How to choose your audio system - High Level Discussion

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2 жыл бұрын

The boys discuss their humble beginnings in the audio world!
Watch the unboxing video of the Lumin P1 here!
• It does all THREE? Lum...
Watch the rest of the Buchardt fiasco series here:
Part 1: • Are these REALLY worth...
Part 2: • Were we wrong? Buchard...
Part 3: • Adrian buys a new pair...
Part 4: • The End of an Era. The...
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Audio Excellence Inc. is a high end audio/video store in Markham, Ontario, Canada, a suburb of Toronto. We've been in business since 1991.
Check out our interviews with designers and audio luminaries like Daryl Wilson of Wilson Audio, Paul McGowan of PS Audio, Paolo Tezzon of Sonus faber, Wendell Diller of Magnepan, John Atkinson of Stereophile, Dan D'Agostino of D'Agostino Master Audio Systems, Nelson Pass of Pass Labs and others.
Contacts:
Adrian@audioexcellence.ca
Vilip@audioexcellence.ca
Lewis@audioexcellence.ca
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Пікірлер: 78

@michaelmityok1001 2 жыл бұрын

Adrian's music choices particularly Lionel Ritchie makes me think your systems really MUST be fantastic if they can make someone enjoy Lionel Ritchie.

@billwillard9410 2 жыл бұрын

I’m not a big Lionel Richie fan per se but I have his “”Can’t Slow Down” album which has most of his recognizable hits - didn’t actively seek it out, it was part of a bunch of albums I bought - a”but it’s a very listenable and well recorded studio record. Qobuz has it in high def and it’s something that I’ll cue up from time to time (just the hits).

@CaptainCrunch823 Жыл бұрын

Two of my top 100 were written by Lionel Ritchie: Zoom and Sail On. He has many other greats under his belt but those are a couple of his best.

@kjbunnyboiler 2 жыл бұрын

Credit to Vilip. After putting in a full shift with UPS he then turns up at Audio Excellence 🤣🤣. Keep up the great videos guys👍

@enniolongoclucfpakatheinve9453 2 жыл бұрын

That is not nice. Funny, really funny but not nice. I need to give Vilip a hug. I just have to wait for his UPS shift to be over first.

@foblivio 2 жыл бұрын

This is quite funny.

@vilipmak3973 Жыл бұрын

Back in my youth, I was a courier for a while. So, to the Brothers in Brown - Solidarity.

@petedawg 2 жыл бұрын

Paul McGowan (PS Audio) also commented on one video that electrostatics are very revealing, so he tends to shy away from them for the reasons you stated. I appreciate this deep dive.

@brandonburr4900 2 жыл бұрын

Appreciate videos like this where you guys each share artists and albums your enjoying. I added a few of them to my tidal subscription . Thank you and feel free to make more videos like this !

@raphaelmeillat8527 Жыл бұрын

My favorite video of yours! Great discussion about how passionate journey's start and evolve over time... Keep doing what you're doing guys!

@Michael-xz1nk Жыл бұрын

1) I'm with Louis. It's all about the music for me, which I can enjoy on any system. A good recording is a bonus. 2) Adrian mentioned that he could recommend a well rounded system for around $5,000 - $6,000. That's a lot of dough for most people who could not justify or afford the expense, even though they love music. Most people, who are non-audiophiles but music lovers, have playback systems that range from $500 or less - $2,500 and enjoy their music and emotional connections immensely. Most music lovers do not seek more, more, more in terms of sonic improvement, whether they can afford it or not. High end audio customers represent a very small / niche percentage of music lovers. To each their own. 3) After 40 years in the hobby and 3 nice vintage systems, my objective is to continue to build my cherry picked playlist collection within my streaming service of choice and enjoy my favorite music the rest of my life. 4) I think Tidal and hi-rez audio are over rated. Many files on Tidal are not true hi -ez as well documented. 5) Nonetheless, great video content as usual. Keep up the great work!!

