I played bass guitar. My three children play multiple music instruments. I own several pairs of speakers but my go to is always my Magnepan’s. It’s the closest to real live music.
From my experience it depends on the type of music and the recording. I went from a pretty good pair of 3 way floor standing speakers to the Maggie 1.7i and on a number of recordings something was lost. Examples include some acoustic guitar, much acoustic bass and some piano (jazz and classical), also cello recordings and some vocal (ensemble, not solo). I am not saying the Magnepan are * poor * in comparison but there can be a certain lack lack of immediacy. With some recordings my old speakers were better and in a few of those cases much better. Most of the loss was in the upper bass or the low mid range. But even in higher registers there can be a loss of "presence". The tweeter is fine but could still use more "sparkle" to my ears. An issue is that box speakers can tend to project the sound toward the listener while the planar speakers are more "enveloping". The projected sound from a cabinet can be more emotionally satisfying. Box speakers can also introduce a "resonance" that can be hard to capture or reproduce on the planar speaker. Third is that some speaker divers are just very well suited for certain frequency ranges and even for conveying certain textures. The maggies are consistent and have good "coverage" across all frequencies. The sound blends very well. but sometimes the music just seems a bit "emotionally flat" on my 1.7i's. In that regard it can seem to fail at being life like. I auditioned them prior to making a purchase so I'm not saying I was let down by my expectations but sometimes I think the praise is over-hyped. Maybe I need a new $5K power amp and a $2K pre amp...
@@howard5992Sorry you have found some 'caveats' with your ribbons. For me, I wanted a panel that works like no other. Went from 14 years of tubes and a pair of Klipschorns all those years. Decided I wanted to see what the Martin Logans sounded like. Once home and setup in the large, treated, listening space............amp and pre by John Curl, it is an end game for me. Doors are always open here for guests, and many critical ears have been here and could not believe what they were hearing. I DO have Klipsch towers in another room, but the go to is always the Classic 9's with there extremely wide stage at 20' back. We have a brand new brick and mortar store here. They have both the NEW Jubilees in one room and the ML Neoliths in another, I will spending a day there (O:
@@howard5992 Magnepan suggest Bryston they produce the full bodied, muscular sound you're missing...you can still find an SST with 5 years left on the 20 year warranty. BTW they NEED subs!
Totally understand that: I think the Magnepans create the most “real” sound for my taste and completely disappear while you are listening. Playing old recordings of great violinists through these is always a special experience as they seem to be right there in the room playing for me only. But they are also really good in exposing not so great recordings or any flaws in the audio chain.
Jeff seems like a super nice guy and to hear him say he’s spreading his wings musically is very cool. So much is waiting to be discovered. Thanks, Steve.
This is an outstanding episode that features what I think is the best aspect of the Audiophiliac: listening recommendations. I like to find, when I can, and then listen to streaming versions of the music Steve uses in reviews. I look forward to doing the same with Jeff’s extensive selections. Thanks Steve and Jeff.
Thanks, Steve, for another great guest interview. Interesting to note the appearance of the Pass Labs XA25 in Jeff's system, as Pedro on deaudiofilos, also a classical musician, has one in his system.
my dad was an eye surgeon and audiophile. some of his patients in L.A. where great composers. they would bring their latest recordings over to the house to hear, with cocktails into the wee morning hours.
A lot of this stuff is my stuff too, Steve. VPI - check; Magnepan - check; REL - check. Different electronics, though. Magnepan's should have some tubes (IMHO), so I'm using tube preamp with solid state (high current) amps.
There's plenty of classical on YT, but in the audiophile world it's getting downplayed. Harry Pearson and Gordon Holt were both avid classical fans, and when I'd go to an audio show in New York in the 1980's and 1990's, rooms playing great classical recordings abounded--almost as common as Dianna Krall. But these days I have to wait for my turn and politely request something with acoustic instruments and naturally mic'ed vocals--doesn't have to be classical--so I can actually hear how a system reproduces live music.
Great video, Steve! Very interesting hearing from a valuable musician and audiophile in the same person. The talks are endorsing more and more our great passion. Many thanks and compliments to all of you from Italy.
My first system was a Magnapan Tympani, Stax headphone amp, Carver cube, Carver tuner, Haffler amp, Denon turntable, Revox CD player. The Magnapan speakers were biamped with the haffler on the tweeters and the Carver for the mid/bass.
I hate watching these interviews, they are always so boring with interviewees who have very little to say for themselves. This guy was different. He was interesting, enthusiastic and forth coming. It was great to hear about his system and the favourite recordings section was also excellent. Thanks to you both.
I was impressed that Jeff Meyers is an audiophile. It piqued my interest in Calidore String recordings. I listened to the " String Quartet Op. 76 & No. 3 & Emperor". It is a great recording in both performance and sonics.
