Having spent decades in this hobby, I have to say Sean's advice is spot on. It's good counsel where you win, manufacturer's win, retailers win-all while you gain knowledge so you spend time learning. I can't emphasize buying used if you want to try a lot of gear at the same time. If you're buying gear that are market price stable, you basically only "pay" the price of shipping + transaction costs. That tends to be a low tuition for learning and forming your own opinion. Awesome video, Sean! 🍻

My experience has been that once the research has been done and a product has been settled on, the final factor is synergy. I have purchased perfectly respectable components which have not played optimally with each other. Some speakers just like a certain type of amplifier. some amplifiers work better with a specific pre-amp. etc... In the end, it has always come down to trial and error, or just plain luck. This is why a return policy is helpful or purchasing at a price point where I can recoup a fair amount of my investment.

For me, ZF nails it! Sure there are other reviewers who are very good at what they do and I respect their opinions also. Being an audiophile since the late 70`s I have learned so much in the last two years watching ZF`s videos. I find his videos the most informative of all, and that's what these videos are all about.

A video from Sean, always a nice way to start a Sunday!

Man you really inspire me how you just thoroughly make you points! I have gained a lot of knowledge over the last year watching your videos.one day I would like to tell you my journey.

I take zero fidelity and audiophiliacs opinion when I buy.examples of products I bought and love due to these channels: Double Impacts, outlaw RR 2160, Maggie LRS, zu DW, Freya.

Damn Sean! Might be your best video yet! In so far as how many folks you just helped out in a way that not many do. My props and respect, your integrity and personal experience is rarely matched on UTube. My esteem for you just went up several notches and it was already pretty damn high.

One of the better videos in a while. You’re tapping into the vibe that brought a lot of us to the channel in the first place. And hey, it’s not quite zero anymore with that camera work and lighting! Haha!

Great video Sean, and thank you for reminding me: "Patience, above all else"

Sean I really love your video. You have provided me with valuable information for when I will start my purchasing. Yes it's stressful and you want to do the best purchase because it's a lot of money. Keep up the good work.

Thanks for making this video. I’ve been going through the new-to-audiophile journey over the past several months on my own and this summed up much of what I learned, while also providing a few new tidbits. It’s hard to know which “talking heads” to trust when you’re new to it all. I really appreciate your balanced approach and advice. This video bumped up my overall trust and appreciation for you channel. Again, thank you!

Hi Sean! Some great advice in this video. This really would benefit people just getting into the hobby, or just thinking about it. This video is a valuable tool.

New to your channel, appreciate the forward and focused pace. Nicely done.

Great informative video as always!

Great job Sean . Keep Audio fun but its even funner with Family !!! And their is a such thing as the best and thats the best you have in your home ! Rock that shizzz out !

Hi Sean educational as always keep it coming your the best or is there no best 😂👍🇸🇪

Thanks, Sean - lots of good advice there. My advice for someone new to the hobby who wants to get a lot of experience fast is to track down vintage bargains, then mix n' match them. It's a great way to discover the various tonal qualities for yourself and, once you've learned what they can teach you, you can usually resell vintage components for close to what you paid.

Hearing in your own room is the ONLY way to truly assess gear.... especially speakers. I drove crosstown 3 times over a year to to hear Legacy Focus SE's at the Legacy dealer. I was really in love with these $9000 speakers, and finally purchased a pair. It turned out, I just could not live with them. They just didn't work for ME in MY room. This is no slight to these great speakers, which, in the sweep spot, at times, gave me the best sound I'd ever heard, bar none. But overall, they didn't work for me. I did have to pay a restock fee, as these speakers are built-to-order. I fully knew this going in, and I was OK with it. I lost money, but the dealer was great to work with, even though it did not work out for me... this time.

Sage advice. Many thanks for the post. I will add another option for those that live in remote parts of country where there is no local dealer to audition equipment. For me it is an 12 hour drive to one. Take an "Audio Vacation". This is where I will take a long weekend and drive to the big city and spend a Saturday morning visiting the Hi-Fi shops or take an prearranged factory tour. For me, it is a fun way to get know a product before making a purchase.

