I just want to take this moment to show gratitude for Steve we are lucky to have someone as experienced giving such good advice. Thx Steve and god bless your kind heart.
I love your presentation, Steve - to me it is so deliberate, unagitated, comprehensible, witty and with a positive feeling altogether. Subscribed already!
I just ordered my first hifi system! Maybe not quite audiophile quality, but I bet I'll be amazed. Sony STR-DN1080 receiver with a pair of Klipsch R-51M bookshelf speakers. Costs: 650 CHF (650 USD). It will be perfect for streaming my music and watching Netflix!
You are going to love those speakers. I am using them with my Denon AV receiver (nothing fancy) for movies/TV and it amazes me how fantastic they sound. Congrats!
Jochem "I bet I'll be amazed." Yes!! Have fun, enjoy yourself, blow your own mind. Right now, I'm amazed at some new stuff I've bought. I hope you have similar experiences. Cheers.
Hey Steve it’s time to add to your Complete Audiophile System series. Please do $5000 This should be a hard one given speakers will be at $2500 pair.... ;)
You hit good with this series. Please keep going up. Maybe $5k, 10k next. Also you should mention buying used. $2500 carefully spend can net a $5000 system.
I just stepped up from a little 2.1 system thanks to your vids. Its not a highend system but does a good Job for its money. Iotavx SA3, B&W 685 S2 and a Polk HTS 10. I'm really happy to enjoy and explore my music from a new perspective. Thanks man, you have done something (good) to me :)
SG this series rocks and I think that you are spot on.. I know that I've spent so much more, but, having heard many of those in your post i can only agree with your choices. If only I could hear the remainder (like Zu ) here in Wales. Total respect for your efforts in posting what would be a very attainable system with room for expansion and improvement in the future. Indeed giving this some thought I could probably get rid of.My current HiFi (cry an awful lot) and live with this level of loveliness for the rest of my life. Keep on keeping on Steve.
Just got those Evoke 10s for my bedroom and they are definitely awesome sounding. Open, clean, detailed, surprisingly quality bass for their little size - natural voices, great soundstage etc
Michal Stano my bedroom is probably 10x10 feet or so. They are a foot away from the wall and there is a little bit of wall bloom going on. They sound great regardless and come with foam plugs for the rear port if you need them very close to a wall but I haven’t used those yet.
Dollard Buchanan currently Schiit Aegir with Schiit Freya Plus Preamp - Denafrips Ares 2 R2R DAC. The system sounds lovely in that small room.. I also have a Schiit Ragnarok version 1.5 which handles them well too if I needed more power in the living room.. But the 40 Watt at 4 Ohm Schiit Aegir has surprisingly been all the power I need for them and the sound has actually continued to grow on me
I have to say, Steve, you seem so much more genuinely appreciative of your subscribers. Thank to you too for making excellent content. It's really helping me negotiate my entry into this hobby. Oh, and, awesome shirts! :-)
I've been through 2 good AV receivers in the last 4 years. I just returned the most recent one. Nothing sounded as good for CD's and vinyl as my vintage Yamaha (sorry to this day that I sold it) and I don't use home theater much. Went with a good sound bar for movies and TV and just ordered the Denon PMA 600NE and DCD 600NE based on your recommendation and they'll arrive in a few days. I have Elac Debut B6's and a vintage Pioneer PL 610 turntable. Happy to replace my Sony CD player I've had since the early 90's. My ears have missed great sounding music for too long. Waiting with great expectations to see how this combo sounds. Many thanks!
I still have my older Yamaha receiver from ‘92 (Not vintage like you’re referring to but Yamaha has always had a nice emphasis on sound quality at almost any price point), and my somewhat rare NS-25T’s from 87ish. I just recapped the speakers last year and cleaned up the output relay in the receiver around the same time. I can’t claim the receiver holds a candle to my newer preamp and power amp but I still use the receiver nearly daily (more for TV as the Schiit just sounds more musical). Until I build a new pair of speakers the NS-25T’s are currently my only pair...not much of a problem as I love them.
Hi Steve I’m a first time viewer from Australia. Love your reviews. Having just turned 60, I am in control of my ‘tyme’. You are an inspiration. Thank you. daVid
This is the one I have been waiting for! Really excellent work, Steve. Naturally, any list of any sort is also going to be notable for what it excludes almost as much as for what it includes - this in no way "enraged me", merely raised an eyebrow. For my part, I was curious about the omission of any Tekton product. We all know you enjoyed them. Perhaps it is just the case that the Tekton speakers you listened to were/are appropriate to other price points? Whatever the case, it was a mere trifle. Can't wait for the next edition in this series!
Andreas Leon Landgren - yes, but I think Steve should talk more about the comparisons to other gear. He seems to always recommend the same brands and only certain pieces. Need to explain what he has tested and what he hasn’t tested to give true value to his recommendations. For example, I’d like to know how something like a Denon AVR-X2500h with features like 4 ohm setting, MultEQ XT, Heos, Airplay2, BT, DAC... compares. Even if only using as a 2-channel setup, these are nice features.
There is no phono pre-amp on the PLX-1000. It also does not come with a stylus, but I agree with you it is very much a great turntable even without those items.
petestowne - but I think Steve should talk more about the comparisons to other gear. He seems to always recommend the same brands and only certain pieces. Need to explain what he has tested and what he hasn’t tested to give true value to his recommendations. For example, I’d like to know how something like a Denon AVR-X2500h with features like 4 ohm setting, MultEQ XT, Heos, Airplay2, BT, DAC... compares. Even if only using as a 2-channel setup, these are nice features.
Klipsch la scalas $800. Crites c125 tweeters and crossover upgrades $450. Fisher 800c $525. Sony 400 disc changer $150. To my ears I've certainly reached some peak of modest financial output for wonderful returns😉.
Thanks Steve for this series and for the heads up on the Zu Audio Dirty Weekend Omens. I bought a pair and never looked back. Took them up on their very generous trade in policy and now have a pair of Druids(V)! Steve is usually pretty spot on with his reviews and suggestions. Listen up people! Thanks again Steve!
Druids? WOW, that is quite a jump up the food chain. I have a pair of Zu DWs and plan on upgrading to the Souls or full fledged Omens. Big Zu fan. Cheers!
This video showed up in my suggested videos menu a couple months ago. I've had the same system for almost 20 years and have been satisfied with the sound for how much it cost back then, about $2000-$2500. Well this video was so interesting that I have since gone down the audiophile rabbit hole. Along the way, one thing became clear, you can put together a damn good system for very little money. Thank you Mr. Guttenberg! Since I've been using the same CD player for 20 years, the first upgrade i'm making is a DAC, the Schiit MODI 3. Heard about this DAC first on this chanel, and everyone else raves about it also. Should arrive in the next couple days, can't wait. One more thank you, first learned of the streaming app TIDAL on this chanel. I've been using it for a couple weeks now and i'm loving it!
Would love to have some episodes where you play some audio and comment like “see how thats warmer now “ or what would be great is you showing the difference in sound when components are connected in different configurations - thatd be alot more work and you do enough as it is -just saying no ones done that yet (probably cuz it’d be quite a hassle ;) anyway we all love sound so it’d be nice to share sound experiences with you (our professor :) and not just geeking out over hardware all the time - just sayin :)
my personal&recommended 2-channel setup - $1890 altogether. components: Elac Uni-Fi UB5's Emotiva A-300 Schitt Saga+ (Electro-Harmonix 6SN7 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube) Schitt Wyrd USB DECRAPIFIER AudioQuest Jitterbug cables: three Pangea AC 14CE power cables. one AudioQuest forest SPFIF cable. two BlueJeans LC-1 Stereo Audio Cables, 3-foot sections. two BlueJeans Canare 4S11 speaker cables. one AudioQuest Cinnamon USB A/B cable. one Pangea USB A/B cable. just some simple food for thought from a different perspective ...
This really needs to get pinned up somewhere. This is a solid setup that anyone would be hard pressed to upgrade without spending thousands more. And that's what an audiophile is about. Enjoying music on solid gear not blowing as much as their bank account allows.
Another great list from Steve and these choices have some style as well, because you want your gear to look and feel as good as it sounds. If you go U-turn, Outlaw/Schiit, Klipsch/Zu/Magnepan you can even spend most of your system dollars in the US. Nice
I am a recent sub of your channel and enjoy your videos and descriptions of sound. Just dipping my toe in with a pair of Micca rb42’s arriving via post later this morning. Running with a Yamaha R series integrated amp, SL-5350 Technics table, and a Denon CD player. A lot of room to grow. Keep up the wonderful reviews.
