The HiFi Addict - Audio Advice with Andrew Robinson
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ธ.ค. 2019
- 👉 QUESTIONS? Click THANKS☝️to highlight your question & give thanks for the help you receive!
👁️ for something? Click View Products 🛍 or OPEN the description box below!
The HiFi Addict
Are you an audiophile out of your love of music...or is it because you're addicted to hi-fi gear? A subscriber, Samuel, wrote asking, how can he break the cycle of gear addiction. I share my unfiltered answers in this video. Battling Hi-Fi Addiction - Audio Advice with Andrew Robinson
► MY OFFICE SET UP
BDI Centro Sit-Stand Desk: bit.ly/392U6sW
iMac 🛍
Kanto YU 6 Speakers: amzn.to/3gBgb2c
Kanto YU8 Subwoofer: amzn.to/3p6HUw6
► MY REFERENCE AUDIO AND HOME THEATER SYSTEM
POWER
Naim Uniti Atom All In One Music System: bit.ly/NaimAtom
Musical Fidelity Integrated Amp: bit.ly/M5si
LOUDSPEAKERS
Q Acoustic Concept 300: bit.ly/C300wsA
Klipsch Heresy IV: bit.ly/heresyiv
Jamo S809: amzn.to/356tnK5
SPEAKER STANDS
Kanto Bookshelf Speaker Stands (budget): bit.ly/Kanto26
SolidSteel Speaker Stands (best): bit.ly/3I9Xa5W
TURNTABLES
Audio Technica LP140XP: amzn.to/33OfgXO
Cambridge Audio Direct Drive Turntable: bit.ly/AlvaCA
RECORD PLAYER CARTRIDGES
Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge (better): bit.ly/OrtBlue
Ortofon 2M Black Cartridge (best): bit.ly/3yKz9i1
HEADPHONES
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless NCX Headphones: bit.ly/WH1000xm4
SOUNDBARS
SENNHEISER AMBEO: bit.ly/35yLQO1
TOP SMART TVs
LG 8K TV: bit.ly/LG8K99TV
Hisense H9G: bit.ly/H9GTV
TCL 6 Series: amzn.to/35Vn9NO
BLUETOOTH / DESKTOP SPEAKERS
Naim Mu-so V2: amzn.to/33ASZxI
Klipsch The Fives: bit.ly/fivesUS
Kanto YU: bit.ly/YUdesk
► SHOP OUR LIVING ROOM
ARTICLE LEATHER CHAIR: bit.ly/NirvanaChr
ARTICLE SOFA: bit.ly/2HI6cMH
ART: bit.ly/howfaryt
TV / MEDIA CABINET: bit.ly/BDIMEDIA
EVERYTHING ELSE: bit.ly/ARdecor
► STAY CONNECTED
SUBSCRIBE & RING THE 🔔 bit.ly/RobinsonYT
JOIN THE CREW: bit.ly/ARobMbr
INSTAGRAM: bit.ly/AndRobIG
BUSINESS INQUIRIES: bit.ly/andrewbiz
FTC: This video is not sponsored. Some links above are affiliate, meaning we make a small percentage if you buy through the link but it won't change the price for you! Thank you for helping to support the channel
#HiFi #Audiophile #Addiction - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
It's like watching Top Gear. I'll never drive a Lamborghini but it's still entertaining to watch a show about one.
Better to drive a Ferrari anyhow. 👍
I've ridden in one. My boss had one about 10 years ago. It canary yellow and dead sexy. One day he took it for us to visit clients in. Turns out it was also cramped, loud, rattled and it made every pebble and bump in the road feel like a jackhammer on your tailbone. Sometimes the mystique of appreciating from afar is much more enjoyable than up close.
No doubt, Top Gear was a great show with Clarkson, Hammond and May. They used to joke about getting awards for best automotive advice.
