaming, probably Tidal, right? Or do you prefer playback from your own NAS? I know I do prefer the NAS content, got a bunch of FLAC on there. BTW: you said you're a red book type of guy (16/44.1), but you also said you have many ripped SACDs on your server? What is it? 😉
My first system was a Optonica receiver, a realistic tape deck and a set of headphones, no speakers. That would have been around 1978-79. I still holding on to my Carver TFM 15. It's not in the mix, but it's a backup. Nice video.
Great stuff Ed. On an unrealated side note can your friends at Skylabs get you a Advance Paris - WTX StreamTubes Network Streamer to review? It looks interesting even if I think the software would be the the weak point.
Funny you should mention that. I have a relationship with the US guys from Advance Paris and have an X-i75 in right now. I will ask them. Great suggestion. Thank you.
Great comments, Ed. Funny, when Kevin put the question on one music format he answered reel-to-reel. I interpreted it like you, thinking jazz or blues or hard rock. Keep up the great work!
Jeffrey, I only realized my error once the video was uploaded to TH-cam. I of course would have chosen wax cylinders for my Edison Talking Machine. Thanks for the comment and view.
I loved this video! These were all excellent questions, as were all of your answers. I was contrasting your responses with my thoughts on each of the questions, which was a fun exercise. It’s good to hear that you’re loving the Geshelli Labs DAC and a little surprising that you seem to prefer it over the Bifrost these days. Keep the great videos coming!
Prefer is not the best description. The Bifrost is my forever DAC. The Geshelli gives me a different sonic signature which, is very good but not necessarily better. Does that make sense? I am very interested in the technology of the AKM4499EXEQ+AK4191EQ Hybrid switch resistor/multibit/Delta-Sigma DAC implementation. As you know, Schiit, to their credit, doesn't really care about measurements and neither do I but, the Hybrid chip set may be a way to combine the sonics of a R2R multibit with the dynamic range and low S/N ratio of a Delta-Sigma chip without the glare. I have several other DACs that use that configuration on their way to me so I can confirm my suspicions. I hope that clears things up a bit. Great question. Thanks so much for being a part of the channel. I appreciate it.
When I was a Stereo Virgin, and I'm shooting proud of losing my stereo virginity so young BTW, my first was in the 1970s. A Waltham STM 30. I recently saw one as a TV prop in a show on a sideboard and came over with a warm fuzzy, happy feeling and youthful memories of listening in bed late at night to John Peel and LPs on headphones. How wonderful it was.
Caroline, I know what that is! Nice all-in-one with sliders for volume, tone & balance. It is very similar to the unit I bought my girlfriend (now my wife) in 1977. I think she just loved my for the stereo. She used to lay in bed with headphones and listen to David Bowie. Thanks so much for sharing your memories. I am so glad you did.
Ed! Fun video, again! You are making my upgrade itch go crazy! I really want a J2S w/ AKM 4499, as you previously suggested. My wife is going to kill me!!!! Haha!!!!! Seriously, though, your channel and YOU are absolutely fantastic. I truly enjoy your work sooooo much!!!!! God bless!
Ramone my friend, thank you for your support and your kind words. Do what I do and tell her the whole house network system needed a security update and that new Geshelli router fixes it all.
The J2S w/ AKM4499 is an excellent DAC. It’s not cheap, but it’s a great add to any system. As for dealing with the wife, I’m lucky that mine lets me indulge my audio habit as long as I don’t get to crazy.
Fun hearing about your early listening in Chicago. Similar experiences here in NYC. Your opinions also introduced me to some new gear, such as the Cambridge amp, which looks like a neat piece.
You may have guessed that I am a fan of Cambridge gear. I spent my own money on it. For me it is a very modern interpretation of how vintage gear was built, i.e., robust construction, quality design and componentry, without the vintage sonic limitations. There are some others that fall into this category as well. Atoll, Audiolab (review coming soon), Advance Paris (review coming soon), Rogue, Vincent, and Arcam. These are all quality units with very good sound. Not cheap but great. I will say I do think that Cambridge does offer a terrific value proposition. You get a lot for your money. Thanks so much for the kind words and for tuning in.
My first system was a Kenwood Audio Purist integrated amp (from DAK industries), AR bookshelf speakers, JVC tuner, TEAC cassette deck, and JVC turntable. Most of these were mail order as I lived in a HiFi desert in a small town in Idaho. We had one small electronics store that sold AR and Mitsubishi stereo equipment (I couldn’t afford them) and a Magnavox dealer. I also like Celtic music and have never had anyone else even mention knowing who David Arkenstone is so that’s cool. I was influenced by two older brothers who had stereo and quad systems.
Sounds like a great system. If you want to recreate that quad experience you should watch my "Free Surround Sound" video. You might find it fun. Thanks so much for swinging by and sharing your experience.
When I was young and spry I played a lot of collage and amateur golf. I was fortunate enough to play in several events in Great Briton. My heritage is British on both sides of the family so, I felt right at home.
