The first 1000 people who click the link will get 2 free months of Skillshare Premium: skl.sh/andrewrobinson QUESTION OF THE DAY: What HIFI or Home Theater topics or products confuse you, or do you have questions about? COMMENT AND POSTING RULES: (you should read this) - No outside URLs or RUclips links. Comments containing links are automatically deleted. - Comments containing profanity are automatically held for review and may be deleted. - Keep it civil. Please be respectful to one another. Harassment and threats will not be tolerated. - Watch your punctuation. An omitted space between punctuation is seen as a hyperlink. (See rule #1) Since we cannot edit your comments, any of the above violations will result in your comment not being visible and may result in deletion.
@Scott W At this juncture, when it comes to front projection, you'll likely want to get the highest resolution you can afford. 4K projectors are still a bit more than HD ones, I understand, but if you're planning on going big (bigger than 100") you're going to want ALL the resolution you can get your hands on. As for gaming on a projection setup, I've never done that before so I have NO IDEA how to steer you in that direction.
@Scott W Epsons (last I checked) were LCD based projectors whereas Optoma is DLP, so if you're susceptible to seeing the "rainbow effect" (some people aren't) then you're only going to get it via a DLP, or in this case the Optoma. I happen to prefer DLP projectors (that's just me), I do find their color rendering and such a little more pleasing, but I also don't have too many issues with rainbow effects. But again, if you're worried about it, go with the Epson and you'll be fine.
Would you recommend using an AV receiver as a first hifi amplifier with passive speakers over using active speakers. I currently have one and hesitate between purchasing a pair of passive or active bookshelves speakers.
It has taken me years, painfully so, to grasp all of these concepts and you covered succinctly and in simple language in 1 video. You have a way of presenting content in an elegant and easy to understand way. Great job and amazing! 👏🏽
Bro bro BRO... where was this vid 8 months ago, when I was just getting into the hobby. No one and I mean NO ONE, breaks it down in one digestible, easy to swallow, entertaining amuse bouche. You’re top kid, boy-o! I looked for other vids like this at the beginning, but let’s just say, they talked way above my head or would’ve made great ASMR vids. Well done to the both of you.
You are an awesome teacher Andrew!! What I enjoy most is not only your commanding knowledge of audio/video technology but you are not a snob like 95% of the "audiophiles" I have met and communicated with over the past 50 years....
i knew this stuff but watched it anyway. Good video and this’ll be helpful for newbies. I’ll recommend it whenever someone needs a crash course with these terms.
This is definitely the clearest explanation of HiFi and Home Theater that I've ever come across. You know how to break it down to the simplest form so that anyone can understand. I think you helped out many people from this video alone!
Good wrok. Simple and effective. I often find myself talking in "techese" to people who just ask a simple question. It's too easy to foget that others don't have the grounding of knowledge that we do.
I don't often comment on informative videos; I usually hear what I want and continue. HOWEVER This was an amazing video; stayed for the whole ride and was sad it was over. Kudos and thank you for this production.
Great primer! Just one little detail I would add regarding the "number dot number" nomenclature that can puzzle new folks is that now, with Dolby Atmos, once can see an extra dot and number at the end. So someone might see a system listed as 5.1.2 or 7.2.4 instead of just 5.1 or 7.2. First number = the primary speaker channels (front L/R if you have only 2 (i.e. stereo)... then centre if you have 3... then L/R rear if you have 5... then L/R sides/surround if you have 7) Second number = the number of subwoofers (typically 1, sometimes 2... some really wild setups can get up to 4) Third number (if present) = the number of vertical speakers (usually pairs - these are for sound with a vertical component like Dolby Atmos - can be actual ceiling mounts or specialized speakers that bounce sound off your ceiling) For example, I originally built my home theatre setup around a 5.1 AV receiver and later upgraded to a 7.1 model that supported Atmos, so I assigned the two extra channels that I was not using as my Atmos channels and got some little upfiring speakers that live on my front and left towers, giving me a 5.1.2 speaker layout.
Just a FYI: Sound United Training is running the 2020 8K/Denon system enhancements on a tech level but still showing new features that are outstanding and worth it. You might enjoy it Andrew as a spotlight for future endeavors.
Nice video thanks. A video I would like to see would be examples of systems from entry level to high end that you would recommend. Upgrade paths and understandings of what price catagory people fit it. For me personally I wonder how to take my higher end home theater system and is there's anything I can add to make it better for music like a separate power amp for the fronts? Also if planning a 2 channel system for your living room would you consider using an integrated amp over a Reciever for home theater use, giving up on the audio codecs? Would the codecs do anything if not in surround mode.
It's nice to have a video like this that I can show to people who are interested in learning the basics. Personally, I would love to see a video that goes into more detail about picture quality and what (other than resolution) makes one TV better than another. I know the basics, but it would be nice to have more information from a video like this.
We will likely do a deeper dive into displays in the coming weeks/months as home theater is a topic we're slowly going to be phasing into this channel as well.
Great video with easy-to-understand terminology, Andrew! Would love to see another one of these for analog terminology in the future. Would probably be a major bonus to a budding...err RECOVERING vinylphile.
