To clarify my purpose in making this video: I've heard similar systems at Innovative, but while listening to digital audio. I liked the sound, but something was always missing. So I wanted to try again, this time only with vinyl. BINGO! I was so much more moved by the sound. So it wasn't that it was a $1,000,000 system, more about feeling more emotionally connected to the music.

Selecting the live at Leeds album illustrates why I enjoy this channel. One would naturally select an audiophile album to play on such a system, but the insight provided by the who album illustrates the thoughtfulness this man uses to provide experience to others.

I have this set up in my bathroom; it's pretty good for a secondary system.

150k for a preamp, 46,000 dollars for a speaker cable = stupid as sin....Rock on!

The Who's lyrics in Magic Bus apply to how I feel about that system: I want it, I want it, I want it... You can't have it!

41,000$ cables?😂 I’m in the wrong business. My cables are $10. Love your videos !

Amazing setup. And thank you so much for describing these great selections and conveying the feeling of it. Can only imagine hearing Joe Henderson with McCoy come to life through that insane system 😱

GR Research can probably do an upgrade to those speakers so the impedance doesn't drop so low.

Steve….wow…this video really brought out the whole gamut of emotions. Going to IA is always fun…I do it myself when in the city, which is not often these days being retired. Spending $1M on anything is not possible for me. However, even if I had it, I would never spend it on audio or any consumable. I’d rather help lots of people with their basic struggles.

A huge shout-out to Elliot and Innovative Audio. Elliot and IA helped me on my “upgrade” journey 16-18 months ago and that journey has achieved the next milestone. Thanks to Elliot’s recommendations I added a Spendor D9.2 speakers to my Naim Audio set up. Next milestone- a turntable?

WOW that is some system!! Heck if a person has the money and "good hearing" to fully appreciate it, then go for it.

It’s nice to know that if one can afford it, it is worth it! I can’t afford it, but love that it is real!!!

Wow. This is fun, Steve. Well done. A serious tour de force. ❤

I do not know how people who love music can hate this system. If I had the money I'd certainly have it.. Your reviews are at their best lately. You really get the music and the sound of it across. Thanks Steve!

KHRUANGBIN ARE AMAZING They don’t have any bad albums, they don’t have any bad songs

Such a great opportunity to experience such a system. Have to ask, to play an album on a "Million Dollar" system, what do you clean the records with? Figure ultrasonic or vacuum, maybe both? Love those Dan D'Agostino amps. Just wow, just wow.

The real question is do you feel more connection to the million dollar digital or your analog setup at home?

Those amps are stunningly, visual art! 👍🏼

You're hi fi system, is only as good as the recordings, you play through them, great video steve 👍

Wow, those amps look like they belong in Captain Nemo's hifi system on the Nautilus!

Glad you mentioned the New York Reunion session. That brings back memories! It was so fun working with you, Bob, David, and our late friend Jeremy.

I listened to a similar setup at JS Audio last week and the scale of the music from the Chronosonics was huge. Felt like they brought an entire theater to the room.

The airyness of the low(est) notes is a sign of the highest order of playback.

Regardless of the money, every audiophile should listen to these types of systems at least once. Thanks Steve for sharing. You have found your system of the week/year... ;-)

Steve I can only imagine , no actually I cannot imagine, how good it sounded. Pretty exciting stuff. Thanks for sharing. Greg

Steve, you Jerk lol!!!! Lucky dog!! Man, i just bought some Herbies big and tall feet for my vintage pioneer cs speakers i got at a estate sale to get them off the floor, and that price hurt, lol!!! Yeah, you get an awesome job! Love your channel!!

Thanks for the price list. Interesting to see the interconnect prices in relation to the power cords.

I love your channel Steve. You have a great way of conveying your hifi enthusiasm without being a snob

World's first Granite Open Baffle Speakers from MACO Acoustic ! LIVE IN CONCERT ! 😇😍🤩

Very nice video. Would have been great to hear the system as well....even with KZfaq limitations. LOVE the McCoy Tyner album. Many thanks for sharing

Steve- as always, amazing review/incredible system, you're the best! Question about Steely Dan- what do you consider their "new" music to be that you don't like? Aja 1977 was perhaps their best recording ever and Gaucho 1980 might have been the most musical album they ever did. Both were reference quality recordings, in my humble opinion...

I love early Steely Dan too, but AJA is definitely my favorite overall!😊

Another great one. Thanks Steve!

