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Lol! Thanks for the shout out guys. Seriously, sure they don’t measure well and they do look like a 90’s throw back (specifically the Polk RTI6). But I’m guessing they’re not terrible, especially for the price. The build quality looks good. Not hating, just poking fun. These are just material things at the end of the day. As a wise denim and spectical enthusiast once said “The only person who needs to enjoy your system is you” 🍻 P.S. AIWA is life!
While I hope you guys don't feel like you have to do one of these every week, you have hit on gold with this concept. Very entertaining and helpful. And hell yes to hifi being fun. From chilling in front of my main system to just washing my car and wearing some Air Pods, music makes life better.
I voiced my opinion on the speaker on the last review. For this one I just want to say THANK YOU. This is why I love this channel and you guys. Real people, real opinions and views, simple and honest. Thank you for this conversation! Hope everyone has a lovely day and to the guy diagnosed with the worst thing out there, I hope you get to experience more enjoyment and get well soon! F*** you cancer.
HAHA, RUclips overlords... Seriously though, I started enjoying HIFI more the less I engage with the toxic community that is HIFI. A good example I have was a person telling me that I was ignorant for saying "wide soundstage". "This is an ambiguous term. You should use proper terms like the sound is spacious." Great format you two, I am enjoying the conversations!
Totally get what you mean about the toxic hifi scene. It’s all my team is better than yours or more importantly in this community I’ve got more cash to spend on gear than you! Andrew and Kristi are cool though, they’ve got my stamp of approval (not that that matters)
Hello Andrew and Kristi! I wanted to express my gratitude for providing such an entertaining video! I hope you don't mind if I ask an off-topic question. Thanks to your recommendation, I purchased the Q990C at a quite decent price, considering my location (Malta, to be exact). Now, I aim to maximize the soundbar's capabilities with my current setup. I have a PS5 connected to a Feintech VAX04101, which is then linked to a relatively inexpensive projector that, as far as I know, lacks ARC/eARC capabilities. My main concern is whether I can achieve the full 11.1.4 experience with this setup for gaming, TV shows, and movies, or if I should consider investing in something else. I appreciate your time and assistance!
I want to help, but unfortunately, I don't have any first-hand experience with the Feintech product or gaming with a projector connected to the Q990C. The 990C should pass through the video if you connect your PS5 to the HDMI input and then runthe HDMI out, out to your projector. I'm unsure what adding the Feintech gives you or does in this setup? You don't need to run audio to the projector as the soundbar is handling it so ARC/eARC isn't necessary here? Again, I haven't tried your exact setup. I'm doing my best to visualize the signal chain in my head, and I think you may be overcomplicating things.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews yeah in fact now that I opted for the q990c, the feintech is redundant, apart from having the ease of having more hdmi inputs to make use of 😊 lastly, will I make use of the whole 11.1.4 channels with my ps5, or should I opt for something like the apple 4k? Thank you!
The fun you have, encouraged me to pick up a 6000a play after almost 20 years with an old yamaha avr. While the Audiolab is now gone, that vibe of having fun still remains, so thank you. I'm enjoying this new format, the "shop talk" vibe is great. As an FYI, I am currently running Atoll Pr200, Am200, zidoo neo s streamer dac, and a brand new pair of audiovector qr5 se speakers. Living vicariously through you two.
Hi Andrew! Thanks for the great content! I've watched a bunch of your videos, and was hoping you could drop a recommendation. I am building a film studio for video production, but it will double as an intimate unique event space. The space I need help with is 22' wide, 45' long, with sealed concrete floors, 13' exposed commercial ceilings with exposed metal i-beams, and there's not a ton of reverb, but I will be hanging acoustic panels parallel to the floor from the i-beams to clean up some of the slight echo there is. I'm rocking the Hisense C1 at 175" for video, and while I have the Samsung Q990b at the house, and the Q990C in the green room, I know I need a real setup for this space. I'm unsure if the theater style screen/sound will rent out well, so I want to go very mid/low tier. Ideally under 3K with receiver, but I could jump it to sub 4K all in. I'd love if it could be an Atmos setup as well. Because nothing can be permanent if at floor/wall level, I was thinking tower speakers for the front L/R, a center speaker brought in at ear level, or a permanent mount angled down from an i-beam, two bookself speakers at the rear, and either up firing atmos speakers, or I could easily mount them to the ibeams pointing down. Depending on what you recommend, I may need a dedicated sub as well. Keep up the great content, and thank you for your time and help!
Okay, first, thanks for the support and supper chat! Because this is a larger space, but one that may need to accomodate a lot of different configurations, I'm not sure I'd go with towers. I think on-walls may be the most freeing as they won't be in anyone's way (or foot path) if you do an event or gathering --something you'd have to consider even with towers let alone bookshelf speakers on stands. If we go with on-walls, we can keep all the speakers the same, which is best for surround sound honestly. I was going to steer you towards Arendal 1961 bookshelf speakers all around but they're discontinued. My next choice would be Magnat's THX cinema line here amzn.to/49hO6rS. These are great, wall-mountable speakers that can be used for all channels. Add a sub or two and you should be good to go! For an AVR, I used the Onkyo RZ50 and it was a great combo. Now, we may be pushing your budget here (not sure) but this would be a good setup for a large space like yours.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews I was hoping you'd say these. I've watched A LOT of your videos and this is the system I initially built out. Really appreciate the input. What would you do with the center channel? Would you mount it at roughly a 10' height hanging from the I-beam, would you bring out a small table to set it on when in use for screenings, or would you skip it all together?
I would likely experiment with both center options, or mount the center to the wall below the screen. If this is going to be a semi event or gathering space, I would advise against ANYTHING being on a stand/table out in the room.
I'm so glad you like Unplugged! We're really enjoying it ourselves. The sofa is new, but you'll probably notice a different one in a couple months. We're exchanging this one for one with a lower back for more support (just what we're used to).
For the people that don't own a SPL meter..85-88db is LOUD. And just because you've heard 10 different speakers in your lifetime you are far from an expert. And for those that criticize everything..lighten up. Take that energy to the gym or for a walk. No Fun!!
Well you kids got us having lots of fun. Using the Sony str-dn1080 with used Focal Chora 806 fronts with a Sony a90j 65 all of which ya'll turn us onto. Hope ya'll review the Hisense U8N this year. 😊
I think what makes the hobby fun for me is listening to my kids talking about wanting home theater when they’re on their own. They’ve grown up always having 5.1 surround sound in the house, so movies and gaming at other households falls flat for them. My pieced together systems don’t have the latest tech, aren’t scientifically placed or tuned, and may fall below the standards of many followers here, but they rumble and damn are they fun! Someday, I can see myself searching the market for gear for a kids first system.
This was a really fun video to watch! Thank you both! I bought the Jamo Studio 8 home theater package when they were dirt cheap on Amazon ($143 for the package) and they are what really got me into home theater. I only bought them after watching your review on them from a few years back and after watching the Cheap Audio Man (CAM) review the s803 and s801 speakers. After I got everything setup I went right to reddit and posted in both the home theater and budget audiophile subs because I was proud of my first setup and excited to share them and I immediately felt like everyone wanted to rip apart my speaker choice because "they don't measure very well". I think that there is a lot of "gate keeping" in the home audio world and It's just really refreshing to have your channel and CAM highlighting fun speakers at a good price point. It's also really fun to watch you review speakers that are way out of my budget but to also see you be happy enjoying my same speakers even if they don't have the flattest measurements. I've since upgraded significantly and am now enjoying the Klipsch Reference Premiere speakers in my home theater and the Jamos are still going strong in a secondary home theater area. I would have had a hard time purchasing the Jamos and the Klipsch speakers had there not be reviewers like you willing to recommend fun speakers and highlight pros and cons of fun speakers on a budget.
Inflation combined with no federal minimum wage increase in 15 years is hardly sustainable. That said...there are so many options available at a variety of price points, which I hope helps fill in the gaps a little.
As someone who bought a Marantz 11 channel processor which failed, and had to be replaced under warranty, i totally understand the fear of buying new gear. If i were to shop for a new processor, i could no longer afford Marantz as an option with their new pricing. But, there are always options. Just my opinion.
@@thepracticalaudiophilethat totally sucks. To their credit, they gave me a new unit and its still rocking. But when / if this preamp goes, i cannot afford to buy marantz again regardless of reliability. I am hoping this unit lasts, as it has no amplifier, and just does the processing. When it fails, even the new models regardless of brand are excluding the analog 7.1 ch input, which i still love for some movies.