In 1978 after I had been out of high school a few years I bought a new Zenith Allegro wedge stereo that at the time I thought was bad to the bone, that is until i bought my Pioneer SX-450 a few years later with some big speakers that I can`t recall the name of. I used that Pioneer until about 2000 and then kind of drifted away from big powerful home systems and kind of when with the Amazon Echo route for a while until I really started missing that 1970`s and 80`s room rattling music, and I was a bit short on cash and I happened to have around $400 worth of points on Amazon shopping so I bought a Sony STR-DH190 with the speakers and woofer that goes with it and I even hooked up an Echo Dot for my Amazon Music! I am now living very close to the music of my glory days......minus the hair of course!
Oh wow! My post has been removed! Could it be because it included a Tidal playlist link? Hopefully it went into your hold bucket! Let me know if it did. Loved the video Ed.
Thank you as always for the peek behind the curtain of your life. Very interesting for a little boy out of Africa with a very different musical journey.
Simon my friend I bet you have some amazing stories. Especially during those tumultuous times during the Second Chimurenga. It could not have been an easy time. Thank you sir.
@@OldGuyHifi Your knowledge and experience never ceases to amaze my, Sir. I am in awe that you know of the Second Chimurenga! Thank you for your recognition of our distant conflict.
@@Simon_Hawkshaw There is a story there that's need to be told. The sacrifices you and your compatriots made are admirable. Your experiences have to have been amazing. Be well my friend.
The Schmenge Brothers are my heroes. I love the Happy Wanderers. They rock. I also like Techno-Polka, Thrash-Polka, Polka-Punk and Lithuanian heavy metal bouzouki love ballads. I am a man of many tastes. Ha!
WFMT….. It seems like all we hear today is Stream This! DAC That! I’m here to tell ya’ and everyone else in bloggerland, if I EVER come into mega/power-B hundred thousand$ or million$ I’ll be purchasing Flagship terrestrial FM Stereo Tuners from Magnum-Dynalab, Accuphase, and McIntosh. My H-grail trifecta with a 50ft. four antenna array at each point of the compass, and a Tascam 122 MkII cassette deck in record-pause always ready to capture world class performances!!🌹
What type of speaker would you recommend for someone who listens at low late night volume levels? (say around 65 db) I have been considering Klipsch Heritage speakers thinking they would perform well at low volumes. But, you might have other suggestions given your preference to stay away from the Heritage line. Thanks…
Warren, It is a common misconception that high efficiency speaker play well at low levels. It is not really true. Speakers like Klipsch were originally designed as public address and movie theater speakers. Audio amplifiers in those days were not very powerful maybe 15-30 watts so, efficient speakers were the only choice. Really they were designed play loud. A lot depends on your preference in music and the sound signature you like. I listen at those levels everyday and I found that a great many speakers work quite well at that level. Also, remember that at low volumes our ears are terrible at discerning bass and treble. That's the whole idea behind the Fletcher-Munson curve and the development of the loudness button. What kind of music do you like? o you like strong bass? Smooth midrange? An aggressive sound signature? I would love to give you a straight forward answer but, I can't. I can give you some recommendations though. If you like a smooth sound with good bass and smooth mids and highs, then just about anything from the Wharfedale Diamond or Heritage line would be good. If you like a bit more excitement with good bass and detail, then the KEF "Q" series is a great choice. If you like hyper detail and an extended treble then something from the 600 series of B&W might be to your taste. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks for the question, it is a good one.
Hey, Ed. I'm going to humbly suggest you substitute your Wharfedale 12.4 s for a pair of Elysian-4 s. They are superb and may be the best speakers Wharfedale has created. Not cheap, but, hey, money is no object in the fantasy world of tags. Having said that, I just rescued a pair of 1970s Tannoy Eatons from 40 years in a wet garage and, with the help of my wife's uncle, built brand new enclosures and rebuilt the speakers. They, once set up properly on walnut stands, are not embarrassed beside the Elysians.
Jim, I have heard the Elysians and yes, they are wonderful. I am now retired and can't justify the expense right now, remember, I bought the EVO150. Maybe someday. Good job on the Tannoys. I have heard several Tannoys in the past and thought they were very good. Thanks my friend.
I have to say that without an interest in vintage hifi fostered by channels like yours and Skylabs, those Tannoys and a bunch of other pieces, including a pair of AR7s would be in a dumpster right now, instead of being released back into the wild. Thanks!
If "I" had to live with one music, it would be elec blues - but this an "only if I had to" choice - like you, I love jazz too, all forms including fusion and stuff like Hiromi and her "trio project" or even Mahavishnu from the old days. I have the exact same Geshelli, way outperforms it's price bracket imo.
In 1975 I was in the Navy, I was 18, and I had my first real spending money. $168.00 every two weeks! I bought a Sony TA-1130 integrated amp. It was beautiful and it was the beginning. My favorite piece is my 1974 Marantz 2220b. My son gave it to my 10 years ago. It worked great but looked awful. I bought a new face plate, new lamps and new vellum paper and it looks stunning. Walking on The Moon by The Police, From The Beginning by Emerson Lake and Palmer, and Blue Collar by BTO are my system show off songs. David Arkenstone is terrific. Great video Ed. BTW did you get a chance to listen to Cold Call by Osi? Supposed to be based on a true story of the Air Force releasing a report that the Russians had launched missiles during the Cold War.
