The way you two interact brings me joy... and I learn a ton. Thanks!!

Once again, sage advice and commentary from two of the most practical and down to earth reviewers that I respect and enjoy.

I love it whenever Peaches & Herb are "reunited" (that should be your theme song for these great videos). You know that phenomenon where you become "nose blind" to the smell of your own home (or your own dog, or whatever's growing in the fridge)? I think that can happen with musical equipment, too. I've set up a bunch of my favorite vintage amps and receivers with switches so I can not only change sources but amplification and speakers in just a few seconds -- the way you might change out different cartridges on a turntable. Whenever one combination starts sounding a little dull or exhausted (and it happens more often than I would like, unless I'm listening to nothing but recordings made and mastered by Rudy van Gelder or Analogue Productions), I can punch up a new combo and listen with new ears, as it were. But, yes, I have vivid memories of particular times I've listened to particular records (even familiar ones I've listened to hundreds of times, like your experience with "Nefertiti") in the company of certain people on certain equipment and I've thought, "That was the best time I've ever heard that record!!!"

This is a very important show...it tells the whole truth , not just about sound but also about the "right approach" to life, if I may. Just experiencing! Not just music, all of it, the whole darn thing! When you experience, when your mind is open for that, you'll be amazed at what can happen... Be it tube, people, landscape or type of music. Thanks for saying that guys, it's really a life advice, not "just" an audio advice.

Can't beat this pair of dudes!

Yaaaaaay!! The audio "Dynamic Duo" *are back*!! LOVE these episodes. Together, you are quite a team. Keep on, keepin' on, Guys!! thanks from all the ways away in Japan...

No one tells a story better than Herb. More Herb please!

Special thanks to Herb, Don Garber, JC Morrison (and Steve of course) for dragging me away (via Sound Practices mag) years ago, from my ss misery. I was just at the wrong place, for me. I build Herb's 'flesh and blood' amp and still have it, built a 45se Shishido and really Love it, and my audio journey has never been the same since I met Herb's articles then, and Steve's work now. I only wish I could meet you guys and thank you personally. My actual (varrying) settup includes a Miision turntable/tone arm, Adcom mc cart, Meridian player, Bluesound/Chord, Counterpoint sa1 tube preamp, QuadII tube amps, Herb's 300B, 45se tube amp, Sugden 301ss pwr summer amp.. and Scott tube tuner.. oh.. Reference 3A MM speakers.. and some others. Keep up that great work, that's a daily inspiration in my life. Really. I need music, beauty and projects to keep going. Sylvain Giguère, Québec city.

Herb and Steve. The Statler and Waldorf of sound experience! Much love. Both US national treasures!

IT's a pleasure to listen both of you again, Everyone want to be friend to Herb. Good job Steve.

I feel like I'm sitting there with you reliving old times. I like hearing about audio in the old days. The Firehouse. Very fascinating storytelling.

I, also, really enjoy your chats together. But Steve, I have two things: 1) In one of your videos you mentioned Les Claypool and the Four Foot Shack album. It is amazing. I cannot thank you enough, unless I have. Now I’ve gone back to Primus’ first album and will work my way forward. Second: Someday could you show us the shirt wing of your house? Or do you buy them used and then sell them back for as much as you paid (or more, since they would be “Steve Guttenberg Signature Shirts”! Happy listening!

The Herb and Steve shows are always my favorites!! Thank you both!😊

Steve and Herb are audio super heroes. Stereophile's dynamic duo strike again with another amazing video. This time they report their experiences from Capital Audiofest. Carry on gentlemen. Your videos are always spot on! I love Herb's story at the Fire House with the George Jones track.

I had an experience like this hearing the Beatles 'In My Life' while sitting over a pizza dinner at a retro diner. No doubt I have heard the song hundreds of times but somehow it sounded so different, so touching, and so impactful it is hard to describe. I was absolutely shook for about the next 15-20 minutes. Sometimes sound comes together and music is just magic.

A perception among some audiophiles is that if you want to listen to 60’s or 70’s music, it has to be on vintage gear. This will give you the flavour of that era. That’s why I got vintage turntables. I always imagine what if I play the same music on modern turntables with fancy tone arms? Would tears flow from my eyes? This is very possible. I agree with both of you. I am glad you aren’t trapped in a time capsule like my dad. Change is essence of life.

