I think this is the best audiophile channel on KZfaq.

I am a very frugal 70 year old listener. Most of my system was acquired second hand from garage and estate sales. I live close to an upscale University here in Denver and it is amazing what is available when rich students sell the stuff that their daddy paid for. High end vintage Sansui, Technics, Polk Audio. Audio Techinca, Marantz and Bevada at budget prices. To my 70 year old ears with Tinnitus and limited hearing, from 45 years of construction work, my vinyl sounds amazing. If your system pleases you as much as mine pleases me then you are doing well. Enjoy the music......

Andrew, i´m not a long time viewer of this channel, but let me tell you something... you're one of the BEST reviewers i´ve ever seen!!! I love the passion, honesty and practical sense you put in your explanations! Keep up!

I know this probably isn't the aim of the channel but I just wanted to let you know if you read this how incredibly therapeutic this is/has been for me. My father was a monster, and while I didn't take all of his terrible traits, nothing being good enough and his love for music did sort of stick. While I have kicked some serious addiction by falling back into music to replace it, I found myself addicted to gear, measurements etc. With the help of your channel I've been able to let go of most of the "it isn't enough" part and just get back to the good stuff, the music.

I think " how it makes you feel" is a great way to put it. When I listen to music on my secondary system it is fun and I enjoy the songs. But when I listen to it on my main system, which is higher-end, I feel like I have experienced a wow "event". I experienced something special. It took all of my working life to put together my "high end" system, and I really love it. The "wow event" is what high end buys you.

It's so refreshing to have someone speak openly, honestly and with integrity. Great channel - so happy I stumbled on you

I will pull out this video and present it to anyone who ever complains or argues about stuff being overpriced or "I can do the same for much cheaper". Because the conclusion of this video applies for everything on the market. Awesome, awesome video.

Well put Andrew. I'm backtracking through some of your earlier videos. Money well spent is so true especially with you walk a mile analogy. I've always bought bargain shoes until my one foot got so painful I sought out a podiatrist. X-rays and his diagnosis confirmed arthritis, but he also pointed out my footwear and directed me to a store that catered to runners. The joy of being able to walk comfortably certainly helped to over come sticker shock of better trainers.

I'm getting bored to death with the whole audiophile industry regarding the cost of hi-fi products... Just buy what you can afford people... don't judge others by how much or how little they spend on their equipment!! now... move on and enjoy the music!

I've been subscribed for a while and I appreciate your straightforward, honest approach. I totally agree with you in this video. people love their own systems because they satisfy their listening preferences. Its not about keeping up with the people up the street because they might just have a newer or more expensive set up. Keep up the good work.

I like the fact that you bring the ethical aspect of where it is made and in what working conditions...

I tried double blind testing with cars - once.

Your analysis is brilliant. You are right audio doesn’t have to be expensive, it is what you have chosen, how you set it up in the room, with the room being as important as the components. People have the price envy thing going on and you summed it great, it might not be the right thing for you and it’s not up to you to decide. Keep it going Andrew you and your wife thought this through. She needs to take a bow as well, great job as you try and always get people to think of others and think beyond themselves even right down to the closing arguments, “the only person that needs to like your system is you”. You have come along way since the Emotiva days and frankly, I’m quite proud of you and I always look forward to your videos and introspective.

Long-time viewer, late subscriber. I had been reluctant to subscribe to this channel for two reasons: 1) wondering whether I really need to be inundated with more hi-fi audio temptation on an already taxed budget and 2) the video production, which is objectively superb, but occasionally puts me off for being "slick." That said, I always find myself coming back because I wholly endorse a philosophy underpinning many of these videos: the critique of elitist groupthink within the so-called audiophile community. I also have found the interactions between you and Kristi endearing and refreshingly honest/self-aware. Thanks for putting out videos that have some substance and discourage blind consumerism.