Sharing a personal HiFi fun story. Sometimes, just sometimes, I might set up 3 stereos in one average living room on 3 walls and play music via airplay to all of them simultaneously. HiFi sacrilege to be sure, but it fills the room nicely for parties and gives an interesting and FUN effect.
Bruh, this is what hifi is all about. I run four speakers and it gives the best holographic 3D sound in a small space. I'm down with doing stuff that no one else does and getting good results
Love what you two do! Been deep in Tidal tonight listening to early Robert Palmer, man if that doesn't reinforce my desire for great sounding gear, I'm not sure what will.
Recalling the day I watched a video of your about the Jamo 809’s about them being a cheap way to get into audio . I found them,set them up . Never been disappointed with any of the purchases after watching any of your reviews . Thank you for taking the time to make videos and share with us your knowledge of audio. Been a blast so far
Bravo for showing the smoothing value for your sample graph! Plenty of people show spl graphs with no indication at all about how much smooting was employed.
I like how most of the comments do not in fact voice and opinion wether or not a center is actually needed. I haven't had one for over 12 years, but my space was always very small. I just moved into a bigger living room now, with my main left and right being much further apart. It's still great if i sit flat in the middle, but not as great when I am on the outside of the sofa. Its the first time in my life where i am thinking of adding a center to my system.
Well , since I have been an audiophile with good equipment since the early 70’s…I’d say it is still very much fun. I get at least 2-3 hours listening in a day, in winter, summer, a little less as I am outdoors. That is pure 2 channel, not counting movies or TV. Not only do I have around 3000 CDs…but I also have a huge archive of vintage “underground” FM rock radio now converted to digital…sill use my reel to reel, have a stereo in my backwood cabin, camp and listen to acoustic music by the campfire in a national forest. Yea, I still enjoy it.
In my group of baby boomer audiophiles, most who have systems WAY better than my own, we have had a saying that goes back decades: “Even if you only have a boom box…or college dorm stereo, the thing is only as good as the music you play on it.”
I enjoy watching your Unplugged series better than all the other shows you produce ~ Great to see you folks with your hair down and speaking frankly to your viewer mail ~
Hey just wanted to say thank you for your content and the way you both deliver it. I almost never engage with this community based on what I feel is an unwillingness to help others and their willingness to just flat out belittle people by the vocal few "audiophiles" who dominate the comment threads. When I was finally in a position to invest in a home theater system, I made a purchase based entirely on your review of the Polk R200's. I had seen others nit pick this speaker, but your thorough and unbiased review sold me on it. I have so much fun watching movies, even more so now with a 5.1.4 all Polk Reserve setup. I couldn't care less how it measures, it's budget friendly price, or that most wouldn't classify it as Hi-Fi, I just love how it sounds.
Weren't breast fed with enough eye contact? That's friggin epic! :D hahaha btw Kristi's username pronunciations and descriptions steal the show. Please KEEP THAT UP! :) Andrew's reactions to them are awesome.
I like the new format with image in lower left. I like hearing both of your opinions. I am getting back into audio and really learned a lot from your different videos. Thanks.
I learned *all about* how much of a movie soundtrack is going to the centre *and only the centre* when I had to redo our setup after we upgraded to 4k, and after a few days, suddenly movies no longer contained dialogue. Absolutely baffling, but I blamed the TV or something elsewhere in the signal chain-which of course made no sense, but I hadn't touched the speakers so they couldn't be the problem. Then I found the loose speaker connection. Super frustrating at the time, but a valuable learning experience.
If you have a pair of good speakers, you wont ever need a separate adjustment for vocals. The movies should already have the perfect levels. If you are having trouble hearing vocals with two speakers... then raising the volume, should be more than enough. Most of the problems with vocals, is actually due to an under-powered Center. Most centers use smaller drivers, that are not as effective... and even when you raise the center volume levels... they still often do not sound very good. If the center has the same sized drivers... there shouldnt be any problems (unless maybe if they did something funky with the crossovers.. or maybe if the drivers are using different Ohms, both of which shouldnt be the case). Now... if you actually have pretty bad hearing issues... then maybe this would be an exception... where a separate center channel, might help (so long as you have a GOOD center). Other than that... you can use hardware or software Equalization, to give a boost vocals... and or whatever frequencies are too low. I use EQ often, to maximize my speakers full potentials (such as increasing the bass performance to be the most Energetic... just shy of blowing them). In some bad media, I have also boosted the midrange, to make vocals louder, too (I dont currently use a center channel).
Enjoy your videos. One of my first 5.1 surround sound setups was a panasonic ht in a box. right on the remote it had a button that said "center focus" that spread the center channel signal into the front left and right speakers. This sounded so much better than all the dialouge coming from one speaker setting on top or underneath my tv. After I started upgrading to nicer AV receivers ( I like the older denons) I couldn't understand why that feature wasn't available on all surround sound setups. Never could find a center speaker that I liked. So I always go with the Phantom center. I keep the left and right front speakers not too far apart. 3-5 ft.
Good afternoon Andrew and Kristi. Good discussion. Totally agree with regards to loudness levels. As someone who likes his music a bit on the louder side and who has been checking db levels the past few months out of curiosity in the interest of avoiding hearing damage, 85 db average with peaks 90+ db at the listening position is quite loud. I find I like my music in the 80 to 85 db average level but beyond that it's getting excessive at least for any extended period of time.
How do people look at the production quality on these videos and think they haven't evaluated the option of Kristi being on camera. She doesn't want to be, and once she states that, continuing to request it or comment negatively on it is uncalled for. Can we just stop?
Yes, please have a review section for testing phantom speaker configuration for AVR testing!!! Not all of us want a centre and prefer to spend money on quality front speakers and for stereo music and movies.
Tell the fun police to get bent. While I do have an appreciation for the occasional witty contrarian, life is too short for grumpy asses that get lost on good information. Look at me I've got bad GAS (gear acquisition syndrome, not the rear surround voicing. ), for me the hunt is never ending fun! The only thing that isn't, is trying to find a matching tuner and cd player for Onkyo Grand Integra system, let alone a pair of their speakers. Keep doing what you're doing!!! Always fantastic content!!!
The main issue with phantom center for me is off-center listening. Since it's replicating the center that's missing with roughly equal volume from each speaker if you sit closer to the L or R you'll no longer hear the voices coming from the center/TV. With a center the AVR is generally just not playing things like on-screen voices from the L/R speakers so sitting off-center isn't as bad. Works great for tightly coupled listening positions though!
I dont use a center... and have never felt anything to be "Off-Center". This sounds more like a poor Speaker problem, than a Center Channel problem. Some speakers have a tweeters that produce a very NARROW soundstage: You have to sit almost perfectly centered between the speakers, to get the perfect Stereo Image. If you move a mere foot out of that spot... you notice a drop-off in the sound from one side. However... certain speakers can spread the sound much wider and deeper... to the point where you can stand almost anywhere in the room, and still get a Fantastic 3d Holographic Image, with no notable Drop Off. My first pair of house speakers, were some 90s era Techniques. 12" 3-ways. They were nowhere near Audiophile grade speakers... but they produced an acceptably decent sound. Even these were fine for standard apartment room sizes. However, it was when I picked up a used pair of 70s era EPI 100v speakers.. that everything changed... The EPI's are Audiophile grade speakers. They have a Magical "inverted tweeter", that produces the widest and deepest soundstage, that Ive ever experienced in all of my life (and Ive owned like 30 pairs of speakers to date + listened to many others). It doesnt matter how or where I place them... they always sound fantastic... without any notable drop off... almost anywhere you stand, or sit.. in the room. The speakers themselves "Vanish", leaving no sign of Projection. Its as if the sounds simply come out of thin air... in 3D space... without any projection source. Its almost as if a band is playing Live, in your room. Ive also heard new musical details in my music... that Id never heard before... such as finally understanding Lyrics that the singer was singing (where as before, I never could understand them, due to the vocals muddying into the Backing instruments). If I were to guess... you may be using very small eco-speakers... that are not very good at projecting a wide image. As such, the sounds and details quickly drop off in energy levels.. the further you are from them. You can sometimes help this problem, by angling the speakers inwards, so that they form a triangular spread... or angle them even further, to "cross" them slightly. But as Ive said.. it could just be a tweeter, that doesnt have a very wide spread. As for the vocals, even when they are added back into the left and right speakers...they Should have been mastered in such a way, as to sound 3D. Also also, certain movies might also be panning vocals to the left and right sides, in addition to the center. So when you remove the center... the vocals are just getting the extra center channel energy, in addition to any left and right boosted panning vocal energy. Basically speaking... you shouldnt notice much, if any, difference at all. I actually got into Audiophile level sound, after buying a higher priced headphone, that I felt "Might" last longer than 3 months time (I was always breaking them, as admittedly, Im pretty rough on them). I picked up a pair of Sennheiser HD 500 headphones, and when I played a DVD with them on... I thought that I had forgotten to turn my 4 tower speakers off, using the amp speaker toggles. Being that the sound was LOUD, and it was like 2am... I ripped my headphones off, and DOVE for the Amp... only to realize, that NONE of my speakers were on! These were the first headphones, that made it sound like the sounds were coming from the room... and not from within a space between your ears. Totally Holographic... totally Mind Blowing... and all this from only 2 drivers (stereo). It was then that I realized the difference between low quality drivers... and high dynamic, audiophile grade drivers... which eventually also lead me into finding Audiophile speakers, with a similar clarity and 3D holography.