This was excellent. Great to have it all in one place, I can see this being shared a lot to introduce friends and family to a new interest, in fact I'm sharing it now. Hopefully its the start of a series? For example digital audio formats and resolutions. And please - descriptive terms used by reviewers - space, depth, separation, imaging, warmth, cold, bright, dark, airy, fast, slow, dynamic, compressed. Everybody, even experts seem to have a slightly different understanding of each term.
Hey man, love your content. Recently been getting into this new world of audio after being tired of the dull, lifeless sound my old Soundbar produced. Picked out all my components for a 5.1.2 system and will setup this weekend. Random question: what's your intro track? I was looking throughout the description but didn't see it. Keep it up!
It took me ages to decipher some of these terms and concepts, really wish this video was around when I first got into audio. So many in the hobby love to throw around jargon that can make things really complicated 😅 Great video!
now i am understanding my hobby... thanks a lot for this video... it was explained/discussed in such a way that a grandpa audio enthusiast newbie like me can easily comprehend... once again, thank you, andrew...
Thank you both for another very informative video. Recently returned to the hobby, I noticed a lot has changed. One topic that I find a little confusing though is the use of DAC's, and hopefully you could shine a little light. For instance, if I would want to listen to Tidal's MQA quality on let's say a Denon PMA-150H, which you recently reviewed, would the HEOS app or Airplay 2 be sufficient, or would I still need an additional DAC?
You would only use a DAC with the 150H if you put it between a network streamer that was MQA capable and the 150H itself. I do not recall the exact specs on the 150H anymore, so I don't remember if it was MQA compliant on its own, but if its not, you'd need to get an MQA compliant player. Then you would maybe put a DAC between it and the 150H. Does that help? If you're just using AirPlay 2 to stream to the 150H no DAC required as you're using the ones present inside the 150H.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews Thanks for your instant response, really appreciate that. For the record, I don't own a 150H, but a Marantz MCR-612, which, as far as I can see, has the same network streaming abilities as the 150H, and is manufactured by the same mother company, hence the reference. When I stream Tidal MQA to the 612, either through the HEOS app or Airplay 2 from my iPhone, I do notice the increase in quality (and volume) whilst the Tidal HiFi setting is already much more detailed compared to Spotify. So, as my listening experience on streaming MQA on my 612 is brilliant, I'd think, ok, I'm done now, let's move on to listen to music, as that's the purpose of this all, and no worries, I do! However, I did some extensive search recently on the MQA conversion, and read about the first and second decoding, which left me a bit confused, and it's quite difficult to find a thorough explanation. For now, I think and assume that the first conversion takes place in my iPhone and the second by the built in DAC in the 612,but would welcome your opinion on that. Thanks again.
for home theater do you think its better to go with high end speakers like key R7 or just regular speakers like the Q series... difference in price is more then double per speaker.
this video is as clear as to why paint drips when applied to the wall when is 115 degrees Fahrenheit outside of the house in Arizona to the regular house painter. lit makes perfect sense 🤦♂️
nice review bro as a begginer i did not have much knowledge to choose which receiver , for 5.1 setup which receiver is best bro 5.2 receiver or 7.2 receiver or 5.2 is only enough for best sound quality
What if I want to connect an AV receiver (like a Pioneer VSX-534) to my speakers (one attive, one passive)? Should I connect the RCA cable to the front speakers output, or the central one or buy new both active speakers?
Amazing video, Andrew. Thanks a lot. Please make a video about DAC devices in particular. This's a very interesting device that deserves a special video for itself. Regards from Lima, Perú.
When I first got into this hobby I didn't know what a crossover was. I asked the guy at the high-end store what it was and he just scoffed at me. He looked at me like I was the most ignorant philistine he had ever come across. This was back in the day when stereo shops were plentiful and they could get away with being jerks.
In my humble opinion, even back in the day, no store had the right to be a jerk to anyone, for any reason (save maybe the customer being a jerk themselves). I knew I wanted to make this video though I struggled through it because I wasn't sure if it was too simple, but Kristi was very supportive in saying, "maybe there is someone out there that is too embarrassed to ask, and this will help." I'm not saying this is you, but that I hope for someone this video does help clarify some of the voodoo that surrounds both hobbies. Thanks for watching and for being a member!
@@andrewrobinsonreviews This video is wonderful! There are tons of people who are just getting into this madness, uh I mean hobby for the first time and they may be too embarrassed to ask a question for fear of looking foolish. Because I know I was.
Hi Andrew, you do a great job testing a myriad of audio devices. Currently, what is your go to setup for both music and videos? Do you use the same setup for both music and video or do you switch up? Also could you show a layout of how your hardware is hooked up?
I have a question regarding crossover. I'm hoping someone here can help me out. I have a Denon AVR-X3500H Receiver and the Polk S15 for left and right channels and the S35 for center. Now when I did the Audyssey audio calibration on the Denon, it classified the L & R speakers as Large but the Polk manual says to set them as Small. Also, pretty much every other resource I can find recommends settings bookshelf speakers to Small. Why would the Audyssey calibration choose to set them as Large and which one should I ultimately do? I played around with switching between the two settings and I think I prefer the Large setting more. There seems to be more detail in the lower end when I have this choice set. What do y'all think?