The real key here is to grasp that addiction is not about audio. Addiction is not about drugs, not about gambling, not about equipment, not about excessive hand-washing. Etc. Obsessive-compulsive behaviors have their roots elsewhere. Until you get to those roots, you’ll just transfer your addiction from one object to another
You always give good advice, I long ago realised that there were certain things that would be out of my ability to have, a Ferrari, Lamborghini or even Maserati. Also a $100,000 audio system. So I took advice from stereo review and find a system that would give me 80% of what I wanted from my stereo. Unfortunately some people assess their self worth on what they have. This is a recipe for unhappiness, I three great sons who are doing well. I live in a nice house with my girlfriend, and I have friends that I value. These are the things that are important in life. I can listen to music and it sounds great, watch a movie and feel like I'm in a theater. Sip a glass of wine and be thankful for what I do have. Thanks for another great video , Andrew (my oldest son is also Andrew. Stay healthy
I am a retired 73+ year old audiophile and I have been an “audio junkie” since my 20s. I discovered your channel a few weeks ago and find your reviews and perspective on this hobby to be an absolute breath of fresh air. The enjoyment of the music itself seems to have lost by many people who have been overcome by the quest for perfect specs. You bring a balance of common sense and reality that few will talk about in the quest for the “best” this or that. Being retired limits my ability to allocate resources to what some call “high end” audio gear but as you stated in a previous video regarding the law of diminishing returns it does not matter if what you have sounds good to you even if it is not so called cutting edge. Face it at almost 74 years old my ears couldn’t tell the difference between a $10,000 amp and a $600 amp and if I could is the difference worth it. Keep up the down to earth honest reporting.
Hey John, I'm a bit younger than you at 69..... Seems like we may be similar in our constitutions. Woodstock Era generation. I am to a certain degree a "audiophile Junkie" {that may be a little strong for me - probably a light addict]. I posted some comments just moments ago about Sam's letter and Andrew's dissertation about Sam's problem. My 69 year old ears agree. But I will add, that aside from my recent strides for perfection as previously described, a recent purchase of a Tascam Double Cassette Deck (which I really didn't need because I have a Teac CD / Cassette deck), playing old commercial and home made cassettes [probably recorded in the mid 80s ], never sounded as good. The sound that is achieved is a function of the entire system , and IMO, the Speakers are 80% of the sound produced. Be safe and well in this COVID Madness .
“My greatest fear when I die is my wife will sell my hi-fi system for what I told her I paid for them” is the realest stuff ever🤣
This is a video I think you need to almost re post. Or make yourself listen to again every 6 months.
Like using it as an anchor.
One of the best vids/statements even made
Cheers man
"Treat it more like entertainment, less like validation." Brilliant advice! Thanks!
I really feel that you hit the nail on the head, people don't enjoy music anymore, they scrutinies every detail and it must be exhausting.
I'm over this hobby. I'd rather travel and experience things. In the meantime, Klipsch RP600M, Marantz network receiver 1200, cheap cables, total $1050, and DONE. System sounds great.
I will take your setup as my goal, cheers!
@@SomeGuy-xq3kv When your gear doesn't sound fun with what you listen to, you took a wrong turn somewhere. After a long journey and many expensive audiophile experiment-purchases and consequent sales, I now listen to ~2,500$ and I'm happy. I'll quit watching reviews any day now;)
Seeking perfection in sound reproduction leads to never ending disappointments. Go for the music you enjoy and never be disappointed.
This is pretty true honestly. Thanks for watching!
Andrew, this is a very meaningful video for not just being a Audiophile "addict", but actually applicable to people who suffer from Anxiety disorders . Anxiety disorders manifest into the striving for perfectionism. It is a very sad, overwhelming effect from anxiety disorders. I'm 69 years old, a long time sufferer with anxiety demons. The anxiety demon pushes you toward a Perfectionism , whereby, an individual will continue to strive to find the "perfect" product, idea, etc. "It must be Perfect". It has plagued me and listening to Sam''s letter , who at 24 years of age, is heading down a similar path [I sincerely hope Not - and do not profess to be a psychologist to any degree ]. Andrew has offered great advice : Take it in stride, enjoy what you have , don't let the reviews and such overwhelm you...... Stress is a Bitch and contributes to this affliction to the Nth Degree. Perfectionists can become Obsessive in many regards. Obtaining the "perfect" audio equipment is in that category. I have always been a semi audiophile, but as Andrew said, having other obligations , Spouse, Kids, pets, house repairs , etc. diverts that time and does not allow to focus on those things. Now at this time in my life, Kids grown up , aside from the immense stress of the COVID Pandemic, I was working from Home since March. Working in the Basement makeshift office setup, I embarked on setting up a new Basement Sound Studio / Mancave. I suddenly became absorbed into reviewing Audio Equipment on Line , making purchases (fortunately for Amazon with liberal return policies), adding more pieces ....... again striving for the Perfect sound and the equipment has to be the Best Bang for the Buck. That's the anxiety taking over.... Similarly, I started to play Drums again after my lovely wife of 46 years (!!!!!) , gave me a Cheap drum kit for Xmas in 2018. I hadn't played in 50 years. I began to practice in 2019, and also began to "tweak" and enhance the drum kit. Then, with the COVID stay at home scenario, the "perfection" bug started to edge its way into the process. I'm dealing with it BUT it does take you over : Get the Best is the overcoming Motto. Sorry for Rambling... Just telling a personal story that hopefully others share. In my case, I suffer with lots of Chronic pain from Arthritis in my spine, hips, knees, neck, ..... That Chronic pain is a vicious anxiety cycle producer as well.... I guess the Bottom line is: Breath, Get away from this crap, enjoy what you have, enjoy your Music. Again Tx to Andrew for a fabuloso Video.
