The Worst Hifi Products I've Reviewed... An Experiment

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Recommended Streamer
WIIM Mini amzn.to/33CL99w
Bluesound Node shop-links.co/cgGiqJ2UFIO
Recommended Speaker List
Around $100 (These prices will fluctuate between $75 - $150)
Sony SSCS5 - Lively amzn.to/3pZNnGk
Neumi BS5 -Neutral amzn.to/3q0SR3B
Elac BS41 amzn.to/3SBmEgq
Around $200
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ - Crystal Clear and Punchy emotiva.com?aff=9
Jamo Concert howl.me/cf295uVQJA0
Elac Debut b5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/2WPNQxw
JBL Stage A130 - Neutral/Great All Arounder at $179 the best value amzn.to/3t7gOHe
Around $400
Emotiva B2+ emotiva.com?aff=9
Jamo C93ii Bit - Boosted on Top howl.me/cf295uVQJA0
Q Acoustics 3030i - Neutral with Punch - amzn.to/2OQkpLo
Around $500
SVS Prime bit.ly/2LozJgF
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 bit.ly/2ZckoD9
Wharfedale Denton 80th amzn.to/3Sv8RIq
Around $600
Elac Uni-Fi UB5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/3s3srPG
Elac Debut Reference - Buttery but Detailed amzn.to/39bt6WC
Polk Reserve R100/200 howl.me/cf29UeQAWsD
Aperion Novus - Neutral and probably the best desktop speaker one can get $599 bit.ly/2Q1H9rW
Aperion Novus Open Box $449 bit.ly/3us8zGx
Wharfedale Diamonds Lush and Detailed amzn.to/3aBAso0 Come as singles
Recommended Amp List
Under $100
Aiyima A07 - Neutral and Full amzn.to/3g9YLNf
Fosi Audio V3 - Extremely Clean - Audiophile Sound (Best Amp under $250) amzn.to/3rhrpDL
Fosi Audio TB10D amzn.to/43cJtwh
Fosi Audio BT20a Pro amzn.to/3r8pgdH
Around $130
Aiyima T9 amzn.to/3F8eOb6
Around $250
SMSL DA-9 Balanced Amp amzn.to/34SdbLs
Around $400
Emotiva TA1 - DAC, Phono Stage, Pre Outs - Balanced and Tasty emotiva.com?aff=9
Recommended DACs
Geshelli Labs J2 geshelli.com/product/jnog2/
SMSL SU8s amzn.to/2SWTGiw
Denafrips Ares 2 www.denafrips.com/ares
Subs
Emotiva SE8 emotiva.com?aff=9
Emotiva SE12 emotiva.com?aff=9
SVS SB1000 Pro bit.ly/3scmwsc

Пікірлер: 275

@theborgster8497 13 күн бұрын

"Audiophiles" LOVE negativity. This hobby is one of THE most subjective hobbies there can be and far too many "audiophiles" have an air of superiority to them that makes the stomach turn. There can be no unbiased opinion in this hobby, it's purely subjective and anyone gets their tits in a twist over a negative review of a product they love is seriously missing the point. Use whatever kit YOU like and sounds good to YOU and feck what anyone else says or thinks

@tonyreiss7627 11 күн бұрын

Negativity is a result of knowing you paid good money for something that performs less than claimed

@loudandclearmedia 13 күн бұрын

The mid forward character is a great description of the LS50, and I'm glad you included that little qualifier on it being sensitive to the electronics driving it. It's a temperamental little bugger, but quite lovely when dialed in. Anything with such amazing directivity and a cabinet inert as a brick has no place on a "worst of" list IMO, but thanks for being honest about your experience.

@tapp8442 13 күн бұрын

Yeah, I love Randy's reviews, but I'm doubting Randy's ears on this one! "Not natural" is not the description I would use for the LS50 Meta. These things disappear if setup properly and yes they need some grunt from an amp! I've had an old Krell and a Peachtree Gan on mine and both work well. They need sub/subs! Any speaker this size would need a sub IMHO. Also, don't toe them in....point them straight ahead.

@Artcore103 12 күн бұрын

@@tapp8442the meta version is not the same, the difference is significant. Can't compare them. As for the tone or "mid-forwardness", uhh there's this little thing called EQ, it's a magical powerful tool many audiophiles seem ignorant of or unable to use. There is no downside to using quality dsp EQ, and concentric driver speakers like the KEF take EQ particularly well, since their directivity is so good - i.e. their frequency response curve can be corrected since the issues are not due to poor crossover design or driver integration and diffraction.

@tapp8442 11 күн бұрын

@@Artcore103 I just assumed Randy was talking about the "Meta" version of the LS50 since this review is in 2024 and the Meta has been out for nearly 4 years now?