I’ve been following you content off and on since the recovering audiophile days. Even saw some of the record store find videos you guys did back in the day. I like how you present your material and you down to earth approach to reviews. I think it’s partially due to watching your content and finding the right gear that I’m no longer looking for new gear and just enjoy listening and watching content. I now just watch reviews for the entertainment value. This one hit close to home. The idea of making gear do things it was not intended to do, being disappointed by the results, and then reporting it as failure of the product is a disservice to people who want to learn. I was happy with my gear for 18 years but when I got back into the hobby to upgrade my setup it felt like a mine field and it took me a couple of years to figure out which direction to go. I’m back in a place where I just enjoy content. Thank you both for creating great content that even the less rabid fans can enjoy.
OMG Soooo funny you 2. Esp Kristi on fire 🔥. Love it! 😂 Seriously better than some of the comedy clubs I've been to lately. Love you guys and look fwd to unplugged every week!!! 🙏🏾🎆💯❤️
When an AVR asks small vs large speakers, ive always seen small is better even when using full towers, when is it appropriate/useful to use the LARGE speaker option in an AVR? A bigger room? Is Small vs Large actually pushing more wattage to that speaker?
12gauge is right. Small means high pass filter on. Large means high pass filter off (full range). Some people have big tower speakers and like how they sound by default, hence, they leave them at large, meaning they will receive a full range signal. You're right, in home theater the basic recommendat is to set all the speakers to small and let the subwoofer play the bass and deep bass frequencies. It's all trial and error because no room is the same. Changing the crossover frequency and speakers/subwoofer placement is a good way to try multiple setups and see what you like best. Personally, I like doing it by ear first and then tweak it using a calibrated microphone and Room EQ Wizard (REW). Hope this helps 👍
I had these old Jamo C-807 speakers and tried the whole phantom imaging thing (2 channel), actually placing them correctly and having a listening position. I was blown away by how all of my old music was brought to life in this beautiful three dimensional space with layers and depth. Luckily, the Jamos were very very good at imaging to make me realize this phenomenon. This put such a smile on my face the fun factor of music listening was right back in my life, and investing in an upgraded system almost immediately was justified. Luckily, I have an OCD brain that accepts I can live with the same system for a least 10 years 😂.
If one ruins their hearing with high SPL their speakers will always get far more expensive. I think there could be a fairly strong argument there is a threshold of SPL that will prevent anyone's room from allowing quality sound.
I totally agree with you: there is no right or wrong in this hobby. It’s so personal, we hear all in a different way. A long time ago I was visiting a college and he was doubtful about with amplifier worked well with his new speakers from Jamo ( big floorstanders). He had 3 amps to his disposal. We were the about the same age and we loved the same music (classical) and we had a totally different preference. Who was right or wrong: nobody. I never get personal over someone taste, if the other person is happy and I have another taste so what. Greetings from Ludo Belgium
Thanks for covering some of my comments / questions. Let me clarify, though. I understand the role that the center channel plays and how valuable it is, however, that statement is incomplete, it needs to be how valuable it is for certain situations. Let's take the movie theater situation that Andrew mentioned in the video. He is completely correct with a seating area that wide having center channels to anchor dialogue to the screen is a huge advantage over phantom. This is because of how wide the seating area is. Here is where things diverge, though. In homes a lot of people don't have the equivalent of a theater where people may be sitting way off center. A lot of in home systems have 1 to 5 viewers that are all relatively close to on center. With speakers that have a great center image this is child's play for a phantom center set up. Some listeners jave budget Best Buy speakers and may really need that center for any seat off of dead center. There are others though that have a scaled down cinema in home and will greatly benefit from a center channel many viewers that are well off center. Phantom isn't the best solution for everyone. However, it is a viable solution and a great one for a lot of people. The problem is a lot of people don't even know it is an option at all. That is what I mean about the industry conspiracy. Why would "they" want anyone to do phantom. It is a xash cow. Convince people to buy expensive mains for good misic performance. Now for movies, well now you need an expensive center as it is the most important channel because almost all dialogue goes there now. That is true, except there is an exception to that which is almost never told, and that is that it isn't mandatory. Fhe center is the most important channel for sureound content IF you add one. If not then your mains remain the most important speakers, and dollar for dollar they are simply better.
@@KristiWright thanks for answering my question, I quite like the design on these and I am on a look for new bookshelf speakers so your reply will definitely help me decide.
i ordered the polk r600 and the r400 center. ill tell u hands down the best center i have ever heard and used. i went w 600's as i have 2 um18's i built myself. i have no need for the bass in the 700's. i ran across a vid of a guy using just the center watching a movie. the polk center is honestly incredible. i highly recommend if you are in the market for a center go check it out. what do you 2 think of the polk r400 center? i looked and never seen a vid of it from you guys.
There is good Schiit and not so good Schiit when it comes to design. Just glad they will all soon be manufactured in either San Antonio or Corpus Christi, TX.
As you've always said Andrew, the only person that needs to enjoy your system is you. We all have opinions, I agree. BTW - shout out and prayers to Preston. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Well if i was wanting to purchase a av receiver for occasional surround sound, music the first priority, now that i can snag the onkyo rz50 for a grand is the upgrade to a anthem mrx 740 worth the extra 2k? Hmmm i listen to louder listening levels with 4 ohm speakers. Decision’s decisions
What would you recommend as an individual purchase centre speaker? Is there a case for a video on 'you have a 2.1 system, what next?' recommendation and review (Centre, surround, connectivity - wired/wireless etc) I have an AVR (Cinema70s), a sub and a decent audiophile speakers (LS50M) - but I do find that dialog can be low in the mix, even with dialog enhancements on. I also find that mixing can vary massively between films and sources - leading to the 'dance of tweaking' for each time I use the system.
The mixing varying between films is something that cannot be helped I'm afraid, though, because you have a Marantz, have you tried Audyssey's Dynamic EQ features, I find these are good for variations in a mix. As for a matching center for your LS50 Metas, can you fit a single Meta under your TV? That would be a great center match. You can place a Meta on its side and there shouldn't be a change in sound due to its design. Just a thought.
SVS has made it clear to us that they only want overwhelmingly positive reviews of their products, and since we never guarantee the outcome of any review, to any brand, for any reason, we're not likely to get a pair sent to us for review.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews well, I've just lost a lot of respect for SVS. I'm proud that you stand for us. If a company builds a product that they believe in, they shouldn't need to put pressure on reviewers to give kudos.
Hi Andrew, appreciate all the shared insight. I recently inherited a pair of B&W 804D4 speakers (two years old) and a HTM2-D center channel. I've watched your videos on the other B&W speakers, and it sounds like it's essential to pair them with the right amp/receiver (although I didn't see a review of this specific speaker). I currently have a very basic system, which I primarily use for vinyl. An old Denon receiver (AVR 3805) and Marantz (SR5013), with an AT-LP7 turntable. I was wondering if you could recommend some options (amps/receivers) that you think would align dynamically. I was excited about the Decware, with the 89db sounds like that wouldn't be ideal with these speakers. I could spend more (maybe up to $5-6k), but would rather it be less of course. Thanks for your time.
