AUDIOPHILE HEAVEN! I Assembled a KILLER Hi-FI System of NEXT LEVEL Components!
United States of Analog | November 10, 2024
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
Host Bob is showcasing a “Saturday Super System” he assembled for a day of leisurely music listening after his college team’s football game. He’s giving viewers a tour of various hi-fi components he put together, describing it as a mishmash of gear that doesn’t match aesthetically but sounds amazing.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- Weem Ultra streamer – $350, features ES9038Q2M Sabre DAC with display (though he didn’t use the internal DAC)
- Mophie Studio Deck turntable with Master Tracker cartridge – now available sub-$1,000 with cartridge, Master Tracker cartridge alone now $499 (almost half price)
- Giant tube-driven 95-watt amplifier (details pending)
- Unspecified DAC, speakers, phono preamp, and CD player from the past
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- The Mophie Studio Deck continues to sound great and perform well
- Current pricing on the Mophie setup represents excellent value compared to what he paid 2-3 years ago
- Sometimes reviewing gear means listening to the same test tracks repeatedly, but today is for pure pleasure listening
- The assembled system sounds beautiful despite not being aesthetically cohesive
Were there any strong recommendations or warnings to viewers?
- Strong recommendation to subscribe to help him reach 15,000 subscribers and attract more manufacturers (especially speaker companies)
- Suggests viewers should “start a YouTube channel” to have access to gear
- Recommends taking advantage of the current Mophie pricing deals
Were there any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?
- [00:00:55] “I didn’t even get out a Dire Straits record today” – referencing his usual test tracks
- [00:02:25] “we’re going to the moon baby with your help” – about reaching subscriber goals
- [00:03:28] “So my suggestion to you start a YouTube channel” – tongue-in-cheek advice about getting access to review gear
- [00:00:32] Mentions his team “kick butt…well except for Georgia but that’s another story”
Summary
Host Bob opens this video with a relaxed, personal tone after watching his college football team win an early Saturday game. He’s excited to share a hi-fi system he assembled for a day of pure music enjoyment, emphasizing that this listening session is for pleasure rather than his usual reviewing work with repetitive test tracks. The video serves as both a system showcase and a “state of the channel” address, where he reveals he’s built his subscriber base from zero to nearly 15,000 over 18 months.
Bob makes a direct appeal for more subscribers, explaining that higher numbers help attract manufacturers to send review equipment, particularly speaker companies who are more cautious about shipping costs. He notes that electronics companies like Cambridge Audio and Jusheli Labs have been supportive, but speaker manufacturers are still holding back. His approach is refreshingly honest about the business side of YouTube reviewing.
The system tour begins with source components, highlighting a Weem Ultra streamer and his frequently-featured Mophie Studio Deck turntable setup. Bob emphasizes the current value proposition of the Mophie gear, noting significant price drops since his original purchase. His presentation style is casual and enthusiastic, promising “pretty pictures” over technical specifications, setting up what appears to be a more relaxed, visually-focused exploration of his assembled system.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this portion?
- [00:05:11] Marantz CD 5005 CD player (nearly a decade old)
- [00:05:38] Jeschelle Labs AKM4499 DAC (~$600, black with black plexi)
- [00:06:07] Jeschelle Labs Daisy DAC (all plexi construction)
- [00:06:14] BDI cabinet
- [00:06:34] MoFi turntable/deck
- [00:06:38] Kitsuni HiFi KTE LCR-1 Mk5 two-piece phono preamp system
- [00:08:23] Black Ice Audio F35 amplifier
- [00:08:47] KT88C Cervain tubes (“coke bottle tubes”)
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?
- [00:05:15] The Marantz CD 5005 “still works great” and is “a solid unit” with no mechanical or performance problems after nearly a decade
- [00:05:25] Using an external DAC gives “modern performance with old school features”
- [00:05:59] Praises Jeschelle Labs as “fantastic” and calls them “one of my original collaborators”
- [00:07:18] The Kitsuni phono preamp “has elevated the vinyl playing experience to heights that I never even thought were possible”
- [00:09:09] Notes that tube amps may not have “all the analytic detail of a good solid state system” but “just make me feel good”
- [00:09:34] Believes that when you feel good about equipment “visually, sound wise, price wise” that’s “when the music starts sounding the best”
Were there any listening tests or sound quality observations described?
- [00:07:27] The Kitsuni phono preamp elevated performance “in low end, in detail, in micro dynamics and things of that nature”
- [00:09:01] Describes the visual and tactile experience of the tube amp with glowing orange tubes and warmth you can feel
Were there any price/value assessments?