THANK YOU!!! For this video. My husband watches you...A LOT! Sam’s letter to you really echos so many things I have heard my husband say. As our collection of speakers and amps and subwoofers and turntables has grown and grown, I’ve become confused and CONCERNED that my husband may have an addiction! After watching this video I really appreciate this hobby (even though it’s not mine!) and I can get off his back a bit! Keep up the awesome entertain-ormation!
I really like your videos. You give a point of view of this hobby in a way that nobody else talks about. I too have been at the point where I obsess over the gear I have and constantly want to upgrade speakers or my amp or whatever even though my current setup is already sufficient for my needs. These videos help put things into perspective for people who are in that kind of position and let’s them know that at the end of the day what’s most important is that they end up actually enjoying what they already have instead of always wanting more. I actually upgraded my home theater to floor standing speakers for the stereo channels a few years ago and what is so frustrating is I eventually realized that my bookshelfs I had before actually meshed better in my listening room than the floor standing ones. Many times bigger speakers don’t automatically mean better sound.
I find your train of thought very helpful. I can really apply it to different hobbies of mine (photography and video games). Generally the addiction of acquiring new gear even when the current gear is good enough already. Like the mindset you represent, keep it up!
Thank you so much! We appreciate you watching.
Buying new stuff is a dopamine hit. I get it. I love me my dopamine hits. After a point, the fascination of new wears off, and the dopamine goes away, which is true of everything. I have competing priorities, which makes me continually evaluate what's important. which is how I keep the dopamine chase down to a minimum.
I love my 1980s technics equipment...with a nice glass of wine...and then be present to the album/artist...
Love this video man. You’re such a humble guy with a great point of view. It’s all about enjoying the music & sound. Thanks for always being so informative and helpful.
Seriously... if this is your addiction.... you're ok. There are worse addictions. What people don't realize right now is that the quality of ALL audio is so amazingly high that the law of diminishing returns is in high effect. some people have thought my samsung s10 plus mic sounds as good as a $1400.00 pro short shotgun boom mic used for pro film. The h4n sounds amazing for a few hundred bucks. Also remember as you get older your hearing changes so nothing will satisfy like your old equipment did.
Totally agree on your comments there. And this goes the same with every other hobby.
Up to a certain degree, there will always be a certain level of diminishing returns.
And that's why I love this channel as it offers more thought process and your own evaluation rather than click bait titles and shoving products down to the viewers mind
When i see, and listen to this, i get both sad and really happy. Big ups to your mindset and way of discussing/teaching stuff. I just love the way you described this and I hope Samuel got it... Love it.
This is so true! Thanks! IMO, good sound quality doesn't have to be expensive.... it is what you will enjoy....
Thank you for watching.
I've been in this hobby for over 40 years; subscribed to all the magazines, read the websites and discussion groups, and subscribe to the expected TH-cam channels. I'm fortunate to have enough background and education to build some of my own equipment. And I think you are one of the very best audio reviewers I've read or heard. Why? Everything you said in this video. You are one of a small number of contemporary commentators who are trying hard to bring people into this hobby by not only accepting, but encouraging, people to get the equipment which is best for them, regardless of budget or personal musical taste. I think this is a tremendous, welcome change to the ossified attitudes, prejudices, and presentations of almost all traditional reviewers. Thank you and carry on, sir.
