Top 10 BEST AUDIOPHILE Speakers and Amplifiers of 2023 (So Far)

So much outstanding audio reviewed here on the channel!

The Reviews:

#Schiit #KEF #NAD

0:00 2023, a very good year for audio
0:51 Schiit Vidar 2 amplifier
1:58 Vandersteen 2Ve Sig III speaker
3:00 NAD M23 amplifier
4:39 KEF R7 META speaker
5:42 Lyra Delos phono cartridge
6:36 Decware Zen Sarah
7:54 Vivid Kaya 25 speaker
7:55 Heaven 11 Billie amplifier
9:57 TAD CE1 TX speaker
10:41 Eminent Tech LFT8B speaker
12:45 Audiophiliac Viewer System of the Day!
14:05 Outro

Twitter: @AudiophiliacMan

[janetyer]

Before buying the NAD M23 for $3749, be sure to investigate the Buckeye "Purifi 1ET7040SA Amplifier, Monoblock, V2", which are priced at $950 each ($1900 for two) and use the newer improved module.

[stimpy]

Vandersteen and John Rutan have been joined at the hip for many many years. I audition them at his salon quite a while ago and I was mightily impressed.

[mikes]

Love my Vandersteens. Have 1s and 2s. Great speakers. I am addicted.

[danielwilliams]

Based on your previous video, I’m more than likely going to purchase the Eminent Technology speakers. Thanks for turning me on!

[TheMirolab]

Hey Steve, I heard you mention that you own many phono cartridges. I'd love to see a video where you briefly go though them and summarize their characteristics. I just recently purchased an Ortofon Cadenza Blue, which form me is about twice the price of most carts I've ever owned. I felt a bit assured of my purchase just knowing that you had one that appeared on your table in several photos, but I've never heard you talk about it. I like it very much, and very happy with my purchase!

[poog]

i’ve not hit the point in life where i can afford anything on this list, but a steve guttenberg upload is always a treat and i truly appreciate hearing your thoughts about so many cool pieces of audio equipment

[phibonez]

Hi Steve!
I do agree on those Kef's mentioned above.
I do have the Kef R11 Meta hooked up on a Rogue Audio Cronus magnum iii.

They really do sing. The soundstage that it gives is really big. The vocals are so good. I think it is a very good contender for Speaker of the Year.

[seank]

Steve, thanks for including the prices.

[colanitower]

As a $1500-$2000 alternative to the Kef R7 Meta, I tried Kef LS50 Meta speakers stacked on vintage tower speakers in good condition. Find the right towers for your room and taste and the result is stunning.

[rotaks]

Steve, this episode is a great idea. Thanks.

[sudiptobanerjee]

I couldn't take my eyes off the First Watt J2 the entire video because that's my amp :) love it...Steve, I'm wondering what full size speakers that you have listened to paired great with J2?

[daveearnshaw]

+1 for the Lyra Delos.This must be a top bang for buck catridge contender.I have used this cart on a Rega P9 and about to swap the Rb1000 arm for a Rb3000 arm using the Delos versus Rega P10 with Aphelion 2 cart.

[petebigelow]

I love your white speaker stands!! Where did you get them? Thanks for all your videos!! Keep up all your great work!

[Leicaphile]

Two thumbs up...another great episode!

[montezaus]

Awesome list! Thanks Steve for the great selection this year so far. Any plans for the rest of the year? I’m particularly curious if you’re planning to review any perlistens

[peterlarkin]

Really enjoyed this one... Great roundup. I know it's not hifi, but it is loud and I think the Crayola shirt is always the winner:)

[michaeljohansson]

The Vidar 2 is an amazing solid state amp. It handles most loudspeakers in a normal mid-size listening room with excellence!

[klaverro]

Nice intermediate video. Curious what kind of new stuff will be added here at the end of 2023?!? (Hegel Viking cd-player, Naim 300 series, etc.?) Great system of the day btw!

[jeffreyflanagan]

Love this Steve! I am on the hunt for some new gear and always learn something from you videos, even if the specific equipment is not in my price range. Thanks!

[JoeCanyonrd]

Hey Steve, i have been following your channel from the beginning and you do a great job at reviewing gear. I just hope you don't forget about us little folk who do not have such rich tastes. Thanks, Joseph Majchrowski.