@Artcore103 11 күн бұрын

@@tapp8442 do they not make both? I thought everyone always called them by the full name, ls50 meta, if that's what they meant. Anyways what sucks about these speakers isn't the mids that can be EQ'd, it's that they're small and lack bass and output capability. All small speakers suck balls.

@GamingRevenant 11 күн бұрын

I don’t understand the rant on the LS50. These are midrange bookshelf speakers that *lack* a bass woofer to begin with. They were designed to reproduce the UniQ of the blades but at a much cheaper price. To expect any bass out of them is a big misconception, which have caused countless blown pairs by people who have no idea about speaker design (or don’t do any research). You are obligated to couple them with a subwoofer to cover the whole range. Without they will sound terrible. That could in and of itself be a negative at its pricepoint, sure, but to complain it has no bass when they literally only have a tweeter and midrange is baffling. The UniQ on the R-series and S-series range are the best sound out of speakers I have ever heard, compared to many other brands I want to audition.

@ConsecDesign 7 күн бұрын

he's right. the freq response on these are 79Hz-28kHz. you absolutely need a sub with these.

@sabbis 3 күн бұрын

I wasn't expecting much bass when I bought the ls50 wireless, but was blown away by them actually having it. I guess kef tuned them differently when putting amp and DSP in. For listening to music I don't really need to use sub. Still have it on to give it some extra oumph and take some of the workload off of the Kefs. Really interesting what a different beast the wireless are vs passive

@paulstubbs7678 Күн бұрын

Interesting, I've seen the odd review, they often team them up with a sub, but never seen anyone saying they have no bass and you must use a sub. I have some smaller speakers that produce some bass, so surprised by these. Never heard of the UniQ etc.

@quma001 14 күн бұрын

As a user of the iFi Zen Stream, I agree with your critique. Nevertheless, since I only use it with ethernet and Tidal streaming, it works perfectly fine. I even upgraded it with a linear power supply to squeeze out the last percent of audio performance.

@davidzwicker9988 13 күн бұрын

Ditto, exactly.

@siamxiii 13 күн бұрын

Use it with ethernet in Roon exclusive mode. Zero problems.

@Tovercome Күн бұрын

I guess I am lucky I never had any connection issues with mine

@Iamhungryforribeye 13 күн бұрын

Cheap Audioman: “KEF send me something I will be honest” KEF: that’s why we don’t send you anything! 😂😂😂

@Panslapper 13 күн бұрын

Kef will understand that Randy is not the final word in audio appraisal, I don't believe that is a title any man will truly possess, so wakey wakey there mate! They just may not wish for his opinion.

@rogerboretskyjr5651 13 күн бұрын

Randy says he saved up for and bought the KEF LS50 himself.

@cheapaudioman 13 күн бұрын

@@Panslapper yeah. I"m almost positive KEF gives zero rips what I think.

@Panslapper 13 күн бұрын

@@cheapaudioman 🥂….they are an acquired taste for some over here in the UK too but to be honest the world is not beige either is it.

@Panslapper 13 күн бұрын

@@cheapaudioman …at the moment I am well into my SMSL AO-300 with the iPad connected via a decent usb c cable feeding my Wharfedale 12.2 and it’s sounds clear punchy dynamic and engaging! Very good set up for the dosh, going biwire in the next couple of days!

@CinemaDemocratica 13 күн бұрын

Few things surprise me as much as Randy's hatred for Edifier. I wonder if the only experience he had with them was non-representative because I've never had a bad experience with them. My S2000mkiii's are fantastic on my desk: Terrific imaging, great at low volumes, lively, musical ... super-super-super impressed.

@ColinActon-yl6nw 14 күн бұрын

I've been using an ifi Zen Stream for about a year now and never had any issues with dropouts. I've only used the app for initial set up and now use it as a Roon endpoint. I love it and sent back a Wiim Pro Plus as it didn't come close to the Zen Stream. I suppose that shows why this audio hobby is so good as the range of products out there is so big and people have different experiences with different products.

@2madamimadam290 13 күн бұрын

Good riddance to the Zen stream for me. Constant dropouts and lost connections. Glad you had more luck! It sounded good. Wiim just works and the Denafrips ARCE sounds yet a bit better.

@dajikbatarang1 13 күн бұрын

I had no issues with ifi zen stream. I use it as a roon endpoint and it sounds nice. No dropouts, no pops or clicks.

@2madamimadam290 13 күн бұрын

@@dajikbatarang1 Agreed it did sound nice! I made a Volumio software based streamer using an Intel NUC style PC and same issues before buying the Zen which uses a locked version. Probably the Volumio system software and they probably improved its bugs. On the forums it was mixed, problems or problem free. Glad you're working well. It was a total deal for the sound quality.