I would love to see interviews of great LP collections, LP storage, in addition to these great system focused videos Steve. There must be some impressive collections by audiophiles in New York
That Heifetz Sibelius has recently been pressed again by Analogue Productions as 33rpm and is currently available again. Sounds incredible. I hated Bartok until one day saw one of his chamber works performed in concert and was completely astonished by the sheer genius of it. I have some real old records of the 6 Bartok quartets by the Fine Arts Quartet, and love them.
Fabulous session, Steve & Jeff. No one can be a better judge of what "it" should sound like than a real, live musician, and those who listen to live (preferably acoustic / analogue) music frequently.
I really enjoyed listening to Jeff. He’s a very decent guy and he knows what he is trying to hear with regard to the sound of real musical instruments and that many recordings are missing the true tonal structure and air around the instrument radiating in all directions.
Great video. I feel like Jeff and I should talk about our shared taste in gear. My system is eerily similar to his: Magnepan 1.7i (an upgrade from LRS’s) with MagnaRisers stands, Rel T/7i subwoofer, Parasound A21+ amp (an upgrade from a pair of Vidars, massive improvement), Schiit Freya preamp, Denefrips Ares II DAC, Bluesound Node 2i, Kenwood KP-770P (w/ removable headshell of course), Hana SH cartridge (and Hana EL and Denon DL-103 to swap in and out), and a Musical Surroundings Nova II Phone preamp. I really liked Jeff’s comment “I’ll listen to anything that sounds good…if it is musically interesting”. Looking forward to listening to the Calidore String Quartet!
What a great interview…appreciate Jeff’s perspective on the recordings he chose. Would love to hear him discuss other recordings…particularly classical. Thanks Steve for always making it interesting and fun.
Great interview, and what a great system Jeffrey has! Being a classical music lover, I immediately had a listen to their recent CD, Babel, and immediately put it on my Wishlist at Presto Music. Hey, Jeff, after the Beethoven cycle, how about a Shostakovich cycle?
“Still trying to get it right”, yesterday I played for a memorial service and that’s exactly what I told one lady who complimented me on my performance. 😂
I've qued up everything he has recommended for today's listening. Since getting back into audio, i had to aquire a system. I went down the active speaker digital streaming path and i really enjoy listening to people's recommendations. This should be enlightening.
Interesting he used the word 'glossy' to describe the recorded violin. Problem here is, engineers seem to ALWAYS have their microphones choking the instrument. They HAVE to have that 'clarity'. Issue with that is, you don't hear the instrument blending into the space in a natural way. Yeah, basically, we get the violin in the ear effect that the violinist has to deal with. And, they ARE louder then you think! Owning a violin myself, and working for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, you learn these things. Musicians have ear troubles over time from the close proximity of their string instruments.
My sixth decade in audio both as a pro and as an enthusiast, I had no idea. So, my son took up viola, and while playing at home I couldn't believe it, it was incredulous how loud it was up close. I got my gear out for measuring, it was staggering the amount of dBspl the instrument generated.
LOVE this episode. Only had to pause it once, to go purchase that 1st Heifetz album on eBay. I also have large panel speakers, nothing else comes as close for violin and other acoustic string instruments.
I know classical music isn't really Steve's thing, but it was a joy for me to meet an audiophile who is a classical music lover and musician. I've known just a few in my time. And Jeff's non-classical tastes align perfectly with mine too. Among Jeff's favorites is the Julliard Quartet's reading of the 6 Bartok quartets. Those are probably the first recordings of these masterpieces I ever heard, but haven't in decades. Jeff says they're very well recorded, which surprised me a little. I never listened to them from an audiophile perspective, and I never cared that much for Columbia's string quartet recordings in general (I have many by the Budapest). I "only" have two complete sets of the Bartoks, an LP set by the Hungarian and a CD set by the Emerson. Apparently the Julliard never came out on CD. I will look for them on my vinyl shopping trips. This is another reason why a serious music lover should have an LP rig. Beethoven quartets are another thing. I have lost count of how many complete sets I have. Should I add the Calidore? Did I hear correctly they were recorded in Atmos? Employing more speakers than instruments? Worth getting just to try listening in multi-channel--though I don't have a full Atmos rig, and don't plan to.
As a matter of fact, most recording engineers, including myself, are musicians. On the other hand more than a couple of musicians tell me they listen to my mixes on laptop speakers! I wish most musician's listening situations would be closer to Jeff's but alas, that is not the case.
It's rare for musicians to be into audio. Few of those I know. So well played Jeff. I'd have to say knowing what real instruments sound like helps you to refine your hifi. He said that actually, about LP vs digital.