I put the Micca RB42 speakers in my TV area as the front left and right speakers. I was really impressed by the bass and had to experiment with my Denon AVR to get a sound that was balanced. Straight Audyssey was had too much bass for my taste. But in addition to enjoying the Micca speakers daily this gave me better audio away from my stereo room. An interesting finding was that Spotify from my Samsung smart TV run through the Denon was no where near acceptable. It cut out occasionally even though the TV is CAT wired to my router. But the bass and treble boost from the Samsung was horrible through the Denon. Switching to the Spotify app on my Roku was a big improvement. And parenthetically I would like to hear from anyone who uses Tidal as I think there is a 6 month promotion for those of us on the fence. Is it a great service and how do you use it in both the home theater and stereo systems? The Miccas are great daily drivers so to "speak"!
I have the RB42s in my LR, love em. Need a bit more bass extension, so I’ll be mating them to a sub soon. I have them hooked up to a PS Audio Sprout 100 and a Schiit Modi. Adding a Raga phono player in the new year. Great thing about this hobby, you can add things over time, and sell components as you switch/upgrade
I was never even interested in home theatre gear. That is, until the Micca line came on to my radar. Now I'm thinking, "Well, why the hell not? They're inexpensive, sound good, and don't take up a lot of room!"
@@martytoo I recommend you check out this forum, tons of tidal info and people sharing their expiriences here forum.hifiguides.com/t/spotify-tidal-how-do-you-get-your-music/1598
I am on a budget so I'm looking at the RP-600M. They have them at Fry's Electronics for $549.00, and Best Buy told me they would price match them. I'm also looking at the Swan M3A, which I'd like Steve to review.
I've recommended some people that recently joined the vinyl revival to get the Mani, great midrange phono preamp. But I always discourage people to get the Uturn Orbit, because it lacks adjustable anti-skating. Uturn has anti-skating factory set. You're doing good by also recommending the Pioneer DJ turntable, I really appreciate that! 👍 Most audiophiles are like: ewww DJ turntable, not made for audiophiles, so it's not good. I have had the PLX-1000 for about two years and it sounds great. So ridiculous to judge based on the target audience being DJs. It's like saying a Linn Sondek LP-12 is not an audiophile turntable, because it was designed for broadcasting. Now I'm spinning a Technics SL-1200G which is a studio/audiophile deck. It's re-engineered to modern standards (2016) using the latest technologies, but it's actually based on the old 1200 DJ decks.
I love my Schiit Mani. I got it when I ordered my Orbit Custom. You are correct about the anti-skate, but with the right cartridge(I had an Ortofon Om5E), it was great for the price. I bought it to replace an older table that I really didn't want to fix while I searched for a table to match the rest of my system. Well, I found it and sold the Orbit to a friend who loves it. Oh, I ended up getting a new Technics SL-1210GR. Installed a Zu Audio ZU/DL-103 and it is a stunning combo. If you think you can't afford the gear you lust after, save and wait. It'll be worth it. Trust me.
@@motocommando2477 Yes indeed. Same story for me with my SPL Phonos preamp. I waited quite some time before buying it (had a Cambridge Audio 651P, which also is a nice one for its price). It is a very good phono preamp, but I didn't really want to spend over 1500 euros on it. Waited about two years until a piano store got it on sale. The piano store wanted to expand their business by selling HiFi gear, but that didn't work out very well, so they changed their mind and wanted to quickly sell their leftover stock. Got a huge discount on it. It is a great combination with my Technics SL-1200G, since both are very neutral and I think it'll suit the 1200GR very nicely as well. Phono preamp upgrades are often overlooked, I can highly recommend investing in it.
@Fat Rat Yes indeed and especially the modern redesigned ones sound sportive, because they have an accurate response on quick transients and attack, making music sound a bit more bassy and bouncy.
Thanks again Steve! Great suggestions for anyone in the market to make an upgrade or a quality first system. The insights and recommended amp-speaker pairings you suggest are invaluable in getting the best bang (or is it “boom”) for the buck. Although certainly out of my price range I’m curious about your next video in this series, what you get for 5,000, 7,500 and $10,000 😮😉😂 Happy Holidays to you and “Audiophiliacs” world wide. Make music not war!
I was very suprised that you didn't include your recently reviewed Tannoy Platinum F6. You had said it was a "handmade tower speaker made in England with real wood veneers" for only $1100 per pair. Because of your review I am going to be looking at a pair of those this week in my local high-end dealer in Denver.
Steve new subscriber here. Awesome videos. You have re-energized my love for classic traditional audio. I have a Denon PMA-700z amp, TU-500 receiver, DP1700 direct drive TT. All were bought new in 1978 and still perform flawlessly. I also own a Carver TFM-45 amp (375 w/channel, 8 ohms) and Carver Ct-17 receiver which I purchased in 1990. All components have been properly stored for 15 years. I want to purchase a pair of speakers for each system. I would love to here your recommendations on both vintage and current speakers that would compliment my components. I would also like to hear from your subscribers also…. I feel like I’m 25 again! Thanks again.
If you have the room (space behind the speaker) the LRS are phenomenal! I would suggest the best amplification you can afford or least something you are comfortable with that can drive 4ohm loads at a 50% increase over its 8ohm rating. A sub is NOT required though it's output below 50hz or so is limited so if you must have lower frequencies that is the option. The sense of space rivals my 7.2.4 Atmos system, obviously, there isn't the localization available with multiple sources but the experience is similar.
It would be nice if you could review and recommend streaming DACs. This source is more and more common why it would be great if you could dig a bit deeper in that category of sources. Thanks!
My cheapie setup that I really like: TEAC DAC/AMP (AI-301da), KEF Q100 speakers, laptop connected to DAC/AMP playing FLAC and DSD files. Cost about $500 USD (laptop not included in price).
Just getting back into this after an adult life of putting family first, etc. So much has changed in music systems. I really appreciate your price range videos, its a great place to start for sure. For me, I listen to my music in my woodworking shop, so I am trying to employ some of the basic dynamics you teach here. Being in my work space for 10 - 14 hours a day I need great sounding music, but its dusty so a sealed plexi glass door on the stereo cabinet is important. I do wonder what gauge of speaker wire I should be running if my run is 40' away. Lamp wire is a good heavy gauge and cheaper then monster cable, etc. I shut down the shop for 2 weeks to make the upgrade, nearly there. When done, I will have 14 speakers hooked up to 4 different amps. For each set of 4 speakers I can color differently and adjust volume, finding a suitable balance between them all. One amp runs a pair back behind me, while all the rest are about 15' away from me on the 'wall of sound'. Once volumes are set on individual amps, the volume control on my ipad will maintain the balance uniformly as I raise or lower it. It may just be a foray into ridiculousness, but one thing I can say is, there is no way I can go back to listening to just one pair of speakers, lol. I can only imagine what 14 of your speakers would sound like hooked up to four amps!
Thanks for the great channel and interesting videos. Could you do a feature on speakers that sound best up against a wall, for those of us lacking space? Thanks
Hi Steve , I'm a subscriber and love your videos, and am seriously considering a few of your recommendations. I am really interested in The Pure Audio Projects Open Baffle Speakers that you reviewed, and can't wait to hear them! I also wanted to let you know that one of your fellow reviewers - New Record Day , has sponsored a "Tech Talk" series of 4 or 5 videos, where GR Research shows how to upgrade the Klipsch RP600M speaker - it's a step by step "How To" to make the changes that represent a Huge improvement in an already Very Good speaker! As you are very aware of , a speaker manufacturer builds to a price point and the accountants don't let them do all they could do when designing a speaker - they HAVE to meet that price point, consequently in this case they had to use small iron core Inductors, Ceramic Sand Resistors, and low end Capacitors (caps which cost only a dollar or two) in the crossover - So in the Upgrade they get a bunch of new very good parts for the crossover, which he shows everyone how to solder and put together. Then he shows how to deaden the box which has no bracing in it, and change the speaker binding posts for much better ones - this all actually turns that very good speaker - into a GREAT SPEAKER ! -- GR Research has the upgrade kits available - ( i think it's about 200 dollars for everything) .... you can email to their website - or you give them a call for the kit --- If Klipsch had used the same kind of upgrades, and they certainly know how -- the speaker would have cost probably between $ 1,000 to $ 1,500 dollars . It would be awesome if you could do a review of the upgraded RP600M Speakers - I know I would love to hear your thoughts on the difference in sound between the two speakers, it would be helpful to get a second opinion - and it would be very educational for a lot of people who don't know about what goes into making a better speaker. Thanks for letting me get the word out - there's going to be a lot of viewers that took your advice on buying those speakers that are going to be even happier Klipsch RP600M Speaker owners! -- PS. not affiliated in any way with GR Research : ) Best Wishes in the New Year , Dean
I am paired Wharfdale Linton with mine Kenwood KA-1000 and its beutifull.. aplifier is old but gold for me. I am happy for now.. Also have B&W DM1800. Sound perfect too
Nice video thanks. Love your channel. I have vintage Magnepan "Maggies", DIY flat computer cables, heavy vintage 1999 Onkyo Integra integrated amp with lots of power + midrange vintage Onkyo cd player. Both work beautifully and look like brand new. For me it's great.