@MichelLinschoten 13 күн бұрын

Same here have it for years never had one issue ...that being said I have the ifi zen 2 also the majority of people own them (amazon 4500 plus reviews 4.5 star average score) Sooo they do sell , well

@Artcore103 12 күн бұрын

@@2madamimadam290denafrips is overpriced audiophile nonsense BUT yes, you're correct: if you use an external DAC then the streamer does not and CAN not make any difference to the sound - it is only sending the output, as if the DAC was directly connected to the computer. And the denafrips is good, just overpriced and not better than many far cheaper options. Objectively.

@Durkhead 13 күн бұрын

6000 sux an american tradition!

@jimlnkfrd 13 күн бұрын

😂😂😂😂

@pigsy1024 13 күн бұрын

@@Durkhead I’ll buy that for a dollar!

@stevennelson209 13 күн бұрын

“We’ll even throw in a Blaupunkt.”

@pcm9969 13 күн бұрын

I appreciate your honest reviews. Few reviewers ever say anything negative about a product. We don't want to see bad products, but it's helpful to know about them.

@edverbeek6292 13 күн бұрын

I like you not liking products.

@user-mz6lt2pr9s 13 күн бұрын

Randy thanks for the video. Helps those that think some reviewers say they love everything. Appreciate your love of music and equipment and your honesty. I come for the reviews and stay for the laughs. Rock on!

@eddents 13 күн бұрын

I've noticed that non Apple products branded as "i" often sux. Whether it's an "i" screwdriver or an "i" boat- car.

@JoeOrber 14 күн бұрын

Thanks for sharing this content with us, it is a good reminder that some products aren’t good just because they are priced moderately above what’s considered entry level, or even way more 😊

@steveh545 13 күн бұрын

The video ended abruptly… did KZfaq drop the ending?

@PaulRLight 13 күн бұрын

Possibly one of the WORST videos he's ever done 😂😂😂😂

@BruceCross 13 күн бұрын

How companies respond to criticism reveals a lot. After your negative experience with iFi, I will never buy from them.

@user-cz1be5qm9y 13 күн бұрын

Any thoughts on testing the aiyima a70?

@WireHedd 14 күн бұрын

CAM does Poo-Fi? LOL Stiil fun to watch Randy.

@rossheard9446 13 күн бұрын

I appreciate these kinds of videos. Truth be told I find there are many you tube reviewers who seem to like everything all the time which makes them suspect (i.e. bought and paid for by the companies providing them product and kickbacks). I think you should do the "buyer beware" videos more often. Cheers.

@HarakiriRock 13 күн бұрын

I never trust reviews that don't have criticisms of the product. Always a red flag.

@jfr1907 14 күн бұрын

Definitely not the Lumina Amators, how are you liking them now. I auditioned the KEF R3 Meta against them and the Luminas beat them in every way. So glad you put these on my radar, forever grateful my friend!! thank you for all you do.

@cheapaudioman 13 күн бұрын

Love em. Actually a video coming this weekend that includes them

@DougMen1 13 күн бұрын

The original LS50 was not good. The Meta version is much much better, and both versions of the R3 are astoundingly good.

@allanflippin2453 13 күн бұрын

Randy, On the Panadonic LP120/USB, I'm sorry to hear that it sucked but I don't doubt your work on it! The product was on my radar because I want a turntable which also digitizes and there are not a lot of them. Have you run into any of these you would recommend? Or maybe find one to test. Thanks!

@cheapaudioman 13 күн бұрын

If that’s what you’re looking for this may be an option. I think monolith has one that does something similar too with a usb

@rhkips 13 күн бұрын

Oh wow, Walmart Special Audio Technica turntable pulling Technics prices. Of course, now the $500 Technics SL-1200 is apparently $4200? C'mon guys, these are DJ turntables. I used to rock a pair of Audio Technicas back in high school in the 90s. Mowed a hell of a lotta lawns to afford those at $99 a pop.

@stephenstevens6573 13 күн бұрын

Agreed 100% I have Stanton's that sound as good as my old 1200... Can't believe what they are asking for the new ones....riding on their rep. Some people believe that it is the best turntable of all time. At the original prices that I paid for my mark 2? Yes...but at $4200???? Nfw!

@janwillemkuilenburg7561 13 күн бұрын

I am very surprised by the critique on the iFi Zen Stream. In my system it performs with incredible sound quality as a digital transport, linked to a SSD, reducing jitter to zero. After an update it sounds even better with amazing soundstage and instrument placement. Top spec product in my case. And the software works like a breeze.

@wegardfjeld3789 13 күн бұрын

If it works in your system and your happy 😊. That's what it's all about

@Artcore103 12 күн бұрын

Any good DAC will have irrelevant and imperceptibly low jitter; it's a non issue these days, just a thing old school audiophiles complain about, the ones that are super gung ho about analog, or who believe you need a 5k DAC for it to sound good - nonsense. As for the update, have you read the update log to see what was changed? 99.9% chance it did nothing to the sound. Maybe they changed the filter, but that wouldn't affect soundstage, just top end rolloff and potentially - but unlikely - aliasing. So unless you know what the update did, for a FACT, that objectively changed the sound, this is all in your head. "Oooh a software update! Wow it sounds better!". No, it doesn't.