Great video Sean. Some really good information that I wish had appeared about 6 months ago before I started buying too many sets of low cost speakers. Good news is at the lower cost I can't loose as much.

Thanks for the info and guidance...many here will be grateful for your expertise.

Nice one Sean, especially the last bit as a conclusion. As far as reviewers of choice goes, I'll follow that good ear of yours.

Two thumbs up mate...great video.

Awesome video Sean. You are spot-on.

Very good advice. every step is useful. the one that I resonate with the most--find consistency in several reviews, not just one. I do think that specs are important, if serves as the first line of assessment to help us assess the compatibility between amps and speakers. Thanks Sean, you've been helpful for many people's hi fi growth, I'm one great benefactor. Hope your next review will be out soon.

What great advice Sean right on man thanks.

My stereo is a used Onkyo preamp & 150w/ch amp combo I paid $150 for used, System Audio 2-way monitors I paid $200 used for the pair, and a dual 12" push-pull M&K powered sub I paid $125 for used. I literally have a $2000 stereo for under $500. I wouldn't have found these components w/o underlying knowledge about audio, but this isn't the first used gear I've owned, and I've learned quite a bit along the way. I also have a 2nd older system I don't use that I paid maybe $250 for with a Yamaha receiver, NHT Super One speakers, dual passive 12" RSL subs, and two Alesis studio amps for the subs, which is quite good in its own right. I'll probably sell one or both system eventually, and whoever buys it gets one hell of a deal.

A comment about Elac Debut 2.0 b6.2 speakers - I have owned a pair of these speakers for awhile now (time flies) - and recently had a revelation about just how good they can sound. I changed something in the system upstream from the speakers and it made an enormous difference in how well the speakers performed. I had previously thought that bits were bits were bits traveling from my PC (with FLAC files) through a DAC to the amp - but NO, not true. I changed the software on the PC to Audirvana and there was a night and day improved sound over the previous software that I was using. Those speakers are great.

This is exactly why this is my go to channel.

On point! Now I just have to send a link of this video to people asking me about getting into audio gear. Great service!

Excellent video. You are a reviewer that can be trusted. 👍

Thanks. Very Good tips!

Thanks for the good advice!!

Thanks for the great advice!

For those like me, who live in a more remote locale with no quality brick & mortar resource, I found this to be well rounded advice with insightful reminders. As recommended below on the thread on an audio vacation, I will definitely be looking into a few places for at least one or 2 days when I am in a major city again for a whole week. Hoping to find a good spot in Los Angeles to check out some new KEF metas after watching vids be Sean and 3 other reputable reviewers.

Thanks once again Sean.......Words of wisdom.

It is always a pleasure to listen to you"r autintic reviews

You're the man, Sean!

This was one the most useful and informative videos about audio equipment I' ve seen to date Kudo's, sir. Might add one thought for older people; it may be useful to have your hearing tested to see what the limits of your hearing is. And also, I wonder if all that gear that was purchased in 2020 will find its way to the used market eventually...

Everything I've researched and bought, I've loved. Not everything was perfect, but I thoroughly enjoyed the music I listened to with my gear.

Well thought out progression. Solid delivery. People get ready, there's a train Georgia.

Thanks for this video Sean. The point about the first hand experience is absolutely right. I just have one with you in a good way. As I commented in your video about the Wharfedale Evo 4.2, I like the sound of the Evo 4.2 as you described. My audio buddy think that he like that type of sound too. We went to a local dealer for an audition. Their setup contained Primare I35 intergrated Amplifier & CD35, a high end class D amp & high end streaming CD player. The sound of the system is good, EVO 4.2 sounds liked you said. But the midrange sound like it's stuck inside the speakers, there are a veil in front of the speakers. That was the reason why both of us did not purchase the EVO 4.2.

Great advice! Thank you!

THIS. This is a great take. Rings true on almost every account.