I can't imagine going out and buying a complete system at one time. I have always purchased a piece at a time and traded in and out until I was satisfied with my sound.
I use the Schiit Mani (phono) and sys to feed my Event 20/20 BAS monitors in my main listening room. I source it from a Fiio X7 for my digital FLAC collection and my Thorens TD mk ii / sme 3009 turn table. I love my setup for a 12 X 12 room and have a pretty decent headphone setup with Schiit lyr (upgraded tubes) and brifrost DAC & Audeze LCD-X & LCD-3F. It's a great hobby and I'm pretty happy per $ I've spent.
I think I am going with the Klipsch RP600M, Fluance RT84, and an old school Yamaha CR1020 receiver to begin my journey back to my musical roots. One round of upgrades to get to a set of Dirty Weekends, Rega P3, and a Zen Triode amp. There are almost 1900 people ahead of me in line for a Zen Triode amp so I have plenty of time to save for the upgrades.
@@trekjudas I don't believe there is a number. The problem arises when the components in your system are out of balance. You won't feel $100,000 speakers are worth the price if you use $1000 Amps and DACs. If you keep everything in balance there is no diminishing returns. A million dollar system will be miles ahead of a $200,000 system. Like anything else you have to put components, speakers and cabling that work well together. When I bought my first flagship speakers, I had to buy all new components of an elevated performance in order for the system to sound the way it should.
Funny how audio value changes over time. In my (black and white) 1977 Tech Hifi catalog their top system consisted of a Pioneer SX-1250 receiver, Technics SL-1300 turntable (with M/A QDC1e electret condenser pickup) and a pair of Ohm model F speakers all for $1,999. That's about $9,274.00 in todays dough. The $499 system included Cambridge Audio 2500 receiver, Philips GA-427 turntable (with Audiotechnica AT90E pickup) and a pair of Large Advent speakers.
Onkyo 9010 integrated amplifier, pro-Ject Début carbon and Klipsch RP-600 M. I had the cables made by a local sound engineer. This system really rocks. The TX-8270 would be a great upgrade
Hi pal I absolutely harmonically admire your frequency of flowing information you turn out! I am a BB boomer and had systems before like 351 Cerwin Vegas hooked up to a AWAI solid state Receiver with Denon turn tables (long gone) AWAI AUTO CRO2 (M100 Cassette) until I fell for the 90s compact stack stereo stuff that I am not a big fan of, I am sure you have a write up on what system you can put together for 10K My question is because I have been out of touch with the new systems that are for filling, That one can build for multiple uses in listing, Like Rock, Symphony, Blues, Jazz, and the wife with her love songs Like Joni Michelle James Taylor, Maven Gay! I know it’s all about how it sounds to ones ear and dynamics of space And maybe this is a foolish question to ask but I am really liking the Kilipsh Heresy IV for listening to that You really got me into them speakers, Cannot wait to get them! But Now I need A Great Amp plus Turn Table, Blue tooth Receiver? To make them Hen IV Sound awesome at all levels with different music inputs! Thanks you are a Volume 10 + Amp thumbs up RUclips video channel to watch and listen to! ☮️👍🏻
Great video, as usual. Great info for newbs and not so newbs, seeking to get the most for their money! Just had to add my suggestion of these separates: Emotiva PT-100 preamp/DAC/tuner/phono stage. Emotiva A-300 power amplifier. All the inputs you could ask for, great musicality, 150 wpc @ 8ohms, and 300 wpc @ 4ohms. Plenty of clean power to make any speaker sound it's best, including the Maggie LRS' for $100 less than the price of the Outlaw 2160.
Steve - love all your reviews! I was wondering how do you think the Outlaw RR2160 would run a pair of Polk 705's? I had a NAD 375 BEE integrated that bit the dust. I've been thinking about some integrated amps like the Rotel RA-1572 ($1,399 Factory Certified Refurbished), Hegel ROST ($1,400) , Vincent SV-227 ($1,500) - but for the price the Outlaw seems like an interesting option and in the same power range.
There is a cool GR research $200 mod with new x-over components and deadening for cabinet that I think would be fun with a amp like the 6 watter reviewed by Thomas and Stereo.I am using LS50 and Adcom on desktop but that might be a flip I'd like to hear
My whole system is on the list Denafrips Ares II DAC, Rogue Sphinx integrated, and Kef LS50s! It sounds amazing, thanks Steve for getting me excited about hifi!
R W not really. The wireless version is even sonically ab improvement. But “audiophiles” live the sentiment of three or more devices...and all those cables...mmmm! It has to look like a rig otherwise what’s the point :)
BTW I have been supporting a friend as she makes her first decent HiFi purchase/decisions, having heard my set up. Firstly I gave her a load of links to read and your and others video.posts to watch. We then went auditioning, starting out with those on the What HiFi awards lists. My suggests were: Marantz PM6006, Marantz CD6006, Rega Planar 1, Dali Sensor 3 or Monitor Audio Bronze 2 and Grado SR80e headphones. Approx cost =£1350 including cables & interconnects. Then, after 'fantastic ', came the question "how much would it cost to get the sound to be excellent (for her ears that is). So, after much listening, we ended up with: Cyrus One HD, Rega Planar 1 + Goldring E3, B&W 606, Onkyo C-N7050 and Grado SR325e. Approx cost =£2350 inc cables and interconnects. She already had a laptop/external hard drive and a Pure Evoke 2 (optical output) that could be used as sources. The dealer also gave her some discount, came to her house to set it all up and had the patience of a Laurent as she went through 20 listening options to arrive at her final choice. Needless to say that she is extremely happy and I must say so would I be. One thing that did really impress me was a Rega system ie a Rega Brio, Apollo, Planar 1 +Goldring E3, DAC R and Dali Oberon 3 or the B&W 606. Approx cost=£2400. It sounded epic in the audition room and I could easily live with the system.
Just ordered my new bookself speakers very linear, good mids and decent treble, 90db sensitivity and no colourization plus deep low frequency bass down to 30hz. Just got 3 more speakers to get later in the year to complete my 5.1 system in my small living room. Didn't get any speakers from the video as they weren't to my taste aesthetically and low frequency wise. Will continue using my trusty Oppo UDP 203 4K blu ray player's very good DAC and analogue outs for all the speakers, sub, amp. Ps I'm clued up regarding audio but still love watching these videos, Steve Guttenburg looks like he's lived a colourful life. Plus good unbiased audio advice for the novices out there.
Last night as I was going to order a Outlaw RR2160 it showed out of stock but due back in November. This morning I checked again and it seems that the model has been upgraded to the RR2160MkII. I was hoping you would get around to reviewing this model when it becomes available. I guess my concern is that it is truly an upgrade and not a compromise because of parts issues because of COVID.
great video, ide like to see a streaming desktop setup :dac,headphone amp ,preamp,powered monitors or a power amp and passive bookshelves and the most important part: headphones. all the components must be small .the dac has to be 24/192 ,dsd and mqa able and upgradable with firmware updates ,why not?
No need to thanks us we should be thanking you for sharing all your knowledge and delivering great content. I do have a problem with my system. I am sat about 2.5m from the speakers. Thanks for the couple of suggestion in your list. Have you got any other speakers I should be looking at budget 500/1200. Thanks one again
Hello Steve, I bought a pair of Kef q 750 speakers with an emotiva TA-100. I found that this combination works very well in my small living room. I spent 2k on this setup.