@wegardfjeld3789 12 күн бұрын

@@Artcore103 😂🫣😂🫣😂🤡🤡🤡🤡

@ksreamaersk 13 күн бұрын

Have both the IFI Zen Stream and the Wiim Mini and have the complete opposite opinion. Every now and then I have to restart the Wiim Mini and configure it again so it works. The IFI Zen Stream works flawlessly.

@pnichols6500 11 күн бұрын

I bought a WiiM mini for my wife's system over a year ago (hers is only about $8k worth of my hand -me-downs), plugged it in, set it up and haven't had to touch it since, she listens 4-5 times a week. I have been amazed how good it works/sounds. Funny how a piece of equipment works great for some and not for others.

@Alamo-cz5xc 13 күн бұрын

The Zen Stream is an excellent product that sounds great. Probably not for the average goob though

@mrpmj00 9 күн бұрын

Poor products that I owned: - Denon X3700H for music - Emotiva BasX-A3 for music - Spotify compressed music (therefore, use a lossless streaming like Apple Music)

@richardkeys8899 11 күн бұрын

Randy, a little (ok a lot) off topic. Does the Fluance RT85 ever go on sale?

@purrito4424 13 күн бұрын

LS50 and LS50 Meta are different speakers.

@neilcoligan8621 7 күн бұрын

Yeah, I noticed the image of the Meta on the screen when discussing the earlier model. I haven't heard the Meta, but I did own the LS50 and eventually sold it. I didn't have a problem with lack of bass in my setup, but other aspects of its performance didn't live up to what I expected. For instance imaging was fine, but the sense of realism didn't exactly feel like it was there for the price I paid. I'm much happier with a much less expensive pair of Triangle BR03s... at least for now.

@edricjr7930 13 күн бұрын

Videos like this are reef markers in the audio ocean . . . your opinion is always welcomed Randy 🙂 . . . Thanks for helping to keep our audio journeys off of the bad equipment rocks! 😎👍🏽

@f4phantom2500 13 күн бұрын

SU-X: dude - there is an SU-10. There's an SU-10 *and* SU-X, they both exist.

@Durkhead 13 күн бұрын

Like the car comercial in the movie robocop?

@user-mz6lt2pr9s 13 күн бұрын

Randy disses Chi-Fi and is mysteriously cut-off. Hope he’s okay. He’s probably being “re-educated”. Looking forward to his next video - comrade citizens I was in error on my previous video…

@erics.4113 13 күн бұрын

It's probably because

@user-xg6zz8qs3q 11 күн бұрын

Re: KEF LS50. It sounds fine to me. The high price kind of makes sense when you see the build quality. It’s not just a thin mdf box with some foam (like the Triangle Br03). You can find the LS50 for cheap. The LS50 Meta is overpriced at $1600. For a $1000 ok. I had a similarly negative experience to Randy with the Klipsch RP600M. They’re lifeless to me. The highs were the only good thing about them. Audio is subjective.

@Birmingham_racing 13 күн бұрын

How did I know ls50 was going to be in this list?

@darthgetoffmylawn389 13 күн бұрын

If you need such audiophile stalwarts as Nirvana and Metallica played at melt-your-brain sound levels to enjoy your speakers; the LS50 Meta is not for you. If you like to hear your Miles Davis or Dire Straits played with pinpoint accuracy and total transparency; the LS50 Meta is the speaker for you.

@StCreed 12 күн бұрын

I like Miles Davis and Dire Straits but I still didn't like the LS50s. I did like the Kef R3 though. And the Dali Rubicons.

@Sunshine_Superman 12 күн бұрын

@@StCreed My reference speakers are Dali Epicon 2's and I bought the Meta's on a whim. They are outstanding at their price point in my system. I've also owned the KEF R3's and I think the LS50 Metas blow them away. I found the R3's a bit analytical and I was listening to the speaker more than the music. Having too much fun with these little metas to swap them out right now. World would be boring if we all liked the same thing 🤷🏼‍♂️

@DarenLee 13 күн бұрын

Randy, I agree with you on the KEF LS50, I was excited and went to an audio show room was disappointed.

@meowhsu 13 күн бұрын

Totally agree about zen stream.....software really sucks and took them 1+ year for an update

@cunningtim 13 күн бұрын

Agree 100% on the Audio-Technica TT. I bought 2 of them that weren't working to combine to make one that was, and when I was done I wish I hadn't. All of the weight is fake from a steel plate in the base. The tonearm height won't go down enough to align most cartridges correctly. Anti-skate doesn't work for cartridges that track above 1.5g.The phono preamp is indeed terrible (I removed it entirely). The worst part, though is the cogging motor noise. Both of them I have exhibited this, and it is certainly audible. A-T should be ashamed of this POS.