Mike, Thank you so much. In 1975 I was building my first race car. A 1959 Healy Bug Eye Sprite. That's where all my money went. I didn't turn 18 until fall of 76. I am a big ELP fan. I got to see them in 1977 at Soldier Field with the full orchestra along with Climax Blues Band, J. Geils Band & Foghat. It was called "The Super Bowl of Rock & Roll." Yes, the promoters got sued by the NFL.
Hi Ed. I am also Ed and also in Chicagoland. I have vintage gear and would like to add a streamer. I do not understand much of modern stereo tech. Digital Transport? Huh? Do you make house calls? I am in Forest Park. If not, I get it. Just thought I'd ask. Thanks for the vids!
Ed, I understand. When I say I am using the streamer as a digital transport, think of it as a CD player. I am using it as a source to feed a signal to the Amp/Recv'r via RCA cables just like a CD player. I can also use the streamer as a digital source via Toslink or Coax to feed an external DAC (Digital to Analog Convertor) and then play the output from the DAC via RCA cable as a source for the Amp again just like a CD player. Does that make sense? I am happy to answer any of your questions. You are welcome to email me at oldguyhifi@gmail.com. I can send photos for you to illustrate what I am talking about. Send me a pic of your Amp/Recv'r and we can figure this out easy peasy.
@@OldGuyHifi GReat! Thanks Ed! Let me get some thought together and I will email you. I have a Pioneer Sx-780 and a HK 330C Here's the thing... I dont have a smart phone. Can I use any lower budget streamer without one? Thanks!
@@ediblehorseYou can hook up any of the popular streamers to either of those units. The 330C is one of my favorites. No, you need a Apple or Android device. I advocate purchasing a cheap 8" to 10" Android tablet and using that. You will also need a wireless network in your home. I use this tablet and am pleased with it function. It is also large enough that I can see the damn thing. amzn.to/4dxCUu1 Let me know if you have any more questions. Thanks.
Thank you for another awesome and engaging video. I also have a Geshelli labs j2s with sparkos 2590 which I love to listen to with my WiiM streamer. I recently rolled the op amps from the sparkos to Bur son V7 Vivid and I am finding I like it just as much. It's a slightly different sound signature but it's very enveloping. Have you experimented with other op amps on your J2S?
Cuso, Yes. I have tried the V7 Vivid & the V7 Classic. Both sound good. I also have tried the 3602 which is very good. I also thought the stock TI OPA1656s sound fine. I think the magic is the AKM chip set. Great comment. Let me know if you try any others. Thanks for watching.
This talk of OpAmp rolling has me intrigued. I have Sparkos 3602 in the balanced and SE sockets in my J2S. Going to order the Burson OpAmps and give those a try.
Yes. Not too my taste. Not even close. The amps can be fine. I dislike horns. I grew up with K-Horns, a JBL Paragon and then JBL Hartsfields. That is enough for a lifetime. Is that your preferred sound?
@@OldGuyHifi I've never tried a single ended triode amp and I would not call any of the speakers I've had "High sensitivity" speakers. I've never owned a horn speaker and did not like the ones I heard at dealers. The Heresy's (older model) were just awful to my ears. I've been watching the "Skunkie Designs" TH-cam channel and she had a great video on why one would use single ended amps. Basically it is for the second order distortion! She's using a Klipsch RP600M speaker with her amps. There are of course high efficiency speakers that don't use horns (Zu Audio for one). I'd like to try this combo once in my life. One of my first magical moments with audio gear was around 1957 when I listened to my cousins mono system with tube amp, turntable and a large speaker. I was hooked.
@@59seank I get it. Many of us have had that "gotcha" experience. Tubes can be wonderful to listen to for sure. Sean makes some very interesting speakers. If you go down that road., let me know your thoughts. Thx.
If you listen to live music, what combination comes closest to that? My playlists have around 5000 albums and about as many single songs. The joy of steaming is I can listen to 60 plus years of music all available at any time. LPs never had a search fucntion for the artist or album I wanted to hear.
Honestly nothing is as good as live music. The best way to reproduce live music is to learn to play an instrument and find other people to play with. I envy people who can play an instrument. I can't carry a tune in a bucket. Like you I also stream more & more because of the unlimited music availability. Thanks for the great question and observation.
Not a bad choice. My first ever concert was Mountain and the opening act was "The Amboy Dukes featuring Ted Nugent" Man I am old. Great comment. Thanks.
@@Douglas_Blake_579 That is a great recording the be sure. He did a solo album called "Sailing to Philadelphia" which we used at Harman as a test disc because it was recorded so well and it was one of the few HDCD CDs available. I still use the track "Speedway at Nazareth" as a test track. Great stuff. Thanks for the comment and your view.
Funny. You are at least the second youtuber responding who misunderstood the "format" question. I guess if you enjoyed listening to a lot of radio then you assumption he meant genre format. But I think I can assume, based on your other answers, that your preferred listening device format would currently be streaming. You never mentioned listening to anything on a different format today. 🙂
I enjoy your reviews in this case, the questions from Kevin but sometimes you get talking fast and rattling off part or model numbers without naming the actual item. I'm probably older than you (still have my original Sherwood S-7300) and can't hear much above 5K plus but my knowledge is limited so had no clue what a Sparkos 2509 was. Google answered that one, so you actually change the opp amp in the DAK? Single ended? Huh? Balanced vs. unbalanced? Obviously I need a elementary class in components and terminology. Anyway, I'll keep watching and maybe I'll learn something.