Thank you so very very much.
I really like the point you are making here. I became an audiophiliac around 1977. equipment has come a long way since then. I got burnt out at around 2012. Most of my audio equipment was very heavy and/or bulky. It took me 35yrs to get burnt out, especially keeping up with all the new audio formats and standards. Enter the Class D amp audio age and small speakers with bigger and fuller sound era....Now we can get great sounding stuff on the cheap. You no longer have to spend massive time and money to achieve the audio pinnacle. I think the birth of separate audio components started in the early to mid 70's. I put down at least $50,000 over the years. And I consider myself the average Joe...maybe a lucky Joe. But, the point I am making is that my first 30yrs was the growth of the industry, and todays audio products have finally arrived that everyone can enjoy great sound without going to the extremes to get it. I am glad them days are gone and far behind me. Now I can enjoy what I have and be satisfied like never before. It all started when I purchased a little unknown Lepai LP-2020A+ Class D amplifier. It certainly isn't the greatest sounding device...but is so impressive for what it is and what it does.....Best damn amp I have ever owned for price/performance. It only cost me $17 free shipping in 2013 and by 1977 standards,the amp would have most likely cost me $20,000. Think about it...todays class D amps in 1977. Your a big inspiration Andrew....you are knowledgeable beyond your years.
Maybe the most honest and compelling video I’ve ever watched about consumer electronics. Thank you
Thank you for your vulnerability, Andrew. Explaining the psychology behind social media, journalism, and marketing as it relates with Hi-Fi is a bold, but wise move. I respect you more for this and I hope others do, too.
Thanks for your humble and articulate advice. Down to heart and just plain real. Refreshing in a Hi-Fi world filled with so much pretension. This may help me quell the hungry ghost that's haunted me for the last year and a half, and just get back to enjoying the music. Cheers Andrew!
A wonderfully, thoughtful and eloquent piece Andrew. I think you would've spoken to many of us in what you said. Thanks, and I love this channel.
If you ever get bored check out the psychology of collecting. Very insightful. Lots of common ground between being a collector and audiophile. The search for the ultimate "perfect" item, the fleeting dopamine rush of acquiring it, the mild depression resulting from the ideal being made real and commonplace then the cycle repeating with attention diverted to a new item. What I find interesting is why is the passtime mostly male? Is it the ancient urge to hunt taking modern form? Is it a subtle war dance to show power and virility with the boom of our bass? Probably has very little to do with audio quality tbh!
Exactly. It’s the hunting and stalking nature of males
Samuel, you started out with a vintage Luxman receiver at a good price. That's called hitting the jackpot on your first attempt! I was lucky enough to pick up a Luxman amp in a second-hand store 35 years ago, and nothing I've heard since performs better. My brand of gear-head audioholism is limited to hunting for pocket-money bargains and enjoying the differences. That way I get to indulge my addiction yet still have money to spare for other things!
Slowly downgrading helped me. Frees up extra cash, and your expectations are so low, you’re often pleasantly surprised how good it sounds. The price of high end gear is what causes listener anxiety IMO.
That's one of the tragedies of the "audiophile" community is that there is a profound lack of understanding of what actually is needed for proper audio reproduction. This, of course, is engendered by the companies that make this gear since its quite lucrative to give the impression that audio quality can just get better and better and better, when in reality there is a distinct upper limit: the original source material. Cant sound any better than it did when it was recorded. This is readily seen in measured specifications for speakers. There's often very little difference between speakers sound-wise that otherwise are separated by a 10x or even 20x cost difference. This is made all that much worse by the subjective reviewers who reflexively give good reviews to gear to stay relevant. This is especially appalling when people do subjective reviews of amplifiers saying how much better one sounds than the other, when in reality, the differences between them are about two orders of magnitude smaller than what the human ear can actually discern. In the end, everyone but the consumer wins.
Thanks Andy! this was truly an enjoyable episode. Always nice to tune in over a cup of coffee!
I think we all needed to hear this.
Basic rule of thumb for ANY pursuit; it's only as complicated as you choose make it. Unrealistic expectations create unachievable goals.