So good to see Herb! He's a cool cat!

Who doesn’t love Herb. 🙏

Great Chat! 1. Don’t diss anything - I can forgive the “I don’t think so” thought that pops up. Different is good because it makes you notice and analyse, and even appreciate the music. As for the system of the day - that’s a beautiful room, and a nice system!

Great video, I especially liked the story about someone being brought to tears as it illustrates the importance of an emotional connection with the music and the system it’s played on. I think it’s too easy to get caught up in the technical sound of hi-fi. One of the joys of my hi-fi journey is listening to albums I’ve had for decades and hearing them in a different and more engaging way.

Oh, you scamps! I love you guys so much! What an amazing pair you are! Your thoughts, memories, and experiences are absolutely golden, whether they concern hifi gear, music, or life itself. Your reminder about Nefertiti got me to listen to that, again, after too long away. Then, the web search trail took me to a recording that I’d never heard before, “The Last Tour, Vol.6” during which, just minutes into the first track, John Coltrane brought me to tears and laughter with the dark, rough tones that came from his heart, mind, and saxophone. Thank you, gentlemen, for sharing yourselves, and opening the door, time after time, to joy and transcendent beauty. ❤

This is your best duo video yet, thanks! Loved the theme & the viewer system of the day was killer in it's simplicity.

You make a great point. I wish there was more of a community of audiophiles where we visit each other's place to check out cool systems.

U guys are great together! FYI I’m hoping for a wowing moment when the Soul Note A 1 shows up blending with the Omega CAMs in the system . My fingers crossed! Thank you for how you think out of the box in enjoying the music 🎼

In an audiophile way, I love you Herb.

Wise words and advice. Thanks, guys. 🎵

Outstanding segment. You both touched on things that are very important in listening to and enjoying recorded music. Thanks again.

Taking a left turn, I got an all day Jaw Drop yesterday when after months of agonizing, I finally ordered and received a Synergistic Research Master Fuse which I promptly installed into my PS Audio Power Plant. Every recording I played from every one of my three sources sounded so much better from what I am used to hearing (which until yesterday was to my ears outstanding) that I can't put it into words just yet. I'm staggered by just how much more my music system has to offer in every way.

Bravo gentlemen! Please keep releasing videos sharing your knowledge and experience with us! They are always uplifting!

I'm 72 and my hearing isn't what it use to be I still have my VAC tube amp and ARC tube amp that i bought in the 90's I've always had a sub in my system from the mid 90's also, and numerous speakers over the years Currently i now have tower speakers with built in powered subs and two SVS Ultra 13subs I dont dont hear inner detail like i use to, but now i have full range soundstage, down to 20 hz, and the dynamics are stunning Songs that I've heard 100's of times before are almost like hearing it for the first time!! I just can't get the smile off my face 😅😊

love these two and their conversations.... thx... particularly when they refer back to the early days in Japan and elsewhere regarding the low power triode revival great pics too. thanks!

Thank you so much, Steve and Herb. It's always a great pleasure to listen to your interesting discussions. I learn a lot about hifi from you and from your advices,I'm grateful for that. Go on with your good work 😊

Love these. You two and the Hi-Fi Riff guys are fun.

Great show. And as always very entertaining and informative. BTW that room at the end is beautiful. A turntable and vinyl might even make it the ultimate room.

I enjoy your conversations. Cheers from the South Carolina Lowcountry

Talking about the Dylan experience, I got that from my first set of IEMs a few months ago (tried listening to my Bitches Brew vinyl album on some brand new to me CCA CRA IEMs and noticed the incredible guitar solo in the middle of the first track for the first time). And they only cost about $20! For the record a vintage Yamaha 45w/channel receiver makes for a heckova nice headphone amp.

Steve. Just a note to say that I am enjoying your work. Your voice is important as you have been there pretty much from the beginning. While I bought a few modest things at Sound by Singer back in the day, I guess I was never in the store when you were there. Your use of phrases like "the audio journey that you are on" are wonderfully resonant. My audio journey ended something like 20 years ago when I arrived at a place with Linn / Naim / Spendor. Since this Great Alignment, I haven't changed anything since. And since then, it is the musical journey / pathway that has continued. All the best.

love the Herb and Steve. always great insights

You are both terrific together. Well done. And a great message! Thank you!