I run a Marantz 2325 125 watts per channel min. There are a pair of Klipsch k-horns up front with a pair of Klipsch Belle speakers in the back and a M&K powered subwoofer. At a little bit past quarter volume it’s live entertainment. My room is double insulated 26’x28’ and the better the recoding or Source the Better it sounds. I know my stuff is old but I can’t believe that I could at a reasonable cost get any more sound ! It rocks ! It can still Take my breath away ! I have ran this system for years of trouble free enjoyment. I would like to have the old Marantz up dated some time. I’m sure it wouldn’t hurt. I do take it apart every few years and blow it all out with my air compressor. I really enjoy it and I still love it after years. I’m older now and probably will be listening to it until I pass on . When something works , don’t try and fix it , if it’s not broken ! It would cost a small fortune to replace it and odds are it won’t sound much better if any at all ! Be Happy with what you have and enjoy ! Laugh, Smile, Dance , Drink, Smoke, Cookout, and live a long happy life ! That’s the way G d would want it ! Smile

For most of the first 30 years of my hi-fi life I was severely restricted budget-wise and _faute de mieux_ relied heavily on DIY. Then at the beginning of the new millennium I found myself with nearly $AU200,000 in the bank. So I built my wife and my dream home (DIY) the builders having quoted $AU350,000. Needless to say, the main living area was designed and built with my audiophilia in mind :-) From the money left over after spending ~$AU170,000 I purchased a modest sound system (with DIY speakers). It was heaven and I’m still enjoying the system 21 years later.

The hook is that once you walk the mile in the sneakers, you don’t want to go back to barefoot 😏

You guys are just amazing. Congratulations on the amazing channel. You Andrew make us put these kind of topics in prospective, you possess a magnetic calmness that impregnates when listening and watching you. Thank you!

Bravo, bravo, bravo!! I watch your channel but never comment. I always like the videos! This video explains a lot to every aspiring audiophile, existing audiophiles, and recovering audiophiles like you and I. Great video!!!!!

I have learn more here in a moth 2 videos a day than 11 years asking question on magnolia best buy .

Thanks Andrew for all these videos, very helpful big fan of your work.

Andrew, that was a great explanation, of a delicate subject ! There are audiophiles , in all price ranges. Sometimes, we buy , the best we can afford. We shouldn't begrudge those , that have unlimited budgets ,nor those that are financially constrained! There is always room for improvement! It should be a labor , of love and not a psychotic quest , for perfection. Be happy , as you move along ! Don't let other peoples needs drive your wants. There is musical beauty , to be had , at all levels, " To thine own self, be true " . ( Cliche , but appropriate ) ! Thanks , for another honest video!

Well this brings new meaning to walking a mile in another persons shoes. Over the last several videos I thought some of your choices were getting a bit too personal for an open to everyone audio youtube channel. Some of them where even uncomfortable for me to get through. As someone who has worked in the audio industry for over 30 years from big box stores, high end stores and manufacturing - I now realize your choices just hit a little to close to home. Bravo to you and your better half for having one of the most deep thinking and interesting youtube channels on any topic.

Great discussion ! All your points were right on the money. Thanks for your great channel.

Thanks for the super honest video. Very refreshing to hear some truth in this day and age . Greetings from Ireland and stay safe.

Awesome video. I like seeing info on different brands. I still enjoy my Elacs.

Another great video.! The part that stood out most for me is the looks part. I’m always looking for the best sound I can afford, but the way the new piece (or old) looks plays a big part in my decision. That’s why I just spent more to update my originally purchased Carver M-500t than what I paid for it in the early to mid-eighties. I love giant meters. :) Plus I think it sounds great. Keep the vids coming.

You are so wright on this subject, I have bought some very good sounding audio equipment at really low prices both new and used' I really like your videos.

Andrew, that was absolutely fantastic.. I shared it to my FB page... 👍

This channel is so educational when it comes to hi fi..

Great analogy with a song being compared to distance. I often have had people question my reasons for owning my gear; my need for vinyl and/or high res audio. My response was always come hear it for yourself; the time construct seems to pass so quickly while I am demonstrating or as they are asking for specific songs. When the setup is right it just sucks you in to what ever is playing; you lose the concept of space and time. You are right that labels have absolutely nothing to do with it.

Class act guy! Excellent channel, keep up the good work!

I still love my Yamaha AS3000 for its looks and sound! I cannot justify spending 2-3k more to get same performance from Audiophile brand... Couldn't be happier!

A beautiful and original set of musings from a beautiful mind. One of your best so far.

I love pro audio advice from Kevin Spacey. But really, you have reinvigorated my love for home audio. Keep it up.

Money buys the most important component in an audio system which is the source component. The better the source component results in a lower degradation of the signal as it travels through the amplifier to the speaker

Great video and your analogy was perfect. Btw, I love my new pair of Kanto YU6

Very enlightening explanation. Great work from a fellow Texan!