@ChicagoRob2 13 күн бұрын

The Zen Stream was the worst POS of audio gear I’ve ever owned. The software was horrific. . It took over an hour to get it up and running. I couldn’t reliably get it to stay connected for any decent amount of time. Sent it back Crutchfield and picked up Wiim Mini, which has been bulletproof.

@stevehodder179 11 күн бұрын

That was my experience too. After months of struggling with connectivity, I gave up. Its replacement, the Cambridge Audio MXN10, worked perfectly out of the box.

@KeenAesthetic1 9 күн бұрын

Software and wifi awful, true. SQ yay!

@audiorick841 12 күн бұрын

I had the Zen Stream. I sold it after one month. Some iFi product is great but that one was a nope for me.

@667hodge 12 күн бұрын

United States of Analog loves the KEF's

@brandonp2290 12 күн бұрын

Some friends are opening up a small bar in a few weeks and tasked me with recommending equipment and installing which I told them I knew somewhat about but knew nothing. I have watched a lot of videos but liking this channel the most and based on the videos I’ve seen and the budget and space they have I have been recommending them buy the WiiM Pro, Sony StrDh190 and Two pairs of Sony SSCS5. Would appreciate any thoughts on this set up particularly being a small bar. Also any video recommendations about setting up a system such as this in detail and what specific cables I will need would be appreciated!

@LarcR 13 күн бұрын

One other product you didn't like initially was the Fosi TB10D. But they redid that and turned it into a little gem. I have 2 of them providing audio for a couple of PCs and love them.

@Quokka_VR 13 күн бұрын

Randy, the KEF LS50 meta speakers need to be driven by an amp with a full bodied sound - typically something hi-end.... however, they also sound fantastic in my current sytem - 2 x Fosi ZA3 (in dual mono with Sparkos op-amps) via XLR from a Topping A90 Discrete Pre-Amp using a Topping D90 DAC as the source. Yes, the KEF LS50 Meta is very system dependant but can sound superb in the right system. Have you tried them with your Fosi ZA3 or V3 Mono amps with upgraded Sparkos SS3602 Op-Amps yet?

@ImTheDudeMan471 13 күн бұрын

Review of submariner gally food? I hear it's great. Are there any consistent not so good food below the surface?

@foznoth 13 күн бұрын

We shall agree to disagree on the LS50, not because I live less than 10 miles from their HQ. I'm sitting across for a pair of the Black Edition, and I love them. I do agree they are picky on amps. I may try them out on a Wiim Amp at some point. I think SMSL are trying to chase Topping, and just not getting there on high end stuff. Shame on ifi though. I've not heard any of their bits, but they seem mainly to be well thought of. I think Douk are epic, mainly because one of their sister brand names is Nobsound and this amuses my English sense of humour.

@Iamhungryforribeye 13 күн бұрын

To each their own. I heard them in a Best Buy Magnolia center and agree with Randy. They are crap for the price.

@foznoth 13 күн бұрын

@@Iamhungryforribeye indeed, though not the best place to audition audio equipment. If your big box stores are anything like ours. Everything is subjective in the end.

@Iamhungryforribeye 13 күн бұрын

@@foznoth yeah the Best Buy I go to has 2 rooms that are treated (somewhat) that they do them in and they can run them using a few different receivers but their equipment is limited. I actually went in there wanting to like the B+W the most and honestly was not impressed by them either think they were the 703’s. What actually ended up sounding the best were the new Def Techs. But we did not buy and just sticking to my older Klipsch RP8000’s for now. I did not hear anything that blew me away or what I would consider a significant upgrade.

@foznoth 13 күн бұрын

@@Iamhungryforribeye I need to try out some Klipsch speakers at some point. But with things in my life I'm mainly in headphones.

@Iamhungryforribeye 13 күн бұрын

@@foznoth which headphones do you like to use? And are they for music?

@briansowden-worldwidestereo 13 күн бұрын

I’m another iFi Zen Stream owner and I love the thing. I have it hooked up USB to my McIntosh MAC6700 and the sound is great. Never had drop outs on the WiFi but I also am pretty strict in hardwiring when I can, so I did. The only setup part I didn’t like was having to log into the webgui to change from the coax to USB.

@CaptainXanax 13 күн бұрын

I have the Arylic BP50 and I plan on using it for target practice soon. For me it's nearly perfect because I wanted a cheap pre-amp/dac with a subwoofer out. Problem is, when I'm using it to watch movies or KZfaq videos the sound will mysteriously drop out and everything sounds like it's coming from under a foot of water. The only way to fix it is to power cycle it. This may happen once in a week or 4 times in 5 minutes. It drives me nuts because it's so close to greatness even if the software is pretty meh. I'm waiting on the Wiim Ultra to come out to replace it. Once that happens it's gonna look like the printer scene in Office Space.

