Am I Quitting This Hobby? My Opinion On Audio Research - Boulder Versus Simaudio 

Please subscribe and like this video. That’s the best way to let me know you are enjoying these !

I just shifted from gryphon Pandora+Antelion EVO to ARC ref10 pre+ ref 160 mk2 mono blocks. I cannot be more shocked how much better the ARCs are when driving my Wilson Alexia2 ! Hands down

Jay, for the first time in the hobby(over 40 years) I am 100% satisfied with my system. I listen every day and still marvel at how wonderful it sounds. It’s not in the same league with yours, only around $125,000, but I’m no longer looking to change anything.

I understand what you are saying about the sound signature of tubes, but I recently heard a tube preamplifier paired with ATC 50ASL active studio monitors and it was heavenly bliss!

reason ,and science , informs that combining the subjectivity of human hearing with the understanding that a past musical event can never be more than an illusion of the actual past , one must realize the futility of accurately reproducing past musical events. So, keeping this in mind, I don't sweat the details as an audiophile might. . it really is just a question of how far one is willing to chase an illusion of the mind.

You are absolutely right! There is no reason to lose your sleep over this hubby! Remember that Music comes first and everything else follows! Unfortunately, many people like you spend too much time thinking and overthinking their components instead of looking for the best audiophile recordings which is also time-consuming. Also, instead of chasing the dragon in your system, go and find your favorite music in a live performance! No system will give you more pleasure or satisfaction than a live performance. Go with your family or loved ones. You will never forget it! Stop wasting time listening to RU-vid!

thats what ive done with my other pass time,photography.ive put that aside for nearly 2 years now,and naturally, im wanting to get back into it again. id expect my hifi passtime to be the same. having said that im 51 now.ive been interested in hifi since i first heard a tape recorder playing when i was around 7. so maybe i wont ..haha

The best system is the system that doesnt have a sound signature. Valve audio equipment has second order harmonic distortion and this can be measured. The main problem with valve amps today is, quality tubes are no longer manufactured to the stsndards of yesteryear. I don't care what anyone tells you. If the say they are as good today; they are full of B.S. What saved me from the dreaded quest for the ultimate system, was educating myself about electronics. Once you learn to build your own amps, preamps & speakers "correctly". You never will spend the time or money falling for the over priced hype. Don't just talk about how much a piece of equipment cost or how good it looks. Learn what's inside and how it works. This will give you a great insight as to performce and value, before you get home with the equipment. Only to discover the performance is not as you expected.

It’s all about the music , and how it sounds to you . Vinyl, cd , digital . How those it sound to you ? Enjoy the music

Fantastic! Fantastic! Great to hear your maturity with this hobby. You are one of a kind. We need you. Keep it up!

Great take on ARC. Hopefully you will get the chance to check out the 160M mkII or the new Reference 320M when it comes out.

For Jay it appears this is a business first, cool business for sure

At some point you reach a plateau, cannot go higher, perhaps different, or perhaps regress…relax and ENJOY the music.

Jay, you have brought so much Pleasure during the last 3 years and you are Greatly Appreciated and I will always Pray for your Success in what ever Endeavor and Direction you choose to go! Stay Humble and Strong my Kindred Brother! 💪

Please don't quit, brother! You are greatly valued my friend.

when in doubt, relax

What makes a 15" subwoofer audiophile tier? XLR inputs not enough?

You get what you give, thanks Jay!

This is not a hobby. It's either an essential lifestyle, addiction, or religion. Depends on the person. :)

I've done that off and on for years. I get tired of my system and get back in the garage wrenching or doing woodwork.

Did I miss it? What were the DACs used in your DAC comparison?

the amount of audio equipment you bought/sold/used should be your only reason to stop/halt it ... Like ... stop changing equipment that often and start enjoying music more ...

Great points !!!

Jay; Have you ever considered to buy a Hifi brand if you got the opportunity?

At a point you are chasing such minor improvements it’s not worth it. I’d imagine with the gear you test, those improvements are mostly knats farts size lol

Would you ever consider trying the Bel Canto Black. DAC. AT 40k retail, I think.

Good segment.

It’s a discipline, not a hobby

Synergy is more important than throwing shit tons of money around expecting better, example being that Sasha V + Wadax system you wrote off just because the speaker is cheaper.

Simaudio Moon = bad quality assurance and poor customer experience Boulder = fantastic all around

I couldn't imagine a break from music but i understand if someone feels unhappy with their system they use to listen to music is not connecting them to their music they may benefit from a break.

Some allow this very expensive "HOBBY" to unnecessarily drive them absolutely nuts!!! Some allow this hobby to constantly put a hurting on their finances because they're never, ever satisfied. Fine!!!.....It's your money. It's your prerogative. Who gives a crap!!!

Waiting for new content and why make the audience wait so long for new stuff? your channel would grow so much faster. Cheers

I've been chasing better sound for over 50 years and I've stepped back a couple of times.

Too bad Simaudio started including phono stages and DAC's in their new preamp vs. separates. Too much yuppie audio from them and NAIM now.😢

You probably should quit. Instead you are rushing or better said, falling into a feeling of expertise. That whilst you have experience, I don’t think you have sufficient technical knowledge and skills to make this role as a broker, maybe you can, whatever you choose it’s your choice. OCD is a disorder that you should consider getting help for given your long term health and family risks involved.

Upgrading is essential to the hobby as the path of improvement or retrogression. It is the nature of a beast with attitude vacillations, thus, it requires studies and listening to other audiophiles' advices and systems. This is why there is a robust block of deeply knowledgeable audio enthusiasts online with diverse tastes and expertise. Use them!