The Ugly Truth About the Online HiFi Audio Community-

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[TheXiate]

After watching a ton of his videos and living local and dealing with this man for several years. I have to finally speak my mind. He is as down to earth in person as he is in his videos. This is for the people watching that don't have that ability, to walk into his shop. It's an amazing place. I love it. Hands down to me, old school vibe, no pressure environment. First time I met him, I walk in 5 minutes to close, and I'm like hey, I've got $500.00 and I want to get back into home audio old school, sold all my stuff years ago can you help me. He was like, I got you. Took the time to play this and that receiver and this and that speaker. Stayed late and even helped me carry them to my car. This was low budget entry level. Still old school solid state gear but, entry level. Got home and was in heaven!!! Friends came over and were like wow. Great sound etc. blah blah blah. I've upgraded since then got the bug like we do and tried several different things. Swapping this and that etc. He is spot on when he says, it's up to your ears, room, budget. Period. I've taking gear into him, and he was like, I don't wanna touch it. It's not worth it. Save your money, he said. Mind blown, the honesty from Kevin. He totally could have taken my money and done God knows what with it. Who does this!!? This day and age, we need more people like this in the world. Just saying.

[asmallwhitedog]

It should be called the Ugly Truth about sound snobs. I was an audiophile for many years and bought and sold equipment to support the habit. Then about ten years ago I caught myself listening to the equipment. It broke my heart. My stereo as a teenager was lo, lo fi. At the other end of that I have a friend with a system with names like Martin Logan, Macintosh, Linn ect...After sitting and listening to his system I came home and listen to mine and I like mine better. One of his amps is worth more than any system I can put together. I'm the guy who collects entry level amps from the 70s. Last night I put on a UK pressing of I Robot. Heaven, truely heaven. Rotel 833 with a Audio Technica cart (75 bucks maybe). AR cables. Toshiba SB 300 w 17wpc into a set of Large Advent (76-77 A3s, my favorite speakers) Pure heaven boys n girls.

[JohnScheppler]

This is a very subjective hobby, so the best system is the one that sounds best to you. Enjoyment of the music is the most important part. If that's from a transistor radio to the most expensive system, it doesn't matter as long as it makes you smile.

[a.delome]

As an old timer with old time sensibilities and mutual respect for all who treat me the same, I want to commend you on this video. Hands down this is one of the best conversations I've heard from a fellow audiophile. I wish I lived near your shop. I know I'd frequent the shop often and look forward to talking with you about the hobby we both share. I watch your vids often and look forward to them all the time. Keep up your great vids. all the best to you and your family.

[scootb]

I appreciate the “Mom’s spaghetti” analogy! I am relatively new to vintage hifi, but trained and worked in recording studios. So many people are willingly ignorant of their own biases when it comes to listening. I am guilty of leaning towards a “warmer” sounding mix in the studio, and when mixing songs I like a system that is similar to the end-user listening experience I hope to achieve. I remember working hard on my setup and being excited to show one of my contemporaries, who immediately started to badmouth it because it employed active speakers “which can’t possibly be good.”
I actually respected his work, but later learned he uses a system with the high-end particularly cranked. So we ended up with similar results but by completely different means.

[dmhnc]

I don't give the rude "stereo snobs" the time of day. This is one of the main reasons I'm a subscriber of your channel and not many of the others. You are down to earth and you don't put others down. Keep up the good work and don't ever change.

[danwheetman]

Kevin, I haven’t read all the other posted but I bet there’s a ton of support for you here. You always make it clear it’s just your opinion and others are entitled to there’s. I really hope someday I get to meet you, there’s a kindness about you I totally respect. And, lots of good information about something I’m passionate about. Good man. Carry on.

[Kane]

There is very little point to arguing aesthetics - and the hi-fi hobby is mainly (if not totally) about aesthetics.

What looks good?
What sounds good?
What works best together?

As long as your system sounds good to YOU, it really doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.

[TomTom-uvxq]

I call this phenomenon “online beer muscles”. People are much bolder, to say the least, when not conversing in person. But hey, it’s great that people are passionate about audio right!? Kevin you made some tremendous points here. Thank you.