Also, FYI, it is one thing to say that you don't like Andrew doing personal in room measurements as you want anechoic or similar. However, saying he doesn't know how to measure because he measures differently than you would like is ignorant.
If one has their home theatre system in a small to medium bedroom where a surround system is not practical, I can’t begin to tell you how much fun the smaller Magnepan LRS+ perform in a 2.1 setup. While I own more expensive speakers, the transparency and spatial quality of the Maggies makes them ideal for watching Netflix and the like. While a sub is obviously needed for “rumbling” effects, even the bass is surprisingly satisfying.
Kristi and Andrew, Schiit will move all their production to Texas in next few months, would like to see more reviews of their products, for example, their recently launched Aegir 2 with Halo～～
Definitely having fun. Too many people though decide to align themselves with internet teams and form opinions without ever hearing anything for themselves. It’s unfortunate but an aspect of the internet echo chamber age. I would absolutely encourage people to goto a local Hifi store and hear for themselves. I would also encourage that they respect what someone else might like and that not everyone needs to be in your camp. Like what you like and enjoy and don’t sweat what others may think since it’s yours not theirs.
Centre channel. some surround sound sets ups don't work well unless you have real physical speakers on six (eight) channels. Mixing a six channel source down to stereo sometimes messes with the dialogue and background music. If the source has a correctly mixed stereo (for listening on headphones) they have been okay. Trying to do without a centre channel on my WiSA set up failed as did doing without a sub-woofer on an analogue set up (speaker sent off for service). The WiSA set up ignores the fact the settings had no centre and so all the dialogue was missing. Even if the sub-woofer went to 20-20kHz speakers it still seemed missing but was okay if the source was set to stereo. So I am doubtful when told that the "sound bar" does not need front speakers or a sub-woofer or the new speakers are enough with just front and rears but apparently it does need a newer mobile phone to set them up.
Since we are talking about Is HiFi Still Fun....how about a poll on Best Looking Speakers, Worst Looking Speakers? Sound Quality thrown out the window.....Just Looks.
I have a samsung Q80T and was planning on getting a surround sound speaker(5.1) mostly for the center channel since a good chunk of movies I watch either in streaming platforms (HBO) or downloaded DRM free movies that doesn't have a good 2.0 sound and is it right to assume that dialogue in 5.1 audio is played though the center channel, therefore making the dialogue hopefully better?
In terms of Dialogue you wont see a real improvement moving to surround compared to that soundbar unless you seek out speakers with high clarity such as the KEF Q or R series
To be clear, yes the center plays dialogue in most cases. I would recommend you adjust the EQ on your soundbar before moving towards a completely new system. Your particular soundbar is very good and replacing it with a system which will provide more dialogue clarity in particular will bring your costs to around $2-3k
When first look at those speakers i was impressed by design. Maybe tweater looks plastic. But overall the shape and collor was nice. The today i read a comments. I think we could laugh at every speakers. For example those enourmus speakers Robin had connected to tiny DAC or those pricy B&W with this strenge top. Overall this is only design. The most important is the sound. The sound that we like or/and family in the house.
About the phantom center... I believe having phantom center if the speakers are good enough is a good option if you are single. In the center seat the experience is great. But at the sides, not so much. Suddenly, the voices come from the left or the right speaker rather than where the TV is.
With very good imaging speakers and good receivers or processors it can be a very good experience for far more than just 1 seat, at least 3 and many times probably more like 5 seats, center and 2 seats each way from there. So like I have always said, phantom isn't for everyone, but it is a great solution for a lot of people. The problem is many don't know it is an option. Then there are others that ask about it and people shut it down, often times with incorrect info. If you have people often sitting way off center, especially if they are also very close to one of the mains then phantom may not be for you and that is fine, grab a good center and enjoy. However saying it only works for single people is simply not accurate as a hard rule. Maybe with certain speakers, or receivers, but a lot of combos can give a great phantom center image for multiple seats.
@@jaredhylton6591 I think my system isn't that bad (Focal Kanta 1, MiniDSP Flex HT as DAC/pre-amp, for now Audiolab 6000A as power amp), but once I leave the center the speaker I am closer to dominates. Yeah, if you are far enough away etc. you can get by with phantom center for multiple seats, but it's not ideal. A proper center would be better. And no, my system does not have a center and I don't want one. But I see the benefits.
@@kadajawi2 Try extreme toe in. If I'm using phantom on my rig and toe in to where the speakers cross so that each speaker points to the opposite end of my couch, the sweet spot covers nearly the whole couch. It's weird o get used to, but it works for movies. I never would have tried it if I hadn't seen a vid talking about the science behind it. Not good for music though, so you move your speakers a lot.
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Thanks
Lol! Thanks for the shout out guys. Seriously, sure they don’t measure well and they do look like a 90’s throw back (specifically the Polk RTI6). But I’m guessing they’re not terrible, especially for the price. The build quality looks good. Not hating, just poking fun. These are just material things at the end of the day. As a wise denim and spectical enthusiast once said “The only person who needs to enjoy your system is you” 🍻
P.S. AIWA is life!
While I hope you guys don't feel like you have to do one of these every week, you have hit on gold with this concept. Very entertaining and helpful. And hell yes to hifi being fun. From chilling in front of my main system to just washing my car and wearing some Air Pods, music makes life better.
I’m still in love with Hifi 15 years later.. I love music music discovery and all the gear that comes along the journey .
That's awesome!
I voiced my opinion on the speaker on the last review. For this one I just want to say THANK YOU. This is why I love this channel and you guys. Real people, real opinions and views, simple and honest. Thank you for this conversation! Hope everyone has a lovely day and to the guy diagnosed with the worst thing out there, I hope you get to experience more enjoyment and get well soon! F*** you cancer.
Appreciate it! And yes, F you cancer!
We adore you, Vadym.
@@KristiWright ☺️ thank you! Hope you’re having a lovely day!
@@andrewrobinsonreviews 😇
I appreciate Andrew’s verbal eloquence
20:55 Phantom centre chat was really interesting!
Thanks for doing this new format, really enjoy them 😊
I'm so glad you enjoyed it and found it helpful!
HAHA, RUclips overlords... Seriously though, I started enjoying HIFI more the less I engage with the toxic community that is HIFI. A good example I have was a person telling me that I was ignorant for saying "wide soundstage". "This is an ambiguous term. You should use proper terms like the sound is spacious." Great format you two, I am enjoying the conversations!
Awesome to have you, @HifiSammy!
Totally get what you mean about the toxic hifi scene. It’s all my team is better than yours or more importantly in this community I’ve got more cash to spend on gear than you!
Andrew and Kristi are cool though, they’ve got my stamp of approval (not that that matters)
Thank you for your insightful comment about proper perspective. If a cancer patient doesn’t help make the point, I don’t know what would.
Andrew and I appreciate you all spending a little time with us today! Enjoy your weekend, and hopefully, we'll see you Sunday for the next review!
Thanks guys! You got me back in the hobby. And, yeah, as with any hobby, it can get expensive, but there are plenty of varying budgets.
Hello Andrew and Kristi! I wanted to express my gratitude for providing such an entertaining video! I hope you don't mind if I ask an off-topic question. Thanks to your recommendation, I purchased the Q990C at a quite decent price, considering my location (Malta, to be exact). Now, I aim to maximize the soundbar's capabilities with my current setup. I have a PS5 connected to a Feintech VAX04101, which is then linked to a relatively inexpensive projector that, as far as I know, lacks ARC/eARC capabilities. My main concern is whether I can achieve the full 11.1.4 experience with this setup for gaming, TV shows, and movies, or if I should consider investing in something else. I appreciate your time and assistance!
I want to help, but unfortunately, I don't have any first-hand experience with the Feintech product or gaming with a projector connected to the Q990C. The 990C should pass through the video if you connect your PS5 to the HDMI input and then runthe HDMI out, out to your projector. I'm unsure what adding the Feintech gives you or does in this setup? You don't need to run audio to the projector as the soundbar is handling it so ARC/eARC isn't necessary here? Again, I haven't tried your exact setup. I'm doing my best to visualize the signal chain in my head, and I think you may be overcomplicating things.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews yeah in fact now that I opted for the q990c, the feintech is redundant, apart from having the ease of having more hdmi inputs to make use of 😊 lastly, will I make use of the whole 11.1.4 channels with my ps5, or should I opt for something like the apple 4k? Thank you!
