Attack of the Titans: GR Research vs Andrew Robinson

We dissect the arguments by @andrewrobinsonreviews and @GRResearch about if parts matter or do not matter in speaker design.

[Wuppie]

If Danny's business model is not about selling upgrade kits (only ~10% of his revenues, he claims), but about selling its own products, then why are 90% of his videos about upgrade kits?...

[Audioholics]

I passed out 4 times 😅 😅 sounds about right.

[tomreidy]

And a final note: most of GR Research sales are for speakers they design and sale- either completely built and finished, or as DIY packages. Danny also is paid by speaker manufacturers to review and tweak speakers before the manufacturer releases them to the public. Just a FYI

[nebtheweb]

I am not sure I've seen very many videos where GR Research found a speaker acceptable via his measurments and that didn't need his upgraded crossovers, no matter which brand they are or their cost.

[truegodofthunder]

It's not about BUYING speakers and then upgrading them. It's about upgrading speakers that you already own, which are sitting in a closet somewhere because you don't like the way they sound.

[j.r.]

What compelling drama! I eagerly await the Amazon Prime miniseries.

[s.daniel]

Andrew is 100% correct. Danny finds a problem with EVERY speaker. But I get. Danny is selling a tinker product. I’m sure the guys that like the hobby of speaker design really enjoy Danny’s products. I like Danny’s products. For me, I’m no longer in that hobby but i find the process interesting.

[bigcat]

why not teach people how to build crossovers so they can enjoy the "hobby" fully
instead of selling them

[ericthemauve]

Danny's business model is to find fault with speakers and sell upgrade kits. If it works for you and you're happy to pay for it then...(I'm not sure where I'm going with this now).

[mondoenterprises]

Problem with Danny is that his cure is almost as expensive as the disease. But Danny has also shown how the companies are saving money inside the speaker by using cheap and awful parts.

[Carl-bdrf]

Danny is an internet bully. Andrew needed to grow a set because he apologizes in his next video for having an opinion. Just sad.

[scottwheeler]

Andrew didn't say parts don't matter. He said buy right the first time. His point about using a nickel and a paper clip for a cross over wasn't about parts quality it was about design.

[BuzzardSalve]

Don't people voluntarily send Danny speakers to measure and mod if neccessary in which case Danny is just providing a means to improve an existing product and it's upto the buyer if they want to go down that track ? The only issue I see is how can he guranatee the next pair of same speakers will benefit from a general purpose mod in the same way ?

[andrewdoan]

I am a retiree now but in my younger days, back in the early of 80s, I tried most of the mid-end from starter products as Carver, Adcom to Rotel. That's said, I have never been satisfied so I move up to the Ultra- Hi End products from Audio Research pre, Cary Audio, Bryston to Krell FPB. Cables from Audio Quest to Kimber Kable...etc to drive to Martin Logan Re-Quest. I used to laugh at those receivers or components from Anthem separates.

These Hi-End products have been increasing from $250.00 to $500.00 per component every year, to the point in 2024 I can no longer afford it.

I come to my conclusion that it's all abt the system synergy and your ears plus your room and the type of music one listen to.

[ryanchappell]

I can’t wait until the SA has 1million subscribers. Then the audio industry will be reformed. By the way, you don’t need fancy parts to upgrade your speakers. Drugs are much more effective.

[grumpy]

there's a distinction to be made between upgrading & restoring. some audio enthusiasts have long-owned or acquire (on the very cheap) some decent (or beloved) speakers from the past that can use attention. Danny's physical examination & analytical testing of performance of these classics can be useful for those who enjoy restoration, repair... maybe even some "upgrading" along the way. if your cost basis on an old set of nice speakers is near zero, buying what you need in small retail quantity isn't such a big deal. most aren't buying lotsa "overpriced" components... just a few. & Danny's shop isn't the only source for parts either. I haven't bought anything from (or via) either of those guys, but I find Danny delivers more data-based info than Andrew. this helps me to evaluate more than just "how it sounds". {imo, how-it-sounds is not easily derived anyway - until one has listened to speakers for a few months in their own listening space, driven by their own system, playing the selections w/ which they have long familiarity. direct comparison w/ one's personal reference speakers is also valuable.}

[deoncruywagen]

I want to issue a challenge to the channel: Let's compare a set of brand new speakers and a set of GR Research upgraded speakers, and see if the upgrade is worth it. Let's use the Elac speakers mentioned in the video, the Elac Debut B6.2. Now, if you bought the Elac Debut B6.2, and you want to buy a better set of speakers, you need to sell you current speakers first. The 2nd hand price of a pair of Debut B6.2 is around $250 - $300 (from what I saw on HiFi Shark). So, now let's add the $580 cost of the upgrade, and that means you have to buy a set of speakers in the $830 to $880 price range for the comparison to be fair. So here's the challenge: get a set of 2nd hand Elacs and do the upgrade. Then get a new set of Elacs in the $830 to $880 range, and listen to both, and give your honest opinion. This is the only real thing that will properly advance this debate.

[nudebaboon]

GR research and Paul McClowns channels are pure marketing BS.
I'm sure they must get some of their own stuff to write some of the comments😂.
I had to stop watching them a few years ago, just too painful to watch.

[DBravoer]

The act of designing speakers BEGINS with cabinet design and driver selection. One cannot simply "fix" those poor decisions downstream with better crossover parts or different crossover design. Andrew is just saying to buy a speaker that fits your use case FROM THE START. This remains excellent advice. Danny has GOT to get thicker skin. This is not a good look for GR Research.

[nc]

If it were allowed to arm audiophiles with swords it would not only be a bloody mess...but bloody fun to watch.