I'm curious about the preparation of the vinyl before playback. Any "special" cleaning just before? Also, What were the geometry and tracking force (by the book, or tuned)? What, if anything, did you do about static? Are these speakers "aimed" at a listening position? And finally, can I have it when you're done?

Super jealous you got to hear Joe Henderson live

Hi Steve, great video as always. But if you want a very well recorded live album the Cream live at the Royal Albert Hall (recorded 2005) takes some beating. So lush and 3D, if you okay it loud you can fill the room with sound and get that “being there” experience. I’m sure you must be aware of it. All the best. Richy.

I am happy with my DIY amplifier and preamp .

How many feet of lamp cord was used? Kidding.

Looking at the price breakdown, the most impressive/striking thing to me was the cables. Though the intellectual me understands the technology and the system context, the part of me who remembers growing up poor in the 70's can't adjust to such prices for cables. 💰💰

That sure is a reverberant room for a million dollar system. Steve, I can hear your voice echoing all throughout the video. Sounds like a cubic shaped room.

I heard these Wilson XVX at Evolution Home Theater in Atlanta, these speakers were the best I have ever heard them. They were paired with Gryphon Class A electronics and a DCS digital front end. The sense of scale, realism, precision of imagining, and a 3D Soundstage so expansive it will cause you to open your eyes and look around the room. It’s insane.

Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac, ThanksMuch for sharing !

“Airyness” refers to above 10kHz response. You call that “air”. You know, a lot of people think the more expensive the system is, the better it sounds. I have heard half a million dollar systems that sound awful. Wilson speakers usually sound pretty good although I haven’t heard them in an acoustically treated room yet.

Wow, a million bucks. I just hope people can appreciate it? A good idea would be to play some classical music on a system such as this, Mahler's 8th would put it through its paces.

You need to interview Ron Carter as an audiophile.

Just heard the Wilson Chronosonic XVX speakers at a dealer event. Wish I could have heard them with the hearing I had 35 years ago. Daryl Wilson spoke to the attendees and was a lovely gentleman. He explained about sound phase and the adjustments one makes to the speakers so all the sound from all the drivers arrives to the human ear with no lag. The fit and finish of the products made by Wilson Audio are like at Mars Rover or James Webb Space Telescope quality. Amazing fit and finish. They are crazy to look at! Sadly, the person holding the control (digitally streamed music) didn't play any pieces that floated my boat and started them off at an ear splitting volume for my tastes. I needed to escape the room. Like I said, I wish I could have heard them decades ago to perhaps better appreciate what they have to offer. I'm back home to my $4,800 2 channel system, prepping food for dinner, while listening to some of my favorite jazz and feeling sated (well, I could use a new streamer someday).

Don't dis the Dan, man!

The great system aside Steve, the Steely Dan thing - yeah, there is a bit of a gap, later/earlier offerings and I'm fine that you prefer the earlier works, it's all excellent - - but it's undeniable that the later work, which of course was mostly Fagen/Becker is far more sophisticated both musically and recording wise than the earlier stuff (even though yeah, more layered and manipulated, including help from drum machines, which I don't like) - but anyway, the more those two guys took over, and took care of most of the producing, imo the better those records got. Over time, and I think Aja marked the real turning point (I also believe that's one of the last albums they used only actual drummers with Gadd/Purdie/Marotto) where their recordings went from more of a pop rock format sound to pop, jazz, rock. btw, I've heard a slightly earlier version of the TechDAS, was 40K when I heard it - I guess the vacuum thing is a big factor but it was a revelation for me too - vinyl music with no "record" sound - - amazing. The guy did the "tap the record" thing with the tone arm down, with and without the vacuum, that could be considered a gimmick, which I took it for - but there's no denying the "absolute silence" once that vacuum was turned on. That's one area where reference level tables seem to do a better job at over lesser designs - in my personal experience, save one's money, it takes more than an expensive clamp to get to those results.

Awesome. Also, crazy.

The XVX are amazing. I heard them not long after hearing the master chronosonics. The XVX delivers 95% of the performance for half the price.