The fun you have, encouraged me to pick up a 6000a play after almost 20 years with an old yamaha avr. While the Audiolab is now gone, that vibe of having fun still remains, so thank you. I'm enjoying this new format, the "shop talk" vibe is great. As an FYI, I am currently running Atoll Pr200, Am200, zidoo neo s streamer dac, and a brand new pair of audiovector qr5 se speakers. Living vicariously through you two.
Hi Andrew! Thanks for the great content! I've watched a bunch of your videos, and was hoping you could drop a recommendation. I am building a film studio for video production, but it will double as an intimate unique event space.
The space I need help with is 22' wide, 45' long, with sealed concrete floors, 13' exposed commercial ceilings with exposed metal i-beams, and there's not a ton of reverb, but I will be hanging acoustic panels parallel to the floor from the i-beams to clean up some of the slight echo there is.
I'm rocking the Hisense C1 at 175" for video, and while I have the Samsung Q990b at the house, and the Q990C in the green room, I know I need a real setup for this space.
I'm unsure if the theater style screen/sound will rent out well, so I want to go very mid/low tier. Ideally under 3K with receiver, but I could jump it to sub 4K all in. I'd love if it could be an Atmos setup as well.
Because nothing can be permanent if at floor/wall level, I was thinking tower speakers for the front L/R, a center speaker brought in at ear level, or a permanent mount angled down from an i-beam, two bookself speakers at the rear, and either up firing atmos speakers, or I could easily mount them to the ibeams pointing down.
Depending on what you recommend, I may need a dedicated sub as well.
Keep up the great content, and thank you for your time and help!
Okay, first, thanks for the support and supper chat! Because this is a larger space, but one that may need to accomodate a lot of different configurations, I'm not sure I'd go with towers. I think on-walls may be the most freeing as they won't be in anyone's way (or foot path) if you do an event or gathering --something you'd have to consider even with towers let alone bookshelf speakers on stands.
If we go with on-walls, we can keep all the speakers the same, which is best for surround sound honestly. I was going to steer you towards Arendal 1961 bookshelf speakers all around but they're discontinued. My next choice would be Magnat's THX cinema line here amzn.to/49hO6rS. These are great, wall-mountable speakers that can be used for all channels. Add a sub or two and you should be good to go! For an AVR, I used the Onkyo RZ50 and it was a great combo. Now, we may be pushing your budget here (not sure) but this would be a good setup for a large space like yours.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews I was hoping you'd say these. I've watched A LOT of your videos and this is the system I initially built out. Really appreciate the input. What would you do with the center channel? Would you mount it at roughly a 10' height hanging from the I-beam, would you bring out a small table to set it on when in use for screenings, or would you skip it all together?
I would likely experiment with both center options, or mount the center to the wall below the screen. If this is going to be a semi event or gathering space, I would advise against ANYTHING being on a stand/table out in the room.
Man, I love this format so much, it’s so great having even more footage of you both weekly! Is that a new sofa I see also?
I'm so glad you like Unplugged! We're really enjoying it ourselves.
The sofa is new, but you'll probably notice a different one in a couple months. We're exchanging this one for one with a lower back for more support (just what we're used to).
Whoa boy. A great phantom center is magical. But for home theater, the center is so important in any system ive cobbled together.
For the people that don't own a SPL meter..85-88db is LOUD. And just because you've heard 10 different speakers in your lifetime you are far from an expert. And for those that criticize everything..lighten up. Take that energy to the gym or for a walk.
No Fun!!
Well you kids got us having lots of fun. Using the Sony str-dn1080 with used Focal Chora 806 fronts with a Sony a90j 65 all of which ya'll turn us onto. Hope ya'll review the Hisense U8N this year. 😊
I think what makes the hobby fun for me is listening to my kids talking about wanting home theater when they’re on their own. They’ve grown up always having 5.1 surround sound in the house, so movies and gaming at other households falls flat for them. My pieced together systems don’t have the latest tech, aren’t scientifically placed or tuned, and may fall below the standards of many followers here, but they rumble and damn are they fun! Someday, I can see myself searching the market for gear for a kids first system.
This was a really fun video to watch! Thank you both! I bought the Jamo Studio 8 home theater package when they were dirt cheap on Amazon ($143 for the package) and they are what really got me into home theater. I only bought them after watching your review on them from a few years back and after watching the Cheap Audio Man (CAM) review the s803 and s801 speakers. After I got everything setup I went right to reddit and posted in both the home theater and budget audiophile subs because I was proud of my first setup and excited to share them and I immediately felt like everyone wanted to rip apart my speaker choice because "they don't measure very well". I think that there is a lot of "gate keeping" in the home audio world and It's just really refreshing to have your channel and CAM highlighting fun speakers at a good price point. It's also really fun to watch you review speakers that are way out of my budget but to also see you be happy enjoying my same speakers even if they don't have the flattest measurements. I've since upgraded significantly and am now enjoying the Klipsch Reference Premiere speakers in my home theater and the Jamos are still going strong in a secondary home theater area. I would have had a hard time purchasing the Jamos and the Klipsch speakers had there not be reviewers like you willing to recommend fun speakers and highlight pros and cons of fun speakers on a budget.
Thanks to Extreme Inflation. I'm Losing the Fun Factor....
Totally get that feeling. But there are options.
Inflation combined with no federal minimum wage increase in 15 years is hardly sustainable. That said...there are so many options available at a variety of price points, which I hope helps fill in the gaps a little.
As someone who bought a Marantz 11 channel processor which failed, and had to be replaced under warranty, i totally understand the fear of buying new gear. If i were to shop for a new processor, i could no longer afford Marantz as an option with their new pricing. But, there are always options. Just my opinion.
Every Marantz receiver I've owned failed within 3 years, even with open ventilation and a fan on top.@maxpower78-15
@@thepracticalaudiophilethat totally sucks. To their credit, they gave me a new unit and its still rocking. But when / if this preamp goes, i cannot afford to buy marantz again regardless of reliability. I am hoping this unit lasts, as it has no amplifier, and just does the processing. When it fails, even the new models regardless of brand are excluding the analog 7.1 ch input, which i still love for some movies.
If the speaker resembles a dishwasher, does it deliver a clean sound?
Nailed it.
Sharing a personal HiFi fun story. Sometimes, just sometimes, I might set up 3 stereos in one average living room on 3 walls and play music via airplay to all of them simultaneously. HiFi sacrilege to be sure, but it fills the room nicely for parties and gives an interesting and FUN effect.
Bruh, this is what hifi is all about. I run four speakers and it gives the best holographic 3D sound in a small space. I'm down with doing stuff that no one else does and getting good results
Airplay is amazing. It gives you more opportunities and ways to enjoy your music. How could that ever be a bad thing?
Multicast is fun!
Love the format. I enjoy looking forward to two videos a week and allowing your community to weigh in on the conversation. Nice job. Keep it up!
Glad you enjoy it!
Love what you two do! Been deep in Tidal tonight listening to early Robert Palmer, man if that doesn't reinforce my desire for great sounding gear, I'm not sure what will.
Recalling the day I watched a video of your about the Jamo 809’s about them being a cheap way to get into audio . I found them,set them up . Never been disappointed with any of the purchases after watching any of your reviews . Thank you for taking the time to make videos and share with us your knowledge of audio. Been a blast so far
Bravo for showing the smoothing value for your sample graph! Plenty of people show spl graphs with no indication at all about how much smooting was employed.
I used to have a Boombox in the late eighties where I could detach the Silver Speakers ,that looks just like it.
I like this new format with the controlled sass from the both of you.
I'm glad you're enjoying it!
Thanks!
Thank you, James!
Thank you guys for the great reviews!
I like how most of the comments do not in fact voice and opinion wether or not a center is actually needed. I haven't had one for over 12 years, but my space was always very small.
I just moved into a bigger living room now, with my main left and right being much further apart. It's still great if i sit flat in the middle, but not as great when I am on the outside of the sofa.
Its the first time in my life where i am thinking of adding a center to my system.
Well , since I have been an audiophile with good equipment since the early 70’s…I’d say it is still very much fun. I get at least 2-3 hours listening in a day, in winter, summer, a little less as I am outdoors. That is pure 2 channel, not counting movies or TV. Not only do I have around 3000 CDs…but I also have a huge archive of vintage “underground” FM rock radio now converted to digital…sill use my reel to reel, have a stereo in my backwood cabin, camp and listen to acoustic music by the campfire in a national forest. Yea, I still enjoy it.