I totally agree that measurements should be descriptive rather than prescriptive - they should help you understand why you like a thing, rather than tell you what you should like. I also think long term user reviews are superior to all others in *one* respect, which is getting a sense of reliability and user experience. With the amount of product professional reviewers churn through in the course of their work, they're not in the best position to tell you how something holds up after a couple years of daily use unless the product just so happens to be a personal favourite of theirs. For example, a headphone with great soundstage isn't going to have any soundstage at all if a driver fails after 6 months due to poor qc.

Nice coherent presentation as always . Most would agree we are in this for the sound , determine what your particular sonic flavor is and research gear that reviewers describe that way . I personally like gear that are sweet , fluid yet dynamic and detailed so that pushes me toward low watt Pass gear and even more so Luxman. As per Nelson Pass test numbers are a starting point but not the end game because he has various amps that do not test well but sound very good.

I’m not being critical in any way right now. I’m just saying how blessed I must be. I’ve ALWAYS been able to listen to music for hours no matter what is reproducing it. I’ve never gotten tired or fatigued, I’ve just enjoyed the music all the more as the gear gets better. Heck, I’ve listened to music on a B&W T7 for hours and been happy because I get to listen. Would this be my first or even fifth choice? No, but I need music and that’s what it’s all about for me. I enjoy the videos.

Well done again Sean, if beginners followed this advice it could spare them a lot of heart (and wallet) ache.

Hey Sean Great advice even for the experienced buyer take care

Yup. Supply chain disruptions are a real thing. Certain water heaters were unavailable for weeks.

Always solid advises. I think "patience" is part of the hobby itself and not only imposed by the Covid situation. I also enjoy watching your beauties, that Luxman and the Accuphase ; is mum or dad you love the most? Greetings from Asturias

I bought a Denon Dnp 800ne for $ 375 a week ago. New in our store for $ 630. Very happy with my purchase 😊 With my r2750db+t5 this player sounds greate 👍

Great advice

Watch Sean's rave reviews, followed by Thomas' stories next. It's a done deal. Just needed these two.

Big​ thanks, Sean.

Just BUY ALL OF IT! BUY EVERYTHING!!

the first minute perfectly summarizes the current situation

Usually I'm critical of you but that was a good presentation in my opinion.

Based on your review of the Cambridge AXR 100 I purchased one to pair with Polk Signature55. I'm a happy camper. Thanks

Nailed it!

Excellent advice.

You definitely need a good relationship to take higher priced products home to audition. At the moment I am auditioning EAR 88PB tube phono stage. Great advice! Cheers

Thanks for the advice Sean. By the way, is that a Plinius amp behind you? if so, will you be reviewing it? I currently own a Plinius 9200 integrated and would love to get your take on this new Zealand based brand.

Great advice! Currently i have a Yamaha rn602 and a pair of PSB P5 in a small room, do you think adding an extra pair of elac unifi 2.0 ub52 would be too much?

Thank you so much Sean

Im thinking on getting a luxman 504 & was wondering if u think for that money there's something with more bang for buck. Mostly listen to rock so lots of guitars and a sweet sounding voice is kinda of my liking. Not to kean of high treble but love clarity. I have dali opticon 2's & EPI's monitors. Thank u & love ur Chanel.

Sean, is it a Plinius Hautonga on your background. Are you going to do a review on that? Thank you,

Great advice Sean. Folks need to know "it's a journey" to obtain the "best" system for them. Part of the process is gaining experience so you can find out what is the most enjoyable system "to you". This takes time and listening to a wide variety of gear. Think of it like becoming a connoisseur of wine. Even if you could afford the finest wines available, unless you had previously tasted many, many other lesser wines, you wouldn't be able to fully appreciate it. I think that is definitely true with audio gear too. At least it has been for me. And Sean's most important point is dead on the money, "Have fun!" That's what this is all about. Great video Sean! 👍

whats the speaker from the video picture preview?