My son William played violin for 6 years and I would love to sit and hear him play. His teacher worked at Wagner college and also had a performing group. I love the sound of Violin, his older brother played Piano and i would take him to Brooklyn College. He played for 7 years, and was playing competitions in the City. Unfortunately his mother made it so unpleasant to practice that they both quit. They always heard music playing on my stereo.
i am a Classical fan as well which was my first love before Beatle mania. i have a Rega Brio and a Ares2 which are pretty pretty analog sounding . would love to have the Pass stuff, but Rega knows what the are doing. after watching this i will upgrade to Pontus2 so nice to get a Classical musicians perspective one the goods, lets have more Classical reviews Steve, thank you
Great to meet a "Music first audiophile", Jeff. I'm checking out some of those Heifetz recordings this morning (Bach since it's early;-) Glad to hear I'm on the right track with LS50/REL & LRS/REL systems. It amused me that you got your dad to give up boxes for panels too. 😃 Outstanding interview, Steve! Thank you!! 🎵🎶😎🎶🎵 PS Calidore quartet is on Qobuz....loving the Haydn!
Great interview Steve!! Sounds Iike Jeff’s family is from Columbus Ohio where I live. I wonder where his Dad got all his equipment over the years. Progressive Audio used to be such a wonderful shop in town, now gone. I also play guitar and grew up with a musician (father) always playing live music. My son is an excellent pianist and I’m trying to get him to appreciate how music should sound reproduced. Thanks for this great interview.
Jeff's dad here, yes, I was a frequent customer at Scott's PA store (also 13th Ave.). Scott hired some of the best people, Jim D., Robert R. Pat B., Brad O., those times are gone. Thankfully, we have the insights of people like the Audiophiliac to keep us up to date. Keep up the great work Steve!
I bought a couple of LP Classical Violin Concertos in honor of this Video Interview. *below. I have about 500 lps from the late 40s through the mid-50s. ---> I have the 1st Weaver Album for instance in 'red vinyl' (no it's not mint) :) ..... My Turntable is on the way & I'm buying a #200 Nag'waky Cartridge assembly along with the Pre-Amp that you (Steve) suggested. THANK YOU !!! 1. The Albums are a 3 Record Set from Stern/Bernstein/Ormandy 'Four Favorite Violin Concertos - Columbia Masterworks. 2. Itzhak Perlman 'Encores' - Angel Records. ..... the 3rd album I found in the same pile but is not a Violin LP - Marlene Dietrich 'Decca Records 1958.' Promo-Copy (Pink label)
Very nice episode. Thank you I really appreciate the perspective of a musician I listen with ,7 Maggie’s A Bryson amp brought my system alive. I too lose track of time streaming from Node 2i More please!
Hey....that's a coincidence: I got a Bryston b3 sst last week for the LRS. The presence and tonal density really brought things to life! There are 4.5years still left on the warranty with the option to have it serviced for another 5 years of warranty too. What's not to like? 🎶😁🎶
@@JohnDoe-np3zk Thanks! I'm looking for a tube preamp to properly buffer my Ares2 . Using my Musical Fidelity X-DAC X-10v3 X-PSU and a passive pre currently. The Musical Paradise MP 701mk2 looks very promising..... Looking for more hall acoustics. 🎶😁🎶
Very interesting interview, very nice system . LRS is remarkable speaker for the money, when is set up properly. I own one pair for a few months now, and ….. I sold Sounus Faber 3000$ florstanders and keep the Magnepan LRS.
I've played instruments, never professionally, and I too have to say that my Maggies were the most glorious, musical, "projectors" of sound and as transparent as anything I've ever heard. Texture is big for me as well. I too am skeptical of the XA25 being enough juice for them, but if the prerequisite is that you don't ever want to play them nice and loud and really feel the music in your whole body, (which I don't think Maggies do very well, regardless)... Then I'm sure that amp is fine. And they definitely benefit from working with a subwoofer.
I've had a Dual CS 5000 w/Micro Acoustics cartridge, Original Apogee's 7ft, 500 lb.speakers,Krell Amps,Audio Research amps,I still own a Threshold 400a( Nelson Pass's great debut Amp) I still have Rogers LS 3 5a's, Celestion SL6si's,.the list goes on..... I love pro stuff as well! Crown! JBL, .etc....
Also,I bought a new Moog Subsequent 25 synthesizer that's built like tank( as good as the old ones) The company is still Employee owned.runing it thru my Klipsch Belle's Awesome Product!
You know this is not typical. Often musicians have crappy music systems. This fact confounded me until i started playing guitar, and realized that all my money was spent on guitars, not hifi.
Impressive interview and subject. I'm curious about Jeff's comment on watching movies. He mentioned using the Kef ls50s and Rel sub. What's the source and amplifier component and if 2 channel audio how does the downmix happen if he watches movies with surround sound.