@robertdebellis9703 2 жыл бұрын

I really appreciate the effort you folks put in trying to help us make the correct decisions which has become ever more difficult due to the reduction of places to listen to equipment. I got into kinda of a jam in the process of picking out my bucket list loudspeaker system coming from Aerial 10T’s, the originals. In the midst of my journey, my 300 w per channel ML 333 amp died. I sure wish I was a neighbor. All the best to you! Bob

@pswitzeny Жыл бұрын

This is great!! Drama free. Unboxing free. Just the three of you sharing your experience. You guys have talked about the Rogers speakers so many times over the years, I wonder, do they hold up in todays world versus the competition? It would be interesting if you reviewed them now, all these years later, and gave your impressions as to if they are still worth the current asking price, etc. It's pretty uncommon for a speaker to be in production, untouched (I believe), for as long as the LS3/5A so it's kind of a rare opportunity.

@Exgol2005 2 жыл бұрын

Indeed.... "until you hear it". Chesky records opened my ears (kick-started this never ending journey) thru' non-audiophile gear. Heard the difference! Magical

@billwillard9410 2 жыл бұрын

It’s very helpful to hear from people who have heard the equipment you’ve had or have heard but can say “Oh, you like that? Wanna hear something even better?”. I’d say that most people (audiophile or not) will tell you that they have a great system, no matter what they paid for it or how much effort they spent putting it together. I’m well aware that salesmen always try to upsell you to the next highest model but sometimes they’re right, as I can say I’ve bought the lower model more times than not and ended up selling it for something better/more expensive.

@terryrichardson7763 2 жыл бұрын

Gentlemen. another excellent video. Thanks for helping me keep in touch with the business. Hope to visit sometime this year . Regards Terry.

@PanAmStyle 2 жыл бұрын

This is so good. I hadn’t thought of Doug MacLeod in years and had never listened to the “There’s a Time” album - Wow!!! I especially like “My Inlaws are Outlaws” … “Yo mama so mean ... she sat on the railroad track, freight train take a dirt road” 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣

@jonuiuc 2 жыл бұрын

One album I always put in to audition systems that people always are surprised or like to hear is Dr. John, "Trippin Live". Real nice live album. problem is, it sounds great on almost anything lol.

@stuartboros7693 2 жыл бұрын

Glad to see that you showed the Spica TC-50s as that (plus an Adcom 545 amp) is what got me started. Though I’m now using Maggies in my main system and Harbeth C7s in my bedroom/tv setup, I still own the Spicas and they still sound great and their imaging and transparency is impressive.

@vilipmak3973 Жыл бұрын

You should try the Spicas with a Dynaco ST70 - they used that amp to voice the speaker - it is pretty magical.

@davewin1792 2 жыл бұрын

That's one of the wonderful things about listening to music is, there's really no wrong answer. Even a transistor radio can be sufficient and enjoyable. Having said that, my journey has landed me at open baffle speakers which do some amazing things, not perfect but does things in a special way. Yes having a pretty damn good system it does reveal the short comings and how amazing some music is recorded. You guys are doing a massive service to our industry by educating the end user, and maybe minimizing the mistakes (and there will be some) to our purchases. Keep Lewis in the mix please. Having a range of experience really does help. Thank you guys and keep up the good work.

@dilbyjones 2 жыл бұрын

agreed but not agreed...im sure its objective to most but not to me.

@dilbyjones 2 жыл бұрын

this thing is like good sculpture.. at its best

@dajikbatarang1 2 жыл бұрын

Brothers Johnson - Stomp, is such a good song. Quincy Jones really knows how to produce a record

@shanestephenson8423 2 жыл бұрын

Great rambling guys l enjoyed that conversation immensely.