Do you have any videos on using a stand alone DAC to listen to SACD content outside or not using the DAC in the player? Bryson makes a DAC that accepts an hdmi out of a player into the DAC, but again you are stuck with the Bryson DAC. Upscale audio sells an extractor, but it’s a bit pricey. Do you know of any alternative extractors/decoders available? Thanks, like your channel I’m a subscriber and so fare have liked every video, hope that helps!

Audio is the only thing that gets me to go way over budget. I have a problem. Great video, you really nailed some great points.

Wise words👍

So I got the ELACs and the Triangles... What do I power 'em with???

I’ve just ordered an amp based on your review.

I think you may have mentioned it in one of your videos already, but between the luxman and accuphase integrateds that you have on hand, which do you prefer and why? @Zero Fidelity

That Mr Zero Fidelity was a fantastic review on a number of levels, especially towads the end. I am well and truely happy with the sound of my setup from my bedroom (ATC SCM19sv2, Roksan Caspian M2 Power Amp, Cambridge CXN V2 & MJ Acoustic Ref 200 Subwoofer) that my pursuit for better sound is a pointless task, Note to myself "just listen to music boy and chill the F**k out"

Would you be able to propose some setups for people who love the Yahama HS80m. As a lot of people who produce music are using them and they are kinda standard.... i wonder what "audiophile" monitors would fit. And also i wonder what you think about the HS80m..

Completely off topic, but wanted your opinion on pairing the Polk T50 towers with a Rega Brio amp and Marantz CD 6006 as the source

I bought the Spark 2, Phono 2, and Contour but have been waiting for over a month to receive the gear. But I understand it’s just hard to get the parts especially for a small company like Vista. So I don’t mind waiting. You mess with the Contour at all? I’m gonna see how it sounds with and without it to see if there’s an audible difference

Here in the UK, we wait for the end of production on whatever we're after. 50% off RRP. The best tip of all. You get a full Warranty, and you get all of your money back when / if, you sell after a couple of years.

Bought a Muzishare X7 in based on your review. Rolled the tubes using with Klipsch RP-600Ms (great match because the tubes smooth out the horns) I told my wife how much the X7 cost and she called me a liar to my face. Said it sounded too good for that price. I showed her the Amazon account and she called it a "bargain" I have never heard that from her when it comes to hi fi equipment.

Thanks for the video! I especially liked the used section. I want to get a used integrated amp, but I am a little hesitant to dip my toe in the water. Any little bit of advice helps. Thanks Sean.

Actually just ordered a pair of A500 from Buchardt based on reviews from Zero fidelity and Johnny Darko. I wonder how the A500 will do against the Hegel H160 with let's say Bowers and Wilkins 702 or a pair of Dali Rubicons. I'm in the fortunate position I have a few high-end audio resellers nearby so I can check them before I buy. It's going to be an exciting month!

Researching and buying gear can be a true journey of self discovery. If you do it right, you will find out what YOU like. YOUR preference is all that matters. When you find that, you can be true and honest to yourself. Nothing else matters. Opinions are like a-holes, everyone's got one. For me, I like sound comparison demos, listening with my own ears. Frequency response diagrams can help to "see" what I'm hearing and what I like. Also, very important, audition system with music you are familiar with! If I demo a system playing orchestral music when my style is death core and speed metal, it doesn't match! How do I know that the mid-range of the trombone translates into well sounding electric guitars downtuned to C#? It does not compute. So, stay true to yourself and enjoy the journey!

Yes...SET A BUDGET!...next...BLOW THAT BUDGET UP!!!! 😂😂😂

Sean, Ever review Philharmonic BMR's? Would love to hear your thoughts on these. Affordable and great sound??

Hello Sean...if you could answer a dumb question form a noob...I just acquired a moderate 40w per channel integrated amp and 2 moderate but well regarded small speakers and am pleased with the sound. If I add another pair of speakers, would that cut the power to only 20 watts per channel if I have A and B speakers going at the same time? Can't find a clear answer...thanks so much.

Good points, but you forgot about room treatment (at least for beginners). In "bad" room even good system will sound not very well.