The trouble with vinyl is that (to get a sound better than digital) it costs too much for the turntable, arm, cartridge stylus and albums. And you have to find the best produced albums. OK if you are rich, otherwise stick to the Schiit sound. More affordable and convenient.
Someone was cashing out a Madrigal amp at a Goodwill in Pasadena while I was in line w a handful of ECM LPs. Probably from the owner of the Madrigal. Had I not shopped for records....
My audio friend has a Maggie 1.7i, plus a PioSound Eagle (electrostatic) and a PioSound Falcon (e.static hybrid) driven with many famous poweramps, but now he uses special hungarian handmade prototype amps he prefers. I've heard all these combinations with audiophile music many times, but I prefer any of my several systems very much over his systems, and I know he mostly listen to classical music! For me the difference is night and day in favour of mine, although I have the same prototype amps (and many others) and all my loudspeakers have cone or flat dynamic drivers, like highend Sony Apm77-s (with square flat drivers), Technics Sb-8 (round flat dr.), Heybrook-s (sealed with Vifa, Seas), Master Music Preference (stone! Ported with Vifa ), Vivid Audio K1 (best of the bests), giant 40th anniversary Heco Concerto Grosso (paper cone) etc. The sound of the panels are flat and boring for me, and even worst out of sweet spot. My systems with traditional drivers can fill the whole large flat with wonderful, dynamic, punchy, clear, transparent, joyful music, even for long time listening and not just playing audiophile music, but for example good ole' blues as well . Maybe one time Steve considers to show them to you my audio brothers...and I know it will be a long audiophiliac viewer's system of the day! Cheers!
Fascinating how the two musicians choose panel speakers, Quad and Magnepan. This has to be significant. But then I would say that as I have Quad 63s myself, just like Alfred Brendel (sadly that's where our musical similarities end). It was a privilege to experience this episode and I'll listen to the quartet with an extra interest as a result. Any chance of a part two? There's plenty of scope to go into more details of both the equipment and hi
@@FOH3663 You may well be right, I'm not sufficiently technically knowledgeable to say. I was just using 'planar' as a lazy shorthand for the type. But I think the most important elements are the obvious ones: lack of a cabinet & the coloration / influence on the drivers' behaviour which it provokes, fabulous transient response, therefore detail, and certainly with the Quads the very low distortion which manifests itself as a 'relaxed' feel, when one switches to it from anything else I've tried. I don't have more than a very brief experience of the Magnepans.
I played bass guitar. My three children play multiple music instruments. I own several pairs of speakers but my go to is always my Magnepan’s. It’s the closest to real live music.
Ayyyee.
From my experience it depends on the type of music and the recording. I went from a pretty good pair of 3 way floor standing speakers to the Maggie 1.7i and on a number of recordings something was lost.
Examples include some acoustic guitar, much acoustic bass and some piano (jazz and classical), also cello recordings and some vocal (ensemble, not solo). I am not saying the Magnepan are * poor * in comparison but there can be a certain lack lack of immediacy. With some recordings my old speakers were better and in a few of those cases much better. Most of the loss was in the upper bass or the low mid range. But even in higher registers there can be a loss of "presence". The tweeter is fine but could still use more "sparkle" to my ears.
An issue is that box speakers can tend to project the sound toward the listener while the planar speakers are more "enveloping". The projected sound from a cabinet can be more emotionally satisfying. Box speakers can also introduce a "resonance" that can be hard to capture or reproduce on the planar speaker. Third is that some speaker divers are just very well suited for certain frequency ranges and even for conveying certain textures.
The maggies are consistent and have good "coverage" across all frequencies. The sound blends very well. but sometimes the music just seems a bit "emotionally flat" on my 1.7i's. In that regard it can seem to fail at being life like.
I auditioned them prior to making a purchase so I'm not saying I was let down by my expectations but sometimes I think the praise is over-hyped. Maybe I need a new $5K power amp and a $2K pre amp...
@@howard5992Sorry you have found some 'caveats' with your ribbons.
For me, I wanted a panel that works like no other. Went from 14 years of tubes and a pair of Klipschorns all those years. Decided I wanted to see what the Martin Logans sounded like. Once home and setup in the large, treated, listening space............amp and pre by John Curl, it is an end game for me.
Doors are always open here for guests, and many critical ears have been here and could not believe what they were hearing. I DO have Klipsch towers in another room, but the go to is always the Classic 9's with there extremely wide stage at 20' back. We have a brand new brick and mortar store here. They have both the NEW Jubilees in one room and the ML Neoliths in another, I will spending a day there (O:
@@howard5992
Magnepan suggest Bryston they produce the full bodied, muscular sound you're missing...you can still find an SST with 5 years left on the 20 year warranty.
BTW they NEED subs!