I love your perspective! Thanks a lot. I read a lot of hifi magazines and watch hifi videos - mostly for being entertained (like with the cables for 1000$/m with "outstanding performance vs. price ratio"). At the end I have to realise that I have problems distinguishing 128kbit from higher res, so I stick with my iPhone 6 with my Sennheiser headphones listening to Spotify, and my old Marantz amplifier with old loudspeakers. Most of the time I listen to music while walking the dog or driving in the car, so good songs are much more important than outstanding equipment.
Great video! Happiness is enjoying what you have...not what you don't.
Agreed.
My Klipsch KM6 loudspeakers that I bought 25 years ago still sound great. Breaking it down they’ve cost me 25¢ a month to own.
A ton of older equipment sounds better than today unless you spend a ton of money. I have a hotrod deville amp I had rewired and fused into a 1958 bassman amp and I think it sounds better than anything out today. Also reel 2 reel is still better than digital like film is better than 2k or 4k digital recording.
Wow. I’ve been watching you for about a year. Other then mentioning my Cambridge AXR100 which I truly enjoy. I will not list the cool vintage 2 channel equipment I have acquired over the years. Andrew I’m 63 ago young. Your words rang like that of a father. Thanks for your knowledge of how we should and can enjoy want we have. Thanks for your use of wisdom when comes family, responsibility, and money. I respect you for being transparent and honest. Humility is having a teachable spirit. Thanks again.
A little over a year ago I simplified my hifi setup substantially. I invested in a $100 pair of speakers that had both wired and Bluetooth inputs, an inexpensive preamp, and use that to run both my phone and my vintage Pioneer turntable for listening to music. And it doesn’t sound as good as my old hifi setup, but it’s so much more enjoyable to me. It’s simpler and I love that I can just turn on my turntable and play a record. Since then almost all my money went to purchasing albums, not on hifi components. And it’s the happiest I’ve been when listening to music, even if it’s not the greatest sounding I’ve ever heard from a pure quality standpoint.
I can totally relate. Appreciate you watching and for weighing in!
Good for you👍
Hey Andrew. I've been following your channel for a while now. I feel like we're chatting when I watch your videos. It's so relaxing. It's so inviting. I was born in 1970. I remember all of the cool stereos my dad would buy. I'll be 50 next month, and that love has come full circle and have my own little place where it will be filled with vintage Hi Fi stuff. Keep up the great work. I hope that you and your family are staying safe during Covid.
Wow, thank you! Stay safe yourself and know we appreciate you!
A much-needed video viewing for us all. Thanks Andrew.
Another angle or another way to look at it is “Does money buy happiness?” I play the lottery once in a while and I think “If I win will that make me happy?” Well yes at first but after a while reality sets in and problems arise. The same with high-end audio equipment. You buy that new piece, wow great, now what is that enough? You have to find a happy medium, enjoy it and move on. For a while I’ve wanted a new turntable I have looked at a few some more expensive than others. I can afford the more expensive TT, but I just don’t want to spend the money, I have a working TT so I just keep using it. This has been going on for over a year, I know someday I will get a new TT. For now I keep enjoying what I have.
Great reasoning and expression thereof to an insightful, articulate letter.
Glad I subscribed last night and found this in my suggested videos today!
THANK YOU!
This is such an intelligent, sensitive and heartfelt take on the pursuit of audiophile fulfilment. Just superbly balanced. Thank you for your perspective.
I really like you response to this guys question. And I have been in a similar situation as he is. It was getting to a point, where I wasn't taking the time to enjoy the music I was listening to. I was listening to it, with the purpose of seeing if my latest adjustments had helped my sound quality. Lately, I have been finding my way back to enjoying the Music, that I love. I finally realized, that I should enjoy the progress I've made in listening quality in the last few years. I am a lot happier since then. Thanks for all your hard work on this channel. Keep up the great work!
This video deserves a medal. I have shared it on all the audiophile communities I am a part of online. Thank you so much Andrew for this! Really appreciate it.
thank you so much for watching!
I really enjoyed this video. It spoke to me being an audio file on a budget for over 20 years now. Thanks for putting out quality content!