I am so sorry. It is not my intention to talk over people's heads. Yes, on certain models of Geshelli Labs DACs you can change the op-amps. Op-amps are the small amplifiers inside that provide the power to drive the RCA outputs (single ended) and the balanced outputs which are on a jack that is the same used on a microphone called XLR connectors. Charging the op-amps changes the sonic characteristics of the device. Many of us audio nerds like those differences. If you have any questions about my techno babble, please ask me to explain. I am happy to. Before I retired, one of my roles was as a technical and product trainer. I also did that when I worked for Harman-Kardon years ago. My goal is to help introduce people to new ways of enjoying music with products and technologies that yield a real benefit rather than just the latest/greatest nonsense. Thank you so much for pointing that out. I appreciate it. BTW I will be 66 in September.
Responding to Skylabs call for #hifitag content. Let me know your thoughts. If you wish to join the channel please click here: www.youtube.com/@OldGuyHifi/membership
Thanks Ed. I really have enjoyed getting to know you these past few months in person and thru your content. Have a great one!
Thank you my friend. BTW, I screwed up on the format question. I of course love wax cylinders.
I understand your feelings for Klipsch. Extremely polarizing and they can be harsh. The K-horns are extremely room sensitive. In the wrong room they can be difficult to control. I have many speakers that I move in and out of my system for different purposes. But my Klipsch LaScalas and Klipsch Chorus 2 are in my system 80% of the time. The secret to the Heritage series is you must use subwoofers. My Klipsch are also modified. And your front end should be warm and smooth. McIntosh or tubes preferably. Once those 3 things are done they are in a completely different league. Polarizing still but just amazing in clarity and dynamics. Side note. Excluding the Heresy. That speaker is just painful to listen to and gives the entire lineup a bad name.
Also, Schiit and Geshelli Labs are fantastic and fun brands. The value they offer is just fantastic. Before I go, I must say I miss the radio stations from the 70s and 80s. It was about community, friendship and the love of music. You just don’t get that with any other music source.
Phillip, Thank you for understanding. Thanks also for sharing your system info. The good news is that everyone gets to like what they like. Yes. The Heresy is not good at all. Thanks for tuning in.
After your review, I bought a J2S (AK 4499, Sparkos op amps) for my second system and I am floored. It’s replacing the DAC in a Bluesound Node (still using the Node as a streamer). I totally get your comment about wanting to listen to everything over again!
It really is a great bit of kit. Thanks for watching and commenting Bryan.
WOW! You love speed polka, too. I'm glad I'm not the only one, lol.
Yes. The Schmenge Brothers are my hero's.
Well done Ed. Great to hear your answers here.
Thank you my friend.
Thanks Ed. Interesting to hear your answers. Though I think the format question was about if you prefer CD's or vinyl etc. Skylabs preferred streaming.
Daz, I only realized that after everything was all said and done. Of course I would have chosen wax cylinders for Edison talking machine.
@@OldGuyHifi 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Your crack me up! We know it's streaming, probably Tidal, right? Or do you prefer playback from your own NAS?
I know I do prefer the NAS content, got a bunch of FLAC on there.
BTW: you said you're a red book type of guy (16/44.1), but you also said you have many ripped SACDs on your server? What is it?
😉
@@ewoutbuhler5217 Yes, of course it is streaming followed by wax cylinders and then 78 shellacs and wire recordings. I love that high rez stuff.
Good fun! Keep them coming, Ed.
You got it!
Another great video Ed. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it
My first system was a Optonica receiver, a realistic tape deck and a set of headphones, no speakers. That would have been around 1978-79.
I still holding on to my Carver TFM 15. It's not in the mix, but it's a backup.
Nice video.
Thank you my friend. I appreciate it.
Definitely gonna be a fun one
I Think so. Thx.
Great stuff Ed.
On an unrealated side note can your friends at Skylabs get you a Advance Paris - WTX StreamTubes Network Streamer to review? It looks interesting even if I think the software would be the the weak point.
Funny you should mention that. I have a relationship with the US guys from Advance Paris and have an X-i75 in right now. I will ask them. Great suggestion. Thank you.
Thanks for the music recommendation . David Arkenstone ‘s (Wings of the shadow ) and his other arraignments are genius !
Glad you enjoyed that. His catalog is pretty deep so, there is a lot explore. Thx for tuning.
Great comments, Ed. Funny, when Kevin put the question on one music format he answered reel-to-reel. I interpreted it like you, thinking jazz or blues or hard rock. Keep up the great work!
Jeffrey, I only realized my error once the video was uploaded to TH-cam. I of course would have chosen wax cylinders for my Edison Talking Machine. Thanks for the comment and view.