@darrynmeadows 2 жыл бұрын

I have a ma252 Olympica nova 3 ifi set up with a vpi set up it's wonderful I listen to mainly metal and punk I'm more than happy with the sound

@robvandendolder3157 2 жыл бұрын

Great passionate topic guys. Really enjoyed it, and hit home for me. Thank you. 😎👍

@pablolubbert9739 2 жыл бұрын

I am also into musicality/hifi and would be interesting to know what system you guys recommend for $7,000.00, $15,000.00 and $30,000.

@ridirefain6606 2 жыл бұрын

I would say my journey is much the same. Early on I went for systems that were highly resolving, able to dig deep into a recording and grab a lot of detail. Alas, a great many things that I rock out to started sounding anemic in my old rig. Thus I found myself starting to rail against what we as Audiophile are suppose to like, and purchasing music that I actually enjoy. So now when I audition, I leave most of my Hi-Fi community approved catalogue at home and listen with mainstream labels that do not put as much care and feeding into the recording and mastering process. I found it eye opening. A lot of the well regarded Hi-End products I auditioned I found lacking. A lot of the industry's most lauded brands were no longer my preference. I found myself investing in stuff that is considered to be really good product for what they are. However, many would consider them a lesser caliber and not true a Hi-End piece. In short, be mindful of the vanity brands. They may not offer the versatility your taste might require. Ditto: Audition with the music you actually listen to so you can assess a components/speakers strengths and weaknesses. A reference level recording can make just about anything sound stellar, and give you a false positive.

@mousec2600 Жыл бұрын

Gear so good our illusions are shattered? Oh to have such problems. Your channel never fails to magnify my awareness of the roadblock my budget presents to the pursuit of my dreams. I love everything you guys spend time talking about and reviewing. Even though it's mildly heart breaking to realize the unlikeliness I'll ever possess such magnificence, I do still love to see, hear, and fantasize.

@donalddeorio2237 2 жыл бұрын

Grew up reading stereo review and audio magazines, then stereophile. The advice they gave was to go listen to different types of systems, decide what you like about the sound, and get as much of that sound at your budget. One of the systems that made me say Wow was a full size Magnepan, didn't have the space or budget for that. Found much of that sound in Dahlquist DQ 20i bought used at Stereo Exchange.

@jenogilvie-grant2636 2 жыл бұрын

The best video you have done 😘👌🙏 Brilliant 🙏

@Ricky-cl5bu 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant advice 100% right

@Ricky-cl5bu Жыл бұрын

What a great talk

@olcoot7107 Жыл бұрын

Thanks GAN CK and Tech Rider. I appreciate your input very much.

@gregorypatton360 2 жыл бұрын

Some of those brothers johnson album covers are epic!

@danijelsan81 Жыл бұрын

I love Aretha’s rendition of Marvin Gaye’s Wholy Holy. That’s my favorite track on that live Amazing Grace recording.

@bencausey 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your thoughts. I used to be more of a “music first” audiophile, but over the decades I’ve transitioned to mostly a “sound first” audiophile. There are pros and cons for sure, but for me one of the pros is that I now find SO much more appeal across the genres and constantly with brand new music…if it “sounds” good, I can appreciate it greatly, and then if it not only sounds good but also IS good, that’s the ultimate.

@gaborozorai3714 2 жыл бұрын

Reacting to a couple of things that came up in the conversation: I always thought that the point of high quality audio is to on the one hand to enable you to discover music, genres that are new to you, and on the other hand to make the vast majority of the recordings you own enjoyable to listen to. Sure, the flaws of bad recordings will be shown up, you may have to readjust your expectations when listening to these, but more resolution and dynamics should still make for a more rewarding listen.