Great advice buddy. My respect to the gentlemen that wrote you the letter. Man at 24 all I was worried about was meeting girls and haven fun with friends. The word has truly changed
Thanks, well said. My audio taste has changed so many times over the years, my son has my order system and loves it. You're right, after all it's all about enjoying the music.
Michael Martens is it? i love gear more than music
I love the audio reviews you do and after contemplating in spending thousands on a new system I’ve ended up picking up a simple Denon 350 wireless speaker. I realised I’m no audiophile but simply a music lover that wanted a exceptional sound for the money I was spending. I own no vinyl or cd’s anymore and only stream music using Spotify but now moved to Amazon HD which actually does sound considerably better and I’m loving my simplistic form of listening to music
Well stated! That was a good response to the listener's persinal concerns. We've all been there at one time or another. I love your show and your segments.
Keep up the great work!
Just listen to the music / sounds, even radio plays and theatre. Upgradeitis is hard to break. I've had my gear for nearly 10 years without change. After many purchases and changes since 1970, my first hi-fi, I'll now only get new if anything cannot be repaired/replaced by used equipment. Happiness ! Great vid Andrew.
Thank you!
i'm here just to say thank you Andrew Robisnon. I'm a student and i think that you've saved me at an early stage.
I thank you for sharing these thoughts. It's been weeks I went through videos and reviews about turntables and stuffs and stumbled upon your videos. It does helped me in making my decision. As many kept telling one to not buy anything below xxx price range. But your videos (the previous one and this video) helped me to make my decision without breaking my bank! Thanks again!!!
This is really true, I used to love music back in the days without caring about what source it's coming out from, but after the first thrill, I tend to listen more on the gear but not the music itself, searching for that thrill that we audiophile experienced. This vid helped me a lot as an addicted audiophile searching back my way to just loving music for what it is. I'm not enjoying my music more.
@Andrew Thank you for sharing that letter and giving your analysis, I’m sure most of us get into this addiction of chasing equipment and tend to forget why exactly are we doing it
Hey Andrew, fantastic video and advice! I kind of got to the same conclusion on my own in the last period of time, especially after having the kids, (on money spent versus time to enjoy and especially time to do analytical listening and also on practicality lately ), but still this was very "therapeutic" to hear from a experienced guy in the business like you. Thank you. Just got another reminder why I subscribed :)
Thanks. Good advice that I will try to use myself. Like any addiction it gets tiring after a while and defeats the original intention.
Great video and on top of it greatest advice ever on TH-cam.
I keep admiring your channel more and more, Keep growing.
I really like the character of this channel - it's proffesional made, but also has a very personal mood and I feel like it is a place I can always visit, without any rush and just watch, what I like!
Greetings from Poland!
That means a lot to me thank you. Welcome to the community!
finally someone who can explain this hobby to the T. You nailed it my friend. This applies to any hobby that turns to an addiction. It's an addiction when it becomes not fun anymore. Some are here for the music, others for the equipment. everything in moderation
I just started getting a whiff for quality sound and decided 2 days ago to invest some-time to research. I just found your channel. I have to say, it feels like i hit the jackpot with your channel. Thank you so much for addressing this. Its all about enjoying your life with balance and not losing yor connection to your truest self. Addictions comes in all types. I am sure i have one! But i say this to say that, i enjoy the infinity of creativity. That makes me appreciate what i have at all times.
I had written to you long time ago regarding my speakers and your advice on that stopped me from going after new set... And as always, your yogi view of the audio world is what matters..... Thanks a ton again....
Live music, especially that which is unamplified is a great cure for most audiophile addiction. Unamplified, live, music recalibrates your ears. For example, I was listening at my daughters music school, like I would an audio system, and I found myself starting to nitpick about the imaging, clarity, and tonal balance. When I opened my eyes and remembered I wasn't listening to an audio system, but actual live instruments in a well treated room, it put the hobby in perspective, and I gained a huge appreciation for how far audio reproduction has come. Much of the problems we hear in our systems are primarily our unrealistic expectations of what an audio system can do, and what to expect from music recordings. Audio needs a "Red Pill" movement.
Don't need no stinking $5000 setup with pure gold audio chords and Sennheiser 820s.
Buy a $500 Monolith THX AMP/DAC and HiFi Man Sundras $350 and be done with it. It's a 100x better setup (20dB) than sound studios had 40 years ago. Isn't that enough?
