How do I discover which hi-fi brands are best?

I am getting close to publishing my memoir! It's called 99% True and it is chock full of adventures, debauchery, struggles, heartwarming stories, triumphs and failures, great belly laughs, and a peek inside the high-end audio industry you've never known before.

[longmuskox]

1:33 You gave that couple who visited you on their honeymoon, a Sprout, a pair of Elac speakers, and some speaker wire as a wedding gift. You didn't even know them, you excepted them as family, then gifted them a great starter pack into HiFi. This and other reasons are why I vote with my wallet for Paul and PS audio!

[krider]

Just took a tour of the PS Audio factory today with my wife and it was awesome! Highly recommend doing it if you have a chance. Paul please thank Kevin for being so generous with his time today. Your team are salt of the earth and I will always remember how well they treated us.

[lastcall]

This guy is amazing. If only the world was as kind as he seems he is.

[gstanley]

I thoroughly enjoy both the information and the side-bar stories. Please don't "dumb" down the answers too much. Most of us should be capable of asking clarifying questions and looking up terms we don't understand, which is better than over simplification. Love the museum.

[adeelcyril]

I can see the folks at McIntosh cringe with a big frown as you say their audio gear isn’t hi-end. Ha Ha. Great video Paul. Your videos are hugely enjoyable to watch with your vast technical insight in this area of hi-end Hifi we’ve come to love. Nothing less. Thank you.

01:03 "to the point without too much rambling, but then I can't help myself."
01:33 "we had one couple who got married and had a honey moon .."
<3 <3 :D
We don't mind and I don't feel it's excessive :) (mine would be =P), it's calm and friendly and nice and make you a person not just the spec sheet :)

[stevefick]

Paul reminds me of Frasier Crane, "I'm listening" Seems like such a nice person.

[itamarkas]

Great answer.
The path in the audio journey is the most fun part.

[terrywho]

I think this is pretty solid advice, though I would not be so quick to dismiss McIntosh. I agree in that a lot of their newer gear is not as well made as when FM and GG were there, but to that point I would take a nicely refurbed MC225 or MC240 over 99% of what is available today.

[MichaelLivingston-me]

Still another reason to meet you someday, and shake your hand. Your candor is appreciated and in spite of your vast experience and knowledge, you don't talk down to people with very basic questions. Everyone that's sincerely interested in all things audio, are on a journey. Where they're at on that scale of learning is different and can be difficult without a technical background. I think your videos really help.

Thanks and keep on going, we're watching.

[ThePerfeckted]

Sir can you please clarify your comment on McIntosh. Btw last time I checked BestBuy does not carry McIntosh. Why not use Bose as an example as a brand instead?

[donk]

Very impressed with my Audiolab 8000Q and 8000M's. 30 years old, left on 24/7, great sound and not so much as a crackle on the loud lever.

[beachboo]

its funny that you call us family, because at our house we refer to you as Audio Dad and Mister Pauls neighborhood

[needlesswords]

I agree with Paul, but would like to add this: Since this is an online world, a good set of headphones or earbuds since listening online will be required to one degree or another. The best thing about this approach is that your hearing it through the same set of "speakers".

Someday all audio manufactures will make songs available that are processed through their equipment, which will make chasing down the sound you want easier. Paul's recommendation on tying before buying is great, as the worst part of looking for sound you like is the buyers remorse you will face in this pursuit...

[genkifd]

i alway s thought mcintosh was well respected high end audio brand / company... good to know

[eggshellskullrule]

Someone who starts this hobby asking this question will likely graduate into an advocation of not asking this question at all.

[Drackleyrva]

Great advice! The research is half the fun. I'm planning to attend an audio show later this year--my first one! Can't wait for that. I subscribe to Absolute Sound. I listen to Darko and Steve Guttenberg at CNET.
I called 1800PSAUDIO recently to ask some questions about the s300 amp and the guy I spoke to couldn't have been nicer (Wish I could remember his name---maybe Jamie?). We must have talked for 20 mins. But because of my research, I found PS Audio. I've narrowed my amp choices down to 3 now: Bryston 2.5b3, PS Audio s300 and the Parasound A23+. Customer service is a big deal to me and so far, I'm really impressed with you guys.

[CycleMonger]

Maybe the manufacturer's name should give you a clue:
I picked MUSICAL FIDELITY 35 years I've stuck with them.
PS audio seemed an afterthought ;-D

[soggz]

Family is to generous tribe might be the correct word.
Its nice to see a generous spirit in the hifi world.

[LutherSJ]

There are many pain shots in the Denver area. There's a pawn shop on North Federal that always has high-end equipment. You will save a lots of money.