@@andrewrobinsonreviews Indeed it was. These questions kept rolling in my mind for years. No one ever explained the way you did and top of it all, you explained everything in such simple words that one don't need to be technical to understand that. Marvelous.. I mean, you're so amazingly intelligent. Thumbs up for you!
Thanks for the informative video! If you have for example a dac, tube preamp, and amp that all have volume/gain knobs where would you ideally control your volume?
Okay, not sure how you've run into this stand-off but here goes. Turn the amp's volume to full or maybe just a hair below. DAC also on full. Then control the volume via your tube preamp. This is how I would (likely) do it based on what I'm imagining your setup to be. I am NOT TECH SUPPORT so do be careful if following this advice and consult your manual(s) beforehand.
Now regarding digital; I am something of a vinyl fanatic for lack of a stronger word but even I have a CD player because they stopped making records in the 90s so basically there's a decade of music that can only be found on CDs!
You're not wrong, though with the advent of streaming, there is going to be a generation (or several) that don't see the need for either (vinyl or CD).
Thanks for the intro to my next addiction Andrew.. ! I'm just starting to get my head around what preamps are etc in build up to installing a half decent budget-ish home theatre system with hopefully hifi music streaming capabilities. I read that integrated amps give far superior sound in comparison with av receivers but I'm going to hope that modern-ish receivers like the Sony str-dn1080 should cut the mustard alright.
Hola Andrew! I and I think others would love a video an how to set up a subwoofer and what all the knob and settings on them do....do we need them......e.g. adding an external sub to your Kanto YU6 powered bookshelf speakers...actual real life and thanks for the tip on the YU6's...I love them with my den turntable/audio setup!
If my college physics teacher was as clear as your presentation, I would not have passed the course by the skin of my teeth, Andrew! Great as usual. Glad that you mentioned crossovers because a good crossover can make a huge sound difference despite having even the best drivers. Great visual examples, too. I'm so tired of the "required" Skillshare promo ads, on vlogs they sponsor. Disgusted, I skipped ahead to the meat of this fantastic vlog. Please, we're so inundated with ads rudely interrupting vlogs at critical moments anyway! Lastly, this is not a hobby (for me, at least), but a necessary and important source of "noise" entertainment! I enjoy your reviews and explanations, teaching even those of us "dyed in the wool" HiFi stereo veterans of the baby-boomer era! Cheers, stay safe!
The promo ads help keep the channel going & food on our table. We are super grateful for our sponsors especially in today’s economic climate. Sorry you were momentarily inconvenienced.
Hi, wrt Dolby atmos and other soundtrack, is this done at the source or is the hardware producing it. Example if I take any video and play it back on a Dolby atmos soundbar, do I get the dolby atmos effect?
Love your videos Andrew. I use Crown XLS amps. Love pro audio. They sound sweet but as you know require pro level inputs. What do you think about using professional preamps like the Art Pro MPA2?
I used a DBX pro preamp for a while a LONG time ago and didn't care for it. The Crown amps can work with consumer gear, so I don't see the need to add more pro-style gear to my rig apart from power. But that's just me. Thanks for watching!
I really love your Channel, youre such a calm dude😁 i am looking for my first System an struggeling about a used one it includes:-2x Front Lautsprecher: Dali Zensor 5 -1x Center Lautsprecher: Dali Vokal -1x Subwoofer: Klipsch R-12SW (inkl Kabel) -AV-Receiver: Pioneer VSX930 , what do you think bout that (price is 350 euros)
Seriously awesome video. Thank you! I have to watch it several times for my little brain to grasp everything but it is so well put together and simple to understand. Now retaining all of that well only a miracle from heaven could make that happen in my brain....lol!
Hi Andrew, I'm starting my first audio project and looking some ideas and videos, but my concern is, using a Receiver instead of a Integrated Amp. and a DAC for example, it's a bad idea? Using like Yamaha receivers (only for streaming audio). Can I get quality on it? (I'm not a extreme audio guys, only appreciate good music quality in general)
Sir , I wanna to connect AV rec with Audio interface ( to use for singing/recording and/instrument). Now not sure how to connect interface with AV receiver since it has no input other than HDMI or RCA/optical which I really do not prefer. Please advise. Thanks
Why doesnt my hdmi work wirh my tv streaming it shows 2.0 stereo but no 5.1 no sound it is connected to my yamaha receiver its properly set up it only works in optical 2.0 stereo thanks
I am thinking of getting a 2 ch set up for my house.. I know I need a dac, amp and 2 speakers.. Should I also get a pre amp... To hook up my dvd player and gaming station to my pre amp.. I cnat seem to find the right pre amp
Why not get an integrated amplifier or receiver with a DAC or HDMI built-in and simplify things? For example, the Marantz NR1200 or similarly (but not the same) Cambridge integrated we just reviewed. This approach may make things a bit simpler for you when taking your first steps. Thanks for tuning in!