If you care about balanced chords then get a $35 XLR cable.
Excellent approach to explaining the importance of seeking enjoyment in the equipment that suits you personally. Far too often we fall victim to online reviewers touting the most recent tech. We feel the need to indulge in consumerism and forget the main reason for purchasing the equipment in the first place.
Man, this channel is pure fucking gold. As a person new to hifi, I'm going through all the phases you describe in a rapid pace. Honestly thank you for making these videos.
Thank you Tomasz, I really appreciate that! Glad you found some of our videos useful.
Did you know that beside a Video Editor, you are an amazing (and effective)psychologist?
I've been watching reviews as 'infotainment' for years. Keep it up Andrew.
Another great video ... and all you say is right ... I always loved music, but never had a considered great system, more low budget ... with the start of the still ongoing pandemic I started changing things in small steps ... watched a lot of videos for sure, but mostly for inspiration, advice and entertainment, but I think I still sticked to myself, bought stuff, reselled things, upgraded old stuff to less old stuff ... and ended now with two systems that brought back or even enhanced my love for music again, and I am proud of what I builded up for myself, as I enjoy, love what I have and how it sounds.
Definitely entertainment. Being a homeless person that does not plan on ever spending the kind of money required to get the amazing sound that is spoke about in these videos, i continue to watch them daily. Before i became homeless i was really into car audio and had spent alot of money and time building my system to achieve the best sound that i could get in my car. So this is why i keep watching these videos and find them so entertaining.
brilliant thank you for your honesty
Entry~level nowadays is awesome! Don't ever forget that.
“ Comparison is the thief of joy.” Theodore Roosevelt . This can also apply to comparing what you have to what you "might" have at one future time. Live in the moment , appreciate what you have now. Really like what you said we live in a time that everything is just..."awesome" . So true. Subscribed
Welcome and thank you.
These days, a $1,500 'system' gets you 85-90%. $2,000,000 gets you maybe 94% (I've heard it!.) You're NEVER getting Leonard Cohen and Bill Evans live in your living room no matter how much you spend. Relax. Enjoy the ride--and the music.
Joe Murphy well ... that’s until you sit in front of a magnepan tympani it’s damn close lol
$20000?? Not at all, not even close
Voice of reason, so nice to hear people who through experience came to wise conclusions and want to share it. Thank you!
I can say that me and my wife are very close to putting an end to our recent stereo upgrade mission - for a while-to start enjoying music again.
This video is 100% on point.
Respect.
I left the HiFi hobby backin the early 90s when I bought a Denon integrated amp..and a Sony 5 disc CD player..fast forward to the last six months..I recently took down my pro recording studio, selling off my gear, I decided to get back into HiFi….Your video reviews have caught me up to speed..( I had no idea how much of it has changed). Thanks Andrew..one last thing,..everybody has a different budget..
this video saved my life ! thanks for giving me a direction . Now i know what to do. Thank you.
True words Andrew! I love my system and each time I upgrade it always give me reason to play records I haven't played in a while. Sometimes I hold off until I get a new component and I have a stack of records to play in one session. Granted, buying music is paramount, however the joy I get from the system, from the aesthetics to the sound stage is equally important to me.
this is the best video you have made as far as i'm aware
That’s a very relevant topic for many people in this hobby! I sometimes have wondered whether this is my hobby or the job with a negative salary. Thanks for the video.
Been watching your channel for around a year was listening to my all-in-one system when it is suddenly hit me that in the last 5 years or more I hadn’t listened to a CD and that the bulk of my listening was to my vinyl which I got from my mom and dad and a few that I bought myself. So I decided to take my time and biofuels a system on a budget because don’t have a lot of money and I am now 3 months or so from finishing off my system. I have really enjoyed videos on your channel for your prospective and it’s been fun to see different items.
Awesome advice man, landed on the spot for me.
Good advice. I enjoy watching reviews to learn and be entertained. My dream system which is a constantly evolving ideal version of what I would buy today is roon>minidsp shd studio>denafrips ares ii>parasound class d integrated>magnepan lsr's and dual rel subs. What I actually have is a mishmash of components that I enjoy listening to but are not ideal and not particularly expensive. What I have now is good enough indefinitely. I still like to learn about what an ideal system would be even though I may never own any of those components. Learning about cool stuff does not mean you "need" anything other than what you already have.