Love your vlogs! I am currently putting together my budget for a new system: $800 for amp; $700 for preamp; $1,500 for speakers; I have the CD player and TT; and $12,000 for cables and interconnects, power treatment, racks and isolation treatment, and room treatment. Am I on the right track? Thanks in advance.
Great video Steve. I've said this so many times before...EVERYONE hears differently and has different tastes. Some people actually like Bose...wait a second. I just threw up in my mouth. Some are Klipsch fans. Others just take their friends or a reviewers advice without listening for themselves. If you want a good sounding system, you have to get off your ass and get out and do some listening. Other people can't hear for you. BTW, if you're one of those that think Bose speakers sound good, do a side by side comparison with ANY other speaker in the same price range. You'll see why most people in audio hate Bose. The KEF LS-50 is fine if you wear them like headphones. Of course, these are just my opinions. Get out and listen people and make up your own mind. Steve has done a great job of compiling this list and has found some excellent options. I see some question the Outlaw receiver because of the SNR being only 70. Look again. The amps SNR is 96 db. The FM section is rated at 70db. Outlaw makes very good gear for the money. Sorry for ranting. Have fun growing your systems. Thx Steve !!
Hi Steve! Great Videos! I see you love turntables. I just watched a vintage video from 1984 on the NEW technology "Laser Compact Disk". They talked about all the benefits over vinyl including a 30dB dynamic range improvement, no wow or flutter, totally flat frequency response, no snap crackle or pop. We thought we died and went to heaven when the CD arrived; and we did. Have we all been duped into falling in love with Thomas Edison technology again. Maybe I should buy a 1894 Victrola to improve my music room. Could you do a video on how a vinyl LP can ever be technologically better than a CD? Thanks!
I wish you would do a video describing from start to finish how to set up a complete system. From turntable to preamp to amplifier to speaker suggested cables etc. also, Since Technics has come back the Audio-technica products aren’t mentioned much. I’ve been using the Audio-technica AT LP240-USB turntable with the AT440mla. cartridge with a Yamaha RXV 765 receiver played through Klipsch Synergy Series speakers. The system also is used for my home theater surround system. I can’t say anything bad about the turntable; it’s dead quiet and has worked flawlessly for me. My son-in-law gave me the amp and seven speakers that include two bookshelf and the subwoofer...all Klipsch. The system sounds great to me, especially with the wonderful new top end reissues. Just played the Buckingham Nicks Sterling Sound pressing and it’s great. I know Michael Fremer would probably scoff at this setup but do you have any thoughts...improvements etc. I really enjoy your videos especially your smooth, mild mannered, approach.
Great video. $2500 for a carefully selected system with floor standing speakers is about the point where you begin to get diminishing returns as you go up in price. IMHO. Don’t forget NAD.
Hi Steve! Any recent reviews of audiophile headphones and headphone amps? Also, how do you compare speaker audio versus headphones? Back in the late 70s my studio recording class was taught by an audiophile who brought in his $10k+ system so that we could experience Billy Joel live, directly from master recordings that he had made ... wow! I’l never forget it! You could hear him breathing ... placing his hands on the piano keyboard ... it was, intense! The speakers he brought in were HUGE! It’s one of the few experiences I still vividly recall from college. Thanks for a great show!
Most Professional Audiophile Enthusiast have it all. Expensive Cables and what not, They have basically checked every box possible and are still chasing the next upgrade. Makes me wonder if it is mostly in their head? If you took the best speakers you can afford, like Spatial Audio, OHM Walsh and and all you had was a simple Vintage Receiver like a Sansui or Marantz. How much of a difference is there compare to a $10K Amplifier? I'm just looking at this in a pragmatic way. What if you spend $500 in Room treatments and forget the $5K piece of equipment instead?
Loving the series Steve!!! You recommendation of the Maggie's along with the Outlaw is exactly what I have recommend to many others as well. For those serious with vinyl, you can't beat the Rega P1. In addition, I prefer floor standing speakers oppose to bookshelves. Out of curiosity, would you also consider the MicroWalsh in this series?
@@ythagakure Well, of course! But if you're on a budget, it's nice to know that the Outlaw can do the job. I'm curious how the IOTA VX stack that Steve's friend, Sean (at Zero Fidelity) reviewed and raved about would compare to the Outlaw?
Some guy down below was going on about how the Yamaha A-S801 would "walk all over the Outlaw" and in Sean's review, the IOTA XV stack walked all over that same Yamaha! And, the stack is $900.
redstarwraith Although music has always been subjective in my opinion... personally... there isn’t a speaker within budget that the Outlaw would not be able to handle. From the Maggie’s to the Elacs which require power to the Walshs Ohms. Outlaw to me has done an amazing job to provide us audiophiles with just the right amount of power and sound to fill our hearts with speakers from $3000.00 or less in my opinion.
You had the Mini Lore in the lesser priced system. You should have included the Lore and/or Lore Reference in this price range. IMHO Tekton price/performance ratio is exceptional. I trialed several of Eric's speakers and settled on the Ulfberts the easily replaced much more expensive speakers I owned previously. So I've paid my dues to offer this comment.
I'm in the market for a new desk setup, as I'm getting some kind of hiss intermittently whether I'm using head phone or preamp to speaker amp output. Current setup is USB out to Audio-gd NFB 11.32 DAC / amp combo -> preamp to SMSL SA50 spe aker amp -> Pioneer SP-BS21-LR speakers. So all my stuff is reasonably old anyway. For all I know it could be a USB issue, or dirt in something, but I don't like that the Audio-gd requires a driver for USB either.
I just want to take this moment to show gratitude for Steve we are lucky to have someone as experienced giving such good advice.
Thx Steve and god bless your kind heart.
Mr. Guttenberg, at what you do there is no one who can do it better. I am thoroughly enjoying your videos...and I am learning!
I love your presentation, Steve - to me it is so deliberate, unagitated, comprehensible, witty and with a positive feeling altogether. Subscribed already!
I just ordered my first hifi system! Maybe not quite audiophile quality, but I bet I'll be amazed. Sony STR-DN1080 receiver with a pair of Klipsch R-51M bookshelf speakers. Costs: 650 CHF (650 USD). It will be perfect for streaming my music and watching Netflix!
Nice.👍
Congratulations and Enjoy your new audio system
Watch it ,this is a real addictive hobby in a good way .enjoy the sound .
You are going to love those speakers. I am using them with my Denon AV receiver (nothing fancy) for movies/TV and it amazes me how fantastic they sound. Congrats!
Jochem "I bet I'll be amazed."
Yes!! Have fun, enjoy yourself, blow your own mind. Right now, I'm amazed at some new stuff I've bought. I hope you have similar experiences. Cheers.
I'm so glad I stumbled on your channel. Been binge watching. Fabulous.
Hi Steve. I'm subscribing to your podcast after many years of enjoying your down to earth reviews. Keep it coming. Thanks. Al
Hey Steve it’s time to add to your Complete Audiophile System series. Please do $5000 This should be a hard one given speakers will be at $2500 pair.... ;)
You hit good with this series. Please keep going up. Maybe $5k, 10k next. Also you should mention buying used. $2500 carefully spend can net a $5000 system.
jep, used is often the way to go!
I just stepped up from a little 2.1 system thanks to your vids. Its not a highend system but does a good Job for its money. Iotavx SA3, B&W 685 S2 and a Polk HTS 10. I'm really happy to enjoy and explore my music from a new perspective. Thanks man, you have done something (good) to me :)
Thanks for looking out for those of us who love good sound at good prices. I always enjoy your videos.
SG this series rocks and I think that you are spot on.. I know that I've spent so much more, but, having heard many of those in your post i can only agree with your choices. If only I could hear the remainder (like Zu ) here in Wales. Total respect for your efforts in posting what would be a very attainable system with room for expansion and improvement in the future. Indeed giving this some thought I could probably get rid of.My current HiFi (cry an awful lot) and live with this level of loveliness for the rest of my life. Keep on keeping on Steve.
Just got those Evoke 10s for my bedroom and they are definitely awesome sounding. Open, clean, detailed, surprisingly quality bass for their little size - natural voices, great soundstage etc
What's the size of your bedroom? I've been thinking of Evoke 10 to a smaller room - 4,5x4,5m, they would be close to a rear wall (around 35cm).