If you only want 2 channels, a vintage receiver (like the Pioneer Sx-450: /watch?v=0CPxrCyJ7ig )+ a dac with hdmi in to rca can also be a great slution for you. I find these to be great 2 channel solutions especially for the money vintage receivers and integrated amps go!
Does good quality optical cable improves audio quality in sound bar? I'm using Yamaha yas 209..Which one should I use optical or ARC..For best sound quality..
I don't put a lot of stock in digital cables of any ilk, so long as it passes the signal correctly I think you're good. Optical cables may be more "stable" compared to HDMI in some instances, but if I were you I'd likely go with an HDMI/ARC connection for best results.
OK, here's what you do: build the best stereo system you can aimed towards music, and then later on you can plug your TV into the DAC when you feel like watching a movie.
Great video. I'm guessing there's a lot of people out there watching the type of videos you make, and shopping for the gear we enjoy. But read all the info, and either don't know about everything they read. Or think they do, but want to be sure (myself included). And maybe they don't know how to find out the facts either. That's one of the best, and the worst things about this hobby. It's complicated, and the learning never ends. It's easy to skip past the basics once one has learned it though, and assume everyone else knows too. I just did this the other day. I was talking to my 73 yr old Mom about getting stuff for her iPhone, and she said "okay that's great, but I don't know what a dongle is. Or a DAC either". Whoops! Forgot who I was talking to. 😁 But I've seen audiophiles with years of experience not know what a DAC, or a dongle is either, and have to ask on a forum. Not everyone has the cajones to do that though. So these "basics" videos are always a great idea IMHO. Thank you, and Kristi too. God Bless. ✌️
Please touch on HDCP 2.2 comparability for those that want 4K. My 5 year old AVR is t compliant, so I have to upgrade to the latest and greatest version. I understand copywrite issues, but man it is a PIA.
Nice primer. Maybe do another episode on the parts of a vinyl system--- turntable, cartridge, mc/mm/ phono stage, SUT, etc, etc. I'm sure there are folks who'd benefit.
Hey Andrew... Great videos from you. Very educative and fun to watch. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience here. I am just setting up my home theatre system with a 4k LG TV and an onkyo HTIB HTS 7800. I don't have a dedicated room to set it up, so installing this in my living room which is open. I request you to please educated us on speaker placements. One end of the room has a glass door and the other side is open... Thank you in advance... Hopefully you see this and respond. Regards Rajat Bhargava
The first 1000 people who click the link will get 2 free months of Skillshare Premium: skl.sh/andrewrobinson
QUESTION OF THE DAY: What HIFI or Home Theater topics or products confuse you, or do you have questions about?
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Andrew Robinson thinking about getting a projector for movies. Do I really need 4K or would I be happy with 1080p. Also would like to do gaming on it.
Epson or Optima. “Rainbow affect”?
@Scott W At this juncture, when it comes to front projection, you'll likely want to get the highest resolution you can afford. 4K projectors are still a bit more than HD ones, I understand, but if you're planning on going big (bigger than 100") you're going to want ALL the resolution you can get your hands on. As for gaming on a projection setup, I've never done that before so I have NO IDEA how to steer you in that direction.
@Scott W Epsons (last I checked) were LCD based projectors whereas Optoma is DLP, so if you're susceptible to seeing the "rainbow effect" (some people aren't) then you're only going to get it via a DLP, or in this case the Optoma. I happen to prefer DLP projectors (that's just me), I do find their color rendering and such a little more pleasing, but I also don't have too many issues with rainbow effects. But again, if you're worried about it, go with the Epson and you'll be fine.
Would you recommend using an AV receiver as a first hifi amplifier with passive speakers over using active speakers.
I currently have one and hesitate between purchasing a pair of passive or active bookshelves speakers.
It has taken me years, painfully so, to grasp all of these concepts and you covered succinctly and in simple language in 1 video. You have a way of presenting content in an elegant and easy to understand way. Great job and amazing! 👏🏽
Thank you so very much!
Bro bro BRO... where was this vid 8 months ago, when I was just getting into the hobby. No one and I mean NO ONE, breaks it down in one digestible, easy to swallow, entertaining amuse bouche. You’re top kid, boy-o!
I looked for other vids like this at the beginning, but let’s just say, they talked way above my head or would’ve made great ASMR vids. Well done to the both of you.
That is so nice of you to say. Hopefully, this video finds it way to someone who was in your shoes. Thank you again for watching.
Today or has
Today or has
You are an awesome teacher Andrew!! What I enjoy most is not only your commanding knowledge of audio/video technology but you are not a snob like 95% of the "audiophiles" I have met and communicated with over the past 50 years....
Thank you and I appreciate you watching.
i knew this stuff but watched it anyway. Good video and this’ll be helpful for newbies. I’ll recommend it whenever someone needs a crash course with these terms.
We really appreciate that! Thanks for watching.
This is definitely the clearest explanation of HiFi and Home Theater that I've ever come across. You know how to break it down to the simplest form so that anyone can understand. I think you helped out many people from this video alone!