@JoseGarcia-oo4mc 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent

@korbindallas6727 2 жыл бұрын

"be open and receptive" by Vilip. Awesome comment. Confession: I should have done that when I bought my Peachtree Nova 300 from Vilip back in or around December, 2019 He did try, but I wasn't listening. He even got Jay involved in the discussion about the Peachtree vs. a Hegel 120 or even the 390. Yes, some big bumps in price from the Nova 300, but still...could of, would of, should have. The Peachtree is long gone, but I could have saved myself a lot of buy/sell if I had listened more with my ears and heart, and not that evil inner voice of "wanting" a Nova 300. Of course, I could still use some good speakers ... . Cheers.

@billwillard9410 2 жыл бұрын

Yep been there and done that. I could’ve saved money in the long run if I would’ve gone for the better unit first off.

@korbindallas6727 2 жыл бұрын

@@billwillard9410 I hear ya audio brother. I probably would be able to cover the better part of the cost of the speakers I covet. Or perhaps a glass half full approach; higher education comes at a cost! 🙂

@davidmcginnis2998 2 жыл бұрын

Good one

@janellec8482 2 жыл бұрын

That was a great topic. Something dual purpose is what I am looking for. Any ideas for something in the 2000-3000 US dollar range. I don’t mind adding a subwoofer since I have one. Thank you.

@_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- 2 жыл бұрын

Consider headphones? Could have a very nice setup for that price range in headphones, vs. entry-level speakers and associated equipment, and wouldn't have added cost of room treatment or headaches of speaker positioning.

@matta9316 2 жыл бұрын

Great vid - love the topic. I had a similar relevation but in a home theater setting where once I heard my uncles setup - knew one day I’d have something similar and got me into the hobby!

@Freedom89984 Жыл бұрын

We don’t have to dream about the LS3/5a as now there is the LS50 meta. I have both but prefer the meta’s. They are better in every way.

@harryburnett7086 2 жыл бұрын

What are those skinny floorstanding speakers they where talking about with the Heigel

@rig4365 2 жыл бұрын

lol. I came here to ask the same thing. I guess we'll find out in the next Buchardt video.

@pizzaearthpancakesandother2549 2 жыл бұрын

My audio objective is to own a pair of GR Research LGKs (little giant killers) driven by a NAD reciever!

@Steve-cw1zo 2 жыл бұрын

High end audio showrooms always playing great recordings. 20-300k later, people get home with there new system wondering what happened? Where is that beautiful sound I heard at the store? Truth be told, hard to fix a bad recording, no matter the system. When purchasing a system, make sure the dealer plays music you listen to. If not, you may end up extremely disappointed and financially drained.

@brown-eyedman4040 2 жыл бұрын

To start, I'd say before buying go to your local high-end dealer. In my experience these people are about helping you put together a system that suits your tastes in music and sound. Don't worry if you don't have a gazillion bucks to spend, folks like Adrian and his crew will help you put together a system that suits your taste and budget. Plus, it helps support your local economy. Does anyone remember Adcom? The high-end press raved about the sound. Took me about 90 seconds to know it just wasn't for me. Reviews are wonderful but listen and trust your ears.

@jordesign 2 жыл бұрын

My answer would have been "start with the speakers" Which seems like what all of you kind of did... I do feel like the speaker is the voice of the system. Everything else can influence that voice, but cannot change it too drastically.

@toddhupp 2 жыл бұрын

You are right.A good system is reveling on bad recordings.the digital cd reissues eg Johnny Mathis are horrible on a quality system.shrill.hard to fix even with tone controls.Yet good records eg John Groban are stunning.Even them there is a difference from track to track.

@billwillard9410 2 жыл бұрын

A double-edged sword for sure, finding your old favorites sound really crummy on a really good system but being equally amazed hearing others like you’re hearing them for the first time.

@artyfhartie2269 2 жыл бұрын

Go horns. Sound is spread naturally through horns. Horns with compression drivers the best. Klipsch Made in USA, Western Electrics, OMA rule.