Michal Stano my bedroom is probably 10x10 feet or so. They are a foot away from the wall and there is a little bit of wall bloom going on. They sound great regardless and come with foam plugs for the rear port if you need them very close to a wall but I haven’t used those yet.
Curious- what amp are you using and did you audition any others? Thanks
Dollard Buchanan currently Schiit Aegir with Schiit Freya Plus Preamp - Denafrips Ares 2 R2R DAC. The system sounds lovely in that small room.. I also have a Schiit Ragnarok version 1.5 which handles them well too if I needed more power in the living room.. But the 40 Watt at 4 Ohm Schiit Aegir has surprisingly been all the power I need for them and the sound has actually continued to grow on me
I have to say, Steve, you seem so much more genuinely appreciative of your subscribers. Thank to you too for making excellent content. It's really helping me negotiate my entry into this hobby. Oh, and, awesome shirts! :-)
I've been through 2 good AV receivers in the last 4 years. I just returned the most recent one. Nothing sounded as good for CD's and vinyl as my vintage Yamaha (sorry to this day that I sold it) and I don't use home theater much. Went with a good sound bar for movies and TV and just ordered the Denon PMA 600NE and DCD 600NE based on your recommendation and they'll arrive in a few days. I have Elac Debut B6's and a vintage Pioneer PL 610 turntable. Happy to replace my Sony CD player I've had since the early 90's. My ears have missed great sounding music for too long. Waiting with great expectations to see how this combo sounds. Many thanks!
I still have my older Yamaha receiver from ‘92 (Not vintage like you’re referring to but Yamaha has always had a nice emphasis on sound quality at almost any price point), and my somewhat rare NS-25T’s from 87ish. I just recapped the speakers last year and cleaned up the output relay in the receiver around the same time.
I can’t claim the receiver holds a candle to my newer preamp and power amp but I still use the receiver nearly daily (more for TV as the Schiit just sounds more musical). Until I build a new pair of speakers the NS-25T’s are currently my only pair...not much of a problem as I love them.
Hi Steve I’m a first time viewer from Australia. Love your reviews. Having just turned 60, I am in control of my ‘tyme’. You are an inspiration. Thank you. daVid
This is the one I have been waiting for! Really excellent work, Steve. Naturally, any list of any sort is also going to be notable for what it excludes almost as much as for what it includes - this in no way "enraged me", merely raised an eyebrow. For my part, I was curious about the omission of any Tekton product. We all know you enjoyed them. Perhaps it is just the case that the Tekton speakers you listened to were/are appropriate to other price points? Whatever the case, it was a mere trifle. Can't wait for the next edition in this series!
Thanks. How about systems in the 4000-$5000 range?
Good suggestions.
Steve stickin up for the audiophile on a budget.
Andreas Leon Landgren - yes, but I think Steve should talk more about the comparisons to other gear. He seems to always recommend the same brands and only certain pieces. Need to explain what he has tested and what he hasn’t tested to give true value to his recommendations. For example, I’d like to know how something like a Denon AVR-X2500h with features like 4 ohm setting, MultEQ XT, Heos, Airplay2, BT, DAC... compares. Even if only using as a 2-channel setup, these are nice features.
Tall Paull Well said!
When $2500 is "on a budget" you know your hobby is too expensive. I have way too many expensive hobbies >_>
praetorxyn yeah I hear you I buy used.
There is no phono pre-amp on the PLX-1000. It also does not come with a stylus, but I agree with you it is very much a great turntable even without those items.
Thanks Steve you come across as a caring person who is passionate about music and the best reproduction of it for average person.
Love this series. Hi-fi does not have to mean hi-cost but you do need some guidance to find the components that punch above their weight.
petestowne - but I think Steve should talk more about the comparisons to other gear. He seems to always recommend the same brands and only certain pieces. Need to explain what he has tested and what he hasn’t tested to give true value to his recommendations. For example, I’d like to know how something like a Denon AVR-X2500h with features like 4 ohm setting, MultEQ XT, Heos, Airplay2, BT, DAC... compares. Even if only using as a 2-channel setup, these are nice features.
Thank you for listing speaker prices by the pair!!
Klipsch la scalas $800. Crites c125 tweeters and crossover upgrades $450. Fisher 800c $525. Sony 400 disc changer $150. To my ears I've certainly reached some peak of modest financial output for wonderful returns😉.
neil welner very good.
Thanks Steve for this series and for the heads up on the Zu Audio Dirty Weekend Omens. I bought a pair and never looked back. Took them up on their very generous trade in policy and now have a pair of Druids(V)!
Steve is usually pretty spot on with his reviews and suggestions.
Listen up people!
Thanks again Steve!
Druids? WOW, that is quite a jump up the food chain. I have a pair of Zu DWs and plan on upgrading to the Souls or full fledged Omens. Big Zu fan. Cheers!
This video showed up in my suggested videos menu a couple months ago. I've had the same system for almost 20 years and have been satisfied with the sound for how much it cost back then, about $2000-$2500. Well this video was so interesting that I have since gone down the audiophile rabbit hole. Along the way, one thing became clear, you can put together a damn good system for very little money. Thank you Mr. Guttenberg! Since I've been using the same CD player for 20 years, the first upgrade i'm making is a DAC, the Schiit MODI 3. Heard about this DAC first on this chanel, and everyone else raves about it also. Should arrive in the next couple days, can't wait. One more thank you, first learned of the streaming app TIDAL on this chanel. I've been using it for a couple weeks now and i'm loving it!
Would love to have some episodes where you play some audio and comment like “see how thats warmer now “ or what would be great is you showing the difference in sound when components are connected in different configurations - thatd be alot more work and you do enough as it is -just saying no ones done that yet (probably cuz it’d be quite a hassle ;) anyway we all love sound so it’d be nice to share sound experiences with you (our professor :) and not just geeking out over hardware all the time - just sayin :)
my personal&recommended 2-channel setup - $1890 altogether.
components:
Elac Uni-Fi UB5's
Emotiva A-300
Schitt Saga+
(Electro-Harmonix 6SN7 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube)
Schitt Wyrd USB DECRAPIFIER
AudioQuest Jitterbug
cables:
three Pangea AC 14CE power cables.
one AudioQuest forest SPFIF cable.
two BlueJeans LC-1 Stereo Audio Cables, 3-foot sections.
two BlueJeans Canare 4S11 speaker cables.
one AudioQuest Cinnamon USB A/B cable.
one Pangea USB A/B cable.
just some simple food for thought from a different perspective ...
This really needs to get pinned up somewhere. This is a solid setup that anyone would be hard pressed to upgrade without spending thousands more. And that's what an audiophile is about. Enjoying music on solid gear not blowing as much as their bank account allows.
Another great list from Steve and these choices have some style as well, because you want your gear to look and feel as good as it sounds. If you go U-turn, Outlaw/Schiit, Klipsch/Zu/Magnepan you can even spend most of your system dollars in the US. Nice
I love schiit.
I am addicted to these videos. Steve is great!
I am a recent sub of your channel and enjoy your videos and descriptions of sound. Just dipping my toe in with a pair of Micca rb42’s arriving via post later this morning. Running with a Yamaha R series integrated amp, SL-5350 Technics table, and a Denon CD player. A lot of room to grow.
Keep up the wonderful reviews.
I put the Micca RB42 speakers in my TV area as the front left and right speakers. I was really impressed by the bass and had to experiment with my Denon AVR to get a sound that was balanced. Straight Audyssey was had too much bass for my taste. But in addition to enjoying the Micca speakers daily this gave me better audio away from my stereo room.
An interesting finding was that Spotify from my Samsung smart TV run through the Denon was no where near acceptable. It cut out occasionally even though the TV is CAT wired to my router. But the bass and treble boost from the Samsung was horrible through the Denon. Switching to the Spotify app on my Roku was a big improvement.
And parenthetically I would like to hear from anyone who uses Tidal as I think there is a 6 month promotion for those of us on the fence. Is it a great service and how do you use it in both the home theater and stereo systems?
The Miccas are great daily drivers so to "speak"!
I have the RB42s in my LR, love em. Need a bit more bass extension, so I’ll be mating them to a sub soon. I have them hooked up to a PS Audio Sprout 100 and a Schiit Modi. Adding a Raga phono player in the new year.