What's your favorite speakers
Appreciate you sharing!
Klipsch Cornwalls…
@@gewamser Great speakers!
In my group of baby boomer audiophiles, most who have systems WAY better than my own, we have had a saying that goes back decades: “Even if you only have a boom box…or college dorm stereo, the thing is only as good as the music you play on it.”
You're 3rd episode. My first. Loving the new channel changes.
I enjoy watching your Unplugged series better than all the other shows you produce ~ Great to see you folks with your hair down and speaking frankly to your viewer mail ~
Hey just wanted to say thank you for your content and the way you both deliver it. I almost never engage with this community based on what I feel is an unwillingness to help others and their willingness to just flat out belittle people by the vocal few "audiophiles" who dominate the comment threads.
When I was finally in a position to invest in a home theater system, I made a purchase based entirely on your review of the Polk R200's. I had seen others nit pick this speaker, but your thorough and unbiased review sold me on it. I have so much fun watching movies, even more so now with a 5.1.4 all Polk Reserve setup. I couldn't care less how it measures, it's budget friendly price, or that most wouldn't classify it as Hi-Fi, I just love how it sounds.
Welcome and please don't be a stranger. The Polks are fantastic and I'm glad to hear you are enjoying yours!
Love this new format!!! You are both so great to listen to. Thank you both!
We appreciate you watching!
Weren't breast fed with enough eye contact? That's friggin epic! :D hahaha
btw Kristi's username pronunciations and descriptions steal the show. Please KEEP THAT UP! :) Andrew's reactions to them are awesome.
The names are the best!! Thank you so much for watching.
I like the new format with image in lower left. I like hearing both of your opinions. I am getting back into audio and really learned a lot from your different videos. Thanks.
Nice you 2! This is one of the best RUclips channels ever. NOW we are getting serious.
That's very kind of you to say. Thank you for watching!
Wow, thanks!
keep this format going, fun video
I learned *all about* how much of a movie soundtrack is going to the centre *and only the centre* when I had to redo our setup after we upgraded to 4k, and after a few days, suddenly movies no longer contained dialogue. Absolutely baffling, but I blamed the TV or something elsewhere in the signal chain-which of course made no sense, but I hadn't touched the speakers so they couldn't be the problem.
Then I found the loose speaker connection. Super frustrating at the time, but a valuable learning experience.
Is one advantage with using a center channel is that you can increase the volume level of the center channel (and hence dialogue)?
If you have a pair of good speakers, you wont ever need a separate adjustment for vocals. The movies should already have the perfect levels. If you are having trouble hearing vocals with two speakers... then raising the volume, should be more than enough.
Most of the problems with vocals, is actually due to an under-powered Center. Most centers use smaller drivers, that are not as effective... and even when you raise the center volume levels... they still often do not sound very good. If the center has the same sized drivers... there shouldnt be any problems (unless maybe if they did something funky with the crossovers.. or maybe if the drivers are using different Ohms, both of which shouldnt be the case).
Now... if you actually have pretty bad hearing issues... then maybe this would be an exception... where a separate center channel, might help (so long as you have a GOOD center).
Other than that... you can use hardware or software Equalization, to give a boost vocals... and or whatever frequencies are too low. I use EQ often, to maximize my speakers full potentials (such as increasing the bass performance to be the most Energetic... just shy of blowing them). In some bad media, I have also boosted the midrange, to make vocals louder, too (I dont currently use a center channel).
Yes
Cheers to Preston. I Love love love that you enjoy your audio system.
NGL, I don't understand quite a bit of what you guys talk about, but the chemistry between you two is pure class, which is why I subbed and joined 😂
We're so glad you're here and enjoying the show!
Thank you! I'm glad you're having fun with us.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews I really am ! Thank you!
@@KristiWright we can't have fun shhh 😂
@@H3lloSE Oh right! Forgot my own rule!
Enjoy your videos. One of my first 5.1 surround sound setups was a panasonic ht in a box. right on the remote it had a button that said "center focus" that spread the center channel signal into the front left and right speakers. This sounded so much better than all the dialouge coming from one speaker setting on top or underneath my tv. After I started upgrading to nicer AV receivers ( I like the older denons) I couldn't understand why that feature wasn't available on all surround sound setups. Never could find a center speaker that I liked. So I always go with the Phantom center. I keep the left and right front speakers not too far apart. 3-5 ft.
great stuff the two of you. the relaxing well thought out commentary & feedback on gear and the industry as a whole is wonderful! cheers!
Thank you!
Love the last two segments!! It needs to be said by a lot more people!
Thanks for watching. Episode 4 comes out tomorrow!
Good afternoon Andrew and Kristi. Good discussion. Totally agree with regards to loudness levels. As someone who likes his music a bit on the louder side and who has been checking db levels the past few months out of curiosity in the interest of avoiding hearing damage, 85 db average with peaks 90+ db at the listening position is quite loud. I find I like my music in the 80 to 85 db average level but beyond that it's getting excessive at least for any extended period of time.
Appreciate you sharing your thoughts and experiences.
How do people look at the production quality on these videos and think they haven't evaluated the option of Kristi being on camera. She doesn't want to be, and once she states that, continuing to request it or comment negatively on it is uncalled for. Can we just stop?
Hi Andrew and Kristi love the new format. New to the channel and appreciate your honesty and passion.👌
Thank you so much.
It's all about the music, and that's always fun
I agree, but I feel a lot of enthusiasts forget the music (or movie) and become obsessive over the gear and specs.
Loving the new “podcast style” shows!
Appreciate the feedback. Thanks for watching!
Yes, please have a review section for testing phantom speaker configuration for AVR testing!!! Not all of us want a centre and prefer to spend money on quality front speakers and for stereo music and movies.
Keep it up! I enjoy it!
Thanks for watching!!
Tell the fun police to get bent. While I do have an appreciation for the occasional witty contrarian, life is too short for grumpy asses that get lost on good information. Look at me I've got bad GAS (gear acquisition syndrome, not the rear surround voicing. ), for me the hunt is never ending fun! The only thing that isn't, is trying to find a matching tuner and cd player for Onkyo Grand Integra system, let alone a pair of their speakers. Keep doing what you're doing!!! Always fantastic content!!!
The main issue with phantom center for me is off-center listening. Since it's replicating the center that's missing with roughly equal volume from each speaker if you sit closer to the L or R you'll no longer hear the voices coming from the center/TV. With a center the AVR is generally just not playing things like on-screen voices from the L/R speakers so sitting off-center isn't as bad. Works great for tightly coupled listening positions though!
I dont use a center... and have never felt anything to be "Off-Center". This sounds more like a poor Speaker problem, than a Center Channel problem.
Some speakers have a tweeters that produce a very NARROW soundstage: You have to sit almost perfectly centered between the speakers, to get the perfect Stereo Image. If you move a mere foot out of that spot... you notice a drop-off in the sound from one side.
However... certain speakers can spread the sound much wider and deeper... to the point where you can stand almost anywhere in the room, and still get a Fantastic 3d Holographic Image, with no notable Drop Off.
My first pair of house speakers, were some 90s era Techniques. 12" 3-ways. They were nowhere near Audiophile grade speakers... but they produced an acceptably decent sound. Even these were fine for standard apartment room sizes. However, it was when I picked up a used pair of 70s era
EPI 100v speakers.. that everything changed...
The EPI's are Audiophile grade speakers. They have a Magical "inverted tweeter", that produces the widest and deepest soundstage, that Ive ever experienced in all of my life (and Ive owned like 30 pairs of speakers to date + listened to many others). It doesnt matter how or where I place them... they always sound fantastic... without any notable drop off... almost anywhere you stand, or sit.. in the room. The speakers themselves "Vanish", leaving no sign of Projection. Its as if the sounds simply come out of thin air... in 3D space... without any projection source. Its almost as if a band is playing Live, in your room.
Ive also heard new musical details in my music... that Id never heard before... such as finally understanding Lyrics that the singer was singing (where as before, I never could understand them, due to the vocals muddying into the Backing instruments).
If I were to guess... you may be using very small eco-speakers... that are not very good at projecting a wide image. As such, the sounds and details quickly drop off in energy levels.. the further you are from them. You can sometimes help this problem, by angling the speakers inwards, so that they form a triangular spread... or angle them even further, to "cross" them slightly. But as Ive said.. it could just be a tweeter, that doesnt have a very wide spread.