@jamesrobinson9176 12 күн бұрын

7:50 the snozzberries don't taste like snozzberries! Lol

@cheapaudioman 10 күн бұрын

what a great movie. I actually got to meet the "Broken Lizard" guys in Pensacola in 2002 or 03 at a little film festival they did.

@MrKatsuchiyo 7 күн бұрын

The Kef LS50 are amazing as nearfield desktop speakers. If you want to use them in a small/mid-size room a subwoofer is required. They can't go too loud. It's all about context...

@stevezeidman7224 13 күн бұрын

Always good to know where not to look!

@Iamhungryforribeye 13 күн бұрын

You can’t know the best without knowing the worst. That is true in all areas of life. But it is good to know what a professional deems crap just as much as I like to see the good stuff. But if you are someone where everything you review is great then that is fake AF and know there is other reasons behind the reviews. So you doing this kind of video adds to your credibility in my opinion.

@anonimushbosh 13 күн бұрын

Crap? Few months ago he said the LS50s were good speakers (maybe even very good); just not worth their price when compared to some others. Given they’re a lot less expensive in Europe where they’re made that’s not such a revelation. Also there are usually synergistic reasons ti explain why some love a component that others don’t.

@chuckmaddison2924 13 күн бұрын

Some years ago my son bought a Bowers and Wilkins football, blimp . Awesome, amazing, great . But then it failed still not repaired. Seems from what I've seen a possible common power supply issue.

@Richiv77 13 күн бұрын

I have a Cary Audio amp (class AB) and the Kef LS 50 meta sounds amazing. So No complaints on my side. Granted, it is a 3k amp which luckily got for 1.5k. Maybe the LS 50 likes class AB.

@Sunshine_Superman 12 күн бұрын

I think they do scale with better electronics. They love a Rogue Audio Stereo 100 tube amp too. No complaints from me and they are up against Dali Epicon 2's for reference. Astounding little speakers for the money.

@Richiv77 12 күн бұрын

@@Sunshine_Superman 💯 agree. No complaints on my side. And I have tried at least 10 different speakers in the last 2 years.

@johanneskason 11 күн бұрын

I pair them with an Audiolab 6000, pretty cheap. Only 50w but I don’t have any complaints.

@michaelowens944 13 күн бұрын

Two products you might be interested in, Waxwing by Parks Audio Phono DSP pre-amp, and PJ Migolia tube pre-amp out of Doukmall audio 4 analog inputs.

@bstatmeister 13 күн бұрын

+1 on the waxwing. Thinking about getting rid of my Skoll for one

@petergeldrich5400 13 күн бұрын

Too bad about the relationship with Ifi; would love to get a review of the new Zen Phono 3 - there’s very little info on that so far and how it compares to the original Zen Phono. With the new Schiit Mani 2 being raved about that would be a great comparison video!

@robertwoodward9231 13 күн бұрын

I like the ifi phono pre and sounds fine without the XLR.

@jamesschneider3828 13 күн бұрын

I have an ifi Zen signature DAC and gave up trying to get it connect via WiFi moved my modem and router to sit next to system and use cat6 cable.

@MrBonger88 12 күн бұрын

Probably one of the few reviewers who has the cojones to give a negative review. For that I’ll hit the like button

@rocco036 11 күн бұрын

Up there with my biggest regrets is the KEF LS60. I moved house, smaller room, decided I needed an all in one solution. It's gone from picking faults to the point where I all I can hear is faults, to now they're tv speakers & I don't listen to music on them.

@johnnixon2504 13 күн бұрын

The most difficult thing about the zen stream was the fact their tech support. They couldn't get the darn thing to work with my network (wired or wireless). Oh and it got super hot for a streamer.

@bigdan2828ify 13 күн бұрын

After many dacs from Schiit and smsl, I just finally received my geshelli j2 with sparkos and sincerely wish I just started with that, lolol... amazing dac

@dan-sc7fm 11 күн бұрын

Interesting, so you have had experience with schitt and smsl dacs and prefer gheselli? Which dacs and why? Because I would like a serious comparison and review that, unfortunately, never happens with this reviewer.

@loudick9603 13 күн бұрын

I liked the LS50s when I heard them being demo'd. Mind you, they were playing music I don't care for. What in that price range is a better choice? I was looking at JBL L52s.

@Brian_Romska 14 күн бұрын

Cool thx Randy, ya this could be an interesting view count experiment, do people love to hate, or hate to love?

@davidbartochowski7832 14 күн бұрын

Good to know what not to buy. Keep up the great videos

@francescotenti193 13 күн бұрын

Nothing wrong to give an honest opinion on products. "Reviews" should not be synonymous of approval but honest takes on their performance. Some years ago, I bought a pair of RP 600M based on great reviews by famous KZfaqrs and, frankly I never liked them and are now retired. Maybe I could have saved almost $600.00 if I'd found a not so stellar review.