Congrats on getting the Lenco 75 Herb. I love my rebuilt 75 with Origin Live tone arm and new plinth. Loved this video.

These guys have lived and still living life and now telling great advice. 🙂👍

Great talk. Herb- I purchased some Heretic AD612 after reading your review and absolutely love them. Keepers for sure. Thank you!

What a great video, and I never really thought about listening in that way. Oh and I really like Michael's hifi rig.

Love to see you two togther - you are a combined wealth of knowkklege and experience - Thanks! - Cheers!

You both should do a regular podcast.

Fantastic conversation. A great episode.

I love the ideas on finding “the other thing”. My system is modest. Marantz NR1200 and CD6007 paired with Wharfedale Diamond 10.2 and Wharfedale sub. My vinyl rig is an upgraded UTurn orbit with a acrylic platter, sorbothane feet and Ortofon OM 5E. My “other thing” is my cartridge upgrade. The UTurn recommended upgrade is the Ortofon 2M Blue. But I skunked around the internet looking for a quiet cartridge and found the Nagaoka JT80. I installed it on my 63rd birthday and spun my jazz records all day. I’m a Nag convert. Records I thought were unlistenable became wonderful. And now, after some run in, it sound’s even better. I work at a very hip tech giant and was convinced my cool days were over. But when asked about how I spent my birthday, my tale of mounting a new phono cartridge and playing 20 or so vintage jazz records all day, the response was: “man, that slaps “.

I have a moment in my listening, that is similar to what you gentlemen spoke about - in about 1986 I was looking for an amp and preamp. I had my mind set on a PS Audio preamp, that had a passive mode, that I was *sure* would be better. The salesman (Charles) at Audio Studio (near Boston) strongly suggested that I also take an Audible Illusions Modulus 2B home with me, also to go with the B&K ST-140 than I was considering. I had to get past the gold script Audible Illusions, and I had also taken the M2B out of contention because it had tubes ... My girl friend (now my wife) and I were listening to a lot of LPs, and one of her choices was Ralph Vaughn Williams Mass in G Minor sung by a men and boys choir in Oxford, UK. During the multiple swaps back and forth between the two preamps - I became very annoyed at that diesel truck that was driving around my house! It was distracting me from the music ... but it was *in the recording*! And the M2B was the "culprit" - the PS Audio unit barely hinted at the presence of this vehicle in the recording!

Swooping for new upgraded rca cables, for my Rega Saturn-R and Lehmann Black Cube SE II phono stage . I wen´t with Audioquest Water & Wind. The wind on my Black Cube and the water for my Saturn-R. What ivé experienced cannot be understated. I have a huge music collection (vinyl & CD), and listen to some of my older albums, which i of course now, indside and out, i discovered many new things, i haven´t heard before. Deep down in the mix, there is so much more information going on, and i now hear that, in it´s full. heavenly bliss, i must say. Cheers from a happy Audiophile from Denmark.

Just wonderful

Good luck for the Show!

That is one of the greatest quotes that I've ever heard, "the stuff you mock may just be the stuff you really need and Love". Awesome. I'm going to buy Ohm Walsh speakers this week.

Fun video! I've always wanted to try a single driver speaker, just haven't decided on which brand to try. Thanks guys!

Brilliant story by herb george Jones

Herb, it's so great to see you. You and Steve can and should tell your stories so that younger people will have a chance to understand the evolution of sound. It's not just IEM'S. I love the Herb and Steve show. I hope there are many more.

Saw a short interview with Dylan recently, where he told his old songs just came and almost wrote themselves- and how he since never were able to write with the same kind of ease..