Thank you for watching and we hope it helps whomever tunes in!
Good wrok. Simple and effective. I often find myself talking in "techese" to people who just ask a simple question. It's too easy to foget that others don't have the grounding of knowledge that we do.
Thank you for watching!
I know absolutely nothing about purchasing the equipment I am hoping for. Thank you so much for this video.
This is amazing. So easy to understand, super helpful for us starting in this hobby (or lifestyle?). Thanks a lot!
Glad it was helpful!
Or obsession? Addiction? 😉
I just wanted to take the time to thank you for everything you do. I've learned a lot simply by watching your videos.
Such a good video. It’ll be really helpful to a lot of people. Excellent job, I can’t wait to see more!!
Thank you so much Joseph! Thank you for being a member as well!
Only now finding this video , outstanding explanation as I really learned a lot , genuine thanks 🙏🏼
Way to make the audio world accessible and easier to get into. Great video.
Thanks so much! Appreciate you watching!
You should make a recovering audiophile sticker and sell it on your store!! I would definitely buy one.
Good note. Will see what I can do 👍
I don't often comment on informative videos; I usually hear what I want and continue.
HOWEVER
This was an amazing video; stayed for the whole ride and was sad it was over.
Kudos and thank you for this production.
Great primer!
Just one little detail I would add regarding the "number dot number" nomenclature that can puzzle new folks is that now, with Dolby Atmos, once can see an extra dot and number at the end. So someone might see a system listed as 5.1.2 or 7.2.4 instead of just 5.1 or 7.2.
First number = the primary speaker channels (front L/R if you have only 2 (i.e. stereo)... then centre if you have 3... then L/R rear if you have 5... then L/R sides/surround if you have 7)
Second number = the number of subwoofers (typically 1, sometimes 2... some really wild setups can get up to 4)
Third number (if present) = the number of vertical speakers (usually pairs - these are for sound with a vertical component like Dolby Atmos - can be actual ceiling mounts or specialized speakers that bounce sound off your ceiling)
For example, I originally built my home theatre setup around a 5.1 AV receiver and later upgraded to a 7.1 model that supported Atmos, so I assigned the two extra channels that I was not using as my Atmos channels and got some little upfiring speakers that live on my front and left towers, giving me a 5.1.2 speaker layout.
This is the must-see clip for my mother. She'd appreciate the simplified yet granular explanation. 👍👍
Thanks. That was very informative and helpful to someone who's just looking to set up a TV with good sound. I appreciate your work.
Very good video. Thanks for putting it out there so people can understand more
Glad it was helpful!
Beautiful Video. Lots of Information. Thank You 🙏🏼
Thanks for all these explanations Andrew! Learned a ton. Much appreciated.
Well done Sir!
Thanks so much! Appreciate you tuning in!
Great video! Thanks for continuing to break this stuff down in laymans terms for us.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!
Super clear video. Thank you very much.
Andrew, you continue to be a great, professional, source of hifi knowledge and experience. Thank you.
My pleasure!
Very informative video...when choosing speaker wires, what should we (newbies) look for?
In my opinion, you want a good oxygen free copper wire at a 10-14 gauge. Start there and the rest is bonus.
That was clear! thanks :)
So glad! It took a very long time to film so I was nervous it wasn't going to be at times. Thanks for watching!
Wow, a very comprehensive overview. Excellent work sir!
Thank you!
Just a FYI: Sound United Training is running the 2020 8K/Denon system enhancements on a tech level but still showing new features that are outstanding and worth it. You might enjoy it Andrew as a spotlight for future endeavors.
Exceptional vid! That must’ve taken a ton of thought as well as editing. Thank you!
You have no idea. Recording alone was 3.5 hours. Thanks for watching!
Watching this even though I know all the terms because it's always good to see if somebody knows something you do not!
Nice video thanks. A video I would like to see would be examples of systems from entry level to high end that you would recommend. Upgrade paths and understandings of what price catagory people fit it.
For me personally I wonder how to take my higher end home theater system and is there's anything I can add to make it better for music like a separate power amp for the fronts?
Also if planning a 2 channel system for your living room would you consider using an integrated amp over a Reciever for home theater use, giving up on the audio codecs? Would the codecs do anything if not in surround mode.
It's nice to have a video like this that I can show to people who are interested in learning the basics.
Personally, I would love to see a video that goes into more detail about picture quality and what (other than resolution) makes one TV better than another. I know the basics, but it would be nice to have more information from a video like this.
We will likely do a deeper dive into displays in the coming weeks/months as home theater is a topic we're slowly going to be phasing into this channel as well.
Great video with easy-to-understand terminology, Andrew! Would love to see another one of these for analog terminology in the future. Would probably be a major bonus to a budding...err RECOVERING vinylphile.
Great idea.
Great resource video. Killing it!
Always appreciate you, Sean.
Nice Job. I loved the effects that y'all added. Need more dog cameos.
Thank you!! We'll work on the dog spots.