I've been watching your channel for a while and I've commented/replied a couple of times where the tone may have seemed negative, despite that not being the main intention. This video has made me subscribe. Great content, well said!

Andrew, this was a superb video. Over the years, I have found that I need not spend tens of thousands of dollars on my system.Don’t get me wrong, I feel my system is very nice, and it seems to have great synergy between components, and the imaging and soundstage is great. I’ve also gotten pretty adept at upgrading and modding my own gear, or even building it from scratch using all top notch parts, as I did with my phono preamp. It sounds absolutely wonderful, and there are days I can’t wait to get home and spin some tunes on my turntable. Of course there’s a couple components I’d like to upgrade, but I refuse to ever go into debt for HiFi gear ever again. If I had a lot of disposable income, you bet I’d buy some super hi end components, but I’m pretty happy with where I’m at now. I started off approximately 30 yrs ago as a record collector, but quickly fell into the realm of audiophile, although I will always consider myself a music lover and musician first. I could go on and on, but I’ll spare you, and just say thank you for such a great vid! 🎶👍🔊🙂

I love my Q Acoustics 3020i bookshelf speakers. My vintage pioneer A-9 integrated amplifier really drives them pretty loud and musically.

Andrew.. a great video again.. & today i'm waiting for my 2 new Beatles Albums on vinyl Stereo.. WITH THE BEATLES & BEATLES FOR SALE.. I have had them both on mono from when they came out in the 60s & they were the 1st 2 albums i could afford back in those days as i was earning £6 a week in wages & they cost them Half my wage each.. so now i very excited because i will soon be playing the new remastered Albums on my system.. so as you say as long as you are happy with the sound you get from what you have .. enjoy the music you can afford.. paul

Thank you so much for your amazing videos. Best Regards from Argentina!!!

Dude ..... I have quite a story to tell, but your putting out content too fast ....lol. But in the short term, I'm loving your content, and your playlist seriously challenged me. After it was said and done, and some calibrating, I walked away with big ass smiles on my face 😎😁 ..... thanks man !!

Very good analogy , as usual good material.

Great video Andrew! Just my thinking but I think more people should start out with "great video Andrew" and then proceed with there comment.. I say this because he really gets the audio community really thinking on topics regardless of how you personally feel. Well done mate..

I think you nailed it really, particularly the design part. There is always a lot of debate on how equipment "A" compares to equipment "B" in a blind test and how biased the listener may be if he/she is not blindfolded and knows what he/she is listening to. That's all right but something which strikes me as fundamental is: at home, I do not listen to my music blindfolded. I have to select, analyze and ultimately purchase a piece of equipment which will stand in a central rack and will have the spotlight in my system and livingroom. I'll have to live with that and look at it everyday, perhaps more times switched off than on. I do get the point of something outperforms something else, of course, and thats very important, but design, material, brand... that also comes to play big time.

Excellent video, Andrew. Regarding "what money gets you", in my experience those extra $ can gain you scale (via larger loudspeakers) and resolution. (The "ease" you spoke of.) That increased resolution can come via better designed components (power supplies, etc.), more esoteric drivers, and better cabinetry. Of course, how far one wants to go down the audiophile path is a personal decision. Luckily, the quality of sound available today at very reasonable prices is quite amazing. It's a good time to be a young audiophile.

Well said and well articulated!!

your analogies are right on Sir.

Wow! Sure brings me back. Head these live for the first time at my first audiophile hifi-fair many years ago. I remember how I did not like them as they made my head dizzy due to the enormous electro static panels xD

I like the direction you're going in. You've really pulled back some some layers on the audiophile onion, for me.

I have a $3 k system. Be happy with what you have is audio nirvana, not chasing the next best thing is really crazy IMO.

Good Talk. I actually don't have anything to add; well done. Though, I have heard some gear that straight up doesn't play the low frequencies or the midrange is terribly distorted but other than that, you're right.

Wise words Andrew, the world would be a better place if more people tried to understand each other better.