It is not so much the equipment (especially not power cords, interconnects, power plants, wood boxes with plastic gems for $30k, etc.) that makes your familiar recordings sound a bit different. It is really the room and system setup. If one took any piece they see from say a show or what have you and drop it in your system at home without changing the setup or room, everything would sound the same as before. This is what tricks a lot of people, they think a piece of gear will give them what they heard from it elsewhere and are disappointed when it doesn't in their system at home and then they make the mistake of thinking they need to swap out all the rest of the gear as well. Then they do that and discover still nothing changed. They don't think first to look at how their system is set up (where are the speakers placed, etc.) and the room (what are the reflection points, what furniture is there, how are things placed, etc.) Just moving speakers has a dramatic impact on sound. Even just the thickness of the rug in the room or what have you has a dramatic impact. Those things also change the way an amp will sound for example. I changed my rug out about 11 months ago and it changed everything. I had to re-setup my system, especially the speakers. It changed how my amp sounds and everything. For the most part, change for the better, but I still needed to adjust a few things that no longer sounded quite right, but once I did that even my familiar music sounded very different (almost a different mix). I'm having to re-evaluate some of my music! That is actually a good thing.

As a senior I find myself tiring of the OLD classics so I when looking for some NEW music to listen to, now in today's world it's hard to find talent that I like. I prefer lite rock and folk, the following list is the best I could find that seems to have some old souls to them : Gregory Alan Isakov, Peter Bradley Adams, Ruth Moody, Ray LaMontagne, Freya Ridings, Joshua Hyslop, Hollow Coves, Noah Gundersen, The Paper Kites, The Wailin' Jennys, Rose Cousins, Cory Chisel, Eva Cassidy, Jets Overhead, Patty Griffin, Amos Lee, Bon Iver, Loreena McKennit, City and Colour = Life is GOOD!!

I got some JBL L55 speakers a few months ago. The were re-foamed and I am pretty sure the crossovers were improved in some way. They are sitting on the carpeted floor (cement) with a very slight tilt back. Music seems so different through these, in a good way. They play with little effort.

Very cool video. I had an astonishing experience when I first heard a Quad system with ESL 57 electrostatic speakers!!!🔊 🎵I’d always dismissed them until that magical moment 😎

Spin doctor😂 Loved this video

I feel like I'm part of the chat. Great insight guys

HERB!!❤

what a great vid :)

Love the 5watt story!

Tube gear? Me? I have owned 2 Advance Acoustic - MIP Station II - Electrovalve (Tube) - DAC, Pre-amplifiers and a MAC 1700 receiver. That is all the tube gear I have ever owned..! But hé, who knows in the future a sweet tube audio research piece or Fisher or Scott . But early 70's solid state is still my thing!

Way back I used to hang out a bit to learn and listen with Herb (remember driving up to professer Loesch in Albany?) Don, Komuro, Lefevre and especially with JC. One guy who was technically great and I learned a lot from was John Camille in Texas.

Love the shirt 😊

about new sounds ,one when using a good set of headphones seems into a new world of sound i didn´t rest untill i had all that sounds coming from my speakers ,two sets of speakers a new equalizer and all was perfect ,today it´s not like that but good enough

I read Gramophone Dreams articles for the written art, and listen to the Audiophilliac for the spoken art.

Almost picked up a Line Magnetic 518ia but ended up with the new Musical Fidelity A1 and someday I will still need to try a tube amp in my system. As well as open baffle speakers.

To add your initial topic, I have the remasters of Sargent pepper and magical mystery tour and I’m thinking too much information kind of rewire-ing my brain-I was thinking, maybe the fuzzy version was just as good. Oh well there it is.

I know …you two should introduce a new channel/show…The Zen Audio Brothers. I’d never miss a show. Please.

miles davis heard in a pair of Lascala, today it´s kind of expensive but i used to hear him in a pair of pioneer twin 2401 exclusive and a P3 turntable that cost me nothing,before i had some altec lansing with a nice wood work ,today i´m only using the 80´s mission 780 Argonaut mkII (200watts at 4ohms, each)who sound amazing with a dual mono amplifier ,all-in-one, some don´t like his re-invented style in the 70´s ,well i like it a lot

I would love to read or see a review of Herbs Lenco L75 turntable. I upgraded a Goldring Lenco GL75 and was astonished at how good it sounded, even though it was pretty good before I did the upgrade.

The best thanks sirs

Have a good friend he is an electrical engineer. He tested a 45 SET amp and told me it had to be broken it tested so poorly. I put the amp on horns and he was amazed.

When y'all heard Nefertiti so awesomely, in what format was is presented? LP? Tape? Streamed? What pressing? How much did the source material/reproduction of original recording affect the ultimate experience?