Just bought speakers on BF sale. I've been obsessively reading / watching reviews and comparisons. TH-cam suggested this video and it was really what I needed. Instead of bouncing back and forth between excitement and doubt. I'm going gleefully set them up when they come and enjoy the hell out of them. Thanks Andrew, I needed this.
Thanks for putting it in perspective, my unit is 40 years old. I have improved my cartridge on my vintage turntables. I maintain my kenwood kr 7600 80 watt receiver from 1975. But I updated my speakers to Klipsch floor models, with Brand new old stock never used for half the price. But I’m always watching how the new equipment works and looks. But for me my equipment sounds great. I love the way it looks.
What we learn here should not be used as a decision maker, but rather an impetus to go to a shop and LISTEN.
It is only through the listening /hearing that we know if something is for us or not .
Mr. Robinson does a very good job of giving us intellectual information about products and then it is up to us to make a decision based on what we HEAR. .
You nailed it. It's about Priorities.
Everything is Awesome.
Nice reference to Tool @6:45 I don't know if it was intentional or not but it was well placed and so fitting with your video I loved it so much thank you for putting it out like that this video and all of your videos for the matter are insanely useful and full of knowledge. You are a blessing!
I agree with you that you don’t have to have the latest and greatest , he’ll all of my audio equipment is pre owned and my pride and joy speaker are set of pristine condition Bowers and Wilkins DM17 book shelf speakers that I bought at a garage sale 3 blocks from my house for $30 !
And a Anthem MCA 2 amplifier for $200 a few years ago and absolutely love them. Thanks as always for your content and approach on things.
Great video! My "new" speakers are over 20 years old and love them trying to learn to cope with not scratching the itch myself it's difficult for sure
Great honest advice, well put and explained, thank you.
really liked this video....got into hi fi a few years ago , bought vintage yamaha , but recently simplified with a new sony receiver ( the cheap one ) and some kef q550 speakers....quite happy for now , and didnt break the bank . Love watching and love learning, but i am (hopefully ) done with the spending lol...being honest to yourself as a listener is great advice
So glad I found this. Thanks Andrew.
Thank you so much! We appreciate you watching.
My addiction to audio comes from being a drummer 1st and foremost and wanting my system to sound as if the band was right in your living Room playing for you. I want the volume and sheer power of a live system but at the same time I've always search for clarity and flatness of a high end home system all in one. I'm very close but the search still continues and that's the fun!! Or should I say addiction!!
Great video, audio can be an all consuming rabbit hole if you let. Watching certain super high end channels can have you chasing the holy grail. A well matched and balanced system can give your ears great pleasure.
I had an itch to buy some studio monitors, but I'm putting off since I don't really need it! My current speakers (few months old) are doing just fine and still a keeper.
Thanks for this vid and I too am a recovering audiophile.
Thank you for watching!
Wow - You just really nailed it in the vid Andrew! In this covid lockdown period I've had the time and space to rekindle my love for learning & listening to music. After innumerable hours of viewing audiophile content - youtube, and written reviews, I began to formulate a vision of what actually was important for me now, and into the foreseeable near future ;-)
I am blown away - sonically, and amenity wise with what is available now - and for very reasonable $. hmmmmmmmm.......... heaven on earth ;-) We are so bloody fortunate!
It's simple. There's always going to be something newer, better and more expensive out there. There's no end to it if you don't want it to end. Have a budget in mind, pick a gear and forget about it for 5 years. Then 5 years later when you want to upgrade, the technology has changed enough that it's kind of interesting to read/research about.
I myself like to wait about 20 to 30 years before replacing equipment (assuming it lasts that long). Then the new stuff is like playing with a space craft.
There is no easy answer to his question he has to do his own research and make his own decisions on what he himself understands and want to have as his own equipment .
Also a hearing check before spending thousands on equipment is a wise move.
And all dac s and amp s have there own sound signature .
Finally speakers are the key to a great sounding system in my 45 years of experience of music collecting and listening.
A very good talk about todays high fidelity systems.I would love a pair of Klipschorns but its not going to happen, the cost and the size.It took me years before i settled into a very nice system, it is 30 years old and it still stands the test of time.Keep up the good work!!