- [00:05:48] Jeschelle Labs AKM4499 DAC: “about $600 worth of DAC”
- [00:08:07] Kitsuni HiFi phono preamp system: “between $1,500 and $2,400” depending on configuration
Any audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content?
- [00:05:25] Suggests using an external DAC with older CD players via coaxial connection for “modern performance”
- [00:08:15] Advises interested buyers to “contact them and get on the list” for the limited-production Kitsuni phono preamp
Any memorable quotes or strong takes?
- [00:07:02] “This is where audio goes this is when I wish I had the brain of the British audiophile because I don’t know what’s going on inside of these Kitsuni HiFi phono preamp boxes but something magical something’s going on in there”
- [00:09:22] Golf club analogy: “If it feels good in your hand you’re probably gonna hit it better. When you feel good about your equipment visually, sound wise, price wise, when everything comes together that’s when the music starts sounding the best”
Summary
In this portion of the video, the host walks through the source components and amplification of his “Saturday system,” starting with his extensive CD collection accumulated during 30 years in radio. He discusses his reliable Marantz CD 5005 player, which he now runs through a Jeschelle Labs AKM4499 DAC for improved performance, praising both the longevity of the Marantz unit and the quality of Jeschelle Labs products.
The centerpiece discussion focuses on the Kitsuni HiFi KTE LCR-1 Mk5 phono preamp system, which the host describes as transformational for his vinyl listening experience. He admits he doesn’t fully understand the technical aspects but is clearly impressed by the improvements in bass response, detail, and microdynamics. The limited production nature and $1,500-$2,400 price range positions this as a premium component that required getting on a waiting list.
The host concludes by discussing the Black Ice Audio F35 tube amplifier with KT88C tubes, acknowledging that while tube amps may not offer the analytical detail of solid-state equipment, they provide an emotional connection that enhances the listening experience. He draws an analogy to golf equipment, suggesting that when you feel good about your gear on multiple levels – visual, sonic, and financial – the music ultimately sounds better, emphasizing the subjective and holistic nature of the audiophile experience.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion?
- F35 (tube amplifier with isolation feet) [00:09:43]
- Klipsch Forte 4 speakers [00:10:18]
- RELL Classic 98 subwoofer [00:11:01]
- Zoo Audio speakers (mentioned as comparison) [00:11:20]
- B&W Tower speakers (mentioned as comparison) [00:11:24]
- Rhino high fidelity releases (vinyl records) [00:12:34]
What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion?
[00:11:45] The complete system totals just over $12,000. The host acknowledges that he could probably get better sound for that money if he purposefully selected components to work together, but this particular combination was assembled from parts he had in-house for Saturday listening.
Were there any final recommendations — buy, skip, or consider?
[00:10:27] Strong recommendation for Klipsch Forte 4 speakers – describes them as “pound for pound, dollar for dollar the best speakers I know of”
Any final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers?
[00:13:31] Encourages viewers to subscribe and watch another video, humorously noting “You can’t argue with the algorithms” [00:13:45]
How did the video wrap up?
[00:13:01] The host thanked viewers for being part of the “United States of analog” channel and teased upcoming content including an alphabetical flip-through of his vinyl collection across 26-28 videos. He ended with his signature “Hook em horns!” [00:13:53]
Any memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions?
[00:09:59] “That tube punch that just hits you right in the solar plexus. Man let me tell you it really gets my audio motor running.”
[00:13:45] “You can’t argue with the algorithms. You can’t.”
Summary
In this final portion, the host completes his Saturday system overview by enthusiastically describing his F35 tube amplifier, emphasizing its emotional impact with vivid language about “tube punch that hits you right in the solar plexus.” He nearly forgot to mention the crucial Klipsch Forte 4 speakers, which he considers the best pound-for-pound, dollar-for-dollar speakers available, complemented by a RELL Classic 98 subwoofer that aesthetically matches the Klipsch finish.
The host calculates his complete system at just over $12,000 and honestly admits that a purposefully selected system for that budget could potentially sound better, but emphasizes this was assembled from his existing components for personal Saturday listening pleasure. He shares his current musical preferences, including David Bowie, Van Morrison, and a recent ELO obsession following a concert, while playing high-quality Rhino vinyl releases.
The video concludes with the host’s appreciation for his viewers in the “United States of analog” community and teases upcoming content featuring an alphabetical showcase of his vinyl collection. He humorously encourages engagement with YouTube’s algorithm recommendations, ending with his characteristic “Hook em horns!” while maintaining the personal, passionate tone that defines his channel’s approach to hi-fi equipment discussion.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