This is an extreme example. But the difference a really fine turntable set-up makes is something most people would never ever expect; and the difference that a good vacuum cleaning machine makes is so much more than most people would ever ever expect. Even modern digital recordings that get a record release are often less compressed on the vinyl version than the disc or file. The degree of timbral information you can get, the quietness you can achieve, and the physicality of the experience all contribute to It’s convincingness. And try Babylon sisters on gaucho… The back up vocals have midrange to die for. Next.. try a good direct disc and hear what vinyl can do, that tape can’t…

Great album choice!

Like Steve, I'm neither an equipment person nor a music person. I'm about 50/50. But the thing is, Steve's musical passions are not my musical passions. If he had ranted on and on about Helmuth Walcha's organ recording of Bach's "Art of Fugue" (which happened to be DG's first stereo release), or Solti's Ring cycle (Das Rheingold happened to be Decca's first stereo release), or his Mahler 2nd symphony with the LSO, or the Rachmaninoff "Symphonic Dances with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra under Donald Johanos, or the Reiner/CSO recording of Bartok's "Concerto for Orchestra" (which WFMT announcer Peter Van de Graaf declares may be the best recording of anything ever made), or either one of their "Also Sprach Zaratustra" recordings--these are the things I would reach for if I had an afternoon to play with a $1,000,000 vinyl system --it would have made me sit up and take notice, but may have bored other viewers. The one thing we can all agree on is how a superb audio system can help us delve into our own personal musical passions. I would have appreciated more about each individual component--especially that beautiful vacuum hold-down TT, or that power amp that can maintain full RMS voltage all the way down to 2 ohms (my Martin Logan ESL's would have eaten them up, that's for sure. But the styling? ugh! My opinion) or the feel and finish of that Relentless preamp-- rather than one rock album after another after another. And the one record that I probably would have been very interested in--the Wilson pipe organ recording--he didn't even mention any of the music played on it, just how the deep bass sounded! Hearing Steve talk about how playing his favorite albums makes him feel is subjective reviewing to the point of not being terribly useful to anyone else. p.s. My favorite Audiophilliac feature is probably the viewer systems, showing the very diverse collection of systems my fellow audiophiles have.

All the wow moments in this video Steve. WOW!

How would this system compare with a Naim Audio Statement with Focal Grande Utopia speakers? I thought I saw you at the Linn Klimax 360 demonstration with Gilad Teifenbrun hosting. What did you make of them? Many thanks for your brilliant and enthusiastic contribution to the audiophile world.

Steve. Giving people the impression that a 1 million system will sound better than a 100k one is not an audiophile practice. Above 100k will drive the performance backward as inside is still tech from the 1990s.

You should have put a penny on the cartridge head so you could hear the needle hit the groove 😁

My favourite all time LP Live at Leeds. I wish I could have been there to listen to this system. Wow.

Are going to bring Herb over to listen to the system too, it would nice to get his impressions of it too ? I know it might not be his thing but you should try and get him out of his comfort zone ? 😅

Now you got me playing Welch’s Recital, I will return to this piece once my subwoofers upgrade is complete

There is a Relentless 1600 amp and Wilson Master Chronosonic speakers

Khruangbin records together in a barn in Burton, TX.

I don't think your being biased as a trusted reviewer and listener hearing and understanding that analog reproduction sounds closer to live music.

Good to see an original copy of the Who and not the gawdawful 1/2 speed rehash.

i would purchase a 3 hundred dollar ticket to spend an evening with a system like that all to myself spinning my favorite records or digital recordings.

This was a very enjoyable video. It was interesting to hear Steve's reflections on these different recordings played through this monstrous system. His observations about the Steely Dan recording were valuable as that group's records have always been considered very high end from an audio standpoint and I think they are, if they are played through the average stereo system. As someone who mixes records, I would love to be able to have the listener hear music through this kind of system but alas it is necessary to highly compress recordings to play through cheap speakers and earbuds. Hats off to the artists and engineers who refuse to engage with this trend and create recordings for playback systems like this one.

I’m confused. Why such super high amplifier power these days?

The Altecs are real hifi hidden gems today. I still prefer my 501s over any modern offering at the price point. I'd buy up every pair from this model line in almost any condotion off ebay right now if i could😊

"it is what it is" is seriously one of those phrases that we need to retire

Re: Live at Leeds. I agree with your insightful assessment including the stellar work by Entwistle who really showed how much he carried the Who’s presentation. I had the opportunity to see them play shortly after Leeds at their 3 ¾ hours at the Isle of Wright 1970 concert.