Great thing about this hobby, you can add things over time, and sell components as you switch/upgrade
I was never even interested in home theatre gear. That is, until the Micca line came on to my radar. Now I'm thinking, "Well, why the hell not? They're inexpensive, sound good, and don't take up a lot of room!"
@@martytoo I recommend you check out this forum, tons of tidal info and people sharing their expiriences here
forum.hifiguides.com/t/spotify-tidal-how-do-you-get-your-music/1598
@@joseg8747 Thank you! I'm still interested in just how much better people find Tidal compared to Spotify.
I am on a budget so I'm looking at the RP-600M. They have them at Fry's Electronics for $549.00, and Best Buy told me they would price match them. I'm also looking at the Swan M3A, which I'd like Steve to review.
Thanks for th summary Steve. Fascinating to see what's out there. Some great solutions for a reasonable price.
I've recommended some people that recently joined the vinyl revival to get the Mani, great midrange phono preamp.
But I always discourage people to get the Uturn Orbit, because it lacks adjustable anti-skating. Uturn has anti-skating factory set.
You're doing good by also recommending the Pioneer DJ turntable, I really appreciate that! 👍
Most audiophiles are like: ewww DJ turntable, not made for audiophiles, so it's not good.
I have had the PLX-1000 for about two years and it sounds great. So ridiculous to judge based on the target audience being DJs.
It's like saying a Linn Sondek LP-12 is not an audiophile turntable, because it was designed for broadcasting.
Now I'm spinning a Technics SL-1200G which is a studio/audiophile deck.
It's re-engineered to modern standards (2016) using the latest technologies, but it's actually based on the old 1200 DJ decks.
FWIW I find the U-Turn's antiskate to be agreeable with many cartridges, certainly the ones they have as factory options, and probably many others.
I love my Schiit Mani. I got it when I ordered my Orbit Custom. You are correct about the anti-skate, but with the right cartridge(I had an Ortofon Om5E), it was great for the price.
I bought it to replace an older table that I really didn't want to fix while I searched for a table to match the rest of my system.
Well, I found it and sold the Orbit to a friend who loves it.
Oh, I ended up getting a new Technics SL-1210GR. Installed a Zu Audio ZU/DL-103 and it is a stunning combo.
If you think you can't afford the gear you lust after, save and wait.
It'll be worth it.
Trust me.
@@motocommando2477 Yes indeed.
Same story for me with my SPL Phonos preamp. I waited quite some time before buying it (had a Cambridge Audio 651P, which also is a nice one for its price). It is a very good phono preamp, but I didn't really want to spend over 1500 euros on it. Waited about two years until a piano store got it on sale.
The piano store wanted to expand their business by selling HiFi gear, but that didn't work out very well, so they changed their mind and wanted to quickly sell their leftover stock. Got a huge discount on it.
It is a great combination with my Technics SL-1200G, since both are very neutral and I think it'll suit the 1200GR very nicely as well. Phono preamp upgrades are often overlooked, I can highly recommend investing in it.
@Fat Rat Yes indeed and especially the modern redesigned ones sound sportive, because they have an accurate response on quick transients and attack, making music sound a bit more bassy and bouncy.
Great rundown! Keep up your great work. You are tops online!
Thanks again Steve! Great suggestions for anyone in the market to make an upgrade or a quality first system. The insights and recommended amp-speaker pairings you suggest are invaluable in getting the best bang (or is it “boom”) for the buck. Although certainly out of my price range I’m curious about your next video in this series, what you get for 5,000, 7,500 and $10,000 😮😉😂 Happy Holidays to you and “Audiophiliacs” world wide. Make music not war!
I was very suprised that you didn't include your recently reviewed Tannoy Platinum F6. You had said it was a "handmade tower speaker made in England with real wood veneers" for only $1100 per pair. Because of your review I am going to be looking at a pair of those this week in my local high-end dealer in Denver.
The Shootin' Dutchman I didn’t review that speaker. But I will review another Tannoy soon
Steve new subscriber here. Awesome videos. You have re-energized my love for classic traditional audio. I have a Denon PMA-700z amp, TU-500 receiver, DP1700 direct drive TT. All were bought new in 1978 and still perform flawlessly. I also own a Carver TFM-45 amp (375 w/channel, 8 ohms) and Carver Ct-17 receiver which I purchased in 1990. All components have been properly stored for 15 years.
I want to purchase a pair of speakers for each system. I would love to here your recommendations on both vintage and current speakers that would compliment my components. I would also like to hear from your subscribers also…. I feel like I’m 25 again! Thanks again.
If you have the room (space behind the speaker) the LRS are phenomenal! I would suggest the best amplification you can afford or least something you are comfortable with that can drive 4ohm loads at a 50% increase over its 8ohm rating. A sub is NOT required though it's output below 50hz or so is limited so if you must have lower frequencies that is the option. The sense of space rivals my 7.2.4 Atmos system, obviously, there isn't the localization available with multiple sources but the experience is similar.
It would be nice if you could review and recommend streaming DACs. This source is more and more common why it would be great if you could dig a bit deeper in that category of sources. Thanks!
My cheapie setup that I really like: TEAC DAC/AMP (AI-301da), KEF Q100 speakers, laptop connected to DAC/AMP playing FLAC and DSD files. Cost about $500 USD (laptop not included in price).
Just getting back into this after an adult life of putting family first, etc. So much has changed in music systems. I really appreciate your price range videos, its a great place to start for sure. For me, I listen to my music in my woodworking shop, so I am trying to employ some of the basic dynamics you teach here. Being in my work space for 10 - 14 hours a day I need great sounding music, but its dusty so a sealed plexi glass door on the stereo cabinet is important. I do wonder what gauge of speaker wire I should be running if my run is 40' away. Lamp wire is a good heavy gauge and cheaper then monster cable, etc. I shut down the shop for 2 weeks to make the upgrade, nearly there. When done, I will have 14 speakers hooked up to 4 different amps. For each set of 4 speakers I can color differently and adjust volume, finding a suitable balance between them all. One amp runs a pair back behind me, while all the rest are about 15' away from me on the 'wall of sound'. Once volumes are set on individual amps, the volume control on my ipad will maintain the balance uniformly as I raise or lower it. It may just be a foray into ridiculousness, but one thing I can say is, there is no way I can go back to listening to just one pair of speakers, lol. I can only imagine what 14 of your speakers would sound like hooked up to four amps!
Steve Thank you for your great content !
Thank you Steve.
Thanks for the great channel and interesting videos. Could you do a feature on speakers that sound best up against a wall, for those of us lacking space? Thanks
Hi Steve , I'm a subscriber and love your videos, and am seriously considering a few of your recommendations. I am really interested in The Pure Audio Projects Open Baffle Speakers that you reviewed, and can't wait to hear them! I also wanted to let you know that one of your fellow reviewers - New Record Day , has sponsored a "Tech Talk" series of 4 or 5 videos, where GR Research shows how to upgrade the Klipsch RP600M speaker - it's a step by step "How To" to make the changes that represent a Huge improvement in an already Very Good speaker! As you are very aware of , a speaker manufacturer builds to a price point and the accountants don't let them do all they could do when designing a speaker - they HAVE to meet that price point, consequently in this case they had to use small iron core Inductors, Ceramic Sand Resistors, and low end Capacitors (caps which cost only a dollar or two) in the crossover - So in the Upgrade they get a bunch of new very good parts for the crossover, which he shows everyone how to solder and put together. Then he shows how to deaden the box which has no bracing in it, and change the speaker binding posts for much better ones - this all actually turns that very good speaker - into a GREAT SPEAKER ! -- GR Research has the upgrade kits available - ( i think it's about 200 dollars for everything) .... you can email to their website - or you give them a call for the kit --- If Klipsch had used the same kind of upgrades, and they certainly know how -- the speaker would have cost probably between $ 1,000 to $ 1,500 dollars . It would be awesome if you could do a review of the upgraded RP600M Speakers - I know I would love to hear your thoughts on the difference in sound between the two speakers, it would be helpful to get a second opinion - and it would be very educational for a lot of people who don't know about what goes into making a better speaker. Thanks for letting me get the word out - there's going to be a lot of viewers that took your advice on buying those speakers that are going to be even happier Klipsch RP600M Speaker owners! -- PS. not affiliated in any way with GR Research : ) Best Wishes in the New Year , Dean
Another great video Steve! These are very helpful
Still have cobwebs, this helps. Now to figure out what a dac is. Onward. Thank you.