This was excellent. Great to have it all in one place, I can see this being shared a lot to introduce friends and family to a new interest, in fact I'm sharing it now. Hopefully its the start of a series? For example digital audio formats and resolutions. And please - descriptive terms used by reviewers - space, depth, separation, imaging, warmth, cold, bright, dark, airy, fast, slow, dynamic, compressed. Everybody, even experts seem to have a slightly different understanding of each term.
Glad you enjoyed it! And there will likely be more in the future.
Hey man, love your content. Recently been getting into this new world of audio after being tired of the dull, lifeless sound my old Soundbar produced. Picked out all my components for a 5.1.2 system and will setup this weekend. Random question: what's your intro track? I was looking throughout the description but didn't see it. Keep it up!
IMO You did an absolutely great job here. I have known all of this for many decades but it was great to hear how you presented it.
Much appreciated!
Great definitions of a very complicated topic. Well done.
Appreciate you watching!
Back to watch one of my faves xxx
Welcome back!
Da Moley 🙋♀️❤️
Great Video ;)
Thanks for watching!
It took me ages to decipher some of these terms and concepts, really wish this video was around when I first got into audio. So many in the hobby love to throw around jargon that can make things really complicated 😅 Great video!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the great primer and all your hard work educated the would-be audiophile!
Thanks for tuning in! Be well!
Thanks for the GREAT LESSONS👍🏾👍🏾
Thanks for watching!!!
now i am understanding my hobby... thanks a lot for this video... it was explained/discussed in such a way that a grandpa audio enthusiast newbie like me can easily comprehend... once again, thank you, andrew...
You are most welcome.
Thank you both for another very informative video. Recently returned to the hobby, I noticed a lot has changed. One topic that I find a little confusing though is the use of DAC's, and hopefully you could shine a little light. For instance, if I would want to listen to Tidal's MQA quality on let's say a Denon PMA-150H, which you recently reviewed, would the HEOS app or Airplay 2 be sufficient, or would I still need an additional DAC?
You would only use a DAC with the 150H if you put it between a network streamer that was MQA capable and the 150H itself. I do not recall the exact specs on the 150H anymore, so I don't remember if it was MQA compliant on its own, but if its not, you'd need to get an MQA compliant player. Then you would maybe put a DAC between it and the 150H. Does that help? If you're just using AirPlay 2 to stream to the 150H no DAC required as you're using the ones present inside the 150H.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews Thanks for your instant response, really appreciate that. For the record, I don't own a 150H, but a Marantz MCR-612, which, as far as I can see, has the same network streaming abilities as the 150H, and is manufactured by the same mother company, hence the reference. When I stream Tidal MQA to the 612, either through the HEOS app or Airplay 2 from my iPhone, I do notice the increase in quality (and volume) whilst the Tidal HiFi setting is already much more detailed compared to Spotify. So, as my listening experience on streaming MQA on my 612 is brilliant, I'd think, ok, I'm done now, let's move on to listen to music, as that's the purpose of this all, and no worries, I do! However, I did some extensive search recently on the MQA conversion, and read about the first and second decoding, which left me a bit confused, and it's quite difficult to find a thorough explanation. For now, I think and assume that the first conversion takes place in my iPhone and the second by the built in DAC in the 612,but would welcome your opinion on that. Thanks again.
Appreciate this video! Very informative for the nooby (aka me)
for home theater do you think its better to go with high end speakers like key R7 or just regular speakers like the Q series... difference in price is more then double per speaker.
Very informative and so easily explained! Thanks for the infos.
this video is as clear as to why paint drips when applied to the wall when is 115 degrees Fahrenheit outside of the house in Arizona to the regular house painter. lit makes perfect sense 🤦♂️
nice review bro as a begginer i did not have much knowledge to choose which receiver , for 5.1 setup which receiver is best bro 5.2 receiver or 7.2 receiver or 5.2 is only enough for best sound quality
What if I want to connect an AV receiver (like a Pioneer VSX-534) to my speakers (one attive, one passive)? Should I connect the RCA cable to the front speakers output, or the central one or buy new both active speakers?
Thanks, Andrew
I always want to learn about this I love movies and my wife loves music and I want to get both on the same room
Thank you, perfect explanations.
Thank you for watching.
Amazing video, Andrew. Thanks a lot.
Please make a video about DAC devices in particular. This's a very interesting device that deserves a special video for itself.
Regards from Lima, Perú.
Big, big THANKS, Andrew. :-)))
Big, big thanks for watching!
Great video. Thank you.
Thank you kindly for watching!
Thank you for educating me
Thank you for watching!!!
When I first got into this hobby I didn't know what a crossover was. I asked the guy at the high-end store what it was and he just scoffed at me. He looked at me like I was the most ignorant philistine he had ever come across. This was back in the day when stereo shops were plentiful and they could get away with being jerks.
In my humble opinion, even back in the day, no store had the right to be a jerk to anyone, for any reason (save maybe the customer being a jerk themselves). I knew I wanted to make this video though I struggled through it because I wasn't sure if it was too simple, but Kristi was very supportive in saying, "maybe there is someone out there that is too embarrassed to ask, and this will help." I'm not saying this is you, but that I hope for someone this video does help clarify some of the voodoo that surrounds both hobbies. Thanks for watching and for being a member!