I'm just totally envious of the people who can afford to buy such a fantastic hi-fi setup as Steve mentions here. If I had that money.. without my family or friends missing something... then I would have bought an equally good system.. Then the amplifier manufacturer would have to be called Gryphon or Pass Labs.. But to each his own..😊

Soooo…… when are you getting YOUR OWN Wilson speakers Steve ???

Steve, I have a question: have you ever tried to listen to live music pretending to listen to a top audiophile system and what would be your review of it?

The damn speaker's resistance almost goes down to a dead short. That SAT arm deserves SAT's own table, the Air For One or (goodness) an Air Force Zero.

6400w, yet for sensibility, both are fed from the same receptacle. Its possible its separate circuits but not likely. Not really an issue, as a circuit can pass enough for both amps with music.

And how much did he spend into room acoustics ? Probably not even 10% of the system price… that makes sense

At last; you review some ting that wort to listen for!

A system for oil sheiks and hedge fund managers. How wonderful.

We felt nothing Steve 😊

Great job Steve! The things that amuses me is that the armboard alone is $13K. 😂

I hope it surprises you. The penguin scene in Billy Madison comes to mind.

hello Steve.. your thoughts on trading up from the Sasha DAW's to the new Sasha V?

What’s the point if we can’t listen to this system ?

Are swivel wheels under the Wilson’s or actual spikes / mounts?

Steve. I see you sometimes use Denon PMA 600 ne ...for some tests. Why? Can i say that its a good starter amp to play demanding 4ohms speakers?

I know tight budget but Pretty sure they need to upgrade pre & TT power cords

Thank you, Steve. The other day I ended up with 300 albums from a couple who gave them to me to settle a domestic dispute. 1 of the records was a Bernard Herrmann (new-recording) directing a new Phase 4 Stereo London album of Alfred Hitchcock scores (1969 - SP-44126.) The Quality was extraordinary and it was as NEW & clean as the day they bought it 55 years ago; stunning. How was it, it was BLACK! I keep telling people how I could hear the BLACKNESS between the sound (which sounds crazy, right), and I think it's the 1st time I've heard my system at its BEST. So, while it's a joke practically to compare what I have against what you have just described..., somehow, I feel I kind of understand what you are talking about. ..... And you are responsible for some of my listening experience - It's one of the reasons I'm your biggest fan :) --- HAPPY NEW YEAR, Buddy :) - m.

I feel rocked out... and I haven't heard this system!

What I would love is for you to be in a large room blindfolded with progressively more expensive systems starting at $5,000 going up to this one. You have a prearranged set of criteria upon which to judge. You listen to the same recordings and then give your opinions. It would be interesting how you would rank them. Just a thought 💭

Just wondering;after this taste of honey how much time does ik take to get used to your own system again.

Not my cup of hifi tea Steve as you know. But impressive setup. The electronics and speakers looks and and especially sound wise are just not my thing. Although these Wilson are indeed well build interesting speakers I must admit. Great video. Thx.

great show :)

A $1M system to play a circular piece of wax, lol. What is the profit margin on this, 40-60%, so a cool half a million + it depreciates by 30% as soon as it leaves the store. The Dagostino gear is gaudy looking. Audio equipment for those with small…

So, Steve. . . What did you really think? 😺

So glad you did not do the "and now let's listen to...". Especially since the very basis was analog being better. Well, unfortunately... when the source is up to it! Unfortunately some of me favorite stuff from back in the day was not released that well. To the extent of reusing vinyl and actually finding old label pressed into new pressings. But some were exceptional. Some artists knew and cared more than others.

Audio is one of those complex things. It's all subjective. Some people might fimd their $500 system sounds better, more to their taste. Others will find a million dollar system incredible. Most women for instance will never spend huge money on hifi. They just want something to listen to songs they love.

You made no mention when you discussed the turntable about the Lyra Etna cartridge. Considering that it is a critical part of analog record reproduction, I'm surprised that you left this transducer out of the picture.

It's only $1KK or a rock as Tony Soprano would say. Back to playing my $7.5K system.

So Steve, what do you really think?? 😊

I really started my high-end audio journey close to 20 years ago at Innovative, with an Ayre disc player, preamp and amp (along w/ a prior Rega Planar 3) fronting some Thiel speakers. Subsequently enjoyed that gear for years. My salesperson, Bruce Deegan, was an ideal guide. DK if he's still there but I hope that he, Elliott and the store are still doing well!