Great video series, thank you for posting them.
I am paired Wharfdale Linton with mine Kenwood KA-1000 and its beutifull.. aplifier is old but gold for me. I am happy for now.. Also have B&W DM1800. Sound perfect too
Nice video thanks. Love your channel. I have vintage Magnepan "Maggies", DIY flat computer cables, heavy vintage 1999 Onkyo Integra integrated amp with lots of power + midrange vintage Onkyo cd player. Both work beautifully and look like brand new. For me it's great.
Boy, you covered a lot of Schitt. Thanks Steve.
I can't imagine going out and buying a complete system at one time. I have always purchased a piece at a time and traded in and out until I was satisfied with my sound.
Remember to keep the speakers all from the same brand if your using a 5.1/7.1 system. Mismatching speaker brands will lead to a mismatch of sound.
I use the Schiit Mani (phono) and sys to feed my Event 20/20 BAS monitors in my main listening room. I source it from a Fiio X7 for my digital FLAC collection and my Thorens TD mk ii / sme 3009 turn table. I love my setup for a 12 X 12 room and have a pretty decent headphone setup with Schiit lyr (upgraded tubes) and brifrost DAC & Audeze LCD-X & LCD-3F. It's a great hobby and I'm pretty happy per $ I've spent.
Schiit Mani user here. Big thumbs up on that little guy.
Spread the word.
Schiit is the Schiit!
This is a great mix of recommened equipment.
Steve's shirt game is always 11/10
His Woodstock shirt from 1969 🎶
I think I am going with the Klipsch RP600M, Fluance RT84, and an old school Yamaha CR1020 receiver to begin my journey back to my musical roots. One round of upgrades to get to a set of Dirty Weekends, Rega P3, and a Zen Triode amp. There are almost 1900 people ahead of me in line for a Zen Triode amp so I have plenty of time to save for the upgrades.
I am persuaded that 2500 is the magic threshold of real diminishing returns!
Yeah, all the stuff I dream of getting cost about that! A Primaluna integrated amp, Harbeth speakers all cost about $2500.
Right, the sweet spot in terms of cash.
Not even close.
@@carlosoliveira-rc2xt What's your number?
@@trekjudas I don't believe there is a number. The problem arises when the components in your system are out of balance. You won't feel $100,000 speakers are worth the price if you use $1000 Amps and DACs. If you keep everything in balance there is no diminishing returns. A million dollar system will be miles ahead of a $200,000 system. Like anything else you have to put components, speakers and cabling that work well together. When I bought my first flagship speakers, I had to buy all new components of an elevated performance in order for the system to sound the way it should.
Funny how audio value changes over time. In my (black and white) 1977 Tech Hifi catalog their top system consisted of a Pioneer SX-1250 receiver, Technics SL-1300 turntable (with M/A QDC1e electret condenser pickup) and a pair of Ohm model F speakers all for $1,999. That's about $9,274.00 in todays dough. The $499 system included Cambridge Audio 2500 receiver, Philips GA-427 turntable (with Audiotechnica AT90E pickup) and a pair of Large Advent speakers.
Onkyo 9010 integrated amplifier, pro-Ject Début carbon and Klipsch RP-600 M. I had the cables made by a local sound engineer. This system really rocks. The TX-8270 would be a great upgrade
Hi pal
I absolutely harmonically admire your frequency of flowing information you turn out!
I am a BB boomer and had systems before like 351 Cerwin Vegas hooked up to a AWAI solid state Receiver with
Denon turn tables (long gone)
AWAI AUTO CRO2
(M100 Cassette) until I fell for the 90s compact stack stereo stuff that I am not a big fan of,
I am sure you have a write up on what system you can put together for 10K
My question is because I have been out of touch with the new systems that are for filling,
That one can build for multiple uses in listing,
Like Rock, Symphony, Blues, Jazz,
and the wife with her love songs Like Joni Michelle James Taylor, Maven Gay!
I know it’s all about how it sounds to ones ear and dynamics of space
And maybe this is a foolish question to ask but I am really liking the Kilipsh
Heresy IV for listening to that You really got me into them speakers,
Cannot wait to get them!
But Now I need
A Great Amp plus Turn Table,
Blue tooth
Receiver?
To make them Hen IV Sound awesome at all levels with different music inputs!
Thanks you are a Volume 10 + Amp thumbs up RUclips video channel to watch and listen to!
☮️👍🏻
Great video, as usual.
Great info for newbs and not so newbs, seeking to get the most for their money!
Just had to add my suggestion of these separates:
Emotiva PT-100 preamp/DAC/tuner/phono stage.
Emotiva A-300 power amplifier.
All the inputs you could ask for, great musicality, 150 wpc @ 8ohms, and 300 wpc @ 4ohms.
Plenty of clean power to make any speaker sound it's best, including the Maggie LRS' for $100 less than the price of the Outlaw 2160.
Steve - love all your reviews! I was wondering how do you think the Outlaw RR2160 would run a pair of Polk 705's? I had a NAD 375 BEE integrated that bit the dust. I've been thinking about some integrated amps like the Rotel RA-1572 ($1,399 Factory Certified Refurbished), Hegel ROST ($1,400) , Vincent SV-227 ($1,500) - but for the price the Outlaw seems like an interesting option and in the same power range.
There is a cool GR research $200 mod with new x-over components and deadening for cabinet that I think would be fun with a amp like the 6 watter reviewed by Thomas and Stereo.I am using LS50 and Adcom on desktop but that might be a flip I'd like to hear
My whole system is on the list Denafrips Ares II DAC, Rogue Sphinx integrated, and Kef LS50s! It sounds amazing, thanks Steve for getting me excited about hifi!
honestly, would this beat the ls50W?
R W not really. The wireless version is even sonically ab improvement. But “audiophiles” live the sentiment of three or more devices...and all those cables...mmmm! It has to look like a rig otherwise what’s the point :)
More Spinach The gear is part of the fun for me. Active speakers take away the ability to tweak things which is part of the reason I enjoy audio.
The Hegel H90 integrated Amp and the Magnepan LRS speakers ($2500 us or less) is a fantastic combo ! Really makes the Maggie’s sing
Isn't the Hegel $2k and the LRS $650? It's close though.
It’s $2200 in Canada , with conversion about $1700 us
BTW I have been supporting a friend as she makes her first decent HiFi purchase/decisions, having heard my set up. Firstly I gave her a load of links to read and your and others video.posts to watch. We then went auditioning, starting out with those on the What HiFi awards lists.
My suggests were: Marantz PM6006, Marantz CD6006, Rega Planar 1, Dali Sensor 3 or Monitor Audio Bronze 2 and Grado SR80e headphones. Approx cost =£1350 including cables & interconnects.
Then, after 'fantastic ', came the question "how much would it cost to get the sound to be excellent (for her ears that is). So, after much listening, we ended up with: Cyrus One HD, Rega Planar 1 + Goldring E3, B&W 606, Onkyo C-N7050 and Grado SR325e. Approx cost =£2350 inc cables and interconnects.
She already had a laptop/external hard drive and a Pure Evoke 2 (optical output) that could be used as sources.
The dealer also gave her some discount, came to her house to set it all up and had the patience of a Laurent as she went through 20 listening options to arrive at her final choice. Needless to say that she is extremely happy and I must say so would I be.
One thing that did really impress me was a Rega system ie a Rega Brio, Apollo, Planar 1 +Goldring E3, DAC R and Dali Oberon 3 or the B&W 606. Approx cost=£2400. It sounded epic in the audition room and I could easily live with the system.
Just ordered my new bookself speakers very linear, good mids and decent treble, 90db sensitivity and no colourization plus deep low frequency bass down to 30hz. Just got 3 more speakers to get later in the year to complete my 5.1 system in my small living room.
Didn't get any speakers from the video as they weren't to my taste aesthetically and low frequency wise. Will continue using my trusty Oppo UDP 203 4K blu ray player's very good DAC and analogue outs for all the speakers, sub, amp.
Ps I'm clued up regarding audio but still love watching these videos, Steve Guttenburg looks like he's lived a colourful life. Plus good unbiased audio advice for the novices out there.
Steve's, schiit vidar?? Decent. But I'd go Outlaw Audio 5000 amp. $649.....class ab...5 channel...use 2 channels...170 into 8ohms 230 watts into 4 ohms. 50lb amp...torodial transformer. Better investment.