I loved this video! These were all excellent questions, as were all of your answers. I was contrasting your responses with my thoughts on each of the questions, which was a fun exercise. It’s good to hear that you’re loving the Geshelli Labs DAC and a little surprising that you seem to prefer it over the Bifrost these days. Keep the great videos coming!
Prefer is not the best description. The Bifrost is my forever DAC. The Geshelli gives me a different sonic signature which, is very good but not necessarily better. Does that make sense? I am very interested in the technology of the AKM4499EXEQ+AK4191EQ Hybrid switch resistor/multibit/Delta-Sigma DAC implementation. As you know, Schiit, to their credit, doesn't really care about measurements and neither do I but, the Hybrid chip set may be a way to combine the sonics of a R2R multibit with the dynamic range and low S/N ratio of a Delta-Sigma chip without the glare. I have several other DACs that use that configuration on their way to me so I can confirm my suspicions. I hope that clears things up a bit. Great question. Thanks so much for being a part of the channel. I appreciate it.
@@OldGuyHifiThanks for the clarification Ed. That does make sense, but it may end up costing me money in the end. 😉
@@DavidHead61 Sorry. For what it is worth, it cost me money. I bought the Geshelli.
I grew up in Chicago. My go to in the 50's and sixties was WFMT "The Midnight Special". I've given up on AM/FM.
Cool stuff. Shame on people for shaming EQ users.
Agreed. Thank you,
tone control is awesome. In fact, the Loudness button is awesome too.
@@ewoutbuhler5217 Yes & yes.
Very cool. Glad Kevin came up with this, or started this, whatever. I think "music format" he meant stream/dvd/vinyl/8 track(?), lol (not genre).
Doh! I realized that after I got finished uploading it. My favorite format is of course wax cylinders. Thx.
@@OldGuyHifi lol. Keep the vids coming
@@steveh545 I will. Thank you.
When I was a Stereo Virgin, and I'm shooting proud of losing my stereo virginity so young BTW, my first was in the 1970s. A Waltham STM 30. I recently saw one as a TV prop in a show on a sideboard and came over with a warm fuzzy, happy feeling and youthful memories of listening in bed late at night to John Peel and LPs on headphones. How wonderful it was.
Caroline, I know what that is! Nice all-in-one with sliders for volume, tone & balance. It is very similar to the unit I bought my girlfriend (now my wife) in 1977. I think she just loved my for the stereo. She used to lay in bed with headphones and listen to David Bowie. Thanks so much for sharing your memories. I am so glad you did.
Thanks for playing!!
Can't win if you don't play! Thx.
Ed! Fun video, again! You are making my upgrade itch go crazy! I really want a J2S w/ AKM 4499, as you previously suggested. My wife is going to kill me!!!! Haha!!!!! Seriously, though, your channel and YOU are absolutely fantastic. I truly enjoy your work sooooo much!!!!! God bless!
Ramone my friend, thank you for your support and your kind words. Do what I do and tell her the whole house network system needed a security update and that new Geshelli router fixes it all.
The J2S w/ AKM4499 is an excellent DAC. It’s not cheap, but it’s a great add to any system. As for dealing with the wife, I’m lucky that mine lets me indulge my audio habit as long as I don’t get to crazy.
She is a good women and you don't deserve her. You big lug! Lol.
Fun hearing about your early listening in Chicago. Similar experiences here in NYC. Your opinions also introduced me to some new gear, such as the Cambridge amp, which looks like a neat piece.
You may have guessed that I am a fan of Cambridge gear. I spent my own money on it. For me it is a very modern interpretation of how vintage gear was built, i.e., robust construction, quality design and componentry, without the vintage sonic limitations. There are some others that fall into this category as well. Atoll, Audiolab (review coming soon), Advance Paris (review coming soon), Rogue, Vincent, and Arcam. These are all quality units with very good sound. Not cheap but great. I will say I do think that Cambridge does offer a terrific value proposition. You get a lot for your money. Thanks so much for the kind words and for tuning in.
My first system was a Kenwood Audio Purist integrated amp (from DAK industries), AR bookshelf speakers, JVC tuner, TEAC cassette deck, and JVC turntable. Most of these were mail order as I lived in a HiFi desert in a small town in Idaho. We had one small electronics store that sold AR and Mitsubishi stereo equipment (I couldn’t afford them) and a Magnavox dealer. I also like Celtic music and have never had anyone else even mention knowing who David Arkenstone is so that’s cool. I was influenced by two older brothers who had stereo and quad systems.
Sounds like a great system. If you want to recreate that quad experience you should watch my "Free Surround Sound" video. You might find it fun. Thanks so much for swinging by and sharing your experience.
Favorite radio show for me: Scott Muni on WNEW-FM (NYC) from 1970-73.
Did know that one but thanks for sharing it. Maybe some other New Yorkers will recognize that show.
Lovely again sir keep it up I see you like golf ⛳ my son looks after 13 golf course in England
When I was young and spry I played a lot of collage and amateur golf. I was fortunate enough to play in several events in Great Briton. My heritage is British on both sides of the family so, I felt right at home.
Thanks Ed! I do enjoy your work, thanks for sharing. I'm off to listen to some Polka. 👍
The Schmenge Brothers &The Happy Wanderers rule!