@artyfhartie2269 2 жыл бұрын

@@chanslorvalorum6905 Altec Lansing Model 19, All vimtage and heritage Kilipsch Made in USA. Period

@louisperlman8030 2 жыл бұрын

My wife refers to various panel speakers as screens or room dividers. And WATT/Puppies are trash cans 🙂/🙁

@CarlVanDoren61 2 жыл бұрын

If you can't play with the Big Dogs, stay on the porch 🤠 Magnepan 20.7s with Coda 16.0

@olcoot7107 2 жыл бұрын

98% Classical here. Trying to decide between Wilson & SF. Thoughts?

@ganck1147 2 жыл бұрын

Definitely SF. Better portrayal of tone, texture & emotion.

@techrider2088 2 жыл бұрын

I’d add to consider Verity Audio in regards to tone.

@ganck1147 Жыл бұрын

@@techrider2088 yes Verity is also a good choice for classical music.

@timothyfreeseha4056 Жыл бұрын

I honestly think you could go wrong these days. Everything has advanced- recordings too, so budget or hi- end you are well ahead of products available in years past. But you could go wrong if you get caught up in what is technically great as opposed to what is honestly preferable. Knowing yourself & your environment could be hugely helpful in the decision making process.

@wric01 2 жыл бұрын

Can't afford them setups like these guys. Age of digital i2s is upon us, 2022 pi2design mercury streamer i2s to draco r2r dac via headphone amps is the way to go hi fi around 1.5k entry point. No more usb crap, you go nuts 1k on cables and noise reduction yet still far from achieving what i2s offers. Speakers is last, too expensive to drive:amps xlr preamp speakers.

@PanAmStyle 2 жыл бұрын

Ring Audio!!!

@davidthom7127 2 жыл бұрын

Surely the solution of how to buy a system to play music you love is take a long your albums and start listening to systems within your budget. When you find the system the you enjoy from, STOP LISTENING AND BUY IT.

@DodgyBrothersEngineering 2 жыл бұрын

You don't know what you don't know... So really you have to be exposed to quite a lot of different equipment to find "your" sound. Even things like imaging and detail, they are not concepts that you will understand till you have been exposed to them. Then you can say ahh that's what your talking about. Unfortunately it is not as easy as knowing your objectives from the outset, if you have no clue what your objectives are to begin with, or what those objectives even are. Lots of speakers can sound truly great, but not every speaker can be something that moves you. Took me ages to find my sound. Very few speakers really wow me, but once in a while I will come across something like Wisdom Audio LS4's that just leave me staring at them in disbelief.

@davewin1792 2 жыл бұрын

Well said. I could never understand when people said their system had air. Man when you hear and understand what that means, it's kind of floors you in a good way :)

@paulomontero12 2 жыл бұрын

A better question is how these hifi audio companies are ripping us off with their high prices?

@billwillard9410 2 жыл бұрын

No one needs this stuff and anyone walking into a hifi shop is just looking for trouble, so to speak. There’s no “bargain” in buying any of this equipment, just something you want to spend your money on (or not). Tell any non-audiophile you’ve just gotten a steal deal on $500 speakers because you bought them for $300 and see how they look at you.

@smallm7943 2 жыл бұрын

Bottomline money can buy you everything...

@dilbyjones 2 жыл бұрын

Every once in a while a video gets made that accidentally condenses all of what Audiophile is about and hits the nail on the head. Im so happy that AE can cut through! the story of the LS35a are exactly what I KNEW WAS TRUE! the nature of audiophile electronics ISNT PRO SPEAKERS !! its understanding PHYSICS AND ELECTRONICS and material science.SO WELL that you can in fact RULE TONE and soundstage ECT ECT... The reason this hobby can be so illusive is because we are trying to hit a moving target. All science is continually evolving...so unless you take enough time to listen to what " older "...peoples experience is you will miss it. JUST TOTALLY MISS IT. I missed it for 2 or 3 years and I knew essentially what I was looking for.... sorry about the low quality writing... just had to get this post made.

@vilipmak3973 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing! Kudos!