AMPS with VU METERS are BETTER!
United States of Analog | August 26, 2023
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What this video is about:
This video explores VU (Volume Unit) meters on audio equipment, discussing what they are, what they do, and why audiophiles are obsessed with them. The host promises to cover 3-4 reasons why audiophiles love VU meters and mentions a special bonus at the end of the video.
Gear, products, or brands discussed:
- Technics SUG700 amplifier – $3,000, owned by the host, recently featured in a previous video
- Emotiva Bass X amplifier – $300, mentioned by a commenter as an alternative
- Generic DAC – $100, mentioned by commenter
- Emotiva XPA-1L monoblocks – Owned by host, used for home theater, described as “AAB monoblocks”
Host’s main opinions or takes so far:
- VU meters are “the greatest meter of all time” [00:00:52]
- Audiophiles are obsessed with VU meters and “stare at them” while listening to music [00:01:06]
- He defends his $3,000 Technics purchase against criticism, saying he looks at “the whole package” rather than breaking down costs [00:02:58]
- He’s positive about Emotiva products, saying “I love them” and owns multiple Emotiva amps [00:03:27]
Strong recommendations or warnings:
- The host promises not to A/B test the Technics vs Emotiva amps, acknowledging the Emotiva “maybe sounds better” [00:03:12-00:03:14]
Funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes:
- “We’re cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs over the VU meter” [00:01:10]
- Jokes about making “more than $15 on YouTube this month” but clarifies “I’m not in it for the cash” [00:01:40-00:01:47]
- Defends himself against accusations of being paid to advertise: “because I wasn’t holding a 30-pound amplifier in my hand as I was talking” [00:02:06-00:02:10]
- When a commenter calculated he paid $2,400 for VU meters: “he’s pretty good at math. He got the number right” [00:02:52-00:02:56]
Summary:
The video opens with host Bob introducing the topic of VU meters, which he playfully calls “the greatest meter of all time.” He acknowledges that audiophiles have an obsession with VU meters, seeking them out and staring at them while listening to music. The video promises to explore what VU meters are, what they do, and the reasons behind audiophiles’ fascination with them.
Bob addresses criticism from a recent video about his Technics SUG700 amplifier, where a commenter suggested he paid $2,400 extra just for VU meters compared to a $300 Emotiva amp plus $100 DAC combination. While acknowledging the commenter’s math skills, Bob defends his purchase by emphasizing that he considers the complete package rather than itemizing costs. He also clarifies that he actually owns the Technics amp after someone questioned whether he was being paid to promote it.
Throughout this opening segment, Bob maintains a lighthearted tone, making jokes about YouTube monetization and his thick skin from 32 years in morning radio. He expresses genuine respect for Emotiva products, mentioning that he owns their XPA-1L monoblocks for home theater use. The setup establishes that this will be an exploration of why VU meters hold such appeal for audio enthusiasts, with Bob promising a special bonus for viewers who watch until the end.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
Gear, products, or brands discussed:
- [00:05:40] British component/amplifier manufacturers with LED screens and “AI meters” (brand name withheld by host)
- [00:05:22] General mention of amplifiers and consumer audio equipment with VU meters
Host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions:
- [00:05:29] VU meters serve a clear purpose in recording and broadcast for setting appropriate levels
- [00:05:29] In consumer audio equipment, VU meters may not provide much useful data
- [00:05:51] Questions whether LED-based meters in some British amplifiers accurately represent what’s happening inside the unit
- [00:06:06] Believes most consumers don’t get much practical benefit from VU meters
- [00:07:15] Personal preference: enjoys watching VU meters despite questioning their utility
Host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions:
- [00:06:09] Three reasons people love VU meters: 1) “Proof of life” – visual confirmation something is happening inside static-looking components, 2) Entertainment value – something to watch during listening, 3) They suggest “upscaleness” or premium quality
Audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content:
- [00:03:52] Educational content: Provides technical definition of VU meters as “volume unit meter or standard volume indicator”
- [00:04:09] Historical context: VU meters originally designed in 1940 by experts from CBS, NBC, and Bell Telephone Laboratories, standardized in 1942
Memorable quotes or strong takes:
- [00:03:36] “Hey, man, audio’s supposed to be fun, right? I mean, why can’t we all get along like circus people? Why do we have to compete?”
- [00:06:32] “You got those VU meters dancing. Now you’re telling a story. Now you’re positive. It’s positive affirmation that something is happening inside that black box.”