I never saw the Elysian 4s that pretty.

I believe I've been there. I once heard a certain.. (always 'troublsome' to my ears on my home stereo) track of a Lee Perry L.P. that i & my friend both owned, on his then expensive t/table (Analouge Devices??) With EMT linear 'arm & a Ortophon 4500 M.C. (0.12 mv!) & it gelled & sounds superb like never before to me, otherwise at home on a my diff' set-up, it's unconventional rhythms & timing never gelled, it seemed almost designed no too gel but stutter in the mind ...long story short, it took a better deck i upgraded carefully onto, using that track as one of my testers, I spent on Alphason HR100 tonearm upgrade & my 2'nd ever M.C. (& my 1'st-most expensive M.C. to date, a new Asaka) to unravel & show the syncopation of that one unusual (even for 'slighltly mad, slightly genius) Lee Perry) song called "Time Marches On" - last track of 1 side of a L.Perry L.P. titled "The Battle of Armagedion" (spelt wrong purposely??) Crap tyrntable /phono stage just cannot unravel that song but throw an unsycopated mess at your ears, upto a point where quality / & by default a higher price can open it up properly. Its an excellent, the best imo, example of 1 of those types of tracks that need quality & precision to open it up & present it ptoperly (f.w.o.a.b.description.)

I could play devil's advocate and argue you can hear BAD AUDIO and make your most familiar recordings sound STRANGE. So much of the high end is tweaked beyond recognition. Are you sure you just aren't hearing a f*cked up mix?

I love George Jones too 😊

Yep, 2 old farts kicking it. Telling tales of how they got to where they are . Sharing the glory years of how HiFi became a passion . And how it has changed over their lives. Good Stuff!

Check out an old photo of Bud Smith, then mayor of Portland, OR called Expose yourself to Art.

I love 👂 other people systems

Are there any places in the New York metropolitan area one can hear systems without buying something?

Herb!

Didn’t you have a band together once? Oh, no, that was Peaches and Herb.

Question to anyone who knows, I am a disabled veteran, and listen to music for its healing and soothingness. I'm looking for someone looking for a good home for old speakers and a old HiFi amp. Who would I get in touch with to beg? Lol. I know there are old amps and bookshelf speakers sitting around with dust on them. I'd love to have something beyond what I have. I have a Marantz sr7002 receiver and am ready for more. It's fun but not as pure as I am desiring. Not making a lot of money and a nice few components would change my life. Any suggestions?

Have you reviewed the Yamaha no 5000 15 grand a pair

So, the real test of Alex's system, did you listen to albums other than "Nefertiti"? if so, did you experience a similar reaction, or only with that recording?

Since I'm not native English speaker I find comfortable to keep captions on. Unfortunately you often add text exactly in the same place, the low left corner 😅

What was the George Jones track mentioned?

Do you think Systems should be built based upon on the Genre of music you listen to most or purely data driven? Hard Rock vs Jazz Vs acoustic guitar vs orchestral ? I do not see many reviews going into that stream of thinking.. I see mostly data driven reviews... I would love to see much more genre based reviews personally. Hard Rock ears and Acoustic guitar ears are.. worlds apart!

Do you give individualised advice? (1) I have a small carpeted, curtained "listening room": 14w×11d×7h, crammed with furnature, books, paintings and stuff. (2) I listen to mainly vinyl '67 - '77 Classic Rock and Progressive. And 1950s jazz. (3) I'm thinking (after studying your videos) of upgrading my electricals to a Rega Planar 3, a Leak 230, and EITHER a KEF ls50 meta OR a Warfdale Linton Heritage. (4) I'm 63, and my hearing appears to be f****d. Apparently, I have the eardrums of a 73 year old. (They told me that listening to Motorhead would do me no good). (5) I don't particularly or exclusively want a '70s sound. I want my original vinyl to sound new. (6) Which speakers would you recommend? Are the other pieces OK? Or would you recommend a completely different system? Dave in London.

In case you missed this one Hubert Sumlin - sometimes I am right

Now I gotta dig out Nefertiti for a spin !

Dylan has changed his singing voice many times.

Can you look into spacial-audio? Claims to improve all sound quality of music.

So... Steve, how much of your "new" sound experience was due to the La Scalas ?