I think it would be interesting if once a month you put together a system of components that you feel have a nice synergy, as someone who used to sell hifi a very long time ago

You make too much sense for me not to subscribe. Very insightful Andrew. Look forward to your quips. 🙂

Thank you. I am number 383 thumbs up. My buddy Scott sent me your video. Glad he did. 👍

Money doesn’t buy performance? I’m not sure I totally get this or your analogy. A few years ago I was tagging along with a friend as he was shopping for speakers, and though he wasn’t looking for anything near the price, the salesman at the audio store insisted on playing some tunes through a pair of Paradigm Persona H’s with an all McIntosh equipment front end. He turned it up, not to an ear splitting level, but far enough to really feel the music, and I was astonished. Now I have never before had an experience listening to real high end equipment, but I have to say this system produced a holographic sound image that I have never come close to experiencing with my modest bookshelf speakers and amplifier. Louis Armstrong’s voice was floating in the air, right where it should be if he were standing there singing. The instruments were laid out to the right, left and behind him. And it sounded sweet and effortless. Is that not performance bought with money?

Thank you this was very well done.

Damn Andrew!! You really broke it down. I don’t feel so wrong now. Thank you

I think that money buys you a lot of things including performance but only up to a point. That is the point of diminishing returns but everyone has to decide for themselves where that point is. That is probably the hardest thing to do in audio (unless money is no object) I think because many people do not really understand where the point of diminishing returns is for the different components of the system i.e. where spending $100 makes the most improvement in what you are looking for is concerned. Here are my thoughts on the subject. Where you get the most bang for the buck is in the speakers. This choice is the most important choice in determining how your music will sound so it deserves the most attention. There is so much variation in the sound of different technologies (direct radiator, horn, planar magnetics, electrostatics) that the choice is very subjective but usually quite objective so far as a budget and determining the point of diminishing returns is concerned. Beyond this point is mostly a matter of quality, status, and looks. The next thing on the bang for buck list is the amplifier. Integrated amps will cost less than separate components and interconnects but either way, having adequate power for the way you listen to music (loud, medium, or soft), loudspeaker sensitivity, size of the room, distance to the speakers) is the most important factor here. Achieving clean sound on the musical peaks is important and but there is no such thing as too amplifier power capability. Some guidance from a qualified sales person might help here but generally buy as much power as you can afford. The technology (solid state or tube) and amplifier class (A, AB, D, G, I) has less impact on the audible sound than having enough power to cleanly handle the music peaks. As always diminishing returns enter in but having enough power to cleanly handle musical peaks at the loudest level you listen is the most important factor here. The rest of the system has the least effect on the resulting sound (some more than others) but money spent here will have the least impact on the sound of the music. Bottom line: Beyond the point of diminishing returns, money buys you quality, status, and looks. Since critical listening for me is a solitary endeavor and I usually listen in a darkened room, I don’t much care about looks or status. But I do care somewhat about component quality however any reasonably made product is good enough for me.

I'm sitting here listening to this thinking: "Who is running their jacked up truck with a loud exhaust around here this late at night." Then I realized, you probably have decent mics and I'm hearing your room. Well done.

Subscribed recently and loving hearing / watching your videos. I am feeling the urge to upgrade myself and it is interesting to hear what you are saying. Do I upgrade the Amp or the Speakers. My shoes are a pair of Monitor Audio RS6, I love the design and sound of these speakers even from though they are from 2004. I wondering how much difference a newer model can make. I really wish I could hear the difference in my own home before buying. Testing in a shop is one thing, but my room I am sure would sound so different! Keep the videos coming!

What a great video :) I guess with my setup which is around 1500 usd I'm firmly in the slippers category 😃

Hello Andrew & Kristi Robinson, 1) Great cerebral engagement. 2) Interesting phonetics, in your descriptions. 3) Observations of relative, and natural didacticism, ie walking a mile. Thank You, Be Well, Do Good Work, and Stay in Touch! 1st time, just subscribed.

That was an awesome explanation of the audio world.

The way you put it was right on the point... maybe 70-80 % of the people they never been exposed to hi end components.. I also explained this with cars...why I drive a Mini Cooper when a can have a Toyota...why I have Bang&olufsen when I can have Sony.... and you’re right...DESIGN.... I can have Calvin Klein perfume the rest of the week but if I want to smell out off the ordinary I go for Tom Ford...I understand your point...

Hey Andrew - these past few videos have been exceptionally good. But, I would add a few things based on my experience. First, more money can buy you a more full range listening experience. Many bookshelf speakers won't go below 80hz faithfully, and many floor standing speakers won't go below 60hz. But, add in a good sub, and you're there! Second, slightly more expensive speakers and components can sometimes give you more volume without distortion. And 3rd, spending a little more can get you better imaging in some cases. And while I agree with you that you shouldn't poopoo on someone who spends 50k on an audio product, the person who does spend that much also should not put down others for spending far less. In almost all cases, it really isn't that much better spending ten times more.