Totally understand that: I think the Magnepans create the most “real” sound for my taste and completely disappear while you are listening. Playing old recordings of great violinists through these is always a special experience as they seem to be right there in the room playing for me only. But they are also really good in exposing not so great recordings or any flaws in the audio chain.
The absolute best presentation of the Audiophiliac to date. More please. This one is over the top. Great job, outstanding interview.
Totally agree!
I agree, VP.
Jeff seems like a super nice guy and to hear him say he’s spreading his wings musically is very cool. So much is waiting to be discovered. Thanks, Steve.
This is an outstanding episode that features what I think is the best aspect of the Audiophiliac: listening recommendations. I like to find, when I can, and then listen to streaming versions of the music Steve uses in reviews. I look forward to doing the same with Jeff’s extensive selections. Thanks Steve and Jeff.
Absolutely, the best guest ever! Thank you Steve!
What a wonderful interview and a tremendously talented guest Jeffrey Meyers. Thanks Steve.
Great interview, its always great when you interview musicians that are audiophiles!
Thanks, Steve, for another great guest interview. Interesting to note the appearance of the Pass Labs XA25 in Jeff's system, as Pedro on deaudiofilos, also a classical musician, has one in his system.
Real nice system (and a fun interview, as well)! Another great one, Steve!
Great, great episode. You're both such likable people, enjoyed every story he had to share. Thanks.
I love such presentations of recordings where the sound is really good, because it can be difficult to find yourself. THANKS
Love this guy. Your hifi journey parallels mine. Great video Steve.
my dad was an eye surgeon and audiophile. some of his patients in L.A. where great composers. they would bring their latest recordings over to the house to hear, with cocktails into the wee morning hours.
Jeff went to Colburn School, awesome. We have so much in common, we have both been interviewed by Steve! hope we can meet sometime
A lot of this stuff is my stuff too, Steve. VPI - check; Magnepan - check; REL - check. Different electronics, though. Magnepan's should have some tubes (IMHO), so I'm using tube preamp with solid state (high current) amps.
Very enjoyable episode. Definitely one of my favorites, of all I've seen so far. Thanks, Steve !!
You and Jeff really killed it with this one. Classical is so underplayed on YT its pathetic. I appreciate that you did with this. More, please!
There's plenty of classical on YT, but in the audiophile world it's getting downplayed. Harry Pearson and Gordon Holt were both avid classical fans, and when I'd go to an audio show in New York in the 1980's and 1990's, rooms playing great classical recordings abounded--almost as common as Dianna Krall. But these days I have to wait for my turn and politely request something with acoustic instruments and naturally mic'ed vocals--doesn't have to be classical--so I can actually hear how a system reproduces live music.
Jeff is a very cool guy. Thanks for sharing your favorite music picks. Gave me some ideas of things to search out.
Great video, Steve! Very interesting hearing from a valuable musician and audiophile in the same person. The talks are endorsing more and more our great passion. Many thanks and compliments to all of you from Italy.
My first system was a Magnapan Tympani, Stax headphone amp, Carver cube, Carver tuner, Haffler amp, Denon turntable, Revox CD player. The Magnapan speakers were biamped with the haffler on the tweeters and the Carver for the mid/bass.
Super nice guy. Thanks for sharing Jeff!
I hate watching these interviews, they are always so boring with interviewees who have very little to say for themselves.
This guy was different. He was interesting, enthusiastic and forth coming. It was great to hear about his system and the favourite recordings section was also excellent. Thanks to you both.
Please have Jeff back for more! And Jeff, I really your music recommendations!
Thanks to both of you!
What a fantastic interview! Thanks Steve & Jeff!
I was impressed that Jeff Meyers is an audiophile. It piqued my interest in Calidore String recordings. I listened to the " String Quartet Op. 76 & No. 3 & Emperor". It is a great recording in both performance and sonics.
Great interview of a great classical artist. Thank you
I would love to see interviews of great LP collections, LP storage, in addition to these great system focused videos Steve. There must be some impressive collections by audiophiles in New York
….on the Magnepan Train 🚂 . What a nice guy. Fascinating interview. I love the conversation about vinyl and digital.
Thanks Char!
That Heifetz Sibelius has recently been pressed again by Analogue Productions as 33rpm and is currently available again. Sounds incredible. I hated Bartok until one day saw one of his chamber works performed in concert and was completely astonished by the sheer genius of it. I have some real old records of the 6 Bartok quartets by the Fine Arts Quartet, and love them.
Great content. Thanks Steve and Jeff for sharing. As far as I know, it’s rare that a musician is an audiophile.
Fabulous session, Steve & Jeff. No one can be a better judge of what "it" should sound like than a real, live musician, and those who listen to live (preferably acoustic / analogue) music frequently.
