Here’s the best way to know if your system sounds great #audiophiles

Audiophiles get hung up on our sound, it comes with the territory. Makes us a little nuts at times, but the best indication that all's right with your system is that you're engaged. So much so it's hard to stop listening to it.

[SuperCustodian]

Easy, provided you have a wife or partner who isn’t a Hi-Fi nut. In my case, my wife came into my listening room and said “I was in the kitchen but the system sounded so good that I just had to see what you had done to improve the sound”. She has no investment in the hardware and is not obsessed with the reviews or the maker so the comment really does reflect a neutral unbiased viewpoint. Her ability to judge sound quality is so much better than my own that she is ideal when I go to audition any new component.

[johnbaker]

My audio journey has been long and expensive, but let me sing the praises of my old Pioneer SA-9100 integrated amp from 1974, which I bought on Ebay eleven years ago for just $99! I've owned a lot of gear over the years, including, now, Emotiva separates. But nothing makes me smile like this old 60-watt Pioneer. When I get rid of stuff it survives the cut every time. There's just something magical about it. I drift away sometimes, but I always come back with new appreciation.

[NickP]

I went into my local HiFi shop not to long ago and listened to a system that cost probably close to 100K. Everyone in the shop was saying that I’ve gotta hear this new system. I walked away from the experience with a kind of “Eh” feeling. It just didn’t really sound that great, or not 100K great by any means. I went home and listened to my own system that cost me aprox 1/10th of the one I’d just heard, and just felt mine sounded better. Much better. I’m not sure if it’s the system synergy, the room, etc., but I was thankful I didn’t have had to take out a loan to enjoy my system.

[GLXLR]

What a good question. What a nice answer.

[Michael-xznk]

Steve, you absolutely NAILED this one!!!! This says it all and washes away all the craziness of our hobby and hopefully saves people a lot of money. I experience the “can’t stop listening” feelings all the time. My systems and most importantly, my music selections, make me cry and laugh all the time. It’s truly an emotional experience as I am always thinking while listening. Thanks so much!!

[billbones]

Great one Steve! I think this is advice that could better the mental health of many an audiophile!

[raj]

Steve I appreciate your videos they're straightforward and easy to understand. I've had many nights where I just wanted to listen to one more song.

[paulwells]

This is brilliant, Steve. Thanks for some much-needed perspective!

[davidspencer]

Steve, I love this perspective and could not agree more. In fact, this video summed up for me why I enjoy subscribing to your channel so much. Your attitude is so positive, so welcoming, and so very down to earth. My sincerest thanks!

[Unpreeeedictable]

Agree 100%! I would add that if you are singularly focused on listening with no other distractions (like reading or chatting with others or watching TV) and immerse yourself in the music in a quasi-meditative way, THAT is a good sign that your system sounds good (to you!).

Steve, this series of short videos is a wonderful morning distraction. Thanks for sharing your decades of audio wisdom and doing to so in a balanced, understated way. You are a real credit to the community.

[flowtoolz]

It's a warm feeling in your tummy plus a familiarity with- and appreciation of the manufacturer's philosophy ☺️

[blackwaterdogs]

Yes, I agree. I`m around the same age as you, and many moons ago, came to the conclusion that there will ALWAYS be "better" components out there, but, after 300 concerts, I no longer have the hearing acuity that I enjoyed in my 20s. My current system sounds pretty good to ME, and that`s all I really need to be concerned with.Recently opened a long-forgotten box, found a couple dozen NOS Maxell UDXL-II blank cassettes inside, dusted off my Pioneer CT-F1250, and am currently enjoying a "Cassette Revival".... it`s all fun !

[ELcinegatto]

Completely agree Steve you were spot on here.

[riccitone]

Steve, thank you! Thank you so much for posting this video! Makes me feel a bit more justified by my getting to bed a little too late listening to tracks I haven’t heard in quite a while. That synergy thing that you speak of - getting equipment that work for one’s own pursuit that does not necessarily equate to high cost or public opinion - really dead on. For me, that balance of of what I feel when listening to live performances or playing acoustically is what I’ve wanted all along. Plus hearing wonderful little to larger details I’d never before heard (or felt) in the records I’ve loved for years.

It has raised the level excitement and special nuance (goosebump) that is simply unachievable vía any other means, except sitting right in front of a chamber ensemble (jazz or classical) or in just the right seat in a concert hall or music festival.

But that finding great gear (for a great price) that you have a hunch will get you closer to what you want? Is also that inexplicable joy through pain that is required. Thanks again.

[alessandrabenz]

thank you, mr guttenberg, showing respect and class...💕

[darylloth]

Moved some of my stuff into a new room and set my magnepan MMGs into a near field arrangement on either side of my desk toed in appropriately. Am LOVING this set up. Listened to all kinds of stuff and heard all sorts of new things. What an amazing soundstage. Listened into the wee hours of the morning rediscovering my music collection. Bliss, bliss, bliss.

[thomascolato]

Hi Steve. First, thanking you for your enthusiasm and the effort you put into your channel!

My number one rule as an audiophile and ex-musician is to remember that it's the recording that we're listening to. If it's an awful recording it will and should sound awful no matter how good or expensive the playback system and components are.

For me, there are times when my system has the capability to completely capture my attention from both the analytic audiophile side of me and much more importantly, my emotionally connection to the music I'm listening to. The times when the system can magically transport me from my listening room to the recording venue. Those times are truly gratifying, the moments that music loving audiophiles seek, and yes, never want to end.
Then there are those times where my mind is elsewhere with the problems of the day . The system&recording from an intellectual perspective can be sounding fantastic but I'm just not there emotionally and in that moment. So for me at least my mood is a key factor. Then there are the times when my mind and heart aren't there but the recorded music and system is so good it makes me forget and overcome, at least momentarily, problems on my mind and I'm fully captivated. These times make the money I've spent over the years worth while.

-best

[jamesindrihovic]

You hit the nail on the head someone is going to have a better stereo but it doesn't matter if you're happy with the way yours sounds

[jasonongc]

A good system will make you reconnect to an old song which was not your favourite when it was played by an old system.

[rickym.]

Between us audiophile/music lover, I was listening to a song by Robert Glasper Trio called "don't close your eyes" from the album "Mood". Had tears running down my face. I think my setup is pretty official after that.