Amazing! Another informative video!

Money doesn't buy you know how in terms of setup. I have some pretty costly gear but I have a full understanding of how to set it up and get the most out of it. Setup is the fun part.

So how do you measure "ease"with which components reproduce sound. 🤔

Another excellent video, Andrew. I don't give anyone a thumbs down. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.

We in africa do not have the wide choice or the money so we are satisfied withwhat you call entry levels.i find matching your conponents is very very important.

True that. Bit late to the party but couldn’t have said it better. Let everyone enjoy what they enjoy at whatever level they enjoy it

Enjoyed the video very much. At some point folks will realize that no matter how costly a stereo system may be, it's still not the holodeck that will transports them to a new reality. Agree, money can buy you design but if you're lucky you might be a person that finds beauty in a pair of Minimus 7 speakers.

this is your best video !

I like every one of your videos (and everyone else's as well) except the first one I watched. I subbed on the second video. Everyone's entitled to a bad day.

When music reproduction moved from radiograms and all in one cabinets to hi-fi separates there emerged a set of equipment that out performed its lower price. Every now and again some manufacturer hit a sweet spot on quality but sold at a more affordable price. Even at a middle and at high range of cost there were such units. These choice picks worked the 20:80 rule. Most of the quality for a fraction of the cost. You could tell someone to just listen to these as a bench mark and compare other equipment to it; then pick what you like the best and has the features you want. Saddly most picked a remote and matching separates over quality of sound. In the last twenty years I have not read or heard of these choice picks. Perhaps there are too many good alternatives at a given budget or the model that could be less expensive is sold at the price point the competition is charging. In setting out to improve on the hi-fi that I first choose I took my equipment along to a demo room where some choice alternatives could be swapped out to compare. I had a Cambridge Audio P80 and JR149 speakers. The shop put up A&R Cambridge A60 and Kef 101 speakers (magazine and reviewer's pick). With the same source and same speakers we could not determine which was the better amplifier. Both amps sounded better and much the same with the Kef 101. Basically the amps were not good enough to drive the less efficent JR149. Using Meridian 101 pre and 105 mono power amps and the JR149 was a whole different sound stage and a combination that was hard to improve upon. I knew a poor choice of equipment could occur even with crazy high price equipment was mismatched but it still surpized me. Years later when I ended up with the JR149 returned to me I used a Meridian G55 5 channel 100W power amplifier. The 35 year old JR149 held their own. I am sure that the London dealer who set up the demo still offer this service. I had my turntable part exchanged with them after a similar demo a few years later. Most dealers do not carry the items on your short list and so sensible A/B comparisions can be hard to achieve. In isolation you don't notice what you are missing. It is not even necessary to spend more money, just making alternative choices that work better for you.

Great video!

well said! you're right on the money my friend!

With the right studio monitors, it buys you accuracy, bass extension, loudness, and helping room issues. EX: Genelec 8260, Kii Three, Dutch & Dutch 8C. With many other speakers: who knows, especially when you get over $20k.

Loved the part about if something plays a note at a certain level, then it does, whether it's a paper, metal, or any other drive. Same with amps.

Turn the clock back to Wilson watt puppy 5. What did $20,000 buy you? Corian covered cabinets. ooh shiny! About $500 in parts. Focal tweeter and woofers with a basic crossover. These were cloned (with better drivers) for (drumroll) $2000 a pair RETAIL. 1/10th the price. And they measured/sounded better.

Hey awesome video. I agree 100%. May Ask what preamp you can recommend for a $500. Budget for a Crown XLS 1002. Thanks for any advice and help

Don't @ Me Bro! Nice Seriously, I enjoyed you going through these murky waters and being articulate.

Andrew and Thomas and stereo are on par both equally excellent 👏 👌

I would argue that the goal is to have the experience of listening, disappear or to be so transparent that you forget the gear. Instead, you think of something else... the feelings, the lyrics, the tone, the performance, the meaning, the room it was recorded in... just not it in of itself. If the gear you have gets you to do that, you're probably finally honouring what the artist intended for you. Even if they intended nothing or nothing for you, it's still closer to that truth.