[SuperBuellman]

It is the same with motorcycles, cars and other subjects. You have your purists on one side, the know it alls, and the ones that have to have the newest best thing before anybody. Keep doing what you are doing because the best places I have ever experienced discussion and shopping have been at a brick and mortar store. You are spot on about your comments.

[wrko]

Being a hobbyist in this since the mid to late 70's as a kid, please continue with these topics to enlighten everyone that nobody seems to want to talk about. Call it inside info or whatever. From snake oil products, audio snobbery and other bad tactics, I have seen them all. Just let it be said from your prospective as a repair shop or seller and also from a collector's point of view. I could share a few points.

[matusjurcik]

Bla Bla Bla Bla this is one hell of an ugly comment ghr ghr ghr, is it enough 😅? actually as an introvert myself I can feel you bro 😥 I would never be able to read comments on my channel (which I dont have and never will), btw I agree with u on this topic.

[MichaelLivingston-me]

I love this hobby. I've experienced this pursuit for over 50 years. I haven't always been satisfied with what I own, but it informs me on what my next purchase might be.

I never want to bother with cable comparisons. If other people can tell the difference between them, that's great, I can't unless it's cheaply made junk.

I've heard some very expensive equipment, and sometimes I think this gear must be attractive because of the badge and the cost. I'm not suggesting that all expensive equipment is overpriced or overrated, I'm just saying you can't judge how good it will sound based on price or nameplate.

I enjoy watching your videos. You seem to be a straight forward knowledgeable person. Best to you.

[johnstump]

Kevin you were spot on and I really enjoy your videos. On that note I wanted to thank you very much for displaying my vintage system on your website. I feel very honored and I think this is a great hobby and I wish I lived closer to your shop.. my wife might not feel that way ..lol.. Just kidding, she is a lover of music as well and she has been with me from the beginning.. As a matter of fact she was one that purchased the Pioneer SX-1980. Yep she’s a keeper or I should say I am glad she kept me. Best regards to you Kevin and your family.

[moofdoggmike]

Introvert, your presence and voice are killer in your vids, you're doing a great job on them and it is nice to not have to sit through a fancy intro, music and crapola plus, 16 times say to "Like, Click the bell and subscribe!" yikes...came here for the straight goods on audio as its been in my blood listening to the music, and that's what you give us, good opinions to weigh and ponder and enjoy! Well said video and right on. Keep up the great vids and info, they are great. Have a good one!

[frankflores]

I really enjoy your posts! I have been an audio enthusiast since the late sixties. I still have my Sansui 9090DB which I purchased back in the mid seventies (paid $450 - sale price, original MSRP $999). Completely refurbished and re-lamped.
During the past couple of years I purchased the following: Marantz 8006 intergrated receiver, Marantz CD6004, Tascam 202SK VII, Thorens TD 206. I have all my audio library (LPs Cassettes CDs).
I wished I lived closer to your shop (SoCal LA native) because I would definitely take my 9090DB to service some of scratchy post knobes. Keep up the good work!

[frankzona]

As a working musician, private saxophone/clarinet instructor and owner and lover of 40 year old and still working audio equipment it is after all, all about the music. How much more subjective can one get. Audio enthusiasts like musicians are always chasing but will never achieve perfection. It's a journey, enjoy the ride. Thank you for this video and I wish I could visit your shop.Maybe someday.

[davidschwegman]

Wow! How right you are. I made the mistake of posting a question about people’s opinions of something I thought should have no controversy and it ended up being a showcase of argumentative people mixed with know it all’s, and a minor sprinkling of people with helpful suggestions. I was tempted to reply on numerous occasions”I forgot why I stopped posting on audio forums but thanks for the reminder that it’s just an exercise in self flagellation”. I refrained but so glad I came across your video. You are a voice of sanity in a sea of madness.

[jpobitzer]

Kevin, nothin' but luv for your channel. CANNOT wait for the collaboration video with you and Randy(cheapaudioman) covering his vintage Yamaha and vintage in general. Please keep it up.

[bpalpha]

Wow. You are a breathe of fresh air. The audio world is much like the automobile aficionados where it becomes a game of boasting. I'm going to check the thrift store for some equipment today.