@Romulus980 11 күн бұрын

I have an IFI Zen Dac and can confidently say it's very well built with a sumptuous volume knob and the sound is so good. This Dac was only for approx £129.00 so the diminishing return played a very slim part...! The solid construction of this product has better quality than some entry level amps I have come across and is good example what a well built product should be...😊

@hushpuppykl 13 күн бұрын

SUX - sounds like sucks in English 😂 SU10 - sounds like unlucky in Cantonese. 😂 LS50 - TQ for being honestly about it. It only lasted a week or two with me.

@jeffjefferson7384 13 күн бұрын

What I'd love to know is what's the cheapest Class D amp that is still OK. Is there a Douk Audio hidden gem for say $40?

@PleaseNoMoreFarmhouseDecor 12 күн бұрын

I got an open box pair of RB-51-II's after watching your reviews a few days ago. My first good set of speakers. Plugged them into a used sony amp I got from a thrift store. They are SO good! I can't stop listening to them! Even when I don't want to listen to anything! Lols. Thank you!

@DavidArcher76 11 күн бұрын

The Ifi Zen Stream is a royal headache on wifi. I learned people had good luck using it with a wifi extender plugged into the ethernet so thats what i did and have had no problems since. It was quite expensive at the time when I bought it and the idea that I had to plug in an old scrap extender I had lying around the house to get it to function well has always seemed absurd to me.

@Ylojaketz 13 күн бұрын

Use my Zen Stream wired from my wifi range extender. So nice!

@zakblue 13 күн бұрын

The LS50s definitely need the right amp, i've owned a couple of pairs over the years. They are not my cup of tea either and I own some Q350s and Q150s which I bought later. The Q350 though is really amazing and definitely worth the extra cash vs the 150. The slightly older front ported Q300 are excellent too if found on the used market.

@bpalpha 13 күн бұрын

The AT95E is usually a pretty well respected cartridge. Best turntable for "frugal" shoppers is the Fluance RT82.

@CarlosPerez-eb5er 13 күн бұрын

A lot of what is a good product or not has to do with how it holds up. Obviously this takes time. My Cambridge CXA81 which was pretty well reviewed stropped working after 2 yrs. Had it repaired, not under warranty, and now 90 days later stopped working again. Will not buy another Cambridge product again.

@dm1787 13 күн бұрын

I never understood the buzz for LS50. Mine has been sitting in closet for years now.

@bstatmeister 13 күн бұрын

They look so so pretty, but just doesn't sound like real music to me, as well

@loudick9603 13 күн бұрын

I heard them being demo'd and was blown away. Maybe the amp had something to do with it? The Kefs I have are entry level (pre q150) and they sounded better than speakers double the price so I considered LS50s. Maybe not so much now.

@dm1787 13 күн бұрын

may be.

@tubefreeeasy 14 күн бұрын

I feel the iFi Purifier3 is a great product for computer audio.

@jergervasi3331 Күн бұрын

Well, that ended abruptly.

@MrSlicer2424 13 күн бұрын

The Arylic bp50 was the worst piece of chifi gear I have ever purchased.

@bengleason508 14 күн бұрын

Thanks Randy

@jaygannon1095 13 күн бұрын

I could see myself possibly liking the Douk Audio C100, but that's mainly because I'm a holdout who still has an mp3 collection and I don't know of too many alternatives for us holdouts these days

@amadigidigaula771 13 күн бұрын

Hi there, I’m a long time owner of the original series LS50 Wireless type. I would say they do some few things really great, but so much of what I listen to (classical and rock n roll in particular) sounds rubbish thru them. They have been relegated to my kitchen and now I’m ready to buy anything else to replace them. I think they were designed for all the kind(s) of music I hate…. I’m sure mine are totally different to the later passive type you are discussing.

@timbacchus 13 күн бұрын

Full of information and full of laughter.

@jeffreymoorbeck5039 13 күн бұрын

Nice t-shirt, Randy. Do you have a Triumph or did you just like the shirt?

@freemenofengland2880 13 күн бұрын

I sent an IFI Zen dac back and replaced it with an SMSL SU9 - night and day difference! Apart from the sonic quality it simply wouldn't work with my Samsung Google Chromebook. The support suggested it was my problem to fix. I sent it back the next day! 🤷‍♂🤷‍♀ I rock a Triumph also! 😎

@cheapaudioman 13 күн бұрын

I had a speed triple. Would love to get a bonneville but I think my riding days are over

@freemenofengland2880 13 күн бұрын

@@cheapaudioman I'm on a Street Triple Randy, and I'm 64. But then you've got a young family so I fully understand. 👍👍

@LordGormph 9 күн бұрын

Every Ifi product i have ever gotten has performed poorly, i think they have really bad quality control.