Last night as I was going to order a Outlaw RR2160 it showed out of stock but due back in November. This morning I checked again and it seems that the model has been upgraded to the RR2160MkII. I was hoping you would get around to reviewing this model when it becomes available.
I guess my concern is that it is truly an upgrade and not a compromise because of parts issues because of COVID.
I misspoke at 11:11 when I said the "Onkyo RR 2160," I meant to say the Outlaw RR2160.
Appreciate your hard work and dedication!
Another very useful video! Thank you!
great video, ide like to see a streaming desktop setup :dac,headphone amp ,preamp,powered monitors or a power amp and passive bookshelves and the most important part: headphones. all the components must be small .the dac has to be 24/192 ,dsd and mqa able and upgradable with firmware updates ,why not?
No need to thanks us we should be thanking you for sharing all your knowledge and delivering great content.
I do have a problem with my system. I am sat about 2.5m from the speakers. Thanks for the couple of suggestion in your list. Have you got any other speakers I should be looking at budget 500/1200.
Thanks one again
Hello Steve, I bought a pair of Kef q 750 speakers with an emotiva TA-100. I found that this combination works very well in my small living room. I spent 2k on this setup.
I have a very modest system around $2500 but the most fun system is a tablet streaming to active speakers, around 120 dollars.
Nice segment Steve. How about one on affordable integrated tube amps w/ speakers? Have had solid state equipment for50 years. want to try tubes!
george vera rogue is tube preamp.
george vera - Check out a company called 'Jolida' - For many years they have been the manufacturer of excellent tube gear at reasonable prices.
I spent $200 for my system consisting of a set of Klipsch R-41PMs.
Love your vlogs! I am currently putting together my budget for a new system: $800 for amp; $700 for preamp; $1,500 for speakers; I have the CD player and TT; and $12,000 for cables and interconnects, power treatment, racks and isolation treatment, and room treatment. Am I on the right track? Thanks in advance.
Great show. Thank you for all the great information.
Thanks man! This is greatly appreciated!
Great video Steve. I've said this so many times before...EVERYONE hears differently and has different tastes. Some people actually like Bose...wait a second. I just threw up in my mouth. Some are Klipsch fans. Others just take their friends or a reviewers advice without listening for themselves. If you want a good sounding system, you have to get off your ass and get out and do some listening. Other people can't hear for you. BTW, if you're one of those that think Bose speakers sound good, do a side by side comparison with ANY other speaker in the same price range. You'll see why most people in audio hate Bose. The KEF LS-50 is fine if you wear them like headphones. Of course, these are just my opinions. Get out and listen people and make up your own mind. Steve has done a great job of compiling this list and has found some excellent options. I see some question the Outlaw receiver because of the SNR being only 70. Look again. The amps SNR is 96 db. The FM section is rated at 70db. Outlaw makes very good gear for the money. Sorry for ranting. Have fun growing your systems. Thx Steve !!
Hi Steve! Great Videos! I see you love turntables. I just watched a vintage video from 1984 on the NEW technology "Laser Compact Disk". They talked about all the benefits over vinyl including a 30dB dynamic range improvement, no wow or flutter, totally flat frequency response, no snap crackle or pop. We thought we died and went to heaven when the CD arrived; and we did. Have we all been duped into falling in love with Thomas Edison technology again. Maybe I should buy a 1894 Victrola to improve my music room. Could you do a video on how a vinyl LP can ever be technologically better than a CD? Thanks!
Steve...have you auditioned Canadian-made PSB lodspeakers?? Excellent value across the line!
I wish you would do a video describing from start to finish how to set up a complete system. From turntable to preamp to amplifier to speaker suggested cables etc. also, Since Technics has come back the Audio-technica products aren’t mentioned much. I’ve been using the Audio-technica AT LP240-USB turntable with the AT440mla. cartridge with a Yamaha RXV 765 receiver played through Klipsch Synergy Series speakers. The system also is used for my home theater surround system. I can’t say anything bad about the turntable; it’s dead quiet and has worked flawlessly for me. My son-in-law gave me the amp and seven speakers that include two bookshelf and the subwoofer...all Klipsch. The system sounds great to me, especially with the wonderful new top end reissues. Just played the Buckingham Nicks Sterling Sound pressing and it’s great. I know Michael Fremer would probably scoff at this setup but do you have any thoughts...improvements etc. I really enjoy your videos especially your smooth, mild mannered, approach.
My system's currently like $280 of equipment. (Lots of sales, second hand, thrifting, etc.)
Smart ! Enjoy ! Buy music !
Great video from a great guy. Thank you Steve😄
Great video. $2500 for a carefully selected system with floor standing speakers is about the point where you begin to get diminishing returns as you go up in price. IMHO. Don’t forget NAD.
👍 awesome video, please keep climbing the latter. Your the top dog in audio!
Hi Steve! Any recent reviews of audiophile headphones and headphone amps? Also, how do you compare speaker audio versus headphones? Back in the late 70s my studio recording class was taught by an audiophile who brought in his $10k+ system so that we could experience Billy Joel live, directly from master recordings that he had made ... wow! I’l never forget it! You could hear him breathing ... placing his hands on the piano keyboard ... it was, intense! The speakers he brought in were HUGE! It’s one of the few experiences I still vividly recall from college. Thanks for a great show!
Most Professional Audiophile Enthusiast have it all. Expensive Cables and what not, They have basically checked every box possible and are still chasing the next upgrade. Makes me wonder if it is mostly in their head? If you took the best speakers you can afford, like Spatial Audio, OHM Walsh and and all you had was a simple Vintage Receiver like a Sansui or Marantz. How much of a difference is there compare to a $10K Amplifier? I'm just looking at this in a pragmatic way. What if you spend $500 in Room treatments and forget the $5K piece of equipment instead?
LOVE. THAT. SHIRT!!!
I’d only add, Sony STR-ZA1100ES AVR. Sure, it’s multi-channel but works for stereo and has bass management. Or the Sony STR-ZA810ES.
What do you think of the schiit ragnarok as a peace of mind/compact solution to have all you need?
I have a budget of around $4K. How about some recommendations? A $4K budget video.
Loving the series Steve!!! You recommendation of the Maggie's along with the Outlaw is exactly what I have recommend to many others as well. For those serious with vinyl, you can't beat the Rega P1. In addition, I prefer floor standing speakers oppose to bookshelves. Out of curiosity, would you also consider the MicroWalsh in this series?
At an audio show...I believe it was in NYC? John Strohbeen used that Outlaw amp to drive a pair of Ohm-Walsh 2000s.
@@redstarwraith Yes!!! That is correct. However, In my opinion I would use the Pass Labs.
@@ythagakure Well, of course! But if you're on a budget, it's nice to know that the Outlaw can do the job. I'm curious how the IOTA VX stack that Steve's friend, Sean (at Zero Fidelity) reviewed and raved about would compare to the Outlaw?
Some guy down below was going on about how the Yamaha A-S801 would "walk all over the Outlaw" and in Sean's review, the IOTA XV stack walked all over that same Yamaha! And, the stack is $900.
redstarwraith Although music has always been subjective in my opinion... personally... there isn’t a speaker within budget that the Outlaw would not be able to handle. From the Maggie’s to the Elacs which require power to the Walshs Ohms. Outlaw to me has done an amazing job to provide us audiophiles with just the right amount of power and sound to fill our hearts with speakers from $3000.00 or less in my opinion.
You had the Mini Lore in the lesser priced system. You should have included the Lore and/or Lore Reference in this price range. IMHO Tekton price/performance ratio is exceptional. I trialed several of Eric's speakers and settled on the Ulfberts the easily replaced much more expensive speakers I owned previously. So I've paid my dues to offer this comment.
Merry Christmas and happy new year!
I'm in the market for a new desk setup, as I'm getting some kind of hiss intermittently whether I'm using head phone or preamp to speaker amp output. Current setup is USB out to Audio-gd NFB 11.32 DAC / amp combo -> preamp to SMSL SA50 spe aker amp -> Pioneer SP-BS21-LR speakers. So all my stuff is reasonably old anyway.
For all I know it could be a USB issue, or dirt in something, but I don't like that the Audio-gd requires a driver for USB either.
Klipsch RP600M, Martin Logan sub, Schiit Modi 3, Schiit Saga +, Emotiva 150 wpc amp, Sony UBP-800X transport/thumb drive port. Just under $2,500. I'm very pleased.