As for the vocals, even when they are added back into the left and right speakers...they Should have been mastered in such a way, as to sound 3D. Also also, certain movies might also be panning vocals to the left and right sides, in addition to the center. So when you remove the center... the vocals are just getting the extra center channel energy, in addition to any left and right boosted panning vocal energy. Basically speaking... you shouldnt notice much, if any, difference at all.
I actually got into Audiophile level sound, after buying a higher priced headphone, that I felt "Might" last longer than 3 months time (I was always breaking them, as admittedly, Im pretty rough on them). I picked up a pair of Sennheiser HD 500 headphones, and when I played a DVD with them on... I thought that I had forgotten to turn my 4 tower speakers off, using the amp speaker toggles. Being that the sound was LOUD, and it was like 2am... I ripped my headphones off, and DOVE for the Amp... only to realize, that NONE of my speakers were on! These were the first headphones, that made it sound like the sounds were coming from the room... and not from within a space between your ears. Totally Holographic... totally Mind Blowing... and all this from only 2 drivers (stereo).
It was then that I realized the difference between low quality drivers... and high dynamic, audiophile grade drivers... which eventually also lead me into finding Audiophile speakers, with a similar clarity and 3D holography.
I’ve been following you content off and on since the recovering audiophile days. Even saw some of the record store find videos you guys did back in the day. I like how you present your material and you down to earth approach to reviews. I think it’s partially due to watching your content and finding the right gear that I’m no longer looking for new gear and just enjoy listening and watching content.
I now just watch reviews for the entertainment value. This one hit close to home. The idea of making gear do things it was not intended to do, being disappointed by the results, and then reporting it as failure of the product is a disservice to people who want to learn.
I was happy with my gear for 18 years but when I got back into the hobby to upgrade my setup it felt like a mine field and it took me a couple of years to figure out which direction to go. I’m back in a place where I just enjoy content.
Thank you both for creating great content that even the less rabid fans can enjoy.
OMG Soooo funny you 2. Esp Kristi on fire 🔥. Love it! 😂 Seriously better than some of the comedy clubs I've been to lately.
Love you guys and look fwd to unplugged every week!!! 🙏🏾🎆💯❤️
Thanks so much!!
When an AVR asks small vs large speakers, ive always seen small is better even when using full towers, when is it appropriate/useful to use the LARGE speaker option in an AVR? A bigger room? Is Small vs Large actually pushing more wattage to that speaker?
Large means full range. Small allows you to adjust the crossover going to the speaker.
12gauge is right.
Small means high pass filter on.
Large means high pass filter off (full range).
Some people have big tower speakers and like how they sound by default, hence, they leave them at large, meaning they will receive a full range signal.
You're right, in home theater the basic recommendat is to set all the speakers to small and let the subwoofer play the bass and deep bass frequencies.
It's all trial and error because no room is the same. Changing the crossover frequency and speakers/subwoofer placement is a good way to try multiple setups and see what you like best.
Personally, I like doing it by ear first and then tweak it using a calibrated microphone and Room EQ Wizard (REW).
Hope this helps 👍
I had these old Jamo C-807 speakers and tried the whole phantom imaging thing (2 channel), actually placing them correctly and having a listening position. I was blown away by how all of my old music was brought to life in this beautiful three dimensional space with layers and depth. Luckily, the Jamos were very very good at imaging to make me realize this phenomenon. This put such a smile on my face the fun factor of music listening was right back in my life, and investing in an upgraded system almost immediately was justified. Luckily, I have an OCD brain that accepts I can live with the same system for a least 10 years 😂.
Evening Andrew & Kristi, it’s always fun🤣🤣🤣
So glad to hang with you KJ!
🥳
If one ruins their hearing with high SPL their speakers will always get far more expensive. I think there could be a fairly strong argument there is a threshold of SPL that will prevent anyone's room from allowing quality sound.
Just shooting a shot
What do you think of an all Kef 350 5.2 HT system for a 12x14 room?
I haven't heard it, but knowing what I know of KEF, I'm confident it will be solid!
I totally agree with you: there is no right or wrong in this hobby. It’s so personal, we hear all in a different way. A long time ago I was visiting a college and he was doubtful about with amplifier worked well with his new speakers from Jamo ( big floorstanders). He had 3 amps to his disposal.
We were the about the same age and we loved the same music (classical) and we had a totally different preference. Who was right or wrong: nobody. I never get personal over someone taste, if the other person is happy and I have another taste so what.
Greetings from Ludo Belgium
There's an old saying "If it's not fun don't do it". Thanks for keeping it fun guys. 🙂
Thanks for covering some of my comments / questions.
Let me clarify, though. I understand the role that the center channel plays and how valuable it is, however, that statement is incomplete, it needs to be how valuable it is for certain situations. Let's take the movie theater situation that Andrew mentioned in the video. He is completely correct with a seating area that wide having center channels to anchor dialogue to the screen is a huge advantage over phantom. This is because of how wide the seating area is. Here is where things diverge, though. In homes a lot of people don't have the equivalent of a theater where people may be sitting way off center. A lot of in home systems have 1 to 5 viewers that are all relatively close to on center. With speakers that have a great center image this is child's play for a phantom center set up. Some listeners jave budget Best Buy speakers and may really need that center for any seat off of dead center. There are others though that have a scaled down cinema in home and will greatly benefit from a center channel many viewers that are well off center. Phantom isn't the best solution for everyone. However, it is a viable solution and a great one for a lot of people. The problem is a lot of people don't even know it is an option at all. That is what I mean about the industry conspiracy. Why would "they" want anyone to do phantom. It is a xash cow. Convince people to buy expensive mains for good misic performance. Now for movies, well now you need an expensive center as it is the most important channel because almost all dialogue goes there now. That is true, except there is an exception to that which is almost never told, and that is that it isn't mandatory. Fhe center is the most important channel for sureound content IF you add one. If not then your mains remain the most important speakers, and dollar for dollar they are simply better.
Another great Unplugged!! Hey everyone.
Oh!! Watch the whole thing!
Appreciate you tuning in!
@@KristiWright definitely watching the whole thing, turned the amp on for this video, so I can hear your voices in Hi-Fi 😂
@@KristiWright thanks for answering my question, I quite like the design on these and I am on a look for new bookshelf speakers so your reply will definitely help me decide.
@@txerapng Happy to help!
Kristi goes hard with the jokes . I can't get the machine out of my head. I'm happy I can design and build my own speakers
i ordered the polk r600 and the r400 center. ill tell u hands down the best center i have ever heard and used. i went w 600's as i have 2 um18's i built myself. i have no need for the bass in the 700's. i ran across a vid of a guy using just the center watching a movie. the polk center is honestly incredible. i highly recommend if you are in the market for a center go check it out. what do you 2 think of the polk r400 center? i looked and never seen a vid of it from you guys.
I think Schiit components look like there were designed by the folks who designed Robocop’s armor
Is that a good thing or a bad thing? I personally like their designs. A bit too small but nice in the visual department.
Considering a lot of hifi companies are owned and/or run by men who more or less came of age in the 70's and 80's, are we surprised?
@@KristiWrightyes ma'am
There is good Schiit and not so good Schiit when it comes to design. Just glad they will all soon be manufactured in either San Antonio or Corpus Christi, TX.
As you've always said Andrew, the only person that needs to enjoy your system is you. We all have opinions, I agree.
BTW - shout out and prayers to Preston. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for this video!!!
Thank you for watching!
@@andrewrobinsonreviews I’m putting my son to bed and I’m back!!! You two are the best!
Well if i was wanting to purchase a av receiver for occasional surround sound, music the first priority, now that i can snag the onkyo rz50 for a grand is the upgrade to a anthem mrx 740 worth the extra 2k?
Hmmm i listen to louder listening levels with 4 ohm speakers. Decision’s decisions
Danke!
TechMed! Thank you!!
Thank you, TR! Appreciated as always!
It's my pleasure! Just a small contribution to your great work.
Andrew just wondering if you’ve ever reviewed Klipsch RF7 iii. I know you liked the 8000fii. Wondering how you felt about the RF7 iii
I have not, but if Klipsch releases a RF7 IV I'll likely take a look at it.