- [00:07:01] “I don’t know what’s kind of more unusual, just staring at a blank wall while you’re listening to music or watching little needles dance behind little plates of glass.”
Summary:
In this portion of the video, the host transitions from casual banter about audio community competitiveness to providing educational content about VU meters. He reads from prepared notes defining VU meters as volume unit meters originally developed in 1940 by broadcasting and telecommunications experts, then standardized in 1942. The host acknowledges that while VU meters serve legitimate purposes in professional recording and broadcast applications, their utility in consumer audio equipment is questionable.
The host presents his theory for why audiophiles are drawn to VU meters despite their limited practical value in playback systems. He identifies three key reasons: “proof of life” (visual confirmation that the equipment is working), entertainment value (something to watch while listening), and a perception of premium quality or “upscaleness.” He’s particularly skeptical of modern LED-based meters in some British amplifiers, questioning whether they accurately represent the amplifier’s internal operations.
Throughout this segment, the host maintains a conversational, slightly self-deprecating tone while delivering both educational content and personal opinions. He balances technical information with relatable observations about audiophile psychology, suggesting that VU meters appeal more to our visual and emotional desires than to any practical monitoring needs in a home listening environment.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
Gear, Products, or Brands Discussed
- [00:09:51] Duke Audio One Little Bear – VU meter switcher box with yellow VU meters
- [00:10:42] Technics SUR-1000 Reference Amplifier
- [00:10:50] Luxman L5072
- [00:10:58] Macintosh MC-901 Monoblock (180 pounds each)
- [00:10:33] Yamaha (mentioned as having “cool stuff”)
- [00:09:25] Radio Shack VU meter boxes (vintage reference)
Host’s Final Verdict or Conclusion
[00:07:53] The host acknowledges that VU meters don’t actually make amplifiers better, stating “There are plenty of outstanding, magnificent amplifiers that don’t have VU meters.” However, [00:08:20] he concludes that VU meter enthusiasts “take a certain pride in those components that have them” and [00:08:29] “believe that we’ve got something special.”
Final Recommendations
[00:11:07] Three recommended modern implementations of VU meters: Technics SUR-1000 Reference Amplifier, Luxman L5072, and Macintosh MC-901 Monoblock
[00:09:51] Duke Audio One Little Bear switcher as a functional way to add VU meters to a system
Final Tips, Caveats, or Advice
[00:09:43] Radio Shack VU meter boxes “really didn’t” improve your system despite the feeling that “you had done something good”
[00:10:16] VU meters in switchers aren’t necessary “by any stretch of the imagination”
[00:11:37] Suggests using the provided VU meter video on your phone while listening to music like Dire Straits’ Brothers in Arms to simulate the VU meter experience
How the Video Wrapped Up
[00:10:23] The host asks viewers for their opinions on VU meters and requests comments about cool VU meter gear. [00:11:12] He then introduces a “free gift” – 10 minutes of VU meter footage for viewers to enjoy. [00:12:08] The video ends with Bob signing off and directing viewers to the VU meter content.
Memorable Closing Quotes or Strong Final Opinions
[00:11:16] “From the United States of Analog to you, I would like to gift you 10 minutes of hot, super hot VU meter action.”
[00:12:12] “Please enjoy your 10 minutes of hot, hot VU meter action.”
Summary
In the final portion of this video, the host explores the psychological appeal of VU meters, acknowledging that while they don’t actually improve amplifier performance, they create a perception of quality and give owners a sense of having “something special.” He discusses various types of VU meters, including the LED versions popular in 1970s and 80s equipment, and suggests ways to add VU meters to existing systems, from vintage Radio Shack boxes to modern solutions like the Duke Audio One Little Bear switcher.
The host provides three examples of excellent modern VU meter implementations: the Technics SUR-1000 Reference Amplifier, the Luxman L5072, and the massive 180-pound Macintosh MC-901 Monoblock amplifiers. He maintains an honest perspective throughout, noting that added VU meters don’t actually improve system performance but acknowledging their aesthetic and emotional appeal to enthusiasts.
The video concludes with an unusual offering – 10 minutes of VU meter footage that viewers can use to simulate the VU meter experience on their phones or TVs while listening to music. The host admits this serves dual purposes: allowing viewers to sample the VU meter experience and helping boost his video retention metrics, ending on a characteristically honest and slightly humorous note.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