I really enjoyed listening to Jeff. He’s a very decent guy and he knows what he is trying to hear with regard to the sound of real musical instruments and that many recordings are missing the true tonal structure and air around the instrument radiating in all directions.
If you want that texture on the violin sound with digital, try the Pearl Acoustics killer single driver speakers.
Great video. I feel like Jeff and I should talk about our shared taste in gear. My system is eerily similar to his: Magnepan 1.7i (an upgrade from LRS’s) with MagnaRisers stands, Rel T/7i subwoofer, Parasound A21+ amp (an upgrade from a pair of Vidars, massive improvement), Schiit Freya preamp, Denefrips Ares II DAC, Bluesound Node 2i, Kenwood KP-770P (w/ removable headshell of course), Hana SH cartridge (and Hana EL and Denon DL-103 to swap in and out), and a Musical Surroundings Nova II Phone preamp.
I really liked Jeff’s comment “I’ll listen to anything that sounds good…if it is musically interesting”. Looking forward to listening to the Calidore String Quartet!
Very enjoyable!! Love the Pass Labs and LS50 Meta’s. Loved hearing about audiophile father and the impact it had.
Really enjoy this one, very interesting to see what a musician (and an audiophiliac) is listening to!
What a great interview…appreciate Jeff’s perspective on the recordings he chose. Would love to hear him discuss other recordings…particularly classical. Thanks Steve for always making it interesting and fun.
So this is what I’ve realized: few audiophiles are musicians, and even fewer musicians are audiophiles
Yes, there are more musicians than audiophiles. Nicely said though
Great interview, and what a great system Jeffrey has! Being a classical music lover, I immediately had a listen to their recent CD, Babel, and immediately put it on my Wishlist at Presto Music. Hey, Jeff, after the Beethoven cycle, how about a Shostakovich cycle?
Wonderful, add more of these!
Thank you Steve! Do more interviews like this!
excellent ! nice getting a musicians perspective - well balanced system - will be looking for some of those LP'S
Thanks
great episode! the hayden & mendelssohn disc is lovely.
Great music your quartet plays!!!
I have a VPI classic as well. Love it!!
Xa25 works really well with the Lintons
I was nearly at the end of this great interview when I realized I could see Steve's reflection in the TV!
- thanks Steve.
and good morning!
“Still trying to get it right”, yesterday I played for a memorial service and that’s exactly what I told one lady who complimented me on my performance. 😂
loved this interview, great vibes
what a nice interview! Thank you!
I'll be listening to all those records mentioned. Thanks Jeff
I've qued up everything he has recommended for today's listening. Since getting back into audio, i had to aquire a system. I went down the active speaker digital streaming path and i really enjoy listening to people's recommendations. This should be enlightening.
GREAT video, thx Steve!
Interesting he used the word 'glossy' to describe the recorded violin. Problem here is, engineers seem to ALWAYS have their microphones choking the instrument. They HAVE to have that 'clarity'. Issue with that is, you don't hear the instrument blending into the space in a natural way.
Yeah, basically, we get the violin in the ear effect that the violinist has to deal with. And, they ARE louder then you think! Owning a violin myself, and working for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, you learn these things. Musicians have ear troubles over time from the close proximity of their string instruments.
My sixth decade in audio both as a pro and as an enthusiast, I had no idea.
So, my son took up viola, and while playing at home I couldn't believe it, it was incredulous how loud it was up close.
I got my gear out for measuring, it was staggering the amount of dBspl the instrument generated.
I looked up the Calidore String Quartet and Jeff's playing (and the other three as well) is impeccable.
That was GREAT!
Excellent interview.
I’m enjoying the “Resiliance” album by the Calidore String Quartet on Apple Hi-Res. Thanks for sharing Steve.
LOVE this episode. Only had to pause it once, to go purchase that 1st Heifetz album on eBay.
I also have large panel speakers, nothing else comes as close for violin and other acoustic string instruments.
I know classical music isn't really Steve's thing, but it was a joy for me to meet an audiophile who is a classical music lover and musician. I've known just a few in my time. And Jeff's non-classical tastes align perfectly with mine too.
Among Jeff's favorites is the Julliard Quartet's reading of the 6 Bartok quartets. Those are probably the first recordings of these masterpieces I ever heard, but haven't in decades. Jeff says they're very well recorded, which surprised me a little. I never listened to them from an audiophile perspective, and I never cared that much for Columbia's string quartet recordings in general (I have many by the Budapest). I "only" have two complete sets of the Bartoks, an LP set by the Hungarian and a CD set by the Emerson. Apparently the Julliard never came out on CD. I will look for them on my vinyl shopping trips. This is another reason why a serious music lover should have an LP rig.