Good vid Andrew 👍. A couple of thoughts ... · It's not all about the ease of the journey - some may prefer the excitement of the journey. Car anology - a scale of Sports models through to Ghia (comfort) models. ·Luxury markets - the likes of Tag Heuer (watches), Gucci (fashion), Ferrari (Cars) and, less so but for recognition say, Bang & Olufsen (HiFi). They don't bother 'playing' in the budget/mass market as a business strategy toward exclusiveness.

Super intelligent and sensitive hosts🙏

Engineering ,Good materials , good craftsmanship , are worth what you pay for them

one thing i would like to say is that when i sit to listen to my HiFi system i will only listen with the volume db at 70 max .. which i fine enjoyable to hear what i want in comfort..

This is a great video. It’s about wants out pacing needs. Many who have money want something costly as it reflects their financial status in life, they have disposable income. My Marten Duke 2 costs 4.5 times more than my Harbeth P3ESR. The Duke 2 is a better speaker, more refined highs, taut fast bass, clear mids ... BUT I listen to the little P3ESR 95% of the time. I am very satisfied with that little speaker 😂🤣

Wish you made more of these 'informed opinion' pieces, Andrew. They're always food for thought!

Dear Andrew I appreciate your videos and I wanna thank you for all the work you've done. Regarding what money can buy and what can't, I'd say a good idea would be to focus on things that money cannot buy because they are part of the knowledge you earn when being an audiophile. I'm talking about speaker positioning, system matching, listening skills etc. How about a video series about these topics? I cannot find a single decent video about speaker positioning for example using a microphone and pink noise. I did watch one of your old videos about subwoofer positioning, but I'm struggling to find a video that explains this technique from a to z. The speaker positioning IMHO IS the most important thing (maybe I'm exaggerating here) money cannot buy, but you can do to improve your sound. Thank you in advance, Cheers

Great description of the HiFi price disparities. I admit that a high end system is on most people's agenda (for music lovers) and if it's your hobby good luck finding nirvana! As a very fortunate individual my system could only be classified as high end. This doesn't mean I am snobbish and call others names or find their systems below par. I always learn something from visiting others and get value from interchange of ideas and music. We all get different things from spending money on our hobby and my great improvement has been greater enjoyment of a vastly different range of music. Although opera almost sounds like a tortured cat in a tin can, the word is almost! Instrument tones are now better separated along with fine details presented rather than having to listen for them. Big downside is forever trying to find the best sounding version of any music, and being dismayed by the poor efforts shown by major labels when trying to resell back catalogue items. Sony deserve special mention for zero efforts when transcribing old CD mastering to SACD. Abysmal as the CD was just as good, some private companies truly showing what can be achieved. Enough rant, thanks for the effort.

Excellent discussion.

I think in the first few hundred dollars per component you get better construction, features, materials. After that I think most of what you get for spending above $1,000 is rarity. With speakers the extra cost may go into finish and size. With amps extra money gets higher output wattage capacity. Preamps may give you more inputs and different types of input such as moving coil phono. But more than anything, the most consistent thing that you get with every type of HiFi gear as you send more over a thousand dollars or so, is lower production runs - rarity. Of course more expensive items sell in lower volumes, but one of the biggest reasons that very expensive gear is so expensive is that so little of it is made and the low volume means everything about it's manufacture costs more, most of which is manual labor and a big chunk more is just the economics of covering overhead with low sales volume. This leads to another common audiophile question: where do the diminishing returns really get steep? I'd say that point is where a piece is made largely by hand, and that point is closely tied to the size of the manufacturer. I do believe larger manufacturers can offer much better products than smaller ones at lower prices, if they choose to do that. Of course large companies are careful to make their products appear to have increased value for higher prices, so often they do not offer the best value possible for any single product, but sometimes they do. The Elac B6 and KEF LS50 might be examples of great deals at the best possible quality - something no small company is really capable of. So beyond the appliance store level, I think more money mostly gets you more handmade, lower production volume items, and that's also usually paired with fewer compromises on things like size, weight, finish and costly but only subjectively better materials. I say buy what you like and can afford, but don't kid yourself that the exotic material, complicated design or sheer weight of something means it will necessarily sound better. I bought most of my stuff for durability and I paid way more than my friends'. Does my system sound better than theirs do? Not really, and if so, not by much. I'm very happy with my stuff, but I know I paid for name recognition and reputation and lower production volumes because that's the stuff I wanted. I'm pretty sure I could get sonically comparable sound for about half as much cost.

my Paradigm Tributes not only sound tremendous , they are a work of art :)

Spot on!