@@andrewrobinsonreviews This video is wonderful! There are tons of people who are just getting into this madness, uh I mean hobby for the first time and they may be too embarrassed to ask a question for fear of looking foolish. Because I know I was.
@Jingle Nuts - so true. Thanks for watching!
Is it possible to connect an integrated amplifier to an AV receiver to switch between stereo mode and surround mode?
Hi Andrew, you do a great job testing a myriad of audio devices. Currently, what is your go to setup for both music and videos? Do you use the same setup for both music and video or do you switch up? Also could you show a layout of how your hardware is hooked up?
Thank you, Andrew
Thank you for tuning in.
I have a question regarding crossover. I'm hoping someone here can help me out. I have a Denon AVR-X3500H Receiver and the Polk S15 for left and right channels and the S35 for center. Now when I did the Audyssey audio calibration on the Denon, it classified the L & R speakers as Large but the Polk manual says to set them as Small. Also, pretty much every other resource I can find recommends settings bookshelf speakers to Small. Why would the Audyssey calibration choose to set them as Large and which one should I ultimately do? I played around with switching between the two settings and I think I prefer the Large setting more. There seems to be more detail in the lower end when I have this choice set. What do y'all think?
Very well explained.. amazing.
Glad it was helpful!
@@andrewrobinsonreviews Indeed it was. These questions kept rolling in my mind for years. No one ever explained the way you did and top of it all, you explained everything in such simple words that one don't need to be technical to understand that. Marvelous.. I mean, you're so amazingly intelligent. Thumbs up for you!
Thanks for the informative video! If you have for example a dac, tube preamp, and amp that all have volume/gain knobs where would you ideally control your volume?
Okay, not sure how you've run into this stand-off but here goes. Turn the amp's volume to full or maybe just a hair below. DAC also on full. Then control the volume via your tube preamp. This is how I would (likely) do it based on what I'm imagining your setup to be. I am NOT TECH SUPPORT so do be careful if following this advice and consult your manual(s) beforehand.
Andrew Robinson thanks for the reply! I don’t have any setup like that; it was just of curiosity
@@djhmax09 The one that has the remote control. 😉
HH Scott true, good point!
Now regarding digital; I am something of a vinyl fanatic for lack of a stronger word but even I have a CD player because they stopped making records in the 90s so basically there's a decade of music that can only be found on CDs!
You're not wrong, though with the advent of streaming, there is going to be a generation (or several) that don't see the need for either (vinyl or CD).
@@andrewrobinsonreviews I just confessed to owning a CD player, there is a limit to my shame!
Thanks for the intro to my next addiction Andrew.. ! I'm just starting to get my head around what preamps are etc in build up to installing a half decent budget-ish home theatre system with hopefully hifi music streaming capabilities. I read that integrated amps give far superior sound in comparison with av receivers but I'm going to hope that modern-ish receivers like the Sony str-dn1080 should cut the mustard alright.
@andrew can we get an updated list for this?
Hola Andrew! I and I think others would love a video an how to set up a subwoofer and what all the knob and settings on them do....do we need them......e.g. adding an external sub to your Kanto YU6 powered bookshelf speakers...actual real life and thanks for the tip on the YU6's...I love them with my den turntable/audio setup!
If my college physics teacher was as clear as your presentation, I would not have passed the course by the skin of my teeth, Andrew! Great as usual. Glad that you mentioned crossovers because a good crossover can make a huge sound difference despite having even the best drivers. Great visual examples, too. I'm so tired of the "required" Skillshare promo ads, on vlogs they sponsor. Disgusted, I skipped ahead to the meat of this fantastic vlog. Please, we're so inundated with ads rudely interrupting vlogs at critical moments anyway! Lastly, this is not a hobby (for me, at least), but a necessary and important source of "noise" entertainment! I enjoy your reviews and explanations, teaching even those of us "dyed in the wool" HiFi stereo veterans of the baby-boomer era! Cheers, stay safe!
The promo ads help keep the channel going & food on our table. We are super grateful for our sponsors especially in today’s economic climate. Sorry you were momentarily inconvenienced.
Hi, wrt Dolby atmos and other soundtrack, is this done at the source or is the hardware producing it. Example if I take any video and play it back on a Dolby atmos soundbar, do I get the dolby atmos effect?
Love your videos Andrew. I use Crown XLS amps. Love pro audio. They sound sweet but as you know require pro level inputs. What do you think about using professional preamps like the Art Pro MPA2?
I used a DBX pro preamp for a while a LONG time ago and didn't care for it. The Crown amps can work with consumer gear, so I don't see the need to add more pro-style gear to my rig apart from power. But that's just me. Thanks for watching!
Andrew Robinson thank you!
Thank you!!!!!!!
I really love your Channel, youre such a calm dude😁 i am looking for my first System an struggeling about a used one it includes:-2x Front Lautsprecher: Dali Zensor 5
-1x Center Lautsprecher: Dali Vokal
-1x Subwoofer: Klipsch R-12SW (inkl Kabel)
-AV-Receiver: Pioneer VSX930
, what do you think bout that (price is 350 euros)
Best video I have watched on this topic
Seriously awesome video. Thank you! I have to watch it several times for my little brain to grasp everything but it is so well put together and simple to understand. Now retaining all of that well only a miracle from heaven could make that happen in my brain....lol!