I love this new Unplugged series 🫶🏽
Curious to hear thoughts on Def Tec DM30 and/or DM20 vs. non-subwoofer center channels.
Enjoy the good things both in audio as well as in life. You can recognize the bad, but don't dwell on it, both in audio and in life.
The Klipsch RP 150m has the upward style. It has a removable base if you like.
"No more fun of ANY kind!"
-Dean Wormer
😆
🤣🤣
What would you recommend as an individual purchase centre speaker?
Is there a case for a video on 'you have a 2.1 system, what next?' recommendation and review (Centre, surround, connectivity - wired/wireless etc)
I have an AVR (Cinema70s), a sub and a decent audiophile speakers (LS50M) - but I do find that dialog can be low in the mix, even with dialog enhancements on. I also find that mixing can vary massively between films and sources - leading to the 'dance of tweaking' for each time I use the system.
The mixing varying between films is something that cannot be helped I'm afraid, though, because you have a Marantz, have you tried Audyssey's Dynamic EQ features, I find these are good for variations in a mix. As for a matching center for your LS50 Metas, can you fit a single Meta under your TV? That would be a great center match. You can place a Meta on its side and there shouldn't be a change in sound due to its design. Just a thought.
Great video. I hope to see you review the new SVS line.
SVS has made it clear to us that they only want overwhelmingly positive reviews of their products, and since we never guarantee the outcome of any review, to any brand, for any reason, we're not likely to get a pair sent to us for review.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews well, I've just lost a lot of respect for SVS. I'm proud that you stand for us. If a company builds a product that they believe in, they shouldn't need to put pressure on reviewers to give kudos.
Hi Andrew, appreciate all the shared insight.
I recently inherited a pair of B&W 804D4 speakers (two years old) and a HTM2-D center channel. I've watched your videos on the other B&W speakers, and it sounds like it's essential to pair them with the right amp/receiver (although I didn't see a review of this specific speaker).
I currently have a very basic system, which I primarily use for vinyl. An old Denon receiver (AVR 3805) and Marantz (SR5013), with an AT-LP7 turntable.
I was wondering if you could recommend some options (amps/receivers) that you think would align dynamically. I was excited about the Decware, with the 89db sounds like that wouldn't be ideal with these speakers.
I could spend more (maybe up to $5-6k), but would rather it be less of course.
Thanks for your time.
Also, FYI, it is one thing to say that you don't like Andrew doing personal in room measurements as you want anechoic or similar. However, saying he doesn't know how to measure because he measures differently than you would like is ignorant.
Thank you!
Amazing ending segment to the video! Very well said... 🙂👍
Thank you so much 😀
Doesnt matter what the tweeters are like over 95db, if that dude wants peaks of 105db, he wont be hearing high frequencies for too much longer
If one has their home theatre system in a small to medium bedroom where a surround system is not practical, I can’t begin to tell you how much fun the smaller Magnepan LRS+ perform in a 2.1 setup.
While I own more expensive speakers, the transparency and spatial quality of the Maggies makes them ideal for watching Netflix and the like.
While a sub is obviously needed for “rumbling” effects, even the bass is surprisingly satisfying.
Hi both, thanks a lot again and love the new format. Are you planning to review the arendal 1723 towers this year?
The 1723s are not on the schedule so far for 2024 but things can and do often change, so just stay tuned.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews I'm always tuned! 🤣👍💪
I am here and having fun!!!
Good afternoon Leezah! Hope you enjoy this one!
@@andrewrobinsonreviews I am enjoying this very much. Thank you!
🤩
Hey Leezah!
@@KristiWright Hi Kristi!!
Kristi and Andrew, Schiit will move all their production to Texas in next few months, would like to see more reviews of their products, for example, their recently launched Aegir 2 with Halo～～
I’m assuming they live in California..
"whole assed opinions..." I thnk you got the verbiage a bit backward but okay. LOL
Another great video. Thanks Kristi, Andrew did great thanks to you.
Again, nice job! Obsession can filter the fun, just ask Ahab.
Thanks for watching!
Has anyone bought a yamaha amp off Amazon Yamaha store.
They have a few listed at 20-30% cheaper than Crutchfield. Im wondering if they are new
Definitely having fun. Too many people though decide to align themselves with internet teams and form opinions without ever hearing anything for themselves. It’s unfortunate but an aspect of the internet echo chamber age. I would absolutely encourage people to goto a local Hifi store and hear for themselves. I would also encourage that they respect what someone else might like and that not everyone needs to be in your camp. Like what you like and enjoy and don’t sweat what others may think since it’s yours not theirs.
Centre channel. some surround sound sets ups don't work well unless you have real physical speakers on six (eight) channels. Mixing a six channel source down to stereo sometimes messes with the dialogue and background music. If the source has a correctly mixed stereo (for listening on headphones) they have been okay. Trying to do without a centre channel on my WiSA set up failed as did doing without a sub-woofer on an analogue set up (speaker sent off for service). The WiSA set up ignores the fact the settings had no centre and so all the dialogue was missing. Even if the sub-woofer went to 20-20kHz speakers it still seemed missing but was okay if the source was set to stereo. So I am doubtful when told that the "sound bar" does not need front speakers or a sub-woofer or the new speakers are enough with just front and rears but apparently it does need a newer mobile phone to set them up.
Since we are talking about Is HiFi Still Fun....how about a poll on Best Looking Speakers, Worst Looking Speakers? Sound Quality thrown out the window.....Just Looks.
Noted!
Looks are a huge factor for me
Hello…..! Vandersteen’s have an upward tilt also. My opinion, some of the best speakers around.
I have a samsung Q80T and was planning on getting a surround sound speaker(5.1) mostly for the center channel since a good chunk of movies I watch either in streaming platforms (HBO) or downloaded DRM free movies that doesn't have a good 2.0 sound and is it right to assume that dialogue in 5.1 audio is played though the center channel, therefore making the dialogue hopefully better?
In terms of Dialogue you wont see a real improvement moving to surround compared to that soundbar unless you seek out speakers with high clarity such as the KEF Q or R series
To be clear, yes the center plays dialogue in most cases. I would recommend you adjust the EQ on your soundbar before moving towards a completely new system. Your particular soundbar is very good and replacing it with a system which will provide more dialogue clarity in particular will bring your costs to around $2-3k
When first look at those speakers i was impressed by design. Maybe tweater looks plastic. But overall the shape and collor was nice. The today i read a comments. I think we could laugh at every speakers. For example those enourmus speakers Robin had connected to tiny DAC or those pricy B&W with this strenge top. Overall this is only design. The most important is the sound. The sound that we like or/and family in the house.
About the phantom center... I believe having phantom center if the speakers are good enough is a good option if you are single. In the center seat the experience is great. But at the sides, not so much. Suddenly, the voices come from the left or the right speaker rather than where the TV is.
With very good imaging speakers and good receivers or processors it can be a very good experience for far more than just 1 seat, at least 3 and many times probably more like 5 seats, center and 2 seats each way from there.
So like I have always said, phantom isn't for everyone, but it is a great solution for a lot of people. The problem is many don't know it is an option. Then there are others that ask about it and people shut it down, often times with incorrect info. If you have people often sitting way off center, especially if they are also very close to one of the mains then phantom may not be for you and that is fine, grab a good center and enjoy. However saying it only works for single people is simply not accurate as a hard rule. Maybe with certain speakers, or receivers, but a lot of combos can give a great phantom center image for multiple seats.
@@jaredhylton6591 I think my system isn't that bad (Focal Kanta 1, MiniDSP Flex HT as DAC/pre-amp, for now Audiolab 6000A as power amp), but once I leave the center the speaker I am closer to dominates. Yeah, if you are far enough away etc. you can get by with phantom center for multiple seats, but it's not ideal. A proper center would be better. And no, my system does not have a center and I don't want one. But I see the benefits.
@@kadajawi2 Try extreme toe in. If I'm using phantom on my rig and toe in to where the speakers cross so that each speaker points to the opposite end of my couch, the sweet spot covers nearly the whole couch. It's weird o get used to, but it works for movies. I never would have tried it if I hadn't seen a vid talking about the science behind it. Not good for music though, so you move your speakers a lot.
I guess I'll just have to go and listen to my SYSTEM! What is this music you speak of?
haha
I’ve seen you review a lot of Klipsch speakers but I’ve haven’t seen the RF7-lll please I beg you lolz do a review please