I always advice newbies to get the amplifier out of the decision making process, and get a pair of active studio monitors. Let the engineers worry about crossovers, phase alignment, etc. They would have tested the heck out of the in-built amps and their compatibility with the speakers. Even for a decent DAC, look at audio interfaces (some even come with great headphone outs) instead of paying fancy audiophile prices. Ex - get a pair of Kali LP6s ($300) and a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 ($170, or if you have an extra $50, a Motu M2 with it's lovely HP amp). I'd be hard pressed to put together a dac/amp/hp amp/speaker combo that sounds as good for under $500. I use a pair of Hedd Type 20s with an Adi2Pro for my main setup. Sounds fantastic.

I haven't heard anything yet that's a decent item for the money that means I goal. We've learned that personal prospective is rarely attainable when it comes to audio components. The only thing I can say is enjoy the journey.

Excellent advice, as always. Too many reviewers out here would have you chasing your own tail in constantly upgrading/sidegrading (!) or hawking the latest tweak/model to put that desire earwig in your head. It’s so bad that sometimes people see a rave review and order immediately, then see another review for another piece that touts its superiority to what’s been ordered, and are dissatisfied with their purchase even before they’ve gotten it.

I have an audio gear that's currently delayed and stuck in LA customs clearance blackhole. Expect lots of delays with imported gear!

Didn't get a notification of this video. Have to comment to help with KZfaq algorithm.

Interesting point that hifi prices will go up if people abuse trial/return policies. Most definitely a possible outcome. Another drawback, appealing just on the more egotistic/short-term spectrum of unintended consequences people want to avoid, is that if you feel like you are ready and willing to try pieces until you find the "perfect" piece, then you never will. A) There is no such thing as the perfect piece of gear, not for a million dollars, let alone for the kinds of prices most "real" people are willing to spend. B) By the time you've cycled through so many pieces, and especially combinations of pieces (different components at different points in the signal chain in the search of perfect harmony) you'll never have known what piece was giving you what thing, and then your short-term memory will take its toll, and you'll forget what you listened to 10 pieces of gear ago, and then you will definitely end up with the wrong piece. What I'm saying is, people need to learn to settle for something that is just good. And by just good, I mean, we live in a world where we are fortunate enough to have many amazing options! Be grateful for and trust in the fact that, in most cases, if you are able to pick a few pieces you think you'll like, in all likelihood you'll end up with a system you'll love. You are not, in fact, constantly comparing components, let alone entire systems, the way a dealer or professional reviewer does. And in all cases, what those people are trying to recommend to you are various pieces that are all worthy of recommendation - so pick a thing that functions, looks, and sounds more or less like it will make you happy, and be happy with it!

I see a Luxman and a Plinius in the background. My two favorite brands!

wow how in the world did you know about "Blocket"?! :P Cool, nice video aswell but I fell backwards out of my chair when you mentioned Blocket.

Sean, thank you for the great advice! I would like to also add that if a person lives in an area where there may be a local "audio society/club", it might also be a good way to make some new audio buddies in your area and get to listen to a variety of audio gear at the society meet-ups. Plenty of guys who are willing to show off their audio rigs and make trades too.

The hi-fi market has changed drastically over the past few years, today many product offer surprisingly high quality at a surprisingly low price. I'm looking at Pioneer DJ VM-80 speakers, they are two-way boxes with an 8" woofer and a built-in D class amp, for a little over 500 bucks. I don't have enough experience to judge if they are good enough so I wish someone like you would review these up-and-coming budget products and tell people like me if they qualify as real hi-fi sound ?

Be patient. Let thing sift themselves through. You'll be fine.

I am stressed... I lucked into a working and uptodate 65 year old 12 watt tube v/m for $5 and then a 1959 Hammond M1 smSpeaker Cab with a 12" open baffle for $35. How did i end up spending $2,000 more? 3amp - 4 to rebuild - preamp - Sansui Amp - turntable - 5 cd/blu-ray players - etc etc