This is great. Much thanks!
Hi Andrew, I'm starting my first audio project and looking some ideas and videos, but my concern is, using a Receiver instead of a Integrated Amp. and a DAC for example, it's a bad idea? Using like Yamaha receivers (only for streaming audio). Can I get quality on it? (I'm not a extreme audio guys, only appreciate good music quality in general)
Sir , I wanna to connect AV rec with Audio interface ( to use for singing/recording and/instrument). Now not sure how to connect interface with AV receiver since it has no input other than HDMI or RCA/optical which I really do not prefer. Please advise. Thanks
Nice work
I found my music blu rays played with a 4K video player and amp are just "great" with a sub-woofer, would that be right?
can you combine both in the same room ?
Why doesnt my hdmi work wirh my tv streaming it shows 2.0 stereo but no 5.1 no sound it is connected to my yamaha receiver its properly set up it only works in optical 2.0 stereo thanks
Making sensse in a world of tech nerd jargon. Thanks so much man.!
Very informative. Can home theatre system be used to listen to music, or it has to be a separate system? Thanks.
You can listen to music with a HT system.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews Thanks.
Bravo Sir Andrew!
I am thinking of getting a 2 ch set up for my house.. I know I need a dac, amp and 2 speakers.. Should I also get a pre amp... To hook up my dvd player and gaming station to my pre amp.. I cnat seem to find the right pre amp
Why not get an integrated amplifier or receiver with a DAC or HDMI built-in and simplify things? For example, the Marantz NR1200 or similarly (but not the same) Cambridge integrated we just reviewed. This approach may make things a bit simpler for you when taking your first steps. Thanks for tuning in!
If you only want 2 channels, a vintage receiver (like the Pioneer Sx-450: /watch?v=0CPxrCyJ7ig )+ a dac with hdmi in to rca can also be a great slution for you. I find these to be great 2 channel solutions especially for the money vintage receivers and integrated amps go!
Does good quality optical cable improves audio quality in sound bar? I'm using Yamaha yas 209..Which one should I use optical or ARC..For best sound quality..
I don't put a lot of stock in digital cables of any ilk, so long as it passes the signal correctly I think you're good. Optical cables may be more "stable" compared to HDMI in some instances, but if I were you I'd likely go with an HDMI/ARC connection for best results.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews Ok thank u..
best tv and soundbar combo on a budget?
Nice video and I saw the technics sl-g700? That’s gonna be an interesting review.(apart from the one you’ve already written)
OK, here's what you do: build the best stereo system you can aimed towards music, and then later on you can plug your TV into the DAC when you feel like watching a movie.
That's basically what we do here 90% of the time.
Wow! very nice explanations. Can you do a video and comment on soundbars vs home theaters?
Working on it!
Great video. I'm guessing there's a lot of people out there watching the type of videos you make, and shopping for the gear we enjoy. But read all the info, and either don't know about everything they read. Or think they do, but want to be sure (myself included). And maybe they don't know how to find out the facts either. That's one of the best, and the worst things about this hobby. It's complicated, and the learning never ends. It's easy to skip past the basics once one has learned it though, and assume everyone else knows too.
I just did this the other day. I was talking to my 73 yr old Mom about getting stuff for her iPhone, and she said "okay that's great, but I don't know what a dongle is. Or a DAC either". Whoops! Forgot who I was talking to. 😁
But I've seen audiophiles with years of experience not know what a DAC, or a dongle is either, and have to ask on a forum. Not everyone has the cajones to do that though. So these "basics" videos are always a great idea IMHO. Thank you, and Kristi too. God Bless. ✌️
Please touch on HDCP 2.2 comparability for those that want 4K.
My 5 year old AVR is t compliant, so I have to upgrade to the latest and greatest version. I understand copywrite issues, but man it is a PIA.
I'll look into the issues surrounding HDCP 2.2 and see how best to break it down in a future video where it make sense.
Nice primer. Maybe do another episode on the parts of a vinyl system--- turntable, cartridge, mc/mm/ phono stage, SUT, etc, etc. I'm sure there are folks who'd benefit.
Good idea. Thanks for watching!
Was the sub-woofer missed or is it not that important?
Hello I really liking ur videos and their content... I would really like to know what is the difference between a HiFi and home theater system?
HIFI typically refers to a "stereo" system (usually 2 channel) where a home theater system aims to surround yourself with sound.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews thanks for the info...
Hey Andrew... Great videos from you. Very educative and fun to watch. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience here.
I am just setting up my home theatre system with a 4k LG TV and an onkyo HTIB HTS 7800. I don't have a dedicated room to set it up, so installing this in my living room which is open. I request you to please educated us on speaker placements. One end of the room has a glass door and the other side is open...
Thank you in advance... Hopefully you see this and respond.
Regards
Rajat Bhargava