Beethoven quartets are another thing. I have lost count of how many complete sets I have. Should I add the Calidore? Did I hear correctly they were recorded in Atmos? Employing more speakers than instruments? Worth getting just to try listening in multi-channel--though I don't have a full Atmos rig, and don't plan to.
Great interview!
They say vinyl is better than digital but then his recordings are on Tidal/Spotify and they are recording in Atmos.
As a matter of fact, most recording engineers, including myself, are musicians. On the other hand more than a couple of musicians tell me they listen to my mixes on laptop speakers! I wish most musician's listening situations would be closer to Jeff's but alas, that is not the case.
What a nice guy. Great interview Steve thanks
It's rare for musicians to be into audio. Few of those I know. So well played Jeff. I'd have to say knowing what real instruments sound like helps you to refine your hifi. He said that actually, about LP vs digital.
My son William played violin for 6 years and I would love to sit and hear him play. His teacher worked at Wagner college and also had a performing group. I love the sound of Violin, his older brother played Piano and i would take him to Brooklyn College. He played for 7 years, and was playing competitions in the City. Unfortunately his mother made it so unpleasant to practice that they both quit. They always heard music playing on my stereo.
i am a Classical fan as well which was my first love before Beatle mania. i have a Rega Brio and a Ares2 which are pretty pretty analog sounding . would love to have the Pass stuff, but Rega knows what the are doing. after watching this i will upgrade to Pontus2 so nice to get a Classical musicians perspective one the goods, lets have more Classical reviews Steve, thank you
Wonderful episode. Thanks! Hoping the music would be reissued in digital form in a way it's easier to make it sound more natural / analog. Cheers!
Great to meet a "Music first audiophile", Jeff.
I'm checking out some of those Heifetz recordings this morning (Bach since it's early;-)
Glad to hear I'm on the right track with LS50/REL & LRS/REL systems.
It amused me that you got your dad to give up boxes for panels too. 😃
Outstanding interview, Steve!
Thank you!!
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PS
Calidore quartet is on Qobuz....loving the Haydn!
Great interview Steve!! Sounds Iike Jeff’s family is from Columbus Ohio where I live. I wonder where his Dad got all his equipment over the years. Progressive Audio used to be such a wonderful shop in town, now gone. I also play guitar and grew up with a musician (father) always playing live music. My son is an excellent pianist and I’m trying to get him to appreciate how music should sound reproduced. Thanks for this great interview.
Jeff's dad here, yes, I was a frequent customer at Scott's PA store (also 13th Ave.). Scott hired some of the best people, Jim D., Robert R. Pat B., Brad O., those times are gone. Thankfully, we have the insights of people like the Audiophiliac to keep us up to date. Keep up the great work Steve!
I bought a couple of LP Classical Violin Concertos in honor of this Video Interview. *below. I have about 500 lps from the late 40s through the mid-50s. ---> I have the 1st Weaver Album for instance in 'red vinyl' (no it's not mint) :)
..... My Turntable is on the way & I'm buying a #200 Nag'waky Cartridge assembly along with the Pre-Amp that you (Steve) suggested. THANK YOU !!!
1. The Albums are a 3 Record Set from Stern/Bernstein/Ormandy 'Four Favorite Violin Concertos - Columbia Masterworks.
2. Itzhak Perlman 'Encores' - Angel Records.
..... the 3rd album I found in the same pile but is not a Violin LP -
Marlene Dietrich 'Decca Records 1958.' Promo-Copy (Pink label)
The Stern/Ormandy Tchaikovsky concerto is an excellent performance and recording!
Very nice episode. Thank you
I really appreciate the perspective of a musician
I listen with ,7 Maggie’s
A Bryson amp brought my system alive. I too lose track of time streaming from Node 2i
More please!
Hey....that's a coincidence:
I got a Bryston b3 sst last week for the LRS.
The presence and tonal density really brought things to life!
There are 4.5years still left on the warranty with the option to have it serviced for another 5 years of warranty too.
What's not to like?
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@@carlitomelon4610 proud of you for joining the Bryston club. Enjoy!
@@JohnDoe-np3zk
Thanks!
I'm looking for a tube preamp to properly buffer my Ares2 . Using my Musical Fidelity X-DAC X-10v3 X-PSU and a passive pre currently.
The Musical Paradise MP 701mk2 looks very promising.....
Looking for more hall acoustics.
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luv the records portion. 101 and beyond kind of stuff!
Nice guy, nice interview 👌
I have that Nat King Cole on reel to reel and the sound is incredible.
This was cool, great video👍
Only Steve Guttenberg can turn audiophiles into 'Rock Stars'
A cool dude like Steve will make almost any person cool. It just rubs off.
Thanks 👍 .