@jpny4750 10 күн бұрын

I actually like KEF LS50. My first go was with NAD class D amp, and it was not a good pairing. But when I switched to Cambridge Audio A/B class amp, it was magic.

@scottgraham152 9 сағат бұрын

I use an IFI Zen One Signature. Granted it’s a Bluetooth device (yeah I know Co-ax optical and USB) and that’s how I use it. I really like it.

@soundhead18 13 күн бұрын

I agree, ifi Sucks. I sent them my hip dac for repair because it wasn’t charging properly and they sent it back and said they didn’t find anything wrong with it. J tested it when I got it back and it still had the issue, so clearly they didn’t test it or lied there wasn’t an issue or didn’t tested it thoroughly.

@BobCoalWater 9 күн бұрын

I have an ifi zen streamer, when used with my laptop it used to drop off all the time, then I started using my phone and it worked really good, after a software upgrade it since also works good with my laptop.

@michaelcorlet2998 12 күн бұрын

See randy drinking coffee makes you an honest and reality based audio reviewer unlike the other utube reviewers who are actually audio influencers.well done man.😮

@aeon7748 13 күн бұрын

No new releases from Sith Audio this year?? strange...

@bruceandt 11 күн бұрын

Bold choice and well bloody none good sir. I like this offering. Truth comes from an honest assessment done over time regarding gear. The good the bad and the horrific. I consider you to be an honest reviewer based on past practice? You should be able to point out the Chaff. As a subscriber, I appreciate your thoughts on these components. Every one or at least me watches Hi fidelity reviews. It’s a way to learn and understand about the variables of cost and performance based on so many permutations.

@RaRa-vf6bv Күн бұрын

I use the og blackout kef ls50s w/ the smsl su-1 and the fosi bt20apro, works very well for my near field desktop setup. I added in a mini sub to handle the lowend and I honestly can't find any reason to upgrade to anything else.... Maybe the active versions some day if a good sale is on.

@irisfailsafe 7 күн бұрын

Direct drive turntables are not inferior to belt drive. The supposed problem with them, cogging does not exist it is a hypothetical issue not a real one. What is the problem with direct drive is that they are harder to make but when done properly they are way more accurate and consistent than belt drives

@HD-su9sq 13 күн бұрын

I just heard some honest opinions. It's good to get a few "not this way" signposts on the hifi journey, as well as the "go this way" advice. Thanks

@darrenschmitz2712 11 күн бұрын

I have had (2) iFi Zen's both of which had drop out issues which was really disappointing. However to be fair I did an software update to one of them, (returned the other), and it was flawless after that.

@stevengagnon4777 13 күн бұрын

The Audio Teknica turntable is not a Technics turntable ...better off getting an old working Technics direct drive...if it's working now it will be a good gamble for many more years. The automatic versions got better designed as time rolled on. The p-mounts will limit cartridge choice and you will need to go aftermarket for a new stylus or Grado. My SL-D2 is still working fine it's a semi automatic and only returns at the end of the record...I like that.

@davidjudd951 6 күн бұрын

I didn't see anything on the $38.00 Emerson with cardboard wall speakers, that I bought in the early 70's, at TG&Y.

@leetaylor13 13 күн бұрын

We demand a review of the following system. Crossley Cruiser, Pyle amp, DIY hanging panel speakers. Then you need to suggest components that could be inserted into that system to make it worse.

@cheapaudioman 13 күн бұрын

@@leetaylor13 I actually just did the DIY panels speakers a few weeks ago. They were terrible

@leetaylor13 13 күн бұрын

@@cheapaudioman That's why I suggested them. I do remember that you destroyed them, making my suggestion above a bit tricky.

@KeltonNickerson 9 күн бұрын

The Zen Stream has a Budget Value Aspect as a Really High Quality NAA Endpoint and in that respect its affordable - Ethernet when dealing with those bitrates is a must and IpowerX PSU

@thomaskendall452 13 күн бұрын

Love this "Hall of Shame" video! Maybe you could schedule several of these per year?

@tonyreiss7627 11 күн бұрын

ifi Zen Steam- I agree with all the on-point criticism of the ifi zen stream. I had it replaced twice, no difference. It is the one device I have a love/hate relationship with. What was not mentioned is when this daily aggravating device does work (only via ether) and if the software remains stable; the depth and clarity of the sound is pure bliss (via Tidal hi rez or Max files in c/w either of my Geshelli J2 DACSs w/AKM and Saber chips via Amano USB or spdf coax to my beasty Luxman R-117 via good RCA connects). The easy to use and great value Wiim Pro Plus, sounded recognizably veiled, so I sold it and deal with this annoying ifi zen musical wife just for the brief moments of pleasure.