@@OldGuyHifi Cabbage Rolls and Coffee Mmm Mmm Good!
In 1978 after I had been out of high school a few years I bought a new Zenith Allegro wedge stereo that at the time I thought was bad to the bone, that is until i bought my Pioneer SX-450 a few years later with some big speakers that I can`t recall the name of. I used that Pioneer until about 2000 and then kind of drifted away from big powerful home systems and kind of when with the Amazon Echo route for a while until I really started missing that 1970`s and 80`s room rattling music, and I was a bit short on cash and I happened to have around $400 worth of points on Amazon shopping so I bought a Sony STR-DH190 with the speakers and woofer that goes with it and I even hooked up an Echo Dot for my Amazon Music! I am now living very close to the music of my glory days......minus the hair of course!
That's a great memory. Thank you so much for sharing it. I bet we are close in age. Thanks Old Guy!
!!@@OldGuyHifi I turned 68 in June, and I have never loved the old music more than right now! Love your channel!
@@webman1956 66 in Sept. Listening to your favorite music is one of life's true joys. I agree with you. Thank you so much for watching.
Great video ED. keep it up
Thank you so much. I will try.
Oh wow! My post has been removed! Could it be because it included a Tidal playlist link? Hopefully it went into your hold bucket! Let me know if it did.
Loved the video Ed.
It didn't. Please email it to me. oldguyhifi@gmail.com
@@OldGuyHifi Great Ed. I’ll send it to you in a little while. It was a lengthy message, need to try to remember what I was sharing with you!
I like all these questions that are passed around and I'm from South of Chicago I used to listen to that radio station I live in Kentucky now
Da SOX! Thanks so much for your view and comment.
Thank you as always for the peek behind the curtain of your life. Very interesting for a little boy out of Africa with a very different musical journey.
Simon my friend I bet you have some amazing stories. Especially during those tumultuous times during the Second Chimurenga. It could not have been an easy time. Thank you sir.
@@OldGuyHifi Your knowledge and experience never ceases to amaze my, Sir. I am in awe that you know of the Second Chimurenga! Thank you for your recognition of our distant conflict.
@@Simon_Hawkshaw There is a story there that's need to be told. The sacrifices you and your compatriots made are admirable. Your experiences have to have been amazing. Be well my friend.
@@OldGuyHifi You are very kind and I am humbled by your sentiments. Thank you so much, Sir. Greatly appreciated.
Straight faced, “Probably Speed Polka. Yeah, Speed Polka does it for me.” I almost fell out of my chair. 😂
The Schmenge Brothers are my heroes. I love the Happy Wanderers. They rock. I also like Techno-Polka, Thrash-Polka, Polka-Punk and Lithuanian heavy metal bouzouki love ballads. I am a man of many tastes. Ha!
WFMT…..
It seems like all we hear today is Stream This! DAC That! I’m here to tell ya’ and everyone else in bloggerland, if I EVER come into mega/power-B hundred thousand$ or million$
I’ll be purchasing Flagship terrestrial FM Stereo Tuners from Magnum-Dynalab, Accuphase, and McIntosh. My H-grail trifecta with a 50ft. four antenna array at each point of the compass, and a Tascam 122 MkII cassette deck in record-pause always ready to capture world class performances!!🌹
That sounds very cool. Thanks so much for watching.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Really funny!
What type of speaker would you recommend for someone who listens at low late night volume levels? (say around 65 db) I have been considering Klipsch Heritage speakers thinking they would perform well at low volumes. But, you might have other suggestions given your preference to stay away from the Heritage line. Thanks…
Warren, It is a common misconception that high efficiency speaker play well at low levels. It is not really true. Speakers like Klipsch were originally designed as public address and movie theater speakers. Audio amplifiers in those days were not very powerful maybe 15-30 watts so, efficient speakers were the only choice. Really they were designed play loud. A lot depends on your preference in music and the sound signature you like. I listen at those levels everyday and I found that a great many speakers work quite well at that level. Also, remember that at low volumes our ears are terrible at discerning bass and treble. That's the whole idea behind the Fletcher-Munson curve and the development of the loudness button. What kind of music do you like? o you like strong bass? Smooth midrange? An aggressive sound signature? I would love to give you a straight forward answer but, I can't. I can give you some recommendations though. If you like a smooth sound with good bass and smooth mids and highs, then just about anything from the Wharfedale Diamond or Heritage line would be good. If you like a bit more excitement with good bass and detail, then the KEF "Q" series is a great choice. If you like hyper detail and an extended treble then something from the 600 series of B&W might be to your taste. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks for the question, it is a good one.
Hey, Ed. I'm going to humbly suggest you substitute your Wharfedale 12.4 s for a pair of Elysian-4 s.
They are superb and may be the best speakers Wharfedale has created.
Not cheap, but, hey, money is no object in the fantasy world of tags.
Having said that, I just rescued a pair of 1970s Tannoy Eatons from 40 years in a wet garage and, with the help of my wife's uncle, built brand new enclosures and rebuilt the speakers. They, once set up properly on walnut stands, are not embarrassed beside the Elysians.
Jim, I have heard the Elysians and yes, they are wonderful. I am now retired and can't justify the expense right now, remember, I bought the EVO150. Maybe someday. Good job on the Tannoys. I have heard several Tannoys in the past and thought they were very good. Thanks my friend.
I have to say that without an interest in vintage hifi fostered by channels like yours and Skylabs, those Tannoys and a bunch of other pieces, including a pair of AR7s would be in a dumpster right now, instead of being released back into the wild. Thanks!
@@jimfarrell4635 You are correct. Most people would just throw it away.
Such good intro music!
AI generated. Wait until you hear my new theme song.
@@OldGuyHifi everybody loves a polka!
Great video responding to Kevin’s questions! I thought it was cool that you were wearing a Skylabs T-shirt 😊
Thanks. It seemed appropriate.
If "I" had to live with one music, it would be elec blues - but this an "only if I had to" choice - like you, I love jazz too, all forms including fusion and stuff like Hiromi and her "trio project" or even Mahavishnu from the old days. I have the exact same Geshelli, way outperforms it's price bracket imo.
I agree with you. The J2S punches above is weight class. Thanks for the view and comment.
In 1975 I was in the Navy, I was 18, and I had my first real spending money. $168.00 every two weeks! I bought a Sony TA-1130 integrated amp. It was beautiful and it was the beginning. My favorite piece is my 1974 Marantz 2220b. My son gave it to my 10 years ago. It worked great but looked awful. I bought a new face plate, new lamps and new vellum paper and it looks stunning. Walking on The Moon by The Police, From The Beginning by Emerson Lake and Palmer, and Blue Collar by BTO are my system show off songs. David Arkenstone is terrific. Great video Ed. BTW did you get a chance to listen to Cold Call by Osi? Supposed to be based on a true story of the Air Force releasing a report that the Russians had launched missiles during the Cold War.
Mike, Thank you so much. In 1975 I was building my first race car. A 1959 Healy Bug Eye Sprite. That's where all my money went. I didn't turn 18 until fall of 76. I am a big ELP fan. I got to see them in 1977 at Soldier Field with the full orchestra along with Climax Blues Band, J. Geils Band & Foghat. It was called "The Super Bowl of Rock & Roll." Yes, the promoters got sued by the NFL.
@@OldGuyHifi Great stuff Ed! My first car I bought in late 1977 was a 1976 MG Midget. I still miss that car. I love the Sprites.
Mine is still running. We turned into a race car and the guy I sold it back 79, his son still runs it.
@@OldGuyHifi That is awesome!
@@mikecampbell5856 It was fun for sure. Thx.
Music format............ Vinyl, CD, Reel to Reel, Cassette and so on?
Wax cylinders for my Edison Talking Machine.
Hi Ed. I am also Ed and also in Chicagoland. I have vintage gear and would like to add a streamer. I do not understand much of modern stereo tech. Digital Transport? Huh?
Do you make house calls? I am in Forest Park.
If not, I get it. Just thought I'd ask.
Thanks for the vids!
Ed, I understand. When I say I am using the streamer as a digital transport, think of it as a CD player. I am using it as a source to feed a signal to the Amp/Recv'r via RCA cables just like a CD player. I can also use the streamer as a digital source via Toslink or Coax to feed an external DAC (Digital to Analog Convertor) and then play the output from the DAC via RCA cable as a source for the Amp again just like a CD player. Does that make sense? I am happy to answer any of your questions. You are welcome to email me at oldguyhifi@gmail.com. I can send photos for you to illustrate what I am talking about. Send me a pic of your Amp/Recv'r and we can figure this out easy peasy.
@@OldGuyHifi
GReat! Thanks Ed!
Let me get some thought together and I will email you.
I have a Pioneer Sx-780
and a HK 330C
Here's the thing... I dont have a smart phone.
Can I use any lower budget streamer without one?
Thanks!
@@ediblehorseYou can hook up any of the popular streamers to either of those units. The 330C is one of my favorites. No, you need a Apple or Android device. I advocate purchasing a cheap 8" to 10" Android tablet and using that. You will also need a wireless network in your home. I use this tablet and am pleased with it function. It is also large enough that I can see the damn thing. amzn.to/4dxCUu1
Let me know if you have any more questions. Thanks.
They asked what Format, not what genre. Meaning vinyl, streaming, CD, etc.
I figured that out. My choice would have course been wax cylinders for my Edison Talking Machine.
Great video Ed! Whats your eta on the pontus review? Is it a 12 or a 15?
It's a 12H. The video is shot & edited. Maybe this weekend? I have to see. Patience dear boy. Thx.
Thank you for another awesome and engaging video. I also have a Geshelli labs j2s with sparkos 2590 which I love to listen to with my WiiM streamer. I recently rolled the op amps from the sparkos to Bur son V7 Vivid and I am finding I like it just as much. It's a slightly different sound signature but it's very enveloping. Have you experimented with other op amps on your J2S?
Cuso, Yes. I have tried the V7 Vivid & the V7 Classic. Both sound good. I also have tried the 3602 which is very good. I also thought the stock TI OPA1656s sound fine. I think the magic is the AKM chip set. Great comment. Let me know if you try any others. Thanks for watching.
This talk of OpAmp rolling has me intrigued. I have Sparkos 3602 in the balanced and SE sockets in my J2S. Going to order the Burson OpAmps and give those a try.
Sorry for the delayed response. Let me know how it goes. Thx.
@@mindhead1 going form Sparkos 3602 to 2905 had a perceived improvement for me, so now I am comparing to the V7 Vivids.
Hi Ed. Have you ever tried high efficiency speakers with single ended triode amps?
Yes. Not too my taste. Not even close. The amps can be fine. I dislike horns. I grew up with K-Horns, a JBL Paragon and then JBL Hartsfields. That is enough for a lifetime. Is that your preferred sound?
@@OldGuyHifi I've never tried a single ended triode amp and I would not call any of the speakers I've had "High sensitivity" speakers. I've never owned a horn speaker and did not like the ones I heard at dealers. The Heresy's (older model) were just awful to my ears. I've been watching the "Skunkie Designs" TH-cam channel and she had a great video on why one would use single ended amps. Basically it is for the second order distortion! She's using a Klipsch RP600M speaker with her amps. There are of course high efficiency speakers that don't use horns (Zu Audio for one). I'd like to try this combo once in my life. One of my first magical moments with audio gear was around 1957 when I listened to my cousins mono system with tube amp, turntable and a large speaker. I was hooked.
@@59seank I get it. Many of us have had that "gotcha" experience. Tubes can be wonderful to listen to for sure. Sean makes some very interesting speakers. If you go down that road., let me know your thoughts. Thx.
I would love to play with an eq.
You will get your chance soon. We are trying to pick a weekend to come up.
If you listen to live music, what combination comes closest to that? My playlists have around 5000 albums and about as many single songs. The joy of steaming is I can listen to 60 plus years of music all available at any time. LPs never had a search fucntion for the artist or album I wanted to hear.
Honestly nothing is as good as live music. The best way to reproduce live music is to learn to play an instrument and find other people to play with. I envy people who can play an instrument. I can't carry a tune in a bucket. Like you I also stream more & more because of the unlimited music availability. Thanks for the great question and observation.
Looks like old Hi-Fi guy is also an old "camera guy".🤓
I do have a few. Some going back to the 1890's. Good eye.
One song to demo my system.......Ted Nugent.......Stranglehold.
Not a bad choice. My first ever concert was Mountain and the opening act was "The Amboy Dukes featuring Ted Nugent" Man I am old. Great comment. Thanks.
@@Douglas_Blake_579 That is a great recording the be sure. He did a solo album called "Sailing to Philadelphia" which we used at Harman as a test disc because it was recorded so well and it was one of the few HDCD CDs available. I still use the track "Speedway at Nazareth" as a test track. Great stuff. Thanks for the comment and your view.
I love Stranglhold! I just watched Midnight Special on TH-cam. Nugent's live performance was awesome!
@@Douglas_Blake_579 Can't go wrong with the Straits!
@@Douglas_Blake_579 It is great that stuck to his principles.
Funny. You are at least the second youtuber responding who misunderstood the "format" question. I guess if you enjoyed listening to a lot of radio then you assumption he meant genre format. But I think I can assume, based on your other answers, that your preferred listening device format would currently be streaming. You never mentioned listening to anything on a different format today. 🙂
Yes. That's what happened. Of course my preferred format is wax cylinders for my Edison Talking Machine. Thx.
I enjoy your reviews in this case, the questions from Kevin but sometimes you get talking fast and rattling off part or model numbers without naming the actual item. I'm probably older than you (still have my original Sherwood S-7300) and can't hear much above 5K plus but my knowledge is limited so had no clue what a Sparkos 2509 was. Google answered that one, so you actually change the opp amp in the DAK? Single ended? Huh? Balanced vs. unbalanced? Obviously I need a elementary class in components and terminology. Anyway, I'll keep watching and maybe I'll learn something.
I am so sorry. It is not my intention to talk over people's heads. Yes, on certain models of Geshelli Labs DACs you can change the op-amps. Op-amps are the small amplifiers inside that provide the power to drive the RCA outputs (single ended) and the balanced outputs which are on a jack that is the same used on a microphone called XLR connectors. Charging the op-amps changes the sonic characteristics of the device. Many of us audio nerds like those differences. If you have any questions about my techno babble, please ask me to explain. I am happy to. Before I retired, one of my roles was as a technical and product trainer. I also did that when I worked for Harman-Kardon years ago. My goal is to help introduce people to new ways of enjoying music with products and technologies that yield a real benefit rather than just the latest/greatest nonsense. Thank you so much for pointing that out. I appreciate it. BTW I will be 66 in September.
Id be shocked if anyone called me out.. 😂😂
I am calling you out! Make a #hifitag video my friend.
@@OldGuyHifi .. 😉🙃🙏👍🏻😊
Loved it, Kevin is Gold! Here's my speakertesting playlist on YT Music
music.th-cam.com/play/PLUUdiZhyw5KmyTDMsyCyduDZlxKluOq0l.html
Thank you. This for yanked and put in the mystery folder. No worries.
@@OldGuyHifi what? 🤔
Because it had a link TH-cam redirected it to a holding folder. I can't type. Sorry. All is well.