Very interesting interview, very nice system . LRS is remarkable speaker for the money, when is set up properly. I own one pair for a few months now, and ….. I sold Sounus Faber 3000$ florstanders and keep the Magnepan LRS.
I've played instruments, never professionally, and I too have to say that my Maggies were the most glorious, musical, "projectors" of sound and as transparent as anything I've ever heard. Texture is big for me as well. I too am skeptical of the XA25 being enough juice for them, but if the prerequisite is that you don't ever want to play them nice and loud and really feel the music in your whole body, (which I don't think Maggies do very well, regardless)... Then I'm sure that amp is fine. And they definitely benefit from working with a subwoofer.
Bravo!
I've had a Dual CS 5000 w/Micro Acoustics cartridge, Original Apogee's 7ft, 500 lb.speakers,Krell Amps,Audio Research amps,I still own a Threshold 400a( Nelson Pass's great debut Amp) I still have Rogers LS 3 5a's, Celestion SL6si's,.the list goes on..... I love pro stuff as well! Crown! JBL, .etc....
Great stuff
Jeff, given your direction I suggest to check the Merason Dac1 from Daniel Frauchiger of Defraud Audio Switzerland.
Great!! I can relate!
What a nice guy!
Also,I bought a new Moog Subsequent 25 synthesizer that's built like tank( as good as the old ones) The company is still Employee owned.runing it thru my Klipsch Belle's Awesome Product!
Great Interview Steve! Jeff, truly amazing set up. Could you share the model of the bypass power unit for the Gold Note?
Gold Note PSU-10
You know this is not typical. Often musicians have crappy music systems. This fact confounded me until i started playing guitar, and realized that all my money was spent on guitars, not hifi.
Nice system.
Impressive interview and subject. I'm curious about Jeff's comment on watching movies. He mentioned using the Kef ls50s and Rel sub. What's the source and amplifier component and if 2 channel audio how does the downmix happen if he watches movies with surround sound.
The trouble with vinyl is that (to get a sound better than digital) it costs too much for the turntable, arm, cartridge stylus and albums. And you have to find the best produced albums. OK if you are rich, otherwise stick to the Schiit sound. More affordable and convenient.
Someone was cashing out a Madrigal amp at a Goodwill in Pasadena while I was in line w a handful of ECM LPs. Probably from the owner of the Madrigal. Had I not shopped for records....
Nice system. Nice guy.
Steve- very insightful from a musician perspective. Do you ever wish you had kept your Gibson SG? Best regards…. Have a good holiday.
I agree, the Heifetz recording of the Bruch Scottish Fantasy is the best there is.
My audio friend has a Maggie 1.7i, plus a PioSound Eagle (electrostatic) and a PioSound Falcon (e.static hybrid) driven with many famous poweramps, but now he uses special hungarian handmade prototype amps he prefers. I've heard all these combinations with audiophile music many times, but I prefer any of my several systems very much over his systems, and I know he mostly listen to classical music!
For me the difference is night and day in favour of mine, although I have the same prototype amps (and many others) and all my loudspeakers have cone or flat dynamic drivers, like highend Sony Apm77-s (with square flat drivers), Technics Sb-8 (round flat dr.), Heybrook-s (sealed with Vifa, Seas), Master Music Preference (stone! Ported with Vifa ), Vivid Audio K1 (best of the bests), giant 40th anniversary Heco Concerto Grosso (paper cone) etc.
The sound of the panels are flat and boring for me, and even worst out of sweet spot. My systems with traditional drivers can fill the whole large flat with wonderful, dynamic, punchy, clear, transparent, joyful music, even for long time listening and not just playing audiophile music, but for example good ole' blues as well .
Maybe one time Steve considers to show them to you my audio brothers...and I know it will be a long audiophiliac viewer's system of the day!
Cheers!
Nice jams
Great Jeff indeed
Fascinating how the two musicians choose panel speakers, Quad and Magnepan. This has to be significant. But then I would say that as I have Quad 63s myself, just like Alfred Brendel (sadly that's where our musical similarities end). It was a privilege to experience this episode and I'll listen to the quartet with an extra interest as a result. Any chance of a part two? There's plenty of scope to go into more details of both the equipment and hi
s library of recordings. Don't know why this suddenly posted before I'd finished. Typing on a tablet not my strong suit!
I'd say it's the manner in which dipoles interact with their surroundings... not so much the planar aspect.
@@FOH3663 You may well be right, I'm not sufficiently technically knowledgeable to say. I was just using 'planar' as a lazy shorthand for the type. But I think the most important elements are the obvious ones: lack of a cabinet & the coloration / influence on the drivers' behaviour which it provokes, fabulous transient response, therefore detail, and certainly with the Quads the very low distortion which manifests itself as a 'relaxed' feel, when one switches to it from anything else I've tried. I don't have more